Tampa’s dining scene has found its sea legs with Craft, a floating restaurant tied off at Sparkman Wharf.

Housed aboard a 111-year-old wooden cruiser refitted for fine dining, the vessel’s sub-11-foot air draft allows it to glide beneath the city’s bridges—no bridge tender required.

In an increasingly competitive Tampa food scene. Craft holds its own among the higher echelon of Tampa restaurants. The menu is smart and succinct: a three-course selection offering soup or salad, a handful of mains, and a few refined desserts. Our table sampled the halibut, the much-touted short ribs, and the tomahawk pork chop—the surprise standout, perfectly grilled and hot from first bite to last.

Cocktails like the Meridian Heat and Harbourita pay tribute to nearby street names, brand notes that Mr. 33602 applauded, while a well-curated wine list keeps both casual sippers and seasoned collectors content. Service was impeccable—our waiter, Austin, immediately learned everyone’s names and enjoyed our quick story about how Mr. 33602 and his wife were married aboard Craft’s sister ship, Starship IV, a vessel where Austin's wife coincidentally is now a crew member.

Minor notes? A properly hot Irish Coffee (ours was cold) and an option to pre-pay gratuities would smooth an otherwise seamless experience.

The star of the show, however, is Tampa's growing skyline. Craft’s slow turn past the Harbour Island lighthouse reveals Tampa’s skyline in full sparkle—a view even locals who run the Tampa Riverwalk regularly will enjoy the forced perspective of being just a bit further away from the front row of buildings. And the City of Tampa's public art light installations, particularly around the bridges crossing the Hillsborough River, really add to the city's shine.

On chilly nights, our Midnight Minaret™ Adidas Quarter Zip is an excellent addition for this indoor-outdoor Tampa experience.

📍603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 | www.crafttampa.com.

-HI.TPA.-