The Ritz Ybor
- This special events venue opened in summer 2008 after a $2 million renovation. The building was originally built in 1917 as the Tivoli Theatre. The facility includes four spaces for rental, including the Theatre Ballroom, which houses two full liquor and buffet bars. The room also allows for portable bars. The ballroom can accommodate 1,150 (standing room) for events such as concerts and 370 for table seating. www.ritzybor.com
The Columbia Restaurant
- This restaurant was built in 1905 by Casimiro Hernandez Sr., in the historic neighborhood of Ybor City. The restaurant serves up Spanish- and Cuban-inspired dishes and features flamenco dancers and the opportunity to watch the work of professional cigar rollers. The Columbia Cafe opened in the Tampa Bay History Center. The Ybor City location can accommodate groups of 10 to 400. The restaurant also offers catering at other venues. Large groups may be interested in the "Super Paella" that serves up to 3,000 people. www.columbiarestaurant.com
Splitsville
- This is definitely not a plaid-pants affair. This bowling parlor and dinner lounge features cozy nooks, sushi and a hip (yet still retro) decor. The bowling lounge hosts team-building and corporate events. But instead of mystery meat hot dogs and stale nachos, guests can snack on fried calamari and Greek salad. www.splitsvillelanes.com
The Florida Aquarium
- This aquarium is ranked in the top 10 aquariums in the country by TripAdvisor.com. Exhibits highlight Florida’s wetlands as well as feature more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals native to the state and around the world. Guests aged 15 years and older who are scuba certified can even swim with sharks. The facility can be rented in the evenings and can accommodate up to 3,000. Other rooms, with a capacity from 30 to 350 people, are available for events. www.flaquarium.org
Tampa Bay History Center
- A variety of spaces for groups of up to 500 guests are available at the 60,000-square-foot history center located in Tampa’s Channelside district. Guests can follow the history of native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, presidents, sports legends and railroad tycoons, and stroll through a 1920s-era cigar store. The building, located on the waterfront, offers a number of interactive exhibits, as well as a terrace and an atrium. The Columbia Cafe is located inside. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org