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Oh The Places You'll Go!

A Bulls’ guide to great hangouts

By Penny Carnathan ’82, Life Member

Over the years, USF’s new president has hopscotched across the country, with a skip and a jump overseas to London, for study and work. But Tampa Bay marks a first for Steve Currall. He’s lived in Waco and Ithaca, Davis and Dallas, but never in Tampa, St. Petersburg or Sarasota. Actually, never in Florida.

Fortunately, we Bulls can make the president and his wife, Cheyenne, feel right at home. No one knows the best local hangouts like USF alumni. We learn as students where to find the cheesiest pizza and the hottest entertainment on the cheap, and turn those places into cherished traditions.

Here are a few hangouts where Bulls have planted the Green and Gold. You’ll be as likely to find a good deal as a fellow Bull here, and if you happen to spot Lifsey House’s new residents, be sure to give ’em a Horns Up!

CDB Pizza & Italian Restaurant

An 8-minute bike ride from the Curralls’ front door, CDB’s Pizza at 5104 E. Fowler Ave. has been serving Bulls since 1975. Though it’s no longer owned by colorful co-founder Pat Iacovella, its pizza still gets plenty of raves.

“Their pizza was, and is, to die for – and you might, given the abundance of cheese and meat toppings with that yummy sauce and thick crust,” says David Weeks, ’82, Life Member. “But you’d go out with a full belly and a satisfied smile that the mortician couldn’t wipe off your face!”

Skipper’s Smokehouse

In 1980, three Air Force buddies opened a smokehouse takeout that hosted Sunday afternoon jams at 910 Skipper Road in Tampa. It grew into a favorite venue for eclectic live music, from Grateful Dead cover bands to Trout Fishing in America’s kids’ show; fresh-shucked oysters; and fried gator tail. Customers can eat inside surrounded by old Florida dive bar décor, or outside at weathered picnic tables beneath moss-draped live oaks.

“I remember many Wednesday nights for Reggae Night, with 1-dollar Red Stripe beers and my toes in the sand dance floor,” says Jim Harvey, ’88, Life Member and former Alumni Association board chair.

USF Botanical Gardens

On the west side of the Tampa campus lies the 16-acre USF Botanical Gardens, where the Curralls can find respite in the Rainforest, healing in the Medicinal Garden or sun salutations during Yoga in the Gardens. Events throughout the year include plant sales, the Taste of Honey fundraiser, classes and workshops. Established 50 years ago and open to the public, the gardens are part of the Department of Geography, Environment and Planning in the College of Arts and Sciences. View more information here.

Columbia Restaurant Ybor

Many a USF student-athlete has brushed up on table manners during etiquette dinners at the historic restaurant and many a Sun Dolls dancer has celebrated the end of the school year at a Columbia banquet. Established in 1905, the Tampa landmark remains a favorite for its delicious Spanish cuisine, ornate dining rooms, genteel servers and nightly (except Sundays) flamenco dancers.

Bulls feel the love here. Fourth-generation CEO Richard Gonzmart, Life Member, is a Bulls Club board member and former USF Foundation board member, among other contributions. He’s also a recipient of the USF Class of ’56 Award for non-alumni who go above and beyond to support USF and the community.

The International Boba House

Bulls flock to the Boba House for Friday Night Open Mic; walls covered with original art for sale; video gaming; big, comfy chairs and couches; baked goods; and, oh yeah, boba – Thai bubble milk tea. It opened just west of USF at 2764 University Square Drive about a decade ago.

“The Boba House is the spot for young adults to show off their hidden talent on stage in front of an enthusiastic crowd every Friday,’’ says Walter Villa, ’18. “Everything from comedians, musicians, rappers, singers, and poets provide the Boba House with pure entertainment that is hard to find anywhere else,”

Tavern at Bayboro

“The Tav” has been a USF St. Petersburg treasure since 1981. It’s such a fixture of campus life, its former owner was known as “the mayor of USF St. Pete.” Located on the edge of the waterfront campus, it’s famous for its “crunchies” – locally caught fresh grouper fillets breaded with corn flakes and sliced almonds. There’s live music Friday nights and open mic on Wednesday nights.

“The Tavern at Bayboro is the place to be on campus. It’s a huge source of pride for us at USF St. Pete,” says Anna Bryson, ’19. “Anybody who’s been there can tell you it’s a special place – it always feels just like home.”

Capogna’s Dugout

When USF football is playing away, Pinellas County area Bulls head to Capogna’s at 1654 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, to watch the game on 18 TV screens. The sports bar has been serving up heaping helpings of Bull pride along with pizza, burgers and Italian fare for years, even roping off the parking lot for USF football kickoff parties complete with the Herd of Thunder pep band.

Owner Al Capogna is the father of two former Bulls football players – Vincent Capogna and Nick Capogna, ’08.

The Cafe at USFSM

Two years ago, students and faculty from the College of Hospitality and Tourism Leadership took over the on-campus eatery, which had been operated by a food-service vendor. Instead of pre-made and griddle-cooked sandwiches, they upped the freshness-and-tastiness quotient with made-to-order entrées, soups, salads and sandwiches. It’s a hit!

“One of the favorite Bulls hangouts is The Café at USFSM,” says Dr. Anila Jain, ’81, Life Member, USF Distinguished Alumna and past Alumni Association board chair.

Nathan Benderson Park

USF Sarasota-Manatee Bulls enjoy a unique attraction, a 400-acre lake that’s a world-class rowing venue. The Sarasota County-owned park has been tapped to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic rowing team trials in April, and it hosted the 2016 Olympic trials. What’s more fun than watching top athletes fly across the water?

Thank you to contributors Anna Bryson, USFSP ’19; Richard Gonzmart; Jim Harvey ’88; Bob Herron, ’05 and MEd ’07, Life Member; Bruce Imler, ’96; Dr. Anila Jain, ’81; Paul Johnson, ’70, Life Member; Theresa Lopez, ’18; Bill Marriotti, USFSM ’15, Life Member; Walter Villa, ’18; David Weeks, ’82