Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Ybor City

We were excited to finally get a table reservation at CWs Gin Joint. The drinks and food were excellent. While the service was impeccable in general, from the moment we checked in to the completion of our dinner service, we were reminded three times that our table reservation had a hard time limit. Because of a prior experience, we knew about this expectation, but that didn’t make it any less disconcerting when the timing of the drinks and food service did not match the expectation of a reasonable amount of time for the customer to enjoy drinks, dinner and dessert. As we were enjoying the evening, time passed quickly. AFTER we ordered dessert and BEFORE it was delivered, we were told we had a short time extension totaling 11 minutes left to eat dessert and check out. Next time, we may need to set our own alarm to determine if there is actually time left in our reservation to order an after dinner drink and dessert. Nothing like having to throw back a premium pour. It was also interesting to note that as we left quickly, there were clean set open tables waiting for the next reservation. Not sure why we had to rush out so quickly when those open tables weren’t being turned around immediately upon being reset. I have to say, I preferred our prior experience at the bar (when space opened) where we didn’t feel pressed to leave.

We thought this place deserved 5 stars. We were a little late to our 5:30 reservation… about 20 minutes. When we got there the hostess took our name and we were seated within 5 minutes. We started with the Sangria and the Basil Basilica and both were fantastic. For appetizers we had the ricotta spread (which was very good but a little too much ricotta cream), the octopus (very good) and the wagyu carpaccio (which was my favorite!). My boyfriend had the chicken for the entree and I had the Mafaldine. Both were absolutely amazing and will be going back!

We had a great Christmas meal. Three of us enjoyed an appetizer, the 1905 tableside salad, and entrees. Two had fish - both were delicious. The only disappointment was the special Christmas dinner pork meal, which was dry and barely lukewarm as if it had been sitting waiting for the others. The service was stellar - friendly, informative, knowledgeable, timely, but allowed us to enjoy the experience over a period of time without feeling rushed even though the place was jam packed.

I’ve been here before. This was for a special occasion and we had the best time. Everything was excellent… from the service to the food to the drinks. It was definitely worth the visit. I will be returning again. I highly recommend this restaurant.

We sat outside and staff turned on a heater near us. The meals were excellent and the service was wonderful. First time and will definitely be returning!