Fuma Bella

Editor's pick

1318 E Eighth Ave., Tampa, FL 33706

(813) 248-6130

http://www.myspace.com/fumabella

Categories: Bar

Features: Neighborhood, tbt* Top Bar

Payment options: Credit cards accepted

Alcohol: Full bar

More in this neighborhood: Ybor City

We're serious. Fuma Bella is, quite literally, a hole in the wall, a room carved out of the side of a building. It's the size of one of those mock-up apartments inside IKEA. Two dozen people can drink there in comfort, if they're skinny. None of this matters to the proprietors, who cherish Fuma Bella's intimacy as much as nearby clubs cherish money. You can meet new friends at Fuma Bella, have a civilized conversation there, order a serious (and seriously strong) cocktail. Belly up to the bar and ask for Charlie, who makes some of the meanest drinks in town. Then do yourself a favor, and don't tell anyone how good it was. The last thing Fuma Bella needs is a crowd.