Hula Bay Club Tampa: Your Ultimate Waterfront Destination Guide
Hula Bay Club, located in Tampa, Florida, is a premier waterfront dining destination offering a taste of Hawaiian style cuisine. With its picturesque setting along the Tampa Bay waterfront, Hula Bay Club is known for providing a unique and memorable dining experience. The establishment is part of Duke's Retired Surfer's Island Bar and is nestled next to Port 32, a prominent marina operator in Florida. Together, these venues create a laid-back island atmosphere, perfect for a fun and relaxing dining experience.
The Hula Bay Club features a poolside lounge and dockside dining options. Guests can enjoy an extensive range of dishes, including seafood, raw bar selections, and delicious Hawaiian inspired cuisine. Beyond the food, the establishment offers a lively ambiance, making it a popular choice for happy hours, live music events, and casual get-togethers with friends and family.
Key Takeaways
- Hula Bay Club provides a unique waterfront dining experience in Tampa with its Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and laid-back island atmosphere.
- The establishment offers an extensive menu, poolside lounge, and dockside dining for guests to enjoy in a picturesque setting.
- Popular for happy hours and live music events, Hula Bay Club caters to a diverse crowd seeking an enjoyable and memorable dining experience.
Overview
Location and Ambiance
The Hula Bay Club is a premier waterfront restaurant located in Tampa, Florida. Nestled along the Tampa Bay waterfront and situated alongside Port 32, Florida's premier marina operator, the club boasts a serene atmosphere and impressive marina view. The restaurant's ambiance is greatly influenced by its lush, laid-back island paradise surroundings, providing a welcoming and relaxed environment for guests.
History and Renovations
Hula Bay Club has a history rooted in the passion for water and island life. Over the years, the club has undergone several renovations to enhance its offerings and keep up with the evolving tastes of its patrons. These renovations have not only improved the overall layout and design of the restaurant, but also expanded its menu selections. The menu now includes a variety of dishes with sushi and Hawaiian-inspired flair, ensuring guests enjoy a well-rounded dining experience while soaking in the beautiful waterfront scenery.
Dining Experience
Menu Highlights
The Hula Bay Club Tampa offers an impressive menu filled with delicious dishes for both lunch and dinner.
Popular seafood items include appetizing sushi selections and flavorful fish tacos, featuring choices such as grouper tacos.
Vegetarians can savor dishes like the refreshing Hawaiian citrus salad. The molten shrimp and cheese bread appetizer are crowd-pleasers that shouldn't be missed during your visit.
Specialty Drinks
Complement your meal with their selection of specialty drinks and cocktails, expertly crafted by skilled bartenders.
Sip on a refreshing mojito or indulge in a tropical piña colada while you enjoy the stunning waterfront view. Explore the extensive drink menu to find the perfect libation for your taste.
Dining Options
At Hula Bay Club Tampa, guests can enjoy the laid-back ambiance and choose from various dining options, including poolside lounge seating or the soothing dockside dining area.
The outdoor bar, Duke's Retired Surfer's Island Bar, provides a relaxing space to unwind with live music during weekends. Whether you're catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the Hula Bay Club Tampa offers an unforgettable dining experience.
Here's a brief overview of some menu items:
- Appetizers:
- Molten Shrimp
- Cheese Bread Appetizer
- Salads:
- Hawaiian Citrus Salad (Vegetarian)
- Seafood:
- Sushi selection
- Fish Tacos
- Grouper Tacos
- Drinks:
- Specialty Cocktails
- Mojito
- Piña Colada
Amenities and Services
Live Entertainment
Hula Bay Club in Tampa offers an enjoyable experience with live music for guests. The establishment frequently hosts bands and other live entertainers, creating a lively atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. With a focus on creating the ultimate island paradise, the music adds to the overall ambiance, making it a perfect place for people to unwind and have fun while listening to local talent.
Waterfront Views
One of the most notable features of Hula Bay Club is its beautiful waterfront location. This prime spot offers patrons spectacular views of the Tampa Bay waterfront, enhancing their dining experience. Situated alongside Port 32, Florida's premier marina operator, Hula Bay Club brings the outdoors into its design, allowing guests to make the most of the lush, laid-back landscape.
Amenities
Hula Bay Club provides several amenities for guests to enjoy during their visit.
With outdoor seating options, guests can truly appreciate the stunning waterfront views while enjoying their meals.
In addition to outdoor dining, the establishment offers free WiFi to its patrons, enabling them to stay connected during their stay. Hula Bay Club also features a pool area, where guests can take a refreshing dip or simply relax by the water.
Service
The service at Hula Bay Club contributes to the overall experience of its patrons.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff caters to customers' needs, ensuring they have a pleasant experience during their visit.
In line with their island paradise theme, the laid-back atmosphere is complemented by the attentive service, making guests feel both comfortable and well cared for.
Operational Details
Business Hours
Hula Bay Club Tampa is a popular waterfront restaurant that offers a great dining experience to its patrons. The restaurant has specific business hours to cater to the needs of its customers.
It is important for visitors to be aware of the working hours to plan their visit accordingly.
As per the available information, the Hula Bay Club operates from Monday to Thursday, 11:30 AM to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 AM to 10 PM; and Sunday, 10 AM to 9 PM.
Guests can enjoy happy hour every Friday, which is quite popular, and even offers live bands on selected days.
Health and Safety
The Hula Bay Club Tampa takes the health and safety of its patrons seriously.
While specific details regarding their health score and inspection standards are not readily available, it is safe to assume that the restaurant adheres to the local health department's guidelines.
These guidelines include maintaining proper personal hygiene, proper food handling procedures, and cleaning of the kitchen and dining spaces.
It is essential for restaurants like the Hula Bay Club to maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety to ensure a pleasant and healthy dining experience for all visitors. Continuing to provide an enjoyable atmosphere and delicious meals requires a commitment to following well-established health and safety guidelines.
Customer Experience
Service Quality
Hula Bay Club Tampa is known for its great food and ambiance. However, the service quality seems to vary depending on customers' experiences.
Some visitors have reported having a pleasant time, while others have encountered issues with their dining experience. One common issue is that the restaurant tends to get crowded, particularly during their Friday happy hour.
On special occasions, such as birthdays, some customers have found the service to be lacking.
They have reported difficulties with parking, inexperienced staff, and a less-than-ideal experience for their celebration.
That said, many customers still enjoy the live music and waterfront views that the Hula Bay Club Tampa offers.
Ask the Community
Hula Bay Club encourages customers to engage with their community and share their experiences. Here's a summary of commonly discussed topics among customers:
- Parking: The parking situation can get challenging, especially during peak hours. It is advised to arrive early or consider alternative modes of transportation.
- Service Charge: The Hula Bay Club adds an automatic tip to the bill, which can catch some customers off guard. Customers should be aware of this additional charge when planning their visit.
- Outdoor Seating: There is an outdoor bar called "Duke's" at Hula Bay Club, where customers can enjoy live music alongside the water. It is a popular spot and can get crowded, so it is advised to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Menu Section Details
Appetizer Selection
Hula Bay Club Tampa offers a variety of appetizers to start your dining experience.
Their appetizer menu includes an assortment of options, such as the popular tempura shrimp. Crunchy and savory, this dish is perfect for those who enjoy seafood with a light, crispy batter.
Another great option for seafood lovers is the molten shrimp, which combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce.
For those who prefer non-seafood options, Hula Bay Club also offers a delightful cheese bread appetizer that features warm, gooey cheese and crispy bread.
Main Course Options
When it comes to main courses, the Hula Bay Club does not disappoint.
Patrons who are fans of seafood can indulge in their selection of fresh fish and shellfish options, including a variety of sushi rolls.
Among their sushi offerings are the Philly roll with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber, and the Tampa roll with tempura white fish, volcano sauce, cucumber, and scallion1.
For those who prefer rice-based dishes, the restaurant offers both fried rice and Spanish rice as side options.
Additionally, guests can choose to complement their main dishes with a side of mashed sweet potatoes for a delectable and nutritious accompaniment.
Dessert Variety
After enjoying their appetizers and main courses, guests at Hula Bay Club can indulge in their selection of desserts to end the meal on a sweet note.
While the specific dessert options may vary, experimenting with new flavors and textures can be a fun and enjoyable way to complete a satisfying and delicious dining experience at Hula Bay Club Tampa.
Footnotes
Location Features
Marina Access
The Hula Bay Club is a waterfront restaurant located along the Tampa Bay, adjacent to Port 32, a premier marina operator.
The marina offers easy access for boaters to drive up and enjoy the restaurant's facilities.
Along with its perfect location on the bay, patrons can also experience stunning marina views while dining or sipping on a refreshing beverage.
Guests can take advantage of the restaurant's dockside dining option, where they can relax and take in the beautiful surrounding scenery of the bay and marina.
The Hula Bay Club's outdoor deck is another fantastic feature, allowing patrons to fully enjoy the breezy atmosphere and picturesque waterfront.
Event Hosting
Hula Bay Club also offers an excellent venue for hosting a variety of events such as business parties.
The establishment provides a spacious outdoor area that can accommodate a large number of attendees.
The lush, laid-back island paradise setting makes it an ideal location for both formal and casual events.
Pricing and Value
At the Hula Bay Club Tampa, guests can expect a dining experience that offers a wide range of menu options at reasonable prices.
The restaurant is known for its delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts, while providing an enjoyable atmosphere by the waterfront.
The menu offers a variety of seafood, sushi, sandwiches, and other American favorites.
Appetizers range from $8 to $15, which include options such as Coconut Shrimp, Ahi Tuna Nachos, and Kilauea (Volcano) Rolls1.
The sushi menu features a selection of specialty rolls, with a majority priced between $12 and $16.
For those interested in more traditional American fare, the sandwiches and burger options are mostly in the $11 to $15 range.
In addition to regular menu offerings, Hula Bay Club provides a Happy Hour selection on Fridays, making it a popular destination to kick off the weekend.
With discounts on both food and drinks, guests can enjoy a more budget-friendly dining experience while still indulging in the high-quality dishes that the restaurant is known for.
When it comes to value, Hula Bay Club aims to provide guests with an enjoyable and memorable experience not only through its food, but also through its prime waterfront location and beautiful outdoor patio.
Combined with its diverse menu options and reasonable pricing, Hula Bay Club is able to cater to a wide range of patrons seeking a pleasant dining experience with a picturesque backdrop.
Footnotes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dining options available at Hula Bay Club?
Hula Bay Club offers a variety of dining options, including American cuisine, seafood, and sushi.
They also have an outdoor bar called Duke's Retired Surfer's Island Bar, which often features live music and a lively atmosphere.
The restaurant is situated along the Tampa Bay waterfront, providing picturesque views while you enjoy your meal. Visit their website for more details.
Can I view the menu of Hula Bay Club online, including prices?
Yes, you can view the menu of Hula Bay Club online.
Visit their official website to explore the diverse food options and prices.
Keep in mind that the menu may change from time to time, so it's a good idea to check their website for the latest offerings.
What are the reviews saying about the customer experience at Hula Bay Club?
Customers have shared their experiences at Hula Bay Club on various platforms like Tripadvisor and Yelp.
Many reviews highlight the great food, beautiful waterfront location, and fun atmosphere at the outdoor bar.
As with any establishment, some reviews may be less favorable, so it's important to gather a range of opinions to get an accurate picture of the overall experience.
What are the operating hours of Duke's at Hula Bay?
The operating hours of Duke's Retired Surfer's Island Bar at Hula Bay Club might change based on the season or specific events.
To get the most up-to-date information on their hours, it's recommended to visit their website or contact them directly at +1 (813) 837-4852.
Does Hula Bay Club offer a marina service, and what are the features?
Hula Bay Club is located alongside Port 32, Florida's premier marina operator.
While the restaurant itself does not offer marina services, the adjoining marina provides boaters with various amenities and services, including boat slips, fueling options, and maintenance.
For more information on marina services, you can visit Port 32's website.
What is the parking situation at 5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611 for Hula Bay Club visitors?
The parking situation at Hula Bay Club can be found at the 5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611 address. They offer a spacious parking lot for customers. There is ample space for cars, boats, and even bikes. Be sure to follow any posted signs or directions to ensure an enjoyable and hassle-free visit.
Charlie is Editor-in-Chief of Sea Magazine
