Entry No. 13 — the Tampa file — filed under: haunted
SpookEasy Lounge & The Catacombs
Hidden behind a sliding bookcase door in historic Ybor, this late-night gothic kava speakeasy serves up kava and kratom elixirs on vintage Ouija tables amid Victorian spectral decor.
The story
Find your way to 1909 N 15th Street in Ybor City, look for the bookshelf wall, and tap the secret trigger volume. The shelf swings inward, pulling back the curtain on a late-night gothic sanctuary that traded traditional spirits for cold-brewed root teas and botanical elixirs.
Inside, heavy iron chandeliers cast long shadows over vintage Ouija tables and Victorian spectral decor. Instead of draft beer, the bar serves up kava shells and cold-brewed kratom concoctions like the 'Morticia' and 'Vampire Blood'. On select nights, the space known as The Catacombs opens up for darkwave and goth music video nights, giving Ybor's nocturnal subculture a quiet, alcohol-free hideout.
What it's like
Finding the door requires searching the bookshelf for the right trigger book to release the latch. Once inside, expect a brooding, low-lit lounge where patrons gather around Ouija boards to sip earthy herbal drinks. The vibe is quiet and conspiratorial on weeknights, but shifts into darkwave music video sessions when special nights roll around. Check current hours before heading out, as schedules can fluctuate.
The move: Tap the secret book on the shelf to open the door, order a cold-brewed 'Morticia' or 'Vampire Blood' botanical tea, and sit down at a Ouija board table under iron chandeliers.
- 📍 Ybor City
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1909 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Castle — Just a block away, you can transition from a quiet kava lounge to Tampa's legendary multi-level gothic nightspot.
- Dysfunctional Grace Art Co. — Browse preserved bones and macabre taxidermy down the street before stepping behind the bookcase for a botanical brew.
- The Cuban Club (El Círculo Cubano de Ybor) — Walk past Ybor's most notoriously haunted historic mutual-aid club right around the corner to double down on local ghost lore.
Good to know
Do they serve alcoholic drinks?
No, SpookEasy operates strictly as a botanical speakeasy focusing on kava, kratom, and herbal tea infusions.
How do you actually open the secret entrance?
Locate the bookshelf at 1909 N 15th St and search the titles for the designated secret book to trigger the sliding mechanism.
What are the signature drinks?
Popular herbal teas include cold-brewed botanical blends named 'Morticia' and 'Vampire Blood'.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · tampabay.com
last checked: 2026-07-21