American Social booming on Harbour Island

HARBOUR ISLAND — Downtowners, conventioneers, hockey fans, concert-goers and anyone hungry for waterfront dining are discovering American Social Bar & Kitchen on Harbour Island.

Panoramic views, accessible boat slips and walkability to Amalie Arena and the Tampa Convention Center are chief lures. Made-from-scratch soup, salads, skewers, sliders, sandwiches - plus 48 craft beers on draft and 18 specialty cocktails - make tasty bait.

The spacious sports bar — 8,000 square feet indoors and 6,000 square feet of patio — has been reeling in crowds seven days a week since opening Oct. 30 between the Westin Tampa Waterside hotel and Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi.

With four full-service bars and seating for up to 443, it is the largest of three American Social locations owned by Paul Greenberg, Rick Mijares and Rick's parents, Tony and Laurie Mijares.

The menu aims for upscale comfort food. Sharing plates range from oysters at market price up to $18.50 for a black truffle goat cheese and fungi flatbread. Large plates start at $23 for a 10 ounce sirloin and top out with a New York strip steak for $39.

Look for daily specials, such as Burger Mondays; happy hour deals (4 to 7 p.m.); and $14 "In and Out" fast lunches on weekdays.

Sports fans keep score on 47 TVs. A deejay spins Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and during Sunday brunch. All 24 VIP lockers were snapped up with annual memberships that include champagne and two bottles of premium vodka.

"They just grab their bottle when they get here. We provide the mixers," said Adam Perhosky, director of marketing.

Private parties can be booked for 20 to 450 people, "corporate events to happy hours, bachelorettes, birthday parties … and there are venue buyout options as well," added Perhosky. "Check our Facebook events page for details of upcoming New Year's Eve and Gasparilla parties."

Visit Americansocialbar.com for hours or call (813) 605-3333.

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