I second the recommendation for Columbia restaurant. Check out their website - you can google them and it comes up easily. See if they are doing a flamenco dance the night you will be there - it is definitely worth the $7 cover or whatever it is. Very fun.

"Clearwater beach has gotten a little over-the-top tacky/touristy for my taste...it's mostly cheap restaurants, t-shirt stores, and souvenir shops. It seems to attract a lot of families and younger people"

This describes Clearwater when I worked at the Hilton in 1962

So funny, Felschurch. Our family vacationed there for several years in the early 60's and that is exactly our assessment as well. I remember my parents saying "It's all so tacky, but it's cheap and the beaches are really great -- that's why we go".

I suppose it's no longer cheap, but my last visit there told me things hadn't changed a whole lot, except that the hotel/motels had gotten a lot bigger since our days.

LiznJack:

There is a trolley that goes between Ybor City and the Channelside District so you might want to check out some of the shops and restaurants at Channelside too. My favorite is Tinatapa's. Splitsville is a fun, upscale bowling alley in Channelside and there are several other bars to check out too.

I second Treasure Island, one of the most beautiful beaches left in Florida and Cedar Key. Few years ago we rented a golf cart, drove around and had a ball. There is an old hotel, Cedar Key Inn? that had a great old bar and food.

LiznJack, I'm sorry, but I can't remember the name of the restaurant. There were several, though, in the same area. It seems like one of them was a sports-theme restaurant. All the ones we were saw were casual restaurants. And after dinner we just walked around and explored.

Hey guys, thanks for all the great responses. The Columbian place sounds wonderful. Does the cover charge apply to dinner too or just showing up for a drink? How's the food?

How far is the Channelside district from Ybor? That sounds fun too.

Can anyone recommend some after-dinner destinations like bars or dance clubs in the area?

Thanks!! We really appreciate the help and guidance.

Liz

Oooops, I meant to write The Columbian, the Spanish restaurant. Sorry bout that!

L.

At Columiba, the cover charge is only if you watch the flamenco dancing. Here's their website: http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/ybor.asp

It looks as though they have flamenco dancing twice a night except Sundays! If you want to watch, you should probably make reservations if possible.

To just eat at the restaurant, no cover charge applies.

I definitely recommend it. The building is beautiful and they have a cute gift shop as well.

birder -- awesome, thanks so much for the good info and link. looks like a fun place!

Liz