Brick House 'man cave' restaurant opens in Tampa this month

TAMPA — The birthplace of Hooters and Ker's WingHouse is about to see a new hybrid.

A "man cave" gastropub with young female waiters outfitted in Daisy Duke cutoffs or denim miniskirts, Brick House Tap & Tavern opens in late June at a corner of Dale Mabry Highway and Interstate 275.

Despite a hiring preference for "girl next door" types, Brick House claims a new niche.

"We're like hanging out in a good friend's living room," said Modesto Alcala, who dreamed up the nine-store chain for Ignite Restaurant Group, which is better known as the Houston-based owner of Joe's Crab Shack.

The fare is pub food. Specialties are handmade pretzels, deviled eggs and brick-shaped burgers. The average ticket is $15.

Beer comes in 70 brands served eight ways, including a 100-ounce beer bong, tableside minikeg or cask-pulled. The dark brick decor is described as "man cave meets bachelor pad" with the 26 TV sets, leather couches and recliners with swivel trays. For groups, there are dining rooms or fire-pit seating.

"A man cave is what the remodeled basement became. In Florida it's a garage," Alcala said. "It's where you feel comfortable with a $2 PBR or a $12 Chimay."

The 46-year-old Cuban immigrant grew up in Tampa, starting his restaurant career in high school at the Village Inn across the street. Now he's chief concept officer at Ignite. Previously he helped create the Samba Room and Timpano Grill chains for Carlson, the Minneapolis hotel and restaurant giant.

Brick House is hiring 200.

Mark Albright can be reached at albright@sptimes.com or (727)-893-8252.