Secret Restaurant Found in Basement of Historic Tampa Bay Hotel

Did you know there’s a secret restaurant in the basement of the University of Tampa building? We found it this week and it's pretty cool ... and creepy.

Built in the 1890's, the old Tampa Bay Hotel is now the main building on the campus of the University of Tampa. In the basement of the building is the Rathskeller. In recent history, this basement was a student pub to grab a beer, but today it’s a place for grab-and-go sandwiches and Starbucks coffee.  

To find the restaurant, enter from the east side of the building. Look for the steps going down that are just to the left of the main stairs to enter the building.

Walking inside, the deli counter is right in front of you to place your sandwich order.

To the left are grab-n-go options and the cashier.  

A low-ceiling, long narrow hall is to the right with plenty of seating.  There’s even cool, yet slightly eerie grottos along one side.  You can’t see people sitting here unless you’re steps away.

On the far end of the room seem to be a is a forgotten grill with bar seating. Ghosts? Who know but I'm definitely sitting closer to the exit.

You really can’t complain about the 6-inch sandwich for $6.99 because like Publix and Subway, you pick the toppings.  And they use quality Boar's Head products. 

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