Tampa's 136th Birthday To Be Celebrated At The Bricks Saturday

TAMPA, FL — A recently reopened Ybor City arts, entertainment venue and eatery will host the city of Tampa's 136th birthday party on Saturday, July 15, starting at 11:30 a.m.

The Bricks at 1327 E 7th Ave. officially reopened in April after closing its doors in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The brainchild of Brian Schaefer, The Bricks opened its doors in July 2010, offering culinary concoctions, locally roasted coffee, artisanal cocktails along with live music, film screenings and art exhibits.

“It’s delivered with a bit of edginess, class, love, but, most of all, an experience you won’t find anywhere else,” said Schaefer.

The eclectic menu includes the Big Jerk Burrito with blackened shrimp, Asian slaw, black bean corn relish, queso fresco, green onion, siracha aioli on a flour tortilla; the Pacific Rim with mojo pork, Asian slaw, pickles, jalapeno aioli on a pressed Hawaiian bun; and the Ahi Tuna BLT with blackened, seared tuna, Asian slaw, bacon, tomatoes, ginger aioli on a pressed Hawaiian roll.

The Bricks also offers a variety of rice bowls including Kung Fury with mojo pork, Rooster with roasted chicken, and Vegetarian with black bean hummus and roasted peppers.

Starters and shareables include shrimp ceviche, stuffed jalapenos, brie with honey-roasted garlic and black bean hummus.

Crafted cocktails include Tommy's Angry with Espolon tequila, jalapeno-infused agave, lime with a cayenne salt rim; Sleepless in Manhattan with coffee-infused Old Overholt, Cynar, Angostura and caffeinated cherry; and the Old Cuban with Santa Teresa 1796 Solera rum, lime, sugar, mint, Angostura and sparkling wine.

Guests will also find a selection of local brews and organic wines.

The Bricks is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Wednesday and Thurday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Happy hour is every day from 4 to 7 p.m.

Additionally, The Bricks offers event spaces including a private room and the courtyard, which accommodate 30 to 40 guests each.

As the city of Tampa celebrates its 136th birthday during Archives Awareness Week, The Bricks, in partnership with the city, will host a free evening of history Friday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Historian and author Sarah McNamara will tell stories of Ybor City’s hidden histories including the radicals and revolutionaries who resided in the city.

Following a walking tour of Ybor City on Saturday, July 15 at 10:30 p.m., The Bricks will then host the city's official birthday party at 11:30 a.m.

Other upcoming events include:

A screening of the video, "Second Wind," by Joey Fisk, Saturday, July 15, at 9 p.m.

The video premiere of "Simulation" by Quasi Video Premiere on Saturday, July 22, at 7 p.m.

"What is Life?" a group art show with Sleepyyuzu, Audrey Zygadlo and Michelle Sawyer, and live music with Ducats and Charlie on Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m.