The Castle
2004 N 16th St, Tampa
(813) 247-7547
Recent Reviews
Sort by
Atmosphere: {{ item.info.Atmosphere }}
Food: {{ item.info.Food }}
Service: {{ item.info.Service }}
Recommended dishes: {{ item.info['Recommended dishes'] }}
Usually such a fun time and great atmosphere HOWEVER, one bouncer in particular absolutely crushes my good mood consistently. Specially the female who has been employed for quite a while as I’ve seen her for the last 4- 5 years makes me feel so unwelcome and uncomfortable every single time I give her my ID. Maybe that’s just how she is as a person but truly every time I interact with her my excitement for the night just absolutely tanks based on her attitude towards everyone. Maybe consider a welcoming person for a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 3
love it here so bad but bring back a dress code 💔 there’s too many people who are just there for “emo girls”. they cause lots of problems and when i go out im looking to dance with all the og goths and gals who are actually down for fun!!!! not get rubbed up on by some dude in a striped polo!
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 3
The food sucks but the music is banging and the atmosphere is out to this world. Jukebox is good some nights.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Great venue with diverse clientele. Good vibe
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
the castle was incredibly disappointing. not much more to say other than julio made the experience subpar.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
julio was an inappropriate bouncer. julio not only looked under the influence but also didn’t let our group of five in solely based on our looks. racial discrimination to say the least! very disappointed and will not be returning to this club.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
It’s very different compared to the other bars/clubs in Ybor, I love it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome club
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Good experience every time I go. Never had an issue with staff or bartenders as others have claimed. Highly recommend just bringing cash and paying with that every time (for entry and for drinks). Wonderful place with wonderful people
Love this place
Atmosphere: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Terrible experience. One of the bartenders upstairs treats customers very poorly. I went to record a video in a place where several people had done the same thing before me and there was no sign
The castle was very fun had a dance circle and a fun vibe especially for alt ppl
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
I wish they played more metal, metalcore and Post hardcore/emo. They play some of the softest trendiest shit I've ever heard
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
Service & Atmosphere
Castle is a well-orchestrated goth/alternative nightclub with a unique multi-floor setup. The star of the night is Lady Beck in the Red Room—absolutely phenomenal service. She’s respectful, accommodating, and professional but with that old-school “no nonsense” attitude that keeps things running right. Treat her well—she deserves the best tip possible. Idk if she's the heart of that place but she definitely has mine.
Music & Vibe
Each area offers a different experience:
Downstairs Left/Dungeon: More pop-modern, high-energy tracks.
Outback (Smoker Section): Retro goth, old-school classics, or slower, chill vibes.
Upstairs: Industrial, punk, and even steampunk tones for a heavier, darker atmosphere.
It’s a nice variety overall, though some music choices feel a bit out of place for the goth theme.
Venue & Amenities
The bathrooms—especially the men’s—are overdue for renovation. That’s one area that could really use improvement.
Events & Pricing
Average cover: $10–$20
Special events: $20–$100 (worth the price—way better production and experience)
Open Fridays, Saturdays, and special holidays until 3:00 a.m.
Peak hours: Around midnight; VIP line typically no additional fee just dress accordingly to the theme or all black attire for faster entry.
Additional Notes
18+ to enter, but re-entry privileges are for 21+ only. Probly the best decision 👌
No food available on site. But food trucks show up in the later hours
Overall
A standout venue for the goth/alt scene with great service, strong atmosphere, and unforgettable themed events. Bathrooms need work, and music selection could be more consistent with the gothic vibe, but it’s still one of the top nightlife spots worth visiting In Ybor city.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 4
Yesterday I came to The Castle for a friend’s birthday. After waiting in line for two hours, my group was stopped at the door. Your bouncer claimed that only three of us (the only visibly goth people in the group, including the birthday guest) had been drinking, and denied us entry while letting in the others from our group who actually had been drinking. What makes this worse is watching a steady stream of people come in openly doing drugs or acting intoxicated, while we were singled out and turned away. It’s disappointing to see the club once known as a safe and welcoming space for alternative people now prioritize letting in frat style crowds while dismissing the very community that supported you. If alcohol consumption is truly where you’re drawing the line, then at least enforce it fairly and consistently. Invest in proper tools (like a breathalyzer) instead of arbitrary decisions that ruin people’s nights. The Castle used to be one of my favorite venues, but this experience was frustrating, unfair, and damaging to your reputation. I hope you seriously reconsider how your staff handles these situations.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Loading...