New restaurant, nightlife venue to replace longtime downtown Tampa spot

A longtime downtown Tampa bar will soon be home to a new restaurant and nightlife venue. 

Nomibar plans to open in late October in the former Taps space, at 777 N. Ashley Drive, Unit A, an announcement says. An exact opening date has not yet been announced. 

The new venture is styled after an “izakaya,” an informal Japanese pub and restaurant that serves drinks alongside small, shareable plates. Nomibar combines evening dining and cocktails with late-night gatherings and private events, the release says. It plans to open daily at 4 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. 

The location puts Nomibar on the ground floor of SkyPoint, the 32-story, 380-unit condo tower completed in 2007, according to developer Novare Group. Taps moved into the space in 2008, establishing its wine and beer concept as downtown Tampa’s revitalization began to take hold. 

Nomibar will offer a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., alongside what the announcement calls a “Rare Menu.” Reservations will be available for groups of six or more, and private event options include birthdays, corporate dinners, partial buyouts and full-venue events. 

Guests ages 12 and older will be welcome during regular dining hours, the release says. After 9 p.m., though, the venue will be limited to guests 21 and older. 

The announcement did not identify the new owners or disclose the investment in the space.