This was my first foray into this off the path club as it was part of a pub crawl I attended. I was pleasantly surprised by the mix of music that they play and how spacious this place is. The one drawback is that given the crowds, they definitely need more than 2 bartenders for their upstairs bar to serve everyone adequately. read more

Agree w/ Nicoletta's astute observations. Not a place I would pick on my own, but have wound up there several times. I do like the music mix. Sadly though, I wind up just sitting around watching the go-go dancers instead of being inspired to dance myself. (strange cuz i'm usually the one asking everyone to dance w/ me). Not a bad bad place, but not a great place. Everyone just seems to be trying SO HARD to be different. read more

As advertised; An eclectic and welcoming crowd who likes to dance goth. I'd give them 5 stars, if their DJs spun a wider variety than just industrial remixes; NIN needs no remixing. read more

Oh, The Castle. This is a place that you can go and totally be yourself, no matter what that self may be like. There is a great variety of people there and always some fun characters (I'm talking to you, Senator). Honestly though, I've had a blast every time I've been there. I love the music that they play and just the over all fun spirit of it. read more

We caught the tail end here after the James Joyce Irish Pub. Everyone had pretty much left...except the hardcore techno dancers or the drunks (like us). The Castle is probably the closest thing to Cherry's (LA -it's closed long time ago). It's dark, you have the go-go dancers, techno music, and I really wanted a glow stick --just kidding. The music wasn't the annoying "thump, thump" techno music. And that's all remember... read more

One of my favorite night clubs to visit! Visit Tia and Raven behind the bar! The music isn't for the mainstream but in my world it rocks!

What can I say? I love this place. It's truly a place that anyone and everyone can go to and not worry about being harassed or judged. The music is great and the drinks are stiff. If you have an open mind you will love this bar. If you have a closed mind stay in a country club! read more

Visiting for the first time from Chicago, and had a blast. The decor is amazing. There was a lot of energy and a lot of interesting people and overall had a blast. The only drawbacks were having to wait in line for no real reason. I was informed that this was atypical. The music could have been a little stompier, but overall i got to dance enough. Drinks seemed a little pricey for that area, but the rest of the clubs and bars in the area were pretty scary. I really liked being able to dance in the pouring rain and smoke inside. Opposite of what I'm used to. read more

I went to The Castle for the first time for their Steampunk Ball about a month or so ago. I am not goth/punk/alternative, ect at all, so I wasn't sure if I would fit in with the crowd. But the people there are so welcoming and fun, everyone accepts everyone which was like a breath of fresh air. I had an absolute blast. There are two levels and multiple areas to dance in and get alcohol. They have a lot of special events there and the price is worth it. People go all out, and the costumes are spectacular. Definitely a one of a kind place! read more

The Castle is, simply put, the best dance club/bar in Tampa, and maybe anywhere. You wear a suit? You're welcome there! Tourist shorts and flip flops? Have a beer. Full on gothic? Yup. Cheerleader, you bet! The music is great, too. And the special events are really fun and interesting. Oh yeah, and the drinks are good and strong. read more

Best place to get ABSINTHE in Tampa. Some priced at $24 per glass..

I had quite a experience here. It's a really interesting place to see lots of interesting things. That is all I have to say. I have to agree with another reviewer that it's a love or hate relationship with The Castle. read more

The Castle is by far the best club to go to in Ybor. Thursday night is always poppin...The crowd is mixed, anyone can go wearing anything and its totally cool. Drinks are a great deal, the house vodka is smirnoff which is pretty good and many drink are just $3...The music is amazing and there are at least 4-5 large video screens where they play the music video to every song they play. The music is a great mix of top40, hiphop, lots of dance/club music, techno, 80's, alternative...pretty much everything. Overall definitely my favorite place to go in Tampa. Other nights it is more of a goth club and they play alot of hardcore music. read more

Good place for the under dog ...caters to a more underground crowd most nights but some nights it's whatever ...no judgement good place to chill good pricing and decent music ...seems to be a chill place I enjoy going Thursdays it's more of my kind of music read more

the castle has been a ybor staple for many many years . this spot has always got the best party people and terrific staff . great music great flow in every-room. each room even has diff drink specials. also if your lucky enuff to get to go to a special event it is well worth your time and money they do it right. dj noi and dj bobby always keep me on the floor read more

The Castle is a MUST when visiting Ybor. I was able to experience both a THURSDAY and FRIDAY night, which both are entirely different. For Thursday I was a little scared at first to go but then thought to myself that the worst that could happen is that I didn't like it and would just leave. Instead when I went I LOVED it. I am in my mid 20's so I'm very indifferent on the pace when I go out. I love dancing but also enjoy sitting down and relaxing to the music. The energy, the music, the people, and even the prices all add up to being one of the best places to go in Ybor. The environment is extremely friendly. There is a dance floor, two bars, seating areas, and a dance pole all separated for different kinds of personalities. If you are scared to dance, don't be, because no one is there to judge you and likely someone will even join you to dance. Everyone is overall the best accepting and welcome anyone. Or even if you want to sit at the bar that is great as well. I'm used to more top hit style or for lack of better terms "popular" night clubs but honestly I think the overall atmosphere of The Castle beat them out. So again, reasonable covers and drinks, great music, and great people make this a #1 spot to go to. Will definitely be headed back again when I pass through town in the future. I also attended on a FRIDAY, which is a whole different animal. It is still a great place but more oriented towards a certain crowd. Prices and alcohol is equally as good and they do open then second story. In terms of music, be prepared to here less "trendy" music and more "House" style music and dancing that cater to that style. Dancing will be less personal but still super fun. If you know what you are getting yourself into it's a great place on a FRIDAY If you don't know it's still a good place, just don't expect something different. For my own personal preference, 5 stars on a Thursday for my style environment but a 4-4.5 in a Friday as it's just not my normal style. If it was though I'd probably rate it a 5. Regardless. Love it and will come back again. read more

a long time fave spot of mine,been comin here since I was 17 !every time i come back home to FL i make a special trip to the castle.

My favorite club in the whole country. Every time I am in the Orlando/Tampa area I always put a Friday or Saturday night aside to hang at the Castle. The atmosphere is great! The people are friendly! The drinks are cheep! They have absinthe. Yum. The new renovations are coming along quite nice! The music is great! DJ Sean is awesome, check him out in the main room or the outside patio when he's spinning. Can't wait to go back! read more

The venue was multi-level with different DJs. Drink prices were decent. At the end of the night the DJ was a wreck. ...he needs to work on smooth transitions between songs. read more

It really is for the goth scene but it is also extremely gay-friendly & I felt very welcome there. Not threatened at all. Check out the patio dance floor outside. That may be more your speed if you like more mainstream music. read more

If you like Halloween, you'll love this place. Get your boots and your fishnets, and dance the night away and just dance (to industrial, darkwave, synthpop, etc). Friday & Saturday are probably the best nights, great place to come as you are. The crowd is friendly and mixed. read more

This is probably the most interesting and entertaining club I have EVER been to! I loved it that everyone seemed pretty friendly and accepting even though I was not dressed in a black leather corset and fish net stockings. Everyone and everything seemed to be accepted and common place here. I loved watching all of the vampires, plushies, transgenders, geishas, and the leathery men in womans panties. The the differences in their styles all blend together seemlessly in the amazing colorful lights and blaring techno. I went for my Birthday and enjoyed myself immensely with my girl Christina and our guys. I would recommend this club to anyone who has an open mind and is up for a "different" experience. read more

It's an alternative bar. The staff is really nice and a lot of fun. Great drink prices can be a good time. But some of the patrons can be a little off putting. Beware of the senator. read more

Delicious donuts. Fun place for a first date

The absolute strangest place ive ever been but I loved it. Had a blast and was well entertained.

So much has changed over the years... be sure to check which nights are what since the weekend formats hold true but the other nights are quite different. read more

While this isn't the usual type of place I frequent I'm glad we stepped out of our comfort zone to check it out. The moment you walk in you can tell this place is different. Whether its the unique or every person dressed in black goth, you can just tell your in for fun. Downstairs there is a nice size bar with a lounge vibe to it, continue through there and you end up on a small patio which had some hardcore playing while we were there. After this we headed upstairs to the main room. The design and lighting up there are awesome. Part goth part steampunk, plenty of places to chill and a huge bar with mostly industrial music playing . Drinks were reasonable at $6 for cocktails and $4 for domestic beers. Also there was a $6 cover at the door. All in all a good time was had and anytime I have a friend visiting ill be sure to at the least swing by here to show them the place. read more

A great place to dance. Multiple bars and multiple dance floors. Will definitely be going back soon.

Hi am trying to find a good club with good mix music any one that went to The Castle can you please let me know what kind of music they play. PLZ want to go out tonight thank you. read more

OMG! The only real goth club in Tampa. It's been around forever. Actually one of the funnest places to dance in Ybor! Come watch the weirdos and get your grove on! I LOVE the Castle! read more

Just TOO good! (4.5 stars!) Every night has a different theme. (Thursday is Indie night.) Went on a Friday. The industrial music & the vibe here were fascinating! Great bartenders. Two different floors. Many bars, lots of wild peeps, & a refreshingly fun experience. Just the music alone makes this club a must see! Dancing here is so much fun & the people watching is incredible-- everyone just doing his/her own thing. Age is irrelevant at this club; everyone's here to unwind. The creators/owners of The Castle had incredible vision. I can't wait to return! read more

I think it's hilarious that the BEST and only goth club in US worth noting is in Florida. I was expecting something lame and was I ever wrong. Walking up the paver lined ground up to a huge castle was amazing! When walking in there are little rooms everywhere and it's beautifully decorated. I really felt like I was in a castle. Goth clubs here in CA are a little clicky and filled with raver kids. They are one night a week same people and not many of them. Not here I went several nights in a row and it was always quite busy! The different rooms all had different things going on but all the music was industrial and/or dark wave. The locals were all super friendly and like most goth clubs everyone is very accepting of whatever anyone else is into. Unless of course your in there passing judgement then you can expect to get yourself a talk from Satan himself...kidding but seriously don't! I can't stand the blond bimbos who went and got some vinyl from the nearest porn store and snicker in the corner at all the actual gothy kids and giving nasty looks. Anyway, that's for another day. Go to the Castle it's amazing! read more

I've been here several times and I've always loved my experience. I went last night and not only are the dancers amazing, talented and friendly, they have lovely individuals who come in with professional-grade toys to whip and flog people with on the X in the corner. Such an amazing place to go and be yourself. read more

Ever wanted to enter a world of magic and mystery? Boom! Right here! A two story building of awesomeness! The people prefer the darker things in life so expect fishnets and chunky boots but the drinks are generous and music is awesome. There's a courtyard downstairs for outside dancing, a lower bar that had a real running fountain/river built into it, and a "dungeon" with metal chain spiderwebs and cages! And that's just the first floor. Second floor has a "tower room" bar that has an open ceiling and one hell of a bartender. Then there's the main dance floor. Three dancers get up on podiums to dance every hour. They are always immaculately dressed in amazing outfits. In between the podiums is a fog filled dance floor. Outside of the podiums is another giant bar and plenty of seating. Even if the music isn't exactly to your taste it's great for people watching. The fashion here is different than anything you'll see on 7th. If you're looking for something with a bit more character, this is it. Just be forewarned: their drinks pack a punch. You get your money's worth but if you're not careful you'll fall down... Or up... The stairs. Eat a heavy meal before hand. And this doesn't even touch the events they hold. That in and of itself deserves its own review. Don't go on Halloween or gasparilla if you want a real taste of the castle. Go on an event night like Taboo. Pay the $20. Dress up for it (everyone else will be pulling out the stops, you might as well too!) It'll be worth it, I promise. By and far my favorite club. read more

Me and my boyfriend went to the Castle Friday night. This place disappointed me big time. I brought my boyfriend as I know this club allows you to be free spirited and we love the music/people watching. We were very taken aback by the behavior of the bouncers that night. They kept eyeing my boyfriend and stating he was more intoxicated than he was and basically escorted us out for no reason at all. We did nothing and were just enjoying ourselves. It just seemed they were out to get him the moment we arrived to finally pushing us out the door and I dont support it nor will I ever go back. I found it funny how the senator gets away with wearing lingerie and flaunting his stuff yet my boyfriend and I just having a good time dancing isn't tolerated. Pretty messed up and super lame. I'm only writing this review because I can and don't appreciate how we were treated for just having a good time. read more

Great Place to get drunk with friends I have been here 2 times in the past 2 weeks and its amazing me and my friend get sh!t faced and watch all the people and the goth girls are super sexi read more

I love this place. Great drink specials, great music, amazing decor, and wonderful people to socialize with. It's by far my favorite place now. Especially on 80's night. read more

Hands down one of the best places to just let yourself go and have a good time. You pretty much can dress up however you desire which for many people. I recommend that you dress the "theme" of the night which is generally a combination of Goth, Alternative, and Steampunk (if you don't have these types of clothing, you can checkout http://www.ravensandrockers.com to get started). Overall, I love this place for the music, people, eye candy of people dressing up, fetish events, and many more. read more

I love this place! The music is great and the people watching is out of this world! I go almost every friday because its free entry until midnight and so much fun! Recommeneded! read more

that is the best night club to go to wish I can go back but my friends got me kick out.. I don't chill with no more