New restaurant coming to downtown Tampa’s Floridan Palace Hotel

Among the changes to Tampa’s historic Floridan Palace Hotel, which might include a new name, is the revamping of the former Sapphire Lounge into a new restaurant called The Dan.

It will open to the public on May 20.

The new spot, located in downtown Tampa, will have a Roaring Twenties speakeasy vibe combined with New Orleans heritage and modern Gulf Coast dining. The cuisine will balance local ingredients with classic dishes and will include raw oysters, steaks and seafood.

Will Artley is the executive chef.

A “historically-inspired cocktail program” includes specialty drinks like the Champagne Cocktail (Champagne, cognac, bitters, cotton candy), So We Beat On (gin, sherry, lime and soda) and Bourbon Street Blues (bourbon, amaro, Carpano Antica).

“We’re thrilled to bring a unique dining experience to NoDo, an epicenter of culture and nightlife in downtown Tampa,” Crystal Rivera, the hotel’s general manager, said in a news release. “Our team is working hard to create an environment unlike any other, and we’re excited to share it with Tampa Bay locals and hotel guests alike.”

The restaurant’s speakeasy concept was created by New York City-based restaurant consulting firm FOBT Hospitality. It will feature soft lighting and 1920s jazz music with “a familiar beat.”

It will be open for dinner daily, plus weekday lunch and Sunday brunch. As another touch of the 1920s, guests will receive complimentary cotton candy — which was invented in that era — with their checks.

Photos on The Dan’s social media pages reveal the swanky makeover.

“The renovation set out to create a captivating experience that celebrates the 1920s era and the spirit of the building’s origination,” Christina Kirkpatrick, senior designer at Jacki Arena Interiors, said in the release.

It includes a refurbished historic bar and new flooring, wall and ceiling finishes. All new furniture includes custom lounge-style banquettes with integrated lights and new lighting fixtures.

The Dan is at 905 N Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-318-9719. dineatthedan.com.