Benchmark International Arena, formerly known as Amalie Arena, is one of the main event venues in Tampa and home to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Whether you’re heading to a hockey game, concert, or another event, there are plenty of restaurants near Amalie Arena where you can grab food or drinks before walking into the venue.
Over the past several years, the area around the arena has changed dramatically thanks to the development of Water Street Tampa. New hotels, apartments, and restaurants have turned what used to be a fairly quiet part of downtown into one of the city’s best dining districts. Restaurants like Ash, The Pearl Tampa, and the Michelin-starred Lilac have helped make the area one of the nicest places to eat in Tampa.
I actually lived nearby in the Channelside district for a short time after my daughter was born, so we spent a lot of time at Sparkman Wharf and the surrounding area. Over time, that gave me a good feel for the best places to eat and drink before events at the arena.
Below are some of the best restaurants and bars near the arena, whether you’re looking for a quick bite before a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game, a lively sports bar atmosphere, or a nicer sit-down dinner before heading inside.
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My Top Picks Near Amalie Arena
If you’re short on time before a Tampa Bay Lightning game or concert, these are my top picks for restaurants and bars near the arena.
Best Sit-Down Dinner
Ash: One of the best restaurants in the Water Street district, serving creative Italian-inspired dishes just a block from the arena.
Best Casual Spot
JoToro Kitchen & Tequila Bar: A lively Mexican restaurant with tacos, margaritas, and a large outdoor seating area just a short walk from the arena.
Best Sports Bar Before a Lightning Game
Hattricks Tavern: A classic Tampa sports bar known for its wings and electric pre-game atmosphere.
Most Convenient Beer
Cigar City Brewing Taproom at Amalie Arena: Located right at the arena and open about two hours before events, making it the easiest place to grab a quick local craft beer.
Best Restaurants Near Amalie Arena for Dinner
Ash
Ash is another excellent dining option near Amalie Arena if you’re looking for a high-quality meal before a game or concert. Located in the Water Street district just a short walk from the arena, the restaurant has a sleek, modern dining room and an energetic atmosphere that works well for a night out.
The menu features Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on shareable plates, house-made pastas, and creative seasonal ingredients. Ash is known for its thoughtful approach to cooking and strong cocktail program, which helps make it one of the more interesting restaurants in the area. If you’re looking for a slightly more refined dinner near the arena that still feels lively and fun, Ash is a great choice before heading over to Amalie Arena.
Boulon Brasserie
Boulon Brasserie is one of the best restaurants near Amalie Arena if you’re looking for a nicer dinner before a game or concert. Located in the Water Street district just a short walk from the arena, this stylish French-inspired restaurant has a beautiful dining room and a lively bar that often fills up before events.
The menu features classic brasserie-style dishes along with seafood, steaks, and a strong cocktail program. It’s a great option if you want something a bit more upscale while still being close enough to walk to the arena. Between the polished atmosphere, well-executed dishes, and convenient location, Boulon is one of the best places near the arena for a sit-down meal before heading to see the Tampa Bay Lightning play or attending a concert.
Predalina
Predalina is another excellent restaurant near Amalie Arena and a great option if you’re looking for a slightly upscale dinner before a game or concert. Located in the Water Street district just a short walk from the arena, the restaurant has a beautiful dining room and a lively atmosphere that fits well with the energy of the area on event nights.
The menu focuses on Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an emphasis on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and shareable plates. There’s also a strong cocktail and wine list, making it a great place to start the evening before heading into the arena. If you want a nice sit-down meal that’s still close and convenient to Amalie Arena, Predalina is one of the best choices in the neighborhood.
The Pearl Tampa
The Pearl is one of the nicest places to eat near Amalie Arena if you’re looking for a more polished sit-down meal before a game or concert. Located in the Water Street district just a short walk from the arena, the restaurant has a stylish dining room and a lively bar that tends to fill up before events.
The menu focuses on upscale American cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood. Fresh oysters are one of the highlights, and the restaurant also offers a good selection of cocktails, wine, and other seafood dishes. If you want a slightly more refined dinner before heading into the arena, The Pearl is a great option that’s still close enough to walk to the game.
Best Casual Restaurants Near Amalie Arena
JoToro Kitchen & Tequila Bar
JoToro Kitchen & Tequila Bar is one of the most convenient and fun places to eat near Amalie Arena. Located in the Water Street district just a short walk from the arena, it’s a great option if you’re looking for tacos, margaritas, and a lively atmosphere before a game or concert.
The menu focuses on modern Mexican cuisine with dishes like tacos, guacamole, and other shareable plates, along with a strong selection of tequila and cocktails. The restaurant also has a large outdoor seating area, which makes it a great place to sit outside and enjoy a drink before heading to the arena. Because of its location and casual vibe, JoToro is a popular pre-game spot and tends to get busy before events. If you’re heading to see the Tampa Bay Lightning play or attending a concert, this is an easy place to grab a quick meal and drinks before walking over to the arena.
Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is one of the most popular places to grab food or drinks before an event at Amalie Arena. Located in the nearby Channelside district just a short walk from the arena, this outdoor waterfront dining area features several casual food vendors along with a large central beer garden that often fills up before games and concerts.
The beer garden is one of the main draws here. There are plenty of picnic tables and open space where people gather for drinks before heading into the arena, which gives the area a lively pre-game atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet friends, grab a beer, and soak up the energy before seeing the Tampa Bay Lightning play.
In addition to the food vendors serving tacos, Asian street food, and other quick bites, there are also a few nearby spots with outdoor bars where you can grab drinks. One of the most notable is Splitsville Southern + Social, which has a large outdoor bar area overlooking the water. Between the quick food options, beer garden, and outdoor bars, Sparkman Wharf is one of the easiest and most fun places to stop before walking over to the arena.
Best Bars Near Amalie Arena Before a Game
Hattricks
Hattricks Tavern is my favorite bar for before a game at Amalie Arena and should be your top choice if you’re looking for a classic sports bar atmosphere. Located just a short walk from the arena, it’s a longtime favorite among fans heading to see the Tampa Bay Lightning play. The bar gets packed before games, and the energy inside makes it one of the most fun places in the area to grab a drink and get ready for puck drop.
The menu is exactly what you’d expect from a good sports bar, with burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of beer on tap. The wings are especially popular and are widely considered some of the best in Tampa. If you want a lively pre-game spot with lots of TVs and a true hockey fan atmosphere, Hattricks is hard to beat.
Yeoman's Topgolf Swing Suite
Yeoman’s Topgolf Swing Suite is another fun spot near Amalie Arena if you’re looking for a lively place to grab food or drinks before a game. Located in the Water Street district just a short walk from the arena, this British-style pub and sports bar has a large dining room filled with TVs, making it a great place to watch other games before heading into the arena.
The menu leans toward classic pub food with items like fish and chips, burgers, and sandwiches, along with plenty of beer on tap. One of the unique features of the bar is the Topgolf swing suites, which are simulator bays where you can play virtual golf and other games. Even if you’re not using the simulators, Yeoman’s is still a fun and energetic place to grab a drink and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere before seeing the Tampa Bay Lightning play.
American Social Tampa
American Social is one of the busiest places for drinks and food near Amalie Arena, especially before games and concerts. Located right on the waterfront along the Tampa Riverwalk, the restaurant has a large indoor bar along with a spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the water. Because of its location and lively atmosphere, it’s a very popular spot for people meeting up before heading into the arena.
The menu features classic American bar food like burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers, along with a solid selection of beer and cocktails. While the food is good, the main draw here is really the atmosphere. The bar gets crowded before events, making it a fun place to grab a drink and soak in the pre-game energy before walking over to see the Tampa Bay Lightning play.
Cigar City Brewing Taproom at Amalie Arena
If you’re short on time before an event at Benchmark International Arena, the Cigar City Brewing Taproom is easily the most convenient place to grab a couple beers. The taproom is part of the arena complex and typically opens about two hours before both concerts and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games.
One helpful thing to know is that the taproom is located outside the ticketed security area, so you don’t need to scan your ticket to stop in for a drink. The bar serves a variety of beers from Tampa’s well-known Cigar City Brewing, including favorites like Jai Alai IPA. If you just want a quick local craft beer before heading inside for puck drop or the start of a concert, it’s an easy and convenient option.
Whether you’re heading to a Tampa Bay Lightning game, concert, or another event, there are plenty of great restaurants and bars near Benchmark International Arena. From casual spots like JoToro Kitchen & Tequila Bar to lively sports bars like Hattricks Tavern, the area around the arena now offers some of the best places to eat and drink in downtown Tampa. With so many options within walking distance, it’s easy to grab a meal or a drink before heading inside.
If you’re heading to a Tampa Bay Lightning game, arriving early and grabbing food or drinks nearby is one of the best ways to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere around the arena.
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