Tampa’s 1983 is a new neighborhood social hub designed to bring the community together through food, games and entertainment.
TAMPA, Fla. — Spring break is here, and for families staying close to home, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the week without leaving Tampa Bay. One new South Tampa destination is hoping to become a go-to spot for parents and kids alike.
1983 is a new neighborhood social hub designed to bring the community together through food, games and entertainment.
Located in the former home of the longtime Tampa favorite Datz, the restaurant blends a casual dining experience with arcade games, outdoor space and family-friendly events.
Step inside and you quickly realize it’s more than just a restaurant. It’s part dining destination, part neighborhood gathering spot and part playground for kids and adults alike.
Karen Johnson, senior managing partner at 1983, says that mix is intentional.
“1983 is definitely one of its kind,” Johnson said. “It’s a mix of a little bit of everything families are really looking for. It’s a place where dads can watch sports and grab a beer, moms can get together with friends, and most importantly, somewhere they can bring their kids and have fun too.”
Inside, guests will find a large dining room lined with televisions for watching sports and big events. Just outside, a patio and lawn area connect directly to an arcade where kids can play while parents relax nearby.
“One of my favorite spots is the arcade where kids’ birthday dreams can come true,” Johnson said. “Families love sitting on the patio because it’s close to the arcade, and everything is enclosed so it provides a safe space for kids to run around.”
The restaurant also hosts events throughout the month, including kids’ gaming tournaments on Saturdays and adult gaming competitions on Mondays. During spring break, the venue is also hosting special family activities, including a Kids Double Play Happy Hour with bounce houses, face painting and arcade deals.
And the events don’t stop when spring break ends.
“We’re doing kids gaming tournaments on Saturdays and adult gaming tournaments on Mondays with games like Mario Kart, Street Fighter, Dance Dance Revolution and NBA 2K,” Events Manager Connor Marks said.
Beyond the games, the restaurant offers a menu of scratch-made comfort food along with weekend brunch starting at 9:30 a.m.
Even the name 1983 has meaning. The concept is a nod to Tampa’s growth over the past four decades and also references the birth year of twin brothers and owners Chas and Kyle Bruck, Tampa natives whose roots run deep in the community.
The concept comes from Three Oaks Hospitality, the group behind several popular Tampa venues, and aims to create a welcoming neighborhood gathering space for families, friends and visitors alike.
“Three Oaks touches on everything from nightlife to fine dining,” Johnson said. “And now we have a family establishment.”
For families spending spring break in Tampa Bay, that mix of food, games and space to gather may be exactly what they’re looking for.