There’s a new kid on the Tampa Brewery block, and they’re not messin’ around. Zydeco Brew Werks opened their doors in March of 2018 and quickly started winning over the hearts of foodies and craft beer lovers alike. Located right in the heart of Ybor City in a gorgeously rustic New Orleans style building, Zydeco Brew Werks stays true to their style by serving Cajun fare and snazzy craft cocktails alongside their house-brewed beers.
The Brewery: Zydeco Brew Werks
I’m all about the ambiance and interior design of breweries and restaurants, and let me tell you, Zydeco’s interior is true to their New Orleans style inspiration. The brick exterior with large windows which you can find out more here, and cast iron balcony details truly make you feel like you’re walking into a bar on Bourbon Street (Ybor City boasts plenty of this style of architecture!) Once inside, the rows of large tree trunk tables, high ceilings, and patterned tile accents continue the creole style. I especially love the black subway tile near the exposed kitchen area!
The brewery is open and airy, with plenty of natural light coming from the wall of windows (which are also great for people watching as questionably (un)sober Ybor patrons and native roosters walk by on the sidewalk). BTW, if you’re not familiar with Ybor, there are WILD native roosters, chickens, and peacocks everywhere just chilling on the streets. It’s peculiar, to say the least. With plenty of bar space and lots of large Live Edge Tables, Zydeco is perfect for groups of all sizes. There are plenty of TV’s and two long bars with plenty of stools, so you’ll have no problem finding a spot whether it’s date night or a table full of friends.
The Brews: Zydeco Brew Werks
I’ve tried the majority of the beers at Zydeco over the many times I’ve been there (I wasn’t kidding when I said this place is one of my new favorites). They have a great range of brews, from light options to darker heavy stouts. They also typically have a collaboration on tap as well as a few limited time options.
When given a choice, I almost never order a light lager – but if light beers are your thing, Zydeco has a few that are actually REALLY tasty including the Ybor Premium (a classic lager) and the Gold Klub (a German lager).
Lucky for me (and you), Zydeco has the interesting/hoppy beer category covered. I ordered a flight to start and was not disappointed with ANY of my choices. The Spicoli session ale is one of their newer releases and is the perfect combo of hops and light refreshing flavor. The Pablo IPA is their classic IPA, with bold flavors of hops, pine and citrus, which I love. I’ve had an obsession with passionfruit since I studied abroad in Australia (they eat them over there like we eat apples in the US) so I was ALL about the Permanent Vacation which is a passionfruit adaption of the Computer Love, a delicious lemon Berliner wiess. I also tried the H.Y.F. Wit, a smooth Belgian-style witbier with spiced orange, coriander and cardamom flavors. I loved each and every one of these beers, and decided to order a Savage (golden ale with grapefruit juice notes) to go with dinner.
If you like dark beers, Zydeco makes sure not to neglect the dark side. Their Tombstone Russian imperial stout and the Electric Funeral stout both sound delicious! I didn’t get a chance to try them because I was so pre-occupied with my hoppy beers, but I absolutely want to try the Electric Funeral next time I’m in (it’s got vanilla, cacao and coffee flavors!)
The Food: Zydeco Brew Werks
OK SO, I love to be able to have my cake[beer] and eat it too, so a brewery with great food always gets an A+ in my book. Zydeco Brew Werks menu is full of delicious Creole and Cajun-inspired dishes and flatbreads perfect for sharing. So far, I’ve tried the shrimp mac n cheese (not pictured), the blackened shrimp, and the prosciutto flatbread.
Blackened Shrimp
Prosciutto FlatbreadYbor City has seen it’s fair share of tough times, but I truly think the addition of Zydeco Brew Werks (along with a few other awesome breweries and restaurants) is making a huge difference in turning the area around.
If you’re looking for a casual spot with delicious beers and fantastic food, I HIGHLY suggest checking out Zydeco! Plus, the Tampa Improv Comedy Theater is right around the corner and there are plenty of other breweries to hop around to after dinner!
Cheers!
