Features

Best South Tampa Restaurants for Celebrating Your Birthday

Audrey Diaz, Sophomore Staff Writer|November 11, 2015

Claire Obeck starts her birthday month out with a surprise party at the Columbia.

Around Academy, it is almost a given that each girl will want to do something special to celebrate her birthday. Lately, it has been a trend for AHN girls to celebrate their birthdays at poplar South Tampa restaurants for lunch or dinner with close family and friends. Here is a list of popular locations to celebrate the big day!

The Oxford Exchange

Sophomores Kayla Eckermann and Amber Pedregal take a classic Oxford Exchange picture. Credit: Kayla Eckermann

The Oxford Exchange, is located downtown, on 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. It is a library, restaurant, and store. Freshman Morgan Farrior states, “I always get a grilled cheese and it’s really good, and a vanilla latte. There is also a cool leaf design made of foam on the top. I always sit in the courtyard by the fountain because I find it relaxing.”.

Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club

Mia Lopez exclaims, "I loved having my surprise party at Palma Ceia. The food was really good, and we got to take cute pictures!". Credit: Madison Williams — Mia Lopez exclaims, “I loved having my surprise party at Palma Ceia. The food was really good, and we got to take cute pictures!” Credit: Madison Williams

Palma Ceia is located on 1601 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629.

Brio

Sophia Doussan and Saragail Flynn enjoy a birthday dinner. Credit: Sophia Doussan

“I love having group lunches at Brio because after we eat, we can shop! It is easily one of my favorite restaurants. ” says Sophomore Sophia Doussan. Brio is located at International Mall.

Zen

McKenna Weathers and Erica Dierks snap a quick candid after enjoying their lunch. Credit: McKenna Weathers.

Zen Bistro is an asian cuisine restaurant located in International Mall.

Ciccio/Water

“It was so much fun having my birthday party at Ciccio/Water! The atmosphere was perfect place for a birthday dinner with a small group of friends and your immediate family! It is hip and trendy, and there is a variety of food. My friends who LOVE sushi got that, while I got a yummy chicken bowl! Also they were accommodating with the wrights cake we brought and even topped a huge candle on it to make my night special! It was lit (literally)!” exclaims senior Christina Thompson.

Ulele

Screen Shot 2015-11-04 at 11.24.47 AM — Ulele specializes in native Floridian food.

“I like Ulele because the staff is really nice and the food is trendy and exciting. It is perfect for a large group of people, purely because everyone can find something that they like.” says Sophomore Gabi Jordan. Ulele is on 1810 N Highland Avenue.

Columbia Restaurant

Juniors Kendall Bulleit and Camille Opp pose in front of the buffet. Credit: Kendall Bulleit

Camille Opp states, “I always look forward to getting to attend birthday parties at the Columbia. All the food is amazing, especially the 1905 salad and all of their soups. “. The Columbia is located in Tampa’s historic Ybor City.

Bern’s Dessert Room

Bern’s Dessert Room- “It is always so cold! But, nothing beats their banana foster with classical music playing in the background!” exclaims Sophomore Bella Kirkpatrick. Berns Steak House is on 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa.