We are locals and love the smooth sophisticated simple charm of this place. The music in the background is set at the perfect volume, and plays a chill lounge, electronic jazz feel. The owner is incredibly kind, charming and dedicated to his pure, soleful ideas of incredible dining. The atmosphere serves the sophisticated who enjoy a fine dining experience without circumstance. We've experienced both the reserved dining area and the associated bar dining area with an accompanying menu and feel. Whichever menu you select from be prepared for excellent flavor that needs no adjustment. This owner's heart is truly into this establishment and there will be no question. You will feel the passion in his work. Plus it's cool. We love these local gems and I do hope you visit for yourself. P.S. Try the Gumbo. You'll see. Enjoy!
Dan
We had a party for six. Three ordered the fish of the day and it was excellent, smaller portion than expected. The steak came out ten minutes after the fish was served and was not good, over-cooked and had to be sent back for a re-do. The drinks were good. Our server was charismatic and outgoing, and had the potential to be fantastic, unfortunately he did not check in with us and someone had to track him down a couple of times. That was frustrating for all.
Matthew
The manger on duty (Oswald) was involved from start to finish and have our party of 6 excellent services. Explaining each dish and special. Great Wagu steak that my friend and I had.
brookekas
We first visited Barterhouse in December 2024 after being recommended by family members. The decor was gorgeous and festive, the vibe was lively, service was perfect, and the food was amazing. We returned in June 2025 and were VERY disappointed. There was no hostess or designated staff to greet us and check in for the reservation, instead we were greeted by the general manager who escorted us to our table and proceeded to serve us. He explained that the concept was under new ownership and management and that the new menu was “far better than before and the best they had to offer”. He also mentioned that the speakeasy next door was shut down for good. The menu was limited, overpriced, and disappointing. Our shrimp appetizer was $18 and came with two shrimp. The entrees were good but small and came out cold. There was only one server on the floor (not including the GM) and two other tables on a Friday night around 6:00pm. House music was also blaring and made it difficult to carry a conversation even though we were the only ones there. I found it strange that there was no staff and very few patrons. It was a stark difference from our first time dining there. I thought it was weird that the GM was taking tables and was tempted to ask where our tip would be going given he is likely a salaried employee and can't take tips. I never asked and regret not doing so. We were extremely disappointed and will not be returning. Absolutely do not recommend the “new” Barterhouse.
Joyce
My friend and I tried Barterhouse for the the first time last week. Based on the website description, I thought it was not going to be the casual easy dining we were seeking. I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant atmosphere to be contemporary, comfortable, accommodating, and enjoyable. We were promptly and cheerfully greeted upon arrival and chose a table near the window. We ordered Skinny Margaritas that were exactly what we were looking for - fresh and tasty, but not too sweet. It took a long time to decide on food because there were so many choices that looked good. We finally decided on two small plates - Pimento Cheese with Johnny Cakes and a Fried Crab Balls (that's not what they were called, but I cannot remember the name). The Pimento Cheese and Johnny Cakes were outstanding. The cheese was rich, creamy, and very flavorful. The Johnny Cakes were a perfect light compliment to the Pimento Cheese. The crab bites were tender and full of crab. We were too full for dessert on the day we went. I will definitely be returning to try whatever rotating yummy offerings they will be serving on my next visit.
dalya levy
Chloe and Allwell are incredible- the service here you cannot beat. This restaurant is such a vibe- the ambiance and vibes are high. The food, incredible. Great wine selection. 10/10 recommend.
Mike Castanaro
Great food and great staff.
Aliesa Miller
Allwell the manager was absolutely amazing went above and beyond to ensure my date and I had a wonderful experience! The dishes were delicious and well plated, the meals had complex flavor and were cooked to perfection
Ocean Life
Alwell, I wish I asked how to spell your name…What an amazing host/server. I could never ask for more of an amazing server. I left my tablet and he chased me down ybor city to give it back. Amazing drinks, and dessert. I will be back just because of him. 5 stars to him and his crew. Fabulous service and fabulous drinks.
Al Walker
Visited this quaint little spot in Ybor for a birthday dinner & my was i impressed! Atmosphere is cozy yet spacious and the food was delicious! The lounge on the other side (the Candle room) is perfect for after work drinks or pre-gaming for a night out! Situated a block or so from Centro Ybor, there's plenty of parking so don't hesitate if you have an opportunity!
The atmosphere of the restaurant was cool. Love the mural! We were one of only two guests on a Sunday, which meant there was no waiting for a table. The food experience was mixed. I ordered the pork shank, which was a generous portion and very tender; however, it was overwhelmed by a strong vinaigrette flavor. While it wasn’t terrible, it was strongly one note. The dish was advertised to include boiled peanuts, but only came with a bean. Husband had a low country fish dish. It was flavorful, but husband said the seafood was lacking. On a positive note, the cornbread appetizer was enjoyable. Additionally, our waitress, Devon, provided good service.
Francine
The music was way too loud for a Wednesday night, especially when there were only 10 customers in there! Food was OK but pricey. Menu was very meat heavy. I eat fish but no meat and the choices were limited. Women's bathroom was filthy :-(
K melissa
Food was great service was absolute trash!! 1. I called in mid March to schedule a reservation, I called back a week later to confirm my reservation is still good. They told me they don’t have a reservation for me so we schedule a reservation again .night of the reservation I get there and they don’t have my reservation. They did apologize and were still able to seat me, but it doesn’t stop there. 2. Maybe they only had one server this night, but it took 15 to 20 minutes just to get drinks. once the drinks came They were missing one so we had to wait an additional 15 minutes for my friend to get her drink. Me and her both got the Cuban Mojitos. My Mojito was different from hers. I don’t even think hers was a Mojito. It did not taste good at all.
One the poorest services I’ve experienced in Tampa. Even though they apologized and were nice given everything. I will not be returning.
sarah Meinel
I’ve never experienced service this bad at a restaurant. Our drinks took over 30 minutes to arrive—only after I had to physically go find a waitress to remind her. When they finally came, they were completely melted and looked disgusting. The food was just okay, nothing memorable, and the music, while decent, was way too loud to have any kind of conversation.
What really bothered me most was the attitude and service from our waitress. She seemed uninterested in our table from the start, and we couldn’t help but notice that the nearby white table was served promptly and checked on regularly, while we were left waiting and ignored. It gave off very uncomfortable, racist undertones.
To top it off, a 20% tip was automatically added to our bill—which might explain why she didn’t bother with basic service. I came here hoping to enjoy myself but left feeling frustrated and disrespected. I absolutely won’t be returning.
Kirk
Hidden gem...I'm not sure why it took me so long to try barter house. Everything was top notch!
We are locals and love the smooth sophisticated simple charm of this place. The music in the background is set at the perfect volume, and plays a chill lounge, electronic jazz feel. The owner is incredibly kind, charming and dedicated to his pure, soleful ideas of incredible dining. The atmosphere serves the sophisticated who enjoy a fine dining experience without circumstance. We've experienced both the reserved dining area and the associated bar dining area with an accompanying menu and feel. Whichever menu you select from be prepared for excellent flavor that needs no adjustment. This owner's heart is truly into this establishment and there will be no question. You will feel the passion in his work. Plus it's cool. We love these local gems and I do hope you visit for yourself. P.S. Try the Gumbo. You'll see. Enjoy!
We had a party for six. Three ordered the fish of the day and it was excellent, smaller portion than expected. The steak came out ten minutes after the fish was served and was not good, over-cooked and had to be sent back for a re-do. The drinks were good. Our server was charismatic and outgoing, and had the potential to be fantastic, unfortunately he did not check in with us and someone had to track him down a couple of times. That was frustrating for all.
The manger on duty (Oswald) was involved from start to finish and have our party of 6 excellent services. Explaining each dish and special. Great Wagu steak that my friend and I had.
We first visited Barterhouse in December 2024 after being recommended by family members. The decor was gorgeous and festive, the vibe was lively, service was perfect, and the food was amazing. We returned in June 2025 and were VERY disappointed. There was no hostess or designated staff to greet us and check in for the reservation, instead we were greeted by the general manager who escorted us to our table and proceeded to serve us. He explained that the concept was under new ownership and management and that the new menu was “far better than before and the best they had to offer”. He also mentioned that the speakeasy next door was shut down for good. The menu was limited, overpriced, and disappointing. Our shrimp appetizer was $18 and came with two shrimp. The entrees were good but small and came out cold. There was only one server on the floor (not including the GM) and two other tables on a Friday night around 6:00pm. House music was also blaring and made it difficult to carry a conversation even though we were the only ones there. I found it strange that there was no staff and very few patrons. It was a stark difference from our first time dining there. I thought it was weird that the GM was taking tables and was tempted to ask where our tip would be going given he is likely a salaried employee and can't take tips. I never asked and regret not doing so. We were extremely disappointed and will not be returning. Absolutely do not recommend the “new” Barterhouse.
My friend and I tried Barterhouse for the the first time last week. Based on the website description, I thought it was not going to be the casual easy dining we were seeking. I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant atmosphere to be contemporary, comfortable, accommodating, and enjoyable. We were promptly and cheerfully greeted upon arrival and chose a table near the window. We ordered Skinny Margaritas that were exactly what we were looking for - fresh and tasty, but not too sweet. It took a long time to decide on food because there were so many choices that looked good. We finally decided on two small plates - Pimento Cheese with Johnny Cakes and a Fried Crab Balls (that's not what they were called, but I cannot remember the name). The Pimento Cheese and Johnny Cakes were outstanding. The cheese was rich, creamy, and very flavorful. The Johnny Cakes were a perfect light compliment to the Pimento Cheese. The crab bites were tender and full of crab. We were too full for dessert on the day we went. I will definitely be returning to try whatever rotating yummy offerings they will be serving on my next visit.
Chloe and Allwell are incredible- the service here you cannot beat. This restaurant is such a vibe- the ambiance and vibes are high. The food, incredible. Great wine selection. 10/10 recommend.
Great food and great staff.
Allwell the manager was absolutely amazing went above and beyond to ensure my date and I had a wonderful experience! The dishes were delicious and well plated, the meals had complex flavor and were cooked to perfection
Alwell, I wish I asked how to spell your name…What an amazing host/server. I could never ask for more of an amazing server. I left my tablet and he chased me down ybor city to give it back. Amazing drinks, and dessert. I will be back just because of him. 5 stars to him and his crew. Fabulous service and fabulous drinks.
Visited this quaint little spot in Ybor for a birthday dinner & my was i impressed! Atmosphere is cozy yet spacious and the food was delicious! The lounge on the other side (the Candle room) is perfect for after work drinks or pre-gaming for a night out! Situated a block or so from Centro Ybor, there's plenty of parking so don't hesitate if you have an opportunity!
Restaurantji Recommends
The atmosphere of the restaurant was cool. Love the mural! We were one of only two guests on a Sunday, which meant there was no waiting for a table. The food experience was mixed. I ordered the pork shank, which was a generous portion and very tender; however, it was overwhelmed by a strong vinaigrette flavor. While it wasn’t terrible, it was strongly one note. The dish was advertised to include boiled peanuts, but only came with a bean. Husband had a low country fish dish. It was flavorful, but husband said the seafood was lacking. On a positive note, the cornbread appetizer was enjoyable. Additionally, our waitress, Devon, provided good service.
The music was way too loud for a Wednesday night, especially when there were only 10 customers in there! Food was OK but pricey. Menu was very meat heavy. I eat fish but no meat and the choices were limited. Women's bathroom was filthy :-(
Food was great service was absolute trash!!
1. I called in mid March to schedule a reservation, I called back a week later to confirm my reservation is still good. They told me they don’t have a reservation for me so we schedule a reservation again .night of the reservation I get there and they don’t have my reservation. They did apologize and were still able to seat me, but it doesn’t stop there.
2. Maybe they only had one server this night, but it took 15 to 20 minutes just to get drinks. once the drinks came They were missing one so we had to wait an additional 15 minutes for my friend to get her drink. Me and her both got the Cuban Mojitos. My Mojito was different from hers. I don’t even think hers was a Mojito. It did not taste good at all.
One the poorest services I’ve experienced in Tampa. Even though they apologized and were nice given everything. I will not be returning.
I’ve never experienced service this bad at a restaurant. Our drinks took over 30 minutes to arrive—only after I had to physically go find a waitress to remind her. When they finally came, they were completely melted and looked disgusting. The food was just okay, nothing memorable, and the music, while decent, was way too loud to have any kind of conversation.
What really bothered me most was the attitude and service from our waitress. She seemed uninterested in our table from the start, and we couldn’t help but notice that the nearby white table was served promptly and checked on regularly, while we were left waiting and ignored. It gave off very uncomfortable, racist undertones.
To top it off, a 20% tip was automatically added to our bill—which might explain why she didn’t bother with basic service. I came here hoping to enjoy myself but left feeling frustrated and disrespected. I absolutely won’t be returning.
Hidden gem...I'm not sure why it took me so long to try barter house. Everything was top notch!
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