Hula Bay Club — Restaurant in Tampa

It was a cool December night. The air of the bay was clouding my thoughts. My self care routine was askew. I hadn't eaten in two days. As I awoke from a deep afternoon nap I realized that I pushed myself too far. I required sustenance. Fast.

I got in my car and drove to the nearest establishment, not knowing how my night would turn out, nor where I would end up. As I traveled the streets I decided to take the off beaten path to see where it would take me. Like a Robert Frost poem, I was excited to see where the adventure would take me.

My night led me to Hula Bay. A quaint spot with superior lighting and staff. As I walked through the door; something in my eye must have alerted the staff that I was ready for a table throw down. I was seated shortly and met my server Eric. He was to be my companion on this evening. Nah... scratch that, he was to be my muse and guide into this gastrointestinal voyage I was about to begin with.

I presented to him my indecisiveness. Was I to start with Wings of the Duke? Or was I to be civilized and high class with some Raw Oysters. Eric did what a knowledgeable and classy gentle-sir would do. He told me... "It's ok to get both." His eyes met mine. I nodded. He nodded. We were yin-and-yang. From this moment on we were in sync.

After a short wait, my Raw Oysters arrived. As I finished my third. My order of wings arrived. Eric jokingly suggested I treat this as a surf and turf. Oyster, then wing, then oyster.

I did so. It was devine. He left me to refill my drink. (Did I mention I ordered a diet coke?) He returned with it and a water. Thank you Eric, for reminding me that hydration was important to the body.

After my appetizer feast, I felt as if I should move on to something more. Something dare I say... "sexy"

And what could be more sexy than a Macadamia Crusted Halibut. I entered my request. Eric knew what to do. I don't even think he needed to write down the order. He just knew. He was my guide dog. I was his blind companion. He suggested I tried the Garlic Mash. I wasn't feeling it... he wasn't upset. He understood. Sometimes the world just has enough Garlic Mash; and tonight wasn't the night for more of it. So what did Eric do? He suggested the Broccoli. I nodded again.

Within minutes I had my fish. I had my broccoli. I had my peace. My joy was soon to come as I took the most delectable bite I have ever had in my life.

By the time I was finished, I was drunk on food and diet coke. But Eric knew that journey wasn't over. He suggested the Rum Soaked Banana Bread. Somehow, this man; who I never met, somehow he knew my weakness. Banana Bread and Rum. The moment the words left his mouth he knew he had me captured. I couldn't say no. But alas, my stomach wasn't able to conceal the goodness. I was simply too stuffed. Eric knew. He saw it. He felt it. He knew what do do... he brought it to the table with a to-go container.

Sadly, I accidentally left the Banana Bread on the trunk of my car as I left and it was lost to the sea. (Perhaps the wind, or the road.) I will return. For this is a chapter that needs to be closed in my life. I need this desert. When I return, I will look to the horizon for the epic server who I will only know as Eric the Kind. Eric the Wise. Eric the Serene.

Thank you Hula Bay for giving me a night to remember. May blessing be unto you all...

I normally don't write reviews, but in this case I am!! My SIL planed a surprise Birthday Dinner for her husband over a month ago, the HULA BAY CLUB was recommended to her as they live in GA. She called to inquire about hosting this event on 4/20, and to set a reservation and if possible to have it by the water, she was told no reservation could be made, but she would just need to come an hour before the set time of the event. Upon our arrival we were told that the restaurant was closed due to construction. This information wasn't communicated to her when she called to inquire about hosting this event there. Needless to say panic & frustration set in immediately, as she was expecting 22 guest to arrive within an 1hr 1/2. Hannah & Julia the sweet (Hostess) provided us with the standard response as to what they could possibly do to accommodate us, but that wasn't working, so Julia went to speak w/Emily the (Manager) as we were adding our names to the wait list.

Out comes Emily (Manager) to obtain some additional information as to the arrival time of the guest and as well as the "Birthday Boy", with that info she provided us with a plan, we expressed our gratitude as we know that she's having to manage other patrons as well. Within twenty-five minutes...Emily comes out and states that our area is ready. We follow her, thinking that we would have to set apart from each other through out the restaurant, but PRAISE GOD & EMILY we didn't, she decided to open the Hula Bay lower dinning deck (by the water) for the event! She also made sure we had everything we needed, along with an AMAZING, OUTSTANDING, PROFESSIONAL, KINDHEARTED (Server) Nat she was the BEST! !!! From the bottom of our Hearts....We say "THANK YOU" Again for Everything!!! We'll definitely be back when...

Hula Bay a Hawaiian themed dockside restaurant was under construction so Dukes which shares the water front deck is serving on behalf of Hula Bay. This is a nice relaxed location with a slightly dialed back atmosphere from similar water front joints in Tampa and St Pete etc. The view of Tampa Bay south of the Gandy Bridge looking toward St Pete gives a nice sunset at happy hour. For an appetizer we ordered an item not listed in the on-line menu, a dish of home fries smothered in lobster chunks and a home made aioli sauce. It was delicious, the kind where you want tonlick the bowl when the food is gone, lol! It served 2 easily however, three grown men didn't complain about the serving. We each ordered a Dukes exclusive burger, cooked to our desired temperature. Something that you won't get from a fast food joint is real beef! The guys ordered a Longboard, Longbeach, and I had the Hula Bay cooked to Med. Folks, the Hula baybis the Bomb! If I had more stomach I would have eaten 2! The sweet teriyaki and honey Dijon grilled red onion and pineapple made this an unforgettable burger. We all had plenty of positive comments about our food, service, and atmosphere. It had been probably 10years sincenI last ate at Hula Bay and I am glad to day that the business is still running strong as it always has. Did I mention the price of our burgers were very comparable to what you pay for a lesser franchise burger meal albeit REAL Beef and at least a half pound to boot. The menu has so much more to offer lite seafood, tacos, Hawaiian seasoned pulled pork, and sushi to mention a few. A little something...