Pool & Sushi at The Rack

Walking into the Rack’s south Tampa location one experiences the sights and sounds indicative of many SoHo watering holes. Large crowds of attractive 20-somethings toast the weekend while exchanging flirtatious glances.

But the Rack differs from other local watering holes in the amount of dining and entertainment options it provides patrons.

Within the Rack’s maze of small rooms are pool tables, a sushi bar, a dining area and a back bar. The back bar sits to the right of the main dining area and is quieter and darker than the other rooms, giving it a more exclusive feel. It’s also decorated in a dark wood color where the other rooms feature a warmer orange color and Asian-themed murals.

“Everyone is welcome here. We don't cater to any particular group of people,” said Seth Ronchetti, majority owner of The Rack. “You're as likely to see a lawyer in a suit as you are an electrician in his work uniform.”

The Rack’s menu offers a similar diversity, featuring typical bar fare sharing space with more indulgent items, such as the Big Dog, a bacon-wrapped corn dog smothered in chili or jalapenos and cheese. But people mostly gravitate to the sushi menu. According to Ronchetti, their best item is the Volcano Roll.

“I like it because it has a nice presentation…(and) it’s packed with all types of good stuff,” said Landon Cortenbach, 28, a long-time Rack patron.

The Volcano Roll is made with cream cheese, crab sticks, cucumber and is topped with avocado and “baked dynamite” – a flavorful mixture of spicy mayonnaise, snow crab, smelt row and eel sauce. 

“The Volcano Roll is popular because it appeals to everyone, including people who don’t normally eat sushi,” said Teddy Assaye, one of the Rack’s sushi chefs. “It’s a cooked piece with a combination of flavors from sweet to spicy. It hits all your taste points.”

Along with providing a place for sushi lovers and casual pool players, the Rack bar menu has plenty of options for cocktail lovers. While not heavily promoted, both the craft beer and martini selections are extensive.

For Rack patrons it comes down to the rooms and the multiple things to do in them.

“I get bored easily, so I need more to do than just sit around in one place,” said Cortenbach. “At the Rack, you can play pool, eat sushi and have a couple of beers for like $20.00.”

If you go -

What: The Rack

Where: 1809 W. Platt St. , Tampa

When: 

Lunch - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon through Sat; 

Noon to 3 p.m. Sun

Dinner - 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Mon through Sun

Call: 813-250-1595

Web: www.hittherack.com

The Rack has a second location at 1025 Brandon Blvd. in Brandon. For more information, contact 813-571-7225.