Long Weekend in Tampa – Day Two
Brunch bites, day drinks, and cinema in a palace
Day two of the long weekend had a different tempo—brunch with a playful kick, a dash of culture, and just enough sweet heat to carry into the evening.
Stop One: Nueva Cantina
We rolled into Nueva Cantina for a late brunch that turned into a little day drinking session. The vibe was lively but relaxed—bright colors, upbeat music, and that easy weekend energy where no one’s rushing you.
On the table: the Birria Pizza—crispy, cheesy layers of barbacoa, cilantro, and onions, paired with a rich consomé for dipping. Comfort food with attitude, perfect for sharing.
To sip, we started with the Skinny Pitcher Margarita—fresh lime, tequila, agave, and a lineup of glasses, each complete with a floating rubber duck 🦆. Equal parts refreshing and playful, it felt like the definition of brunch done right.
We didn’t stop there. From the signature menu, the Mango Margarita brought tropical sweetness rimmed with chili salt, while the Spicy Pineapple Marg leaned fiery with tequila, lime, pineapple, and jalapeño. Together, the food and drinks turned brunch into a proper kickoff for the day.
Nueva Cantina Birria Pizza with consomé and Skinny Pitcher margarita served with floating duck garnish.
A Show at the Tampa Theatre
Fueled and buzzing, the next move was downtown to the Tampa Theatre, one of the city’s historic gems. Built in the 1920s, the venue is a masterpiece—ornate architecture, a ceiling that twinkles like a night sky, and the kind of atmosphere that makes even a casual matinee feel like an event.
We caught a showing of What We Hide (2025), an indie film whose quiet storytelling was amplified by the grandeur of the setting. In a theater like this, you don’t just watch a movie—you step into an experience.
Day Two Takeaway
Day two wasn’t about rushing or packing the schedule—it was about letting Tampa unfold. From playful brunch plates and drinks at Nueva Cantina to the timeless escape of Tampa Theatre, the city served up a balance of flavor, fun, and culture. Proof that sometimes the best adventures start with brunch and a good pour.
