Sparkman Wharf, formally known as Channelside Bay Plaza, has recreated its past restaurant and entertainment scene by curating a new concept that consists of a dynamic and vibrant waterfront lawn in sunny downtown Tampa, featuring a Biergarten, outdoor container dining, retail, and more!
If you haven’t checked out Sparkman Wharf, here are our favorite things to do.
It’s no secret that colorful repurposed shipping containers have quickly changed the outdoor dining scene all across the Tampa Bay area but what sets Sparkman Wharf apart from all the other concepts is its commitment to the community and upholding its place as one of the top cultural destinations in the Tampa Bay area!
Have you ever had a hard time picking where to eat simply because everyone is craving something different?
Well, look no further, Sparkman Wharf is the best spot to grab lunch, dinner, and even a mid-day snack because of its wide variety of a little bit of everything. They serve a huge selection of distinctive cuisines such as American, Mexican, and Asian-inspired street food.
This Asian fusion gem is serving some delicious casual eats – from noodle bowls to Asian wings! We ordered the Dan Dan Chilled Noodle Bowl, which was definitely different from the hot noodles we’re used to, but it was incredible – filled with flavor.
If we had to pick, it would be the Brown Sugar Dry Rub Asian Wings. The sauce that comes with it literally tastes like heaven!
Created by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, restaurateur Ty Rodriguez, and entrepreneur Chon Nguyen, Gallito Taqueria is a modern taqueria, that puts a twist on classic Mexican street food.
Gallito specializes in quesabirria tacos, nachos, puffy tacos, quesadillas, and esquites (street corn).
Looking for vegetarian alternatives? Gallito now offers vegan fried cauliflower tacos and vegan quesadillas.
Pro tip: Stop by for 2x street tacos for just $6 ALL DAY during Taco Tuesday!
Looking for a healthy and hearty meal in Sparkman Wharf? Check out Lunch Lady for a fresh lunch. Enjoy tasty salads with heartier options consisting of proteins, grains, and traditional greens.
We recommend trying one of their famous sandwiches as they’re to die for! They offer all kinds of locally sourced bread, and all of their sauces are made in-house.
Pro tip: Try the shaved Porchetta with spicy provolone, garlicky broccoli, hot pepper relish, and rosemary aioli, or the beef short ribs with fontina cheese, blackened red onions, and homemade aioli! They also have vegan and vegetarian options.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is like the name suggests: splendid! They’re famous for their unique flavors, and you can order fun options like Everything Bagel and Texas Sheet Cake! We’ll let you try them and decide for yourselves, but we heard that they’re amazing, smooth, and out of this world.
Grab your delicious ice cream in Tampa and keep on exploring. Plus, they have dairy-free and gluten-free options!
Pro tip: Don’t forget to order ice cream on their homemade waffle cones–it’s half the fun!
Hampton Chocolate Factory is a popular chocolate shop in Tampa Bay that is family-owned. Since 2014, the mission of Hampton Chocolate Factory has been to showcase the luxury and taste of the Hamptons through artisan chocolates and tasty desserts.
It doesn’t matter what your preferred flavor is – this chocolate shop has something for every palate. From dark and milk chocolates to caramel, nut, and fruit variations, you’ll fall in love with the flavors of the Hamptons.
Sparkman Wharf has a great selection of casual and upscale dine-in options too!
Catch your favorite teams on one of the TVs at LightHaus Beer Garden in Sparkman Wharf while enjoying their selection of wine, beer, and seltzer that pair perfectly with delicious pizza!
If you’re a Lightning fan, this is a great place to stop by for a drink before heading over to watch a game on the big screens in Thunder Ally.
? Joyful Notion
Shopping just got a whole lot better for pet parents! If you’re a pet parent and want the best quality of life for your dog or cat but don’t know where to start, head over to Modern Paws!
They’ll be able to offer you insightful knowledge, present you with unique pet products, natural & holistic foods, and learn more about how you can get treats delivered directly to your home!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect plan to hang out with your friends or to spend some time alone with your dog, you can’t ever go wrong with Sparkman!
Spend your day at Sparkman Wharf and share your photos with us, @StuffToDoInTampaBay, on Facebook and Instagram!
If you couldn’t find something that tickles your fancy, there are so much more things to do in Tampa Bay, so stay tuned!

