Hip Hop Soda Shop Review

There are four words I never thought I’d say in the same sentence. “Hip Hop” and “Soda Shop”. The thoughts it conjures up range from gangsters and rap stars of today in the 1950s to some kind of Thug-life hideout with a vending machine out front. The place I’m talking about is neither of these, but a good mix of fun environment, decent food, good live acts, multiple theme nights and good location.

The Hip Hop Soda Shop (1241 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33612, (813) 977-1200) is a collection of genres in a relatively seamless collaboration. Part arcade, part bar, part nightclub, part comedy stage, part hangout, part recording studio… you get the idea. It’s as if a group of kids got together in New York in the late 80s or early 90s and said, “We want to have a place all our own.” and somehow that idea ended up in Tampa.

The outside is simple enough. Lots of neon, lots of parking, and what looks like perhaps a Bennigans or TGI Fridays or something similar once was housed here. You can easily see both the sign and the custom flag as you drive by, making the trip here easy enough.

When you walk in, you are instantly overwhelmed. Master Chief from Halo stands you down with guns in hand.

An entire hallway filled with swag reminds you that this is more than just a fun place to be, this is consumerism in motion. Lots of XBOX-related gear and hip-hoppity accessories fill the showcases.

To the right, you see an all digital recording studio.

As you enter the main area, you have a dance floor with break dancers and a DJ working tracks for the crowd.

In the middle, a full bar with everything you need to get your party on. You know a place is off the hook if they have a Jagermeister Dispenser.

A stage for comedy, music and other live entertainment.

Private/VIP rooms off to the sides, a full kitchen and DOZENS of Xbox 360s, all plugged into XBOX Live, for you to play (for free!) while you dine or hang out.

Food was typical bar-room food, though we were told they have the “best chicken and waffles anywhere.” Kara and I ended up getting The Collaboration, which is a hip-hop take on the standard mix of appetizers you can find anywhere. Food was good, as all bar food staples tend to be.

At the door price of $10, you get the live show (see our next post about the Got Jokes? Variety Show), comfortable surroundings, good atmosphere and a chill place to hang with your friends and play XBOX. The music isn’t too loud or too risque, and the environment is welcoming to people of all ages, backgrounds and (most likely) any mainstream music interest. What more could you ask out of a low-key night out in Tampa?

American Cuisine