Andrew Harlan

Editor at That’s So Tampa

Writer/Editor @ilovetheburg @thatssotampa; Previously: Video Producer, @njdotcom @this_is_philly

Articles

The ultimate Water Street Tampa date night guide

1 week ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

Water Street Tampa is the ultimate destination for a date night to remember. From rooftop sunsets to Michelin Star meals, this gorgeous neighborhood offers a perfect mix of style, flavor, and fun, all within a walkable, thoughtfully designed community. There’s easy parking available at 1045 E Cumberland Avenue, just steps away from all the action. Prefer to ditch the car? Hop on the free TECO Line Streetcar, which stops right at Water Street and connects you to Ybor City, Downtown, and beyond.
US Open selects Tampa artist to create theme art for big 2025 championships

1 week ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

Tampa just served up a major win on the big stage. Melissa Koby, a celebrated local artist known for her ethereal watercolor and digital illustrations, has been selected as the official theme artist for the 2025 US Open Tennis Championships. Her appointment is a historic one—Koby is the first Black artist to ever create theme art for the prestigious tournament.
Star Spangled Sparkman is Tampa's ultimate Independence Day party

1 week ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

Tampa’s most dazzling Independence Day celebration is back as Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf prepares for its 7th annual Fourth of July bash. Set along the vibrant waterfront of Water Street Tampa (615 Channelside Dr), this high-energy event delivers everything you love about the holiday: great food, live entertainment, and spectacular views. The celebration kicks off on Thursday, July 4, at 5 p.m. Tickets are just $10 and will be available soon online.
Tampa Bay Rays announce new postgame drone shows

1 week ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

The Tampa Bay Rays just unveiled their hottest promotions of the season. These ticket deals and baseball experiences are pure gold for longtime fans and casuals in the region. For the first time ever, the Rays are lighting up the night sky with postgame drone shows at Steinbrenner Field. These high-tech spectacles feature over 350 synchronized drones, brought to life by Grizzly Entertainment, and they’re included with your game ticket.
Tampa’s top emerging artists: Shannon Thek Prier

1 week ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

Shannon Thek Prier has never known a life without art. A painter, designer, and creative force in Tampa’s cultural and culinary circles, she balances her marketing and design manager role for Mise en Place and Berkeley Beach Club while nurturing her growing art brand, THEK Art & Design. Her works, infused with gold leaf, sweeping textures, and mathematical precision, have become fixtures in galleries, homes, and high-end spaces across Tampa Bay.
A new Yemeni coffee shop is opening soon in Temple Terrace, and it looks absolutely stunning

1 week ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

A fresh new coffee destination is brewing in Temple Terrace. Soctora Yemeni Coffee, located at 6860 E. Fowler Ave., will open its doors soon, bringing the rich traditions of Yemeni coffee culture to Tampa Bay. For coffee lovers seeking something unique in Tampa, Soctora promises more than a caffeine fix. Rooted in a tradition dating back to the 15th century, Yemeni coffee originates from the highlands of Yemen and the historic port city of Mokha.
Los Chapos Tacos opens new brick-and-mortar restaurant in Lutz

1 week ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

One of Tampa Bay’s most talked-about taco spots has officially opened a new restaurant in Lutz. Los Chapos Tacos, known for its 5-star birria tacos and wildly popular drowned sandwich, is now serving authentic Mexican street food at 24799 SR 54 W. The growing taco business also operates in Ybor City at 951 E 7th Avenue, Brandon at 226 Oakfield Drive and from a food truck parked at 18125 US 41 Service Road in Lutz.
Tampa's 15+ best old school restaurants that just get better with age

2 weeks ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

Time to dig into Tampa’s delicious restaurant history. These aren’t just restaurants; they’re institutions that bring award-winning dishes and family recipes to life. Whether you’re in the mood for a loaded burger or an old-school Italian Sunday dinner, we’ve tracked down the top establishments that keep locals coming back for more. Bring your appetite, Tampa, because we’re diving into the city’s tastiest traditions. These might be the best date night spots Tampa has to offer.
Tampa's hot new breakfast spot is serving Dubai chocolate waffles

2 weeks ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

Downtown Tampa just got a little sweeter. Dip and Happy, a new fast-casual restaurant, is now open at 102 E Tyler Street and is already turning heads thanks to its now-viral Dubai chocolate waffle. This buzzy breakfast and brunch spot is just steps from Curtis Hixon Park, the Tampa Riverwalk, and the Straz Center, making it a convenient stop before or after your downtown adventures.
Why the Florida Aquarium is one of the best in America

2 weeks ago | thatssotampa.com | Andrew Harlan

If you’re looking for the best aquarium in Florida or fun indoor things to do in Tampa this summer, we’ve got good news: The Florida Aquarium just landed a top spot on USA Today’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the title of the No. 8 best aquarium in the entire country. It’s the only Florida aquarium on the list this year—and it’s right here in downtown Tampa. This marks the seventh time, and the fifth year in a row, that The Florida Aquarium has made the prestigious top 10.