The Soho Backyard - Tampa (FL)

4 /5 Annona Synclair: Decided to check the place out last night. Went in around 8pm on a Friday. Decent size crowd, but not over crowded. They had a sports ball game on, so typical bar noise for that... The food was pretty good, definitely worth the price. We got the stuffed figs (highly recommended), and two burgers with truffle fries. Most of the staff was friendly and courteous. Theres one guy there, though, who was definitely not. Hes the tall skinny one with the super short brown hair. One of those types that has zero respect for women that was made apparent when he tried to mansplain to me how to use MY phone to do the qr code for the menu, even reaching to take my phone from me to do it for me without consent. In doing this, he completely ignored my drink order and was politely (Ill give him that) pissed when I made him go remake it correctly. We ended up with another server after that. She was super pleasant and sweet, replaced my tea (which was the worst Ive ever had) with a lemonade, and we had a wonderful rest of the night. The other guy (also tall, but with longer shaggy blond curls) was also super nice and kept checking on us (and the other tables) to make sure were all having a good time. Would definitely recommend and well probably be back at some point. They also have vegetarian options. Not super handicap friendly, but theyve made an effort. The decor is nice - vintage 1940s vibes. Parking is super tight. Not allot of room in Soho. Dont park in the lot if you have a large vehicle. Theres also limited street parking.

5 /5 Madeline: This tucked-in gem of a sports bar offers an elaborate menu of American staples to elevated options at a great price. It felt very relaxed with indoor and outdoor seating and personable bartenders. For appetizers we ordered the chips and queso and fried pickles. I appreciate that they offer reasonably priced cocktails from bourbon based to THC infused! I liked my Corvette Summer margarita. My Cajun Pasta was so flavorful and I had enough left over for another meal. My friends ordered the Brisket sandwich and Chicken Parm that also looked delectable!

5 /5 Sarah Hall: Ordered the steak tips (you get to pick how you want them cooked) so good! Blue cheese was throwing me off but it actually blended so well. Ordered the short rib flatbread and would recommend that also! Extra cheesy. I’m confused about the “backyard” though bc there’s barely any outside space. Nick, the bartender, was very professional and patient

5 /5 Rod McCarthy: Small place. I would call it a sports bar but I could never understand what the theme was for this place since original visit in 2016. Unusual menu that is not printed you have scan a QR code. Full liquor bar. Duck wings? The food is a little higher end than you would expect.

4 /5 Marcus Johnson: SoHo Backyard is one of those places that doesn’t quite fit into a single category and that’s both part of its charm and part of the confusion. At first glance, it feels like a neighborhood sports bar, but once you dig into the menu and spend some time there, it’s clear they’re aiming higher than typical bar fare. The food is the biggest strength here. This is not your standard fried-and-forgotten bar menu. Dishes like the steak tips (custom cooked to order), short rib flatbread, brisket Cubano, peri-peri sliders, garlic parmesan wings with real shaved parmesan, crispy Brussels sprouts, gouda mac, crab cakes, and unique wing flavors consistently get praise. Portions are generally solid, flavors are thoughtful, and many guests are genuinely surprised at how elevated the food is for such a laid-back spot. While a few items can be hit-or-miss depending on the day, overall the kitchen punches well above “bar food” expectations. The drinks are another highlight, especially cocktails. Bloody Mary , Manhattans, mimosas, and creative mixed drinks tend to be well executed, and the full liquor bar gives you plenty of options. A few guests have mentioned draft issues or inconsistency, but most experiences point to strong drinks at reasonable prices. Atmosphere-wise, this is a relaxed, eclectic neighborhood hangout. You’ll see a true mix of people locals, visitors, regulars, couples, groups of friends, and even dogs on the patio. Indoor and outdoor seating keeps things flexible, TVs are on for sports, and the vibe is casual without feeling run-down. It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a late-night bite as it does for a low-key dinner and drinks. Service is where the experience varies the most. Many reviewers call out friendly, attentive bartenders and servers who are quick, welcoming, and genuinely engaged bringing water for dogs, keeping drinks full, and checking in often. However, there are also some notable complaints about guests not being acknowledged promptly or feeling uncomfortable due to staff attitude. These experiences seem inconsistent rather than universal, but they do impact the overall rating and keep this from being a clear five-star spot. Other minor drawbacks include the QR-code-only menu, which some guests find inconvenient, and occasional portion-size concerns on certain dishes. The theme of the place can also feel a bit undefined sports bar, upscale bar food, neighborhood pub all at once which may leave first-timers unsure what to expect. Why 4 stars instead of 5? Because when SoHo Backyard is firing on all cylinders, it’s excellent , but consistency in service and guest acknowledgment needs improvement. Tightening that up would elevate the experience across the board. Bottom line! SoHo Backyard is a hidden gem for elevated bar food, strong cocktails, and a welcoming local vibe. Come for the wings, steak tips, flatbreads, and creative menu; stay for the relaxed atmosphere. With more consistent service, this place could easily be one of Tampa’s standout neighborhood bars.