This is the absolute best goth/industrial club in the country, even compared to the clubs in places like Los Angeles (and I've been all over the place). Unique in its ambiance, The Castle is housed in an old Cigar Worker's Union hall that literally was built to look like a castle (complete with stained-glass windows), and the club, which and which has been around since the 90s is one of the few places in the US that still has the original vibe and decor. I grew up in Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area and experienced the SF scene in the 90s, and The Castle reminds me of the clubs from way back in the day - there was a particular "magic" that anyone who was there remember (where you entered a world separate and different from the outside world), and though things have changed considerably, I do feel like The Castle has a bit of that quality of being a "sanctuary." Whether it's on the main dance floor or outdoor patio, covered in tropical plants, I always have a good time. (Sadly, the huge multi-stemmed tropical tree that was in the patio fell over in the hurricane, but the staff seem to have done their best to maintain the same atmosphere). The music is one of the high points. Whether it's death rock or post punk or other random things/music videos outside or the typical industro-rave on the main dancefloor, I hear things that I almost never hear anywhere else. DJ Tom Gold in particular does a great job of spinning some of the most cutting edge industrial/aggrotech/harsh EBM from the last 3 years (from around the world). I was also impressed by the security and the whole way the place was run. The very first time I went, some drunk mainstream guy started haggling me, and security jumped in and dragged him off without me even having to say a word. They do a good job at creating a safe space where everyone can have good time (whether you're a goth or rivethead or just enjoy the music). As a plus, this is one of the only clubs in the county that is just a goth/industrial club, where they actually own the building, and it's open on every Friday and Saturday night. There aren't enough good things I can say about The Castle. If only they could stay open all night (but local laws require them to close at 3 AM). I would probably keep dancing! read more

My favorite place to dance. This place really is like no other. The building is beautiful, the drinks are generous, the vibes are welcoming, the gogo dancers are so pretty in their outfits, and the music is always great. Been visiting here since 2012 read more

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Usually I love going here but tonight a staff member threw a hard object at me to get my attention to move from the stairwell. I couldn't hear her cuz it's a loud club nor did I feel I was in the way since I wasn't directly on the steps so I'd didn't think much of it. But for her to throw whatever she threw at me over the balcony from the bathroom was WAY OUT OF LINE! I could've gotten hit in the eye since it came just that close to my face nd that would've been a MAJOR lawsuit agents that club dude to that staff member not simple walking up to me to tell me to move or send security to tell me. Great place but some employees need to be put in check. read more

This place is a Tampa institution for alternative subcultures. If you live in Tampa and have not been here to get your dose of subculture education, then shame on you. I have been involved in the Goth scene for over 17 years (yes I am getting old), and it is not just a phase for most people. I have been coming here on and off for over 13 years now. The Castle is one of the most highly regarded clubs in America as far as the Gothic Rock and Industrial scene go. You can come here to hear the latest music from both genres as well as see some of the most beautiful people outside of New York City or Los Angeles. The main reason to come here is to listen/learn about music and dance. If people are looking to hook-up, dance in pairs, find drugs, or have bad behavior; then this is definitely not the place for you. Many people will find that just because someone dresses differently that they do not act that different. Sometimes it's the people that look normal that are the real freaks. There is an 80's night, a dance remix music night, an indie rock/electroclash night, a night for "Coffin Classics" (old school goth music), and an industrial night - something for almost anyone. The 80's night is also well known because they show the artists' videos on big screens as the music is playing on the dance floor, and some of the stuff they play is quite obscure. I mainly attend the Saturday night because the DJs spin industrial music upstairs, and I get drinks in the smaller upstairs room. There are really good mixed drinks for $3.00. I have not purchased drinks at the downstairs bar yet, but on Saturdays they spin 1990's Industrial and Darkwave on the back patio. It is a great place to get away from the smoke and reminisce about the 90's. The cover is usually under $10.00, unless it is a special event. Check their website for details on event nights. The drinks can be expensive in the main dance room and there is a lack of good service, but the smaller second upstairs bar has some great mixed drink specials. Some of the patrons might act stuck up at first, but they will warm up to you eventually, especially if you attend often. There is also a slew of stupid people that have glowsticks and bump into you, but you will find that anywhere at a non-dress code type club. There are also many "normal" or "plain dressed" jeans and T-shirt type people that just go there to look at everyone and laugh, but they find out eventually that it is pretty cool and that vampires really don't exist. There are also some older fetish type people wearing stuff that is not so flattering, but I give them props for their confidence. People watching is not a crime at The Castle and there is no dress code, so come as you are and learn something new about music, culture, dancing, and fashion. read more

ahhhh - The Castle. Gothic/Electro/Industrial/House heaven. I hadn't thought to review this place for some reason, but then I saw Kelleigh M.'s ROTD for this long-running establishment today, and thought to myself, "Why not?" I started shakin' my groove thing here somewhere back in 1993, and never once have I had a bad experience. The atmosphere is always good, the beers are big as hell and the DJs are always playing good jams, especially on old school Mondays! So about a year ago I started going back to The Castle after what was probably a 10 year hiatus, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the place hadn't changed a bit. I hit up the Ramstein concert last April with my chica, and we hit The Castle afterwards. We ran into The man AKA The Senator AKA The Mayor and had a blast. Should I post the picture of my girl slapping his ass to prove it? LOL - probably not. But we've been going pretty regularly since. Out-of-towners, heed my word; you want this notch on your travel belt! read more

The Castle - Dance Clubs Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I dragged my friend Elena out to play so I could get my first experience of Tampa nightlife. When it comes to going out, I like to stick to goth clubs, gay bars, and places that have a wide variety of music and a "come as you are" feel. None of the pretentious BS and I don't have to hear that one song about the Apple bottom jeans and the boots with the fur. So Castle it was. We noticed almost no one was dancing (one dude was stompin around alone and there was a kid with glowsticks). I'm paranoid about looking like a jackass so I wait until things get a little busier. I like to people watch so all is good. 95% of the clientele that night fit into the two categories: "I'm 16 but I have a fake ID and shop exclusively at hot topic. I'm so rebellious and gawthic! Look at my Tripp pants, fishnet shirt, and trench-coat with buckles!" and older people hanging at the bar drinking alone, not talking to other people. The remaining 5% accounts for people who wandered in mistakenly and didn't fit in. I like the "goth" music scene - industrial, synth pop, whatever. Some of it is kind of -eh- but that's how all genres go. I've gone to goth/alt clubs in south Florida and loved everything the DJs played. Whoever was DJing the night I went sucked for 80% of the music choices and lineup (really fast tempo to slooow to slooow to mid tempo). I can understand music that is more in tune with interpretive dance (i.e. super slow chillout-esque) being played in a lounge type place, but there's a huge dancefloor! Play stuff that you can at least dance to (or stomp to or the leaf waving in the wind thing that super skinny goth girls do- you know, the generic goth girl dancing crap). After an agreement with my friend of "if he doesn't play something good in the next 5 songs, we're leaving," we left. The people were dull and weren't into dancing or socializing (something that was ALWAYS big at the goth places I have been to). I'm used to friendly goths that at least make eye contact and don't live in their little clique. I saw more people txting on their cells by themselves or running around trying to "look cool" than anything. Where are the corsetted geishas, non-mainstream goths, and attractive (and fashionable!) gogo/burlesque girls that I miss so much? Not at castle. And then it hit me. I've never been to a goth club where people under 21 were a main portion of the clientele, let alone even allowed in (soFL is notorious for most places being 21+ just based on local laws). It felt like I was babysitting or something, so many kids running around. And I'm only 22! I wish the morgue in Miami still existed, but I'll survive with an occasional trip to Respectable's in West Palm. Not sure I'll ever stop by castle again, to be honest. Now get off my lawn, your pleather platform boots are messing up the grass. read more

Wish there was a club like this in Miami. The music was. Ranged from goth, industrial, & depeche mode retro. The building spot is huge. Has several rooms. The main room is so cool goth. The decore looks like church/castle. Loved it. read more

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Denied my ID despite it being real. They literally don't know what they're doing at the front

I was there for my birthday/Halloween weekend for my 21st!! It was an absolutely amazing experience my mother decided to take me because she was there in the 90's. I am definitely coming back!! read more

One of the last original 'goth' clubs left on earth. Simply iconic. Probably one of the most underrated places ever. Normies stay away.

Such a unique experience. Really cool however it's extremely busy and almost impossible to get a drink

I have been here several times (just recently for the vampire ball) and this is a great place to drink and meet new people. Although the majority of people are dressed in dark clothes and makeup, I typically do not and people here are welcoming. The bar staff are very attentive and this place has the most diverse group of people I have ever met. It is especially friendly to the LBGT community. I recently went to the vampire ball here which had the highest turn out I have ever seen here. There was a line going around the block, but we got in pretty fast regardless. It was like Halloween in February which was fun! They enforced the costume dress code which made it more ligit. Some of these costumes were mind blowing and definitely worth a second look. The music is more on the industrial side and they play music videos as well. The gogo dancers are beautiful and always have the best costumes. Definitely worth checking out if you are in Ybor City. read more

The Castle - Dance Clubs Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I've recently moved to this area and really loved this place. Three different rooms with different music in each room. An outdoor room that was really cool. Great atmosphere, and for the most part a great place to just dance and enjoy the music without being bothered. For the most part I say, because at one point in the night I was trying to enjoy dancing in the outdoor section in my own little spot I procured on the dance floor, when this clearly intoxicated woman kept "aggressively" dancing towards me; she would dance in one spot away from me, but then kind of dance in a line right up to me, purposely bumping into me, stay in that spot for a bit right on top of me, then line dance her way about 10 feet back to her original spot, stay there for a minute or two and then come back dancing down her 10 foot line back into me. I mean, who does that? In a busy club with a full dance floor? Clearly someone who was over served. But other than that, the place was great and the night was enjoyable. I will go back, and hopefully line dancing drunk girl will not be there next time lol. read more

The Castle is great! I spent many many many nights here. Here's what's awesome: -The drink specials are hard to beat, the bartenders will remember you. -The music: currently not as awesome at it was years ago, but still it depends on what you're into. Thursdays and Mondays are my favorite since I'm not too into the industrial/gothic dance music -Wear whatever you want. A thong? Go for it. -Space: This place is huge. Downstairs bar, a patio, upstairs dance floor and bar, upstairs "red room" with another bar. -Smoking: You can smoke here. -Video screens. Videos for the most eclectic songs are shown on huge video screens upstairs on the dance floors. -Request songs! I can see how people can easily be freaked out at the Castle at first. You'll see 60 year old men in thongs (The Senator is the MAN!), 40 year old men dressed as Peter Pan (That's Randy and he is a sweet heart), people dressed in mostly gothic attire and a lot of make-up, etc. It can also get kinda hot on a crowded night. Hang out front for a bit and have some drinks and you won't notice anymore. I really miss this place. In Boston, nothing compares. There aren't any big clubs like this. In fact, everything is pretty much just low-key pubs. read more

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Went here with a couple friends for Halloween. We came at 2:30 am and they charged us the full $20 cover. The bartender did last call as we went upstairs. Zero stars would be better. read more

Honestly 10/10 experience. Yeah I saw a whipping didn't love it. Did it ruin the night? No.

The castle is a lot of fun. I went for the first time for their Halloween event and it gave me unrealistic expectations for my future visits. The place was packed and lively. My future visits have still been fun but the club has been pretty dead and the crowds much older. It is a fun place to go, especially during their events. Maybe check their facebook page before going to an event and see how much of a response they are getting for that specific event before heading out. Would recommend read more

Cool place but the service at the bars suck. Rude staff upstairs. Cool space though, the outdoor area was really nice

I was just crying my eyes out with laughter reading the 1 star reviews. Like anyone cares!!! This is the best club in Tampa and it has been for 30 years. If you don't get that, you don't deserve to be there. read more

This place is great, and such an experience. I always make sure to stop by when I'm in town. It's a goth night club, but I think everyone should go here at least once. First floor has a bar and an outside patio. 2nd floor has another bar/lounge and the main dance floor. There are projectors usually showing clips of scary movies, music, gothic go go dancers, and a bondage area where someone will tie you up and whip you if desired. Cover is usually cheap. Check it out! read more

I felt so at home here. Inviting in that aloof way that only Goth/Punk culture can be, I only wished I'd worn an even more drastic outfit! The clientele are the most beautiful people of the night... my dark sisters and brothers... I wish I lived closer, but alas, I live in Maine and will have to content myself to visiting the Castle only when my schedule and bank account permit me to afford another Florida vacation. I loved the many rooms, each with a different beat/style/atmosphere. The huge creepy tree growing in the corner of one of the rooms was awe-inspiring. I had a great time and will definitely be back! read more

I was standing in line to get in the man made it very clear he was the manager and had asked me to move and shoved me and i told him not to touch me and he kicked me out very disgusted with the way that the interaction was handled will never be going back 10/10 do not recommend ! read more

My favorite place to be! Best goth and punk scene in Florida, you can be yourself and no one judges! From 80s techno to new Metal Industrial the club has an amazing dancing atmosphere. Two stories of dancing and one outside dancing it is truly an amazing place to be. read more

I don't know what's happened in the 2 years since I've been gone, but the last event we went to was horrible, and it wasn't the patrons surprisingly. Most of the staff have all developed a negative pissy attitude, think they can treat anyone like crap, bouncers throwing people out for no reason, the drinks have gone to shit (price and quality), and over-all rude/unprofessional behavior everywhere. Will not go back until something changes. read more

God help me. Wait, I mean Satan help me, Wait! No. I mean....Trent Reznor help me. This place continues to be amazing. And by amazing I mean disturbing. And by disturbing I mean FANTASTIC. How is it humanly possible for people like this to continue to exist? HOW? When I was 18 (many many eons ago), I would frequent The Castle. Way back in 2003, the idea of being Goth in Florida wasn't really so cliche. Well, it still isn't cliche apparently. The jaded Californian in me wants to laugh and point fingers at people here, but they're having a good time. Like the guy sporting the waist-length leather coat stomp-dancing around the patio to Nine Inch Nails. That's.....cool. Or the bevvy of fake-titted Goth girls sequestered in a dark and shadowy corner...wearing extravagant corsets and straightening the yarn in their dreds whilst smoking cloves and glaring at all who dare trespass. This place is great. The bartenders, however....No. Just no. When I walk into a bar, I truly expect the bartenders to realize that I am not someone who WANTS booze, I am someone who NEEDS booze. I dislike waiting a long time for my alcohol. I'm here to drink. Give me what I need or get a shitty tip, guy in the shiny shirt with flames emblazoned on the front. I realize that I cannot compare to your badassery, but please. Help me out, here. $6 dollars is about the running rate to get in the doors here if you're 21+, and it's ohhhhhh so worth it. Look for The Senator, a Castle staple. He's easy to spot. Just look for a 60-year-old man with white hair pussyfooting around in see-through negligee and a too tight thong. He's twinkle toes around you and coyly wink at you. If he thinks you're cute he'll sit in your lap and call you "sweetie." Things might change in the outside world: gas gets cheaper, gas gets more expensive, we elect a new president, fashions evolve, popular music changes...But The Castle remains the same. read more

This is a review from a girl who doesn't get to Ybor too often and hasn't been to the castle in over 10 years....it was my bachelorette party and definitely the club I wanted to end the evening with. It was exactly how I remembered it. It truly feels like a castle and is dark, multi-leveled and kind of dank inside. We sat on a floor that that had a "whipping chamber" for lack of a better term. Couples would come up to the chamber and lean against a big X while their partner would excite them with a leather like whip....interesting. Any outfit/costume goes. We saw plenty of people in top hats, a girl in a bumblebee outfit, Boba Fett costume and plenty of people in all black. Me in my bachelorette outfit stood out, but everyone was welcoming and nice. If you've never experienced The Castle, of recommend you do. It's definitely one of a kind here in Tampa. And oh, I did not see the Senator last night. Bummer! read more

Came back to edit my 4am review...Came here last night (saturday 10/16). Really welcoming place. You know how a lot of subculture peeps are all mean if you don't fit into their perfect nonconformity box? Cuz you know someone was mean to them once and now they have to pass it on? This place wasn't like that. My friend and I were wearng bright little sundresses, Anthony was in True Religion jeans and Nikes and Jorge in a Button down, and slacks. We looked like we got lost on the way to our 10 year Sorority Reunion....and had really let ourselves go. The club is awesome. Its HUGE. and has a great little patio area with crazy dancing lights...and (COUGH filthy!!) soft couches. Music..didn't hear any...you know I was too busy talking to my friend (her b-day!!!) and meeting people (including but not limited to a man in womans panties and a cowboy hat). Thats what I really liked about this place, is people were so nice. Even though I am dressed like nobody in there, my age starts with a 3, and my weight with a 2....everyone was super nice. I think it would be a good club to meet people more actively. Genres of lifestyle represented....gay/straight/bi/trans/bdsm/plushie/goth/vampire/dom/sub/slave/faerie....and of course me and my bestie, and that leathery man in panties dancing away up on the banquette. Unless you are really skeeved by "alternative" lifestyles, this is a cool place to check out. I am aging out of the club scene for the most part, but I really liked this place, and I will definitely be back. read more

You either love The Castle or hate The Castle. So why such a moderate review? Because I appreciate the reasons why some people love it. The Castle is not for me, but I would recommend it to friends that are looking for a particular kind of nightlife experience. The music is different. The only things recognizable for me were a few 80s songs and "Pump It" from the Black-Eyed Peas. For the most part, I spent the night people watching and playfully dancing with some friends that rave about this place. There was a big goth crowd, but The Castle did have some variety, and I definitely felt like there was a pretty wide range of people. I even met Peter Pan. No, seriously... this guy: http://www.pixyland.org/peterpan/OutAndAbout.html During my last year in Tampa, my friends and I created a list: You Know You Went to USF if....and on that list, we had to add "If you know who the Senator is". The Senator is an older man that comes to The Castle and dances...in lingerie. This place is a hoot. Even if it's not your scene, it's great to go here at least once. It's definitely a place that makes Tampa unique. read more

This place is a legend in Tampa's backyard. It has closed and re-emerged through the decades as a disco, a gay disco, a gay salsa disco, and finally a catch-all, small-town alternadisco. It's settled quite comfortably there, as you probably will in its wax-stained, threadbare velvet settees. It has its own mascot. It has middle-aged latex fetishists. It has mall goths. It has frat & sorority types on some nights. It has thirty-somethings showing off their new plastic surgeries. It has go-go dancers. You will hear Ladytron and Pet Shop Boys. Your drink will be so strong you can't taste any carbonation, and you will be glad that you went. I'm not sure that you'll ever want to go back, but if you spend any amount of time in Tampa, you almost certainly will. read more

The Tampa legendary landmark club is unique within the known world. Bring your open mind and your positive attitude and enjoy! Most importantly, be the one person you truly should be. Yourself. read more

I've been to the Castle about 20 times over the years and it's all pretty much the same and it's exactly what you think it's gonna be. Goth kids all gussied up and old men in Peter Pan drag. It is what it is as the saying goes. The bartenders could use some hustle and the prices could ease back some but otherwise...not many surprises unless you have been living in the woods your whole life. Last time I was there I believe the cape count settled around 11 or 12. Not sure what that means exactly, just that there were at least 11 guys in capes. So there you go. read more

It's a little bit after midnight on a Monday and my parents have been asleep for a few hours. I'm bored as hell and I should really just go to sleep but I'm still on west coast time. I walk out to the garage. My pops keys are nestled in one of the drink holders in his $90,000 Lexus SUV. His wallet resting on the drivers seat. I take his wallet back inside and open the rediculously loud, automatic garage door. I start the beast, keep the lights off and slowly make my way off the property. I'm 19 all over again. Joy ride baby. My destination is a familiar haunt, a vestige of Tampa's once vibrant music scene, The Castle. The Castle really began at the end of Tampa's Goth/Industrial scene. In 1993 I was 23 and had already paid my dues at legendary joints such as The Masquerade, 911 and DNA. For me, The Castle always represented what was and what could possibly be again. Essentially I've been chasing my darkwave dragon since those early days, and like any drug it just never seems to compare with your first time. Still, if you need to go down that road now and again, The Castle is a good place to get your fix. When I come to visit my folks here ever year or two, I try to stop by here on a Friday or Monday night. I'm usually looking to find old familiar songs and see if my knees are still up to a little dancing. Tonight didn't disappoint in those areas. Sisters of Mercy, The Clash, Nitzer Ebb, Skinny Puppy, Thompson Twins, The Cult, Siouxsie and Adam Ant. Sure, I can play these alone on my ipod, but somehow hearing them in a club while knocking back a few $3 Greyhounds makes it so much better. If you like Darkwave and are old like me, Monday is tits. The crowd really hasn't changed much over the years either. I didn't see "The Senator" (50ish guys who likes to dress in skimpy women's underwear) or Chuck Norris (another old guy who resembled the famous actor) but Peter Pan was there, now sporting a pair of white heels. While peppered with a very tiny amount of "goth" kids, The Castle still seems like a place for the rejected - those people who just don't feel comfortable at any other club. Unfortunately many people take this "Come as you are" stance a little too seriously, bringing their Texas-sized beer belly and size 44 Khaki shorts to the party. While The Castle is not and will never be as "cool" as iconic clubs such as LA's "Helter Skelter", Toronto's "Sanctuary VSC" (now a fucking Starbucks), or NYC's "Limelight" (now a luxury mall!), it's still here and remians a beacon of darkness in what is essentially god's asshole - Tampa. read more

The Castle has been, and continues to be, the one place that never really disappoints when I go out. Granted, that's mostly on Thursday or Monday nights, and not on their bread-and-butter goth nights, but still. If you've never been, the best way to describe it would be a two-story palace of sensory overload, complete with high-tech lighting, gothic decor, lightening-fast bartenders, huge sound systems, and plush couches, if your feet get tired.. To de-romanticize it for a moment: picture everything SOAKED in cigarette smoke, and then get the hell over it. I hate to say it, but you will not get noticed for what you're wearing unless you're just wearing fishnet and your hair is on fire (and maybe not then). The upside to this: everyone at the Castle is laissez-faire, so you can basically go out with friends and be totally yourself. It can get over-crowded, but I've never had a bad night because of the people there. Let me echo VJ Mike: this is NOT a "gay bar". Sunday nights are a gay-themed party (which is starting to play some real cutting edge stuff) and queer people show up here and there on each night, but if you don't mess with anyone, they're not going to mess with you. Labels really don't have a place at The Castle. In fact, the last time I was out, I found myself meeting an entire gang who usually run a straight-as-they-come country western bar. If you're that uptight that you think the Castle is a gay club, you might as well spend your nights watching "The Cosby Show" on TBS. Monday night is 80s/Progressive, which f**king rocks and has the most fulfilling dancefloor experience compared to busier nights. Thursday is Video/Electro/Pop, with some hip-hop and Lonely Island thrown in. I don't leave a Thursday without totally sweating through my clothes from dancing...it's a completely euphoric experience. Friday and Saturday are goth/fetish staples in Tampa. I don't have a leather harness and platform boots ready, so I tend not to show up for the mostly-industrial-dark-dance nights, although my friends just show up in jeans and t-shirts, so there you go. The place is cash only, which can suck, but they have an ATM (and with the sheer volume of people in and out, it's better that they don't mix your card up with someone else's). Every night tends to have some kind of drink special, but nothing is cheaper than $3. So, if you want a night out at a place where you can mix it up, move around, and possibly catch the inspiration to dance all night, hit the Castle. read more

Beautiful place, looked clean and served strong drinks! Got kind service from everyone! The dance floor was a lot of fun and the music was awesome! An extremely accepting environment and low lighting. Definitely recommend! read more

I feel like Jesse Spano in Saved By The Bell. "I'm so exited! I'm so scared!" That pretty much sums it up. Not really my scene, but it's unlike anywhere I've been, so that alone earns them points. People watching is quite the entertainment. Just watch out for the guy offering people jelly beans- I have a funny feeling that they're "magic beans" if you know what I mean. read more

Love coming here, and going outside of my comfort zone. Depending on the night you choose to go, this place is amazing. Each night they rotate different varieties of music and themes so the crowd constantly changes, and your never really exposed to the same type of people. Also, each floor is different. The first floor is a very gothic looking dark bar that alot of people tend to gather around and chat at, go upstairs and it's basically different rooms from lounges to a dance floor. The music they play here is the most interesting and experimental music I've heard to date from a venue.Which is why The Castle has a special place in my heart for a music head like myself. Every time I've visited I'm constantly exposed to plenty of new music artists every time. I've often found myself staring at the music videos and copying down the artist and song to look up later. I can safely say this is probably why I started listening to most of the indie music I do now. Find a theme night that you are interested in and pay this place a visit-you won't be disappointed! read more

The Castle is hands-down one of my favourite midnight institutions/bars/clubs. Everyone here does their own thing and doesn't give a damn what you think (in the best way possible). Most people are dressed to impress, but they're also there to have fun. I'm usually a Monday or Thursday night kinda guy, preferring more new wave/indie/pop music than some of the harder gothic/industrial music they play on other nights. For those who are somehow still into cobwebs and corsets and fake fangs, there's a plethora of nights for you. Some of my best memories are dancing hard with a hundred strangers surrounding me, puddles of sweat under our feet, and massive cheers in the wee hours of the morning when the lights flick on and they kick everyone out. Some of the staff/bartenders/dancers seem to take themselves too seriously, preventing this place from the five stars it probably deserves, but that's hit or miss because I've met some fabulous people working at the Castle over the years. Time keeps marching on, but inside the Castle there's a strange phantasmagorical atmosphere of old punks and goths, 90s subcultures, hipsters, sexual deviants, local celebrities (The Senator and Peter Pan!) and everything in between, marching to the beat of their own drums. Rock on, Castle. read more

This was a pretty neat club, and they pour great drinks! The back patio has a gothy/S&M vibe with the cage and electric chair- my friends and I were taking some fun photos out there and they will not be published ;-) The downstairs bar is the coolest with the rock bar top that has colored water runing through it. The upstairs bar did have great service on the night we went. The music is good upstairs but the dance space isn't very large-or I was just drunk and bumping into everyone... The bathroom is a nightmare! Very interesting club experience here and when I go back to Tampa I will go here again! read more

Oh. . . . the Castle! What can I say? To be 100% honest, Bill and I frequent this bar a lot because you can fit so much entertainment in a few short hours. There is never a dull moment to be had! I like The Castle because no matter who you are, everyone has their own place here. I will say that I do have one complaint. . .when we first started coming here the drinks were STRONG. I mean literally a vodka/cranberry mixed drink had maybe a half splash of cranberry juice - still clear in color when I would recieve it! Recently, the drinks are nowhere near what they used to be and I am not sure if that is because The Castle has gained popularity due to this fifty shades of grey madness but whatever the reason, Im not a fan of it! Regardless, I will keep coming back to The Castle because it is one of the few bars in Ybor where you can just chill out without trying to impress anyone, you can just be yourself. And they play some pretty awesome techno music :) read more

Hmmm....where do I start? I believe that there is a place on earth for everyone to gravitate to where they can be comfortable with folks that have the same interests as them. The Castle has a very niche clientele. It's one part Goth, one part electro, one part dark and one part S&M. The dark atmosphere is completed with whips and chains. Oh...and then there's the Senator. Just Google it, because I can't bear to fully type out my thoughts on that situation. The drinks are standard and the service is okay. I think the Castle is the type of place that you try out once and then judge for yourself. B. Major Grade: C - read more