Let’s Talk “ROSE BAR TAMPA”
Location: Rose Bar is located in South Tampa, Florida. The parking lot is quite small which makes parking a bit of a challenge, so plan ahead.
Service: We were really excited to dine here as it came highly recommended by an acquaintance. We were welcomed with warm, friendly smiles and were seated right away. We had two servers taking care of our table and they made sure we were enjoying our meals. Unfortunately, we had our little one with us and did not want him inhaling the cigar-like smoke coming from outside. I appreciated them showing understanding and quickly accommodating us when we asked to be moved to another section of the restaurant.
Food: Chow down time! When the Shrimp and Grits came to the table, I was so ready to dig in. I was hoping for a kick to the shrimp and cheesy goodness to the grits. But wait. There was something missing. Couldn’t put my finger on it, but I definitely can’t say it was salt. Truthfully, I couldn’t finish my meal because my shrimp were just too salty for my liking. On the other hand, my husband’s choice of the Chicken and Waffles was spot on. I couldn’t help it. But after one taste, I just kept “nibbling” from his plate. Oh my! I almost forgot. We also ordered a lamb chop to share. It was pleasant enough but clearly did not measure up to my husband’s plate. I know I didn’t try much of the other items , but if I had to make a recommendation, it would definitely be to try those Southern Fried Chicken and Belgium Waffles with jalapeno maple syrup.
Ambience: If you are looking for a casual place to dine and hang out with friends, this is a great spot. The high ceilings, hanging light fixtures and cool art on the walls give it a modern, urban feel. Even though we sat inside, the restaurant has an open area around the bar to the outside. I liked the setup of the restaurant where people are able to sit at the bar, both indoors and out. I found the seating inside to be a bit tight. The sound of jazz and some good ole soul music set the tone of relaxation and it wasn’t too loud, which I appreciated. There is a hookah bar set up outside for those of you who would like to try it. I actually didn’t notice the space at first. Overall, Rose bar would be a great place to hang with friends or a date. I wouldn’t recommend bringing young children.
Price: $$
A Dash of Encouragement: Roses come in many different colors, some natural and some even man-made. Have you seen the rainbow rose? Rose colors have taken on special meanings over the years. White represents purity, yellow represents friendship, and of course the classic color of love, red. So as I sit here writing about my experience at the Rose Bar, a familiar saying comes to mind, one that we have been hearing quite a lot recently: “Take time to smell the roses”, remember that one? Thinking of this old proverb reminds me that I should find something to be grateful for everyday and enjoy each moment. On that day at Rose Bar, I remember feeling thankful to just being able to spend quality time with my family after a long, hard week. We often forget to be grateful for the little moments, the little things. So, I encourage and challenge you to create a space in your day where you will say to yourself or a loved one “I woke up today and I will take time to smell the roses 🌹; I am thankful for….(you fill in the blank)“.
A Dash of Life, Laughter & Love!
