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SPARKMAN WHARF

Water plays a key role in every visit to Tampa Bay. At the south end of the Tampa Riverwalk, the area’s top chefs and best craft brewers come together in a waterfront entertainment space with great views and greater food.

Sparkman Wharf breathes new life into the space once occupied by Channelside Bay Plaza. At its heart lies a spacious lawn that invites visitors to relax while overlooking the Garrison Channel. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local bands on the outdoor stage and movie nights under the stars on a giant LED screen.

The collection of brightly painted shipping containers forms the destination’s only outdoor food hall, featuring locally driven dining options created by some of Tampa Bay's most popular and creative chefs and restaurateurs. Among them is Gallito, a modern taqueria created by Ferrell Alvarez, chef and co-owner of Seminole Heights' Rooster & The Till, which was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the MICHELIN Guide. Other dining options showcase a who's who of Tampa Bay's growing and dynamic food scene:

• Edison's swigamajig dive bar and fish shack by James Beard nominee Jeannie Pierola. 
• Jodog Craft Hot Dogs, created by Chef Joe Isidori and Millennium Restaurant Group
• Dang Dude, modern Asian street food by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez, and Chon Nguyen
• Fit Bowl Co. known for their superfood bowls, by Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investment LLC
• Gordito’s, Latin flavors by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez, and Chon Nguyen
• Everglazed Chicken and Donuts, famous for their specialty donuts and chicken tenders
• Half Moon Seafood Company, known for their award-winning Nashville Hot Fish sandwich and New Orleans flavors
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton

Right now, 10 restaurants are offering outdoor dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the area. 

LightHaus Beer Garden, a lively open-air biergarten, is helping Tampa Bay live up to its reputation as Florida’s craft beer capital. With 40 varieties of local and craft beers, wine, and seltzers, there's something for every taste. Plus, a spacious 3,000-square-foot covered bar gives the space an intimate yet breezy vibe, making it the perfect spot to sip, savor, and soak in the atmosphere.

With an actual wharf included on the property, Sparkman Wharf offers easy access to waterfront dining and has become a popular spot for boaters to dock and enjoy some land-based fun while spending the day on the sparkling waters of the bay. Just a heads-up: federal law requires the wharf to be closed on days when cruise ships are docked nearby.