The Dan, previously known as the Sapphire Lounge, recently opened in Downtown Tampa at the Floridan Palace Hotel. It offers a unique blend of Gulf Coast cuisine and old-fashioned speakeasy vibes. They serve a menu that combines local ingredients with classic dishes, making it a mix of modern and traditional flavors. The restaurant also features a variety of raw oysters, steaks, and locally-sourced seafood, as well as cocktails inspired by history.
“We’re thrilled to bring a unique dining experience to NoDo, an epicenter of culture and nightlife in downtown Tampa. Our team has worked hard to create an environment unlike any other, and we’re excited to share it with Tampa Bay locals and hotel guests alike,” says Crystal Rivera, General Manager of Floridan Palace Hotel.
Guests at the bar can enjoy a variety of specialty cocktails, such as the Green Door, So We Beat On, and Bourbon Street Blues. The menu also includes classic cocktails, like the Old Fashioned, Negroni, Espresso Martini, and Sazerac. To sweeten the end of the meal, The Dan offers guests a cotton candy treat when they receive the check. The cotton candy also serves as a garnish for The Dan’s signature Champagne Cocktail.
The historic hotel has been reimagined by foBT Hospitality, a New York City-based restaurant consulting firm. The Dan offers dinner every day of the week, as well as weekday lunch. Soon, they will also offer weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The interior lighting is soft, and the music played is lively 1920s jazz.
“The renovation set out to create a captivating experience that celebrates the 1920s’ era and the spirit of the building’s origination,” says Christina Kirkpatrick, Senior Designer at Jacki Arena Interiors. “It features a fully refurbished historic bar, new floor, wall, and ceiling finishes. All new furniture including custom lounge-style banquettes with beautiful tufting and integrated lights that will span the entire distance of both window walls. A special ceiling feature along the center of the space highlights new seating zones in the restaurant’s new layout. Along the perimeter, there are new glamorous light fixtures to add liveliness and luster to the space.”
