Popular Downtown Tampa Bar Unexpectedly Closes

A very popular Downtown Tampa bar unexpectedly shut its doors for good today. Ciro's Speakeasy was located at 2109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa. They shared a surprising announcement on their Instagram stories a few hours ago. I've always heard really good things about this place. Now I'm bummed I'll never get to try it for myself.

Ciro's has been a Tampa staple since 2009. The beverage-centric menu, used traditional and historic techniques of mixing cocktails from the Prohibition period of our country. Ciro's had temporarily closed in early March for renovations. Due to "structural issues at the Bayshore Royale", the popular speakeasy had to close its doors for good. In the post, they thanked their loyal guests, staff, and Tampa community for all the support. They also mentioned this "isn't goodbye, it's see you later". So maybe in the future, we can expect to see a rebuild after the construction of the Bayshore condos construction is complete.

With Tampa constantly developing, these high-rise condos are performing building inspections. It's not confirmed but some Tampa Redditors suspect they may have found structural issues and wanted Ciro's to cover the costs to repair. It seems that these bars/restaurants below luxury condos eventually run into issues. Last year, the Downtown Tampa Park & Rec closed due to noise complaints from the condo building above the bar.

Like I said, I never got the chance to experience Ciro's myself. But I only heard good things about the speakeasy. Redditors commented that it was a great date night spot or a unique place to bring friends from out of town. I'm especially bummed that I won't be able to try their espresso martini, which was made with Jameson Stout, Borghetti, Vanilla, and Cream.

If you go to Ciro's website, a message will pop up informing you they are permanently closed. But don't worry, you can experience a similar speakeasy vibe at Jekyll. A new fancy speakeasy that opened up earlier this year. I've heard good things about this place but have been warned the drinks are more expensive than Ciro's.

So if you're like me, and need to find a new spot for espresso martini's or fancy cocktails, maybe try these places for your next night out.

Everybody's new drink craze is the espresso martini. It's a classic drink that's been around since the 80's but its surge in popularity has grown within the last few years. Who has the best espresso martini in Tampa? Yelp has a great list, but we've gathered a list of places that take the drink above and beyond its usual flavors.

This tasty cocktail is usually ordered as a liquid dessert or as a nightcap. Its ingredients are typically made of Vodka, Espresso, and Coffee Liqueur. Plenty of places in the Tampa area offer this savory beverage but we narrowed down the list to only include bars and restaurants where this signature cocktail is remastered with bolder flavors. One thing they may all have in common is the 3 coffee bean garnish for that aesthetic flair. One for wealth, health, and happiness.

One thing I think is super important in an espresso martini is actually using fresh espresso shots. That is the best way to get that coffee foam at the top of the drink. Skipping the espresso and using a coffee liqueur instead doesn't give you the same result.

There were so many places we wanted to include in our list but their espresso martini didn't quite live up to our standards. We enjoyed Timpano's espresso martini and they even won Tampa Magazine's Best of South Tampa's Espresso Martini. We left it off our list since it's very similar to a classic martini. They make theirs with Stoli vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, Baileys, and Espresso. One place we'll warn you to stay away from for espresso martinis is the Edition lobby bar. It wasn't a bad experience or a terrible martini. It just tasted a little too average to cost $26.

Is there a spot you think we should add to our list? Let us know on social media!

In the heart of Sparkman Wharf is Battery. This is the best place to go for any bourbon lover but the star of the show is their espresso martini. It's called the "Fully Charged" and is made with Big 5 Cuban Coffee Rum, House-made vanilla bean syrup, espresso, chocolate bitters, and chocolate shavings.

Enjoy an evening over craft cocktails at the open bar as you relax with friends and family at OLIVIA. Their espresso martini takes a twist using Stoli vodka, Godiva Chocolate, Espresso, and Frangelico.

Not only does Rome + Fig have some amazing food, but they have 4 different espresso martini's for you to try on their espresso martini tree! The Salted Caramel sounds to die for, we hope they keep that one on the menu!

Noted on Florida Rentals for one of the top 8 spots to get an espresso martini in Florida, this Seminole Heights gem creates a new menu each Tuesday for guests to experience.

At Counter Culture in Tampa, you won't find the usual vodka espresso cocktail. Their version is made up of hochstadter’s coffee infused whiskey, caffè borghetti espresso liqueur, fresh espresso, tahitian vanilla, grated bean.

Found in St. Pete and Ybor, this hidden gem has one of the best espresso martini's in town. Crafted with home-made cold brew, espresso-infused Wodka Vodka, complemented by a silky sweet dash of Creme de Cacao. *Tries not to drool.*

Hotel Bar is an underrated Tampa gem. It's walking distance to Amalie Arena and is open till 3am which makes it the perfect spot for a nightcap after a concert. Their espresso martini is delicious and it's made with Astral Reposado Tequila, Amaro Nonino, Amaretto, Mr. Black Coffee, espresso, oat orgeat, sea salt, orange essence.

Craft Street has an incredible drink menu and their espresso martini is very sweet and chocolaty. Highly recommend! Bonus, they have 2 locations in Tampa Bay: Oldsmar and Trinity.

Located in downtown Tampa, this classy spot is known solely for Gin focused cocktails, and their espresso martini is top notch. Made with Nikka Coffee Gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino, and a hint of citrus.

Bonefish Grill is a Florida favorite. Everyone loves their iconic Bang Bang shrimp, but I bet you didn't know about their incredible handcrafted martini's. Their signature cocktail is made of vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, Crème de Cacao and fresh-brewed espresso.

Last but certainly not least on our list is M.Bird at Armature Works. Take in the gorgeous Tampa views at this rooftop location and enjoy their must-try espresso cocktail: Santa Teresa, Amaro Averna, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, cold brew, orgeat, grated coconut and a coffee powder swirl.