About Emporers After Dark
Emporers After Dark is not a separate building but the late-night event series hosted at Emperors Tampa Gentlemen’s Club. Emperors Tampa is a large, modern adult entertainment venue (an all-topless nightclub) with multiple bars, a central stage and VIP lounges. It officially opened in late 2013 (www.bbb.org ) and has become a fixture in Tampa’s nightlife, often described as “the single hottest gentlemen’s club in Hillsborough County” (emperorstampa.com ). The club advertises features like an “enormous double-pole stage,” a lush VIP lounge, intimate backrooms and a full-service bar (www.mapquest.com ). In effect, ‘After Dark’ events simply use the Emperors venue for special late-night DJ and party nights, taking advantage of its high-capacity layout and 12 PM–3 AM hours (emperorstampa.com ) (www.mapquest.com ). Its combination of exotic dancers, nightclub-style lighting and live DJs makes it stand out in Tampa’s entertainment scene. (Emperors also offers private rooms and bottle service for VIP bookings (emperorstampa.com ) (www.mapquest.com ).)
Events and Programming
The club hosts something nearly every night. Nights typically feature exotic dancer performances on the main stage, interspersed with DJ sets and music. Regular programming includes dance routines, special theme nights and adult-entertainment parties. Emperors is also known for hosting EDM and bass-music events long into the early morning; for example, in January 2026 it held a sold‐out show by electronic artist Buku (www.eventbrite.com ). Promoters brand these late-night festivals as “After Dark” parties or “bass nights.” A recent 2025 event page notes upgrades for “All New AFTERMATH” parties – with a new back-VIP lounge, strong air conditioning and extra subwoofers in the sound system (www.ticketfairy.com ). On such nights, professional DJs from around Florida spin hip-hop, house, drum ’n’ bass and dubstep, often with extras like LED poi dancers or special lighting. Beyond music events, the club also caters to private celebrations: bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays and corporate groups are welcome, and the venue offers VIP party packages with bottle service and a private room attached to the main club (emperorstampa.com ) (emperorstampa.com ). Admission prices vary. Cover charges are typically modest ($5–$15 on quiet nights) but can be higher for busy weekends or special concerts, and advance tickets (when sold) can sell out days ahead. (One review noted a $10 cover on a Monday night (tuscl.net ).)
Tickets and Booking
Ordinary club entry is usually sold at the door. For “After Dark” ticketed events (DJ parties or concerts), tickets go on sale through official channels or promoters’ listings. These often appear weeks in advance on event sites, but the venue itself does not list a public box office schedule. In practice, fans watch social media or local EDM event calendars for announcements, then purchase early online to secure a spot. Doors for big shows can open as late as midnight, and tickets may have tiered pricing (general admission vs. VIP table). If an event is popular, tables and tickets will sell out, so buying in advance is advised. Otherwise, plan to pay at the door. The club’s age limit is strictly 18 or older for entry (www.ticketfairy.com ). Patrons will need photo ID (the clubs polices vary, but typically 18+ is enforced on all nights).
Seating and Layout
The space is essentially one large nightclub setup. There is no fixed theater seating – instead guests stand or sit around the bar and tables. As one patron review describes: “as you walk in ... the L-shaped bar is to the left and there’s a main stage” (tuscl.net ). The main stage sits at one end of the club, and an open dance floor extends from it. Surrounding the dance floor are bar stools and scattered table seating. A raised VIP lounge (often called the back VIP area) overlooks the main floor; this area has couches and bottle-service tables and was recently renovated for comfort (www.ticketfairy.com ). Private “champagne rooms” run off the sides for parties needing extra privacy (emperorstampa.com ). In summary, general admission is first-come, first-served on the ground floor. For best views, the front areas by the stage or DJ booth get you closest to dancers and performers. The VIP booths behind the stage or sides elevate above the crowd for a good vantage. Audio-wise, the sound system is powerful (recent ads boast “more SUBS” for heavy bass (www.ticketfairy.com )), so almost any spot on the dance floor will deliver loud music. Avoid standing too close to large speakers if you prefer less volume.
Getting There and Parking
Emperors Tampa is located at 5718 East Adamo Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 (emperorstampa.com ) (just off the Selmon Expressway near the airport and Brandon). This is a major thoroughfare east of downtown Tampa. The venue’s sign is easily seen from the road. Ample parking is available onsite in a surface lot around the club, and visitors frequently report that parking is free and plentiful (tuscl.net ). (An attendant named “John” is often at the lot, and volunteers a few dollars for good service.) There is a designated rideshare/taxi drop-off at the main entrance. For public transit, Tampa Metro buses #8 and #15 have stops at North 50th Street & Adamo Drive, a short walk north of the club (moovitapp.com ). However, note that bus service ends before nightfall – if you stay late, calling an Uber or taxi is more reliable. Once parked or dropped off, you simply head to the front door; beware of heavy traffic on Adamo Drive itself, especially on weekend evenings.
Inside the Venue
Expect a club atmosphere with lively music, neon lights and nightclub seating. Upon entry, staff will check your ID (18+ only) and collect any cover charge. Metal-detector or pat-down searches are common at clubs; avoid bringing prohibited items (weapons, outside alcohol, etc.). Inside, the air-conditioned club is “super clean” with bright accent lighting (www.ticketfairy.com ). The main room has a full-service bar (offering beer, liquor, mixed drinks and soft drinks) (www.mapquest.com ), and a dining area for food service – Emperors actually promotes a “5-Star dining” room as a respite from the Florida heat (emperorstampa.com ). So you can order appetizers or entrees to your table. There is also an ATM for cash withdrawals (the club may accept cards at the bar, but extras like tips or drams are best in cash). Coat check may or may not be offered; in warmer months many guests leave coats with friends or on chairs. Restrooms are located near the back lounge and are for men or women depending on the night. The atmosphere is usually energetic and slightly rowdy on busy nights: dancers perform on stage to dance music, patrons mingle, drinks flow, and the back bar/lounge area offers a slightly quieter space to sit and chat. One standout feature is the “champagne room,” a private glass-walled room where customers can entertain dancers in a more intimate setting (emperorstampa.com ). Overall, Emperors combines strip-club service (dancers and VIP attention) with a nightclub feel (loud music, dancing crowd).
Nearby Amenities
The club is a short drive from a few dining and lodging options. Immediately nearby along Adamo Drive are a handful of casual restaurants and convenience spots (fast food chains, pizza places, local diners). For a wider selection, the famous Ybor City entertainment district is only 3–4 miles west on Adamo/Adamo), offering Cuban cafes, seafood restaurants, steakhouses and sports bars if you want a big pre- or post-show meal. To the east are hotels like the Ramada and Comfort Inn for overnight stays, as well as a Cracker Barrel and a couple of chain restaurants. Plan to arrive well before showtime: traff ic can build up on Adamo Drive at night. After the show, late-night rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are available, but bus service is limited after midnight, so pre-arrange a ride if you stay until closing. In practice, many guests park on site and drive home, or walk to a nearby hotel.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several factors set Emperors (and its “After Dark” events) apart. First, its scale and variety – it calls itself “one of the largest gentlemen’s clubs” in Florida, with a sprawling layout and multiple performance areas (www.mapquest.com ). It also uniquely blends adult entertainment with EDM-style parties: few strip clubs in Tampa host 4am bass music raves, but Emperors does. By bringing in touring DJs (like Buku and other bass artists) to a gentleman’s club setting, it appeals to a younger crowd that might not visit a typical strip club. The club’s long hours (open until 3 AM daily (emperorstampa.com ), and often later on special event nights (www.eventbrite.com )) make it a traditional late-night hangout. Emperors also emphasizes its amenities – for example, its website boasts a “comfortable haven” dining room, private VIP rooms, and a full dining/kitchen service to complement the entertainment (emperorstampa.com ) (www.mapquest.com ). Fans note that the sound and lighting are top-notch (2025 promotions trumpeted upgraded subs and poi-light dancers (www.ticketfairy.com )). Culturally, it has become a bit of an underground rave-and-strip hybrid, drawing regulars from Tampa’s music scene as well as locals wanting exotic dancing. The combination of all-topless shows, lounge seating and nightclub DJ sets under one roof is unusual. In short, both dancers and party-goers love it because it offers high-energy shows, full drink service, and a big fun vibe all night long.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan to arrive early, especially on weekend or special-event nights, to get a good spot and avoid lines. Bring a valid government-issued ID (18+). Casual dress is fine (neat jeans and a shirt) but avoid overly sloppy attire (some clubs don’t allow tank tops or shorts). Power up your phone battery if you plan to use rideshare afterward, but remember: snapping photos or video of dancers is generally frowned upon. Staying sober enough to remember the exit is wise – the music is loud and the night long. The club is well air-conditioned, but Florida humidity outside means it’s best to wear layers you can take off. Tips are customary: tipping dancers or servers is expected if you enjoy the show. Cover charges fluctuate, so have around $20-$40 in cash on hand to cover admission plus some extra. Emperors is smoke-free inside (Florida law banned indoor smoking in clubs), so if you smoke you’ll have to step outside periodically. Women typically pay little or no cover in many Tampa clubs, but check at the door. Finally, always have a safe ride home – the last buses have long gone by closing time, so pre-booking a pickup is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets or cover for Emporers After Dark shows?
Cover charges vary by event. On typical nights it might be around $5–$15 at the door; special concerts or DJ parties can be higher. When it’s a ticketed event (like an EDM show), tickets are sold in advance – they often sell out quickly. For example, a recent event report mentioned a $10 door charge on a weekday (tuscl.net ). Expect to pay more for big nights, and consider buying a ticket early.
Where and how can I buy tickets for Emporers After Dark events?
For nightclub events, there is no public box office; tickets are sold online or at the door. Major events usually list tickets through official promoters on event websites. Check the club’s social media or promotions pages to find authorized sales links. If no online option is available yet, assume walk-up entry is accepted with a cash cover. Always buy from verified sources to avoid scams.
What is the exact address and location of Emporers After Dark?
Emperors After Dark is located at 5718 East Adamo Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 (emperorstampa.com ). This is on the east side of Tampa (near the Brandon line), just off the Selmon Expressway. Look for a large sign for Emperors Tampa; the lot is easy to find on Adamo Drive. The venue is also marked on Google Maps under ‘Emperors Tampa Gentlemen’s Club.’
Is there parking available, and how much does it cost?
Yes. The club has its own parking lot, which is free for customers. Guests report plentiful free parking around the building (tuscl.net ). There’s usually an attendant who directs cars. The lot fills up on busy nights, so arrive early when the club opens. If the onsite lot is full, street parking may be available nearby, but plan accordingly (some nearby streets have time limits).
Are there public transportation options to get to Emperors After Dark?
By late evening, public transport is limited. Tampa Metro bus routes #8 and #15 pass near North 50th St & Adamo Dr, roughly a block from the club (moovitapp.com ). However, buses stop running long before midnight. For late-night visits it's safest to use a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) directly to the address. The venue has a curbside drop-off for ride services at the main entrance.
What days and hours is Emporers After Dark open?
Emperors Tampa (the host venue) is open from 12:00 PM until 3:00 AM every day of the week (emperorstampa.com ). “After Dark” events often start around 10:00 PM or later and run into the early morning. In practice, plan on being able to enter any afternoon, but the special late-night party vibes begin after 10 PM.
How is seating arranged? Are there designated seats?
Seating is casual and unassigned. The club is laid out like a large lounge: a central dance floor fronts the main stage, and seating (bar stools and small tables) surrounds the edges. One reviewer noted on entry “the L shaped bar is to the left” by the stage (tuscl.net ). The back portion of the club is a raised VIP lounge with couches and tables (www.ticketfairy.com ). On general-admission nights, arrive early to claim a good spot; on bottleroom nights, you can reserve booths via the VIP packages.
Does Emporers have VIP or bottle-service sections?
Yes. The club offers VIP booths and private “champagne rooms” for parties. According to the club’s website, they have “the best private and champagne rooms in Tampa Bay” for special events (emperorstampa.com ). These rooms are adjoining the main club so you still view the stage while enjoying your group’s privacy. Bottle service tables are usually located around the dance floor and in the main lounge areas. In short, patrons can pay extra for a reserved VIP area with bottle service.
What is the dress code at Emporers After Dark?
The dress code is typically smart casual. Men should avoid very sloppy clothing (no tank tops, athletic wear or flip-flops) and women often dress to impress (stylish clubwear or nice pants/dresses). Jeans and a collared shirt or nice t-shirt are safe bets. Since the focus is on entertainment, the club generally doesn’t enforce a strict upscale dress code, but it’s best to look put-together. Consult the venue if in doubt (the staff can refuse entry for profoundly inappropriate attire).
Am I allowed to take photos or videos inside?
Most gentlemen's clubs prohibit photography of dancers or patrons for privacy reasons. It’s safest to assume no flash photography or video recording. (Flash is disruptive and will likely be asked to stop.) You can carry your phone, but respect performers’ privacy. When in doubt, simply enjoy the show and take photos outside the club at intermission or after exiting.
What is the policy on smoking at the club?
Florida law bans indoor smoking in public places, so smoking is not allowed inside Emperors After Dark. The venue likely provides an outside smoking area for guests. Nicotine and vape users should expect to step outside periodically during the night. Plan accordingly if you are a smoker and want to smoke between dancing and drinks.
What form of payment does Emperors accept?
The club accepts cash and typically cards at the bar for drinks, but it’s wise to carry cash anyway. Tips for dancers or servers are customarily paid in cash. An ATM inside or nearby may charge a fee, so having cash on hand for cover charges, tips and drinks is recommended to avoid interrupting your evening.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Emperors is a single-story building at street level, so there are no stairs at the main entrance. By law it should have accessible restrooms. However, the interior is crowded on busy nights. Patrons using mobility devices may want to call ahead to confirm any special accommodations. Contacting the club by phone is recommended for specific accessibility questions.
What makes Emporers After Dark different from a regular strip club?
‘After Dark’ evenings focus on nightclub-style music and dancing alongside traditional exotic entertainment. In other words, it’s the same strip club (Emperors Tampa) but with a premier DJ party vibe. You’ll still see topless dance performances, but with added heavy bass music and strobe lights that you’d expect at an EDM event. It’s a hybrid experience: one reviewer noted the club’s “pumping AC” and special visual acts (flo-dancers with LED poi) on a special bass night (www.ticketfairy.com ). So Emporers After Dark feels more like a rave in a strip club than a typical lounge show.
Can I leave and re-enter if I need to go outside?
Re-entry policies vary by club. In most cases at Emperors, if you have a hand stamp or receipt from the door staff, you should be able to go out for a smoke or drink and come back. If you pay a cover once and stay out for only a short break, re-entry is generally allowed. To be safe, ask the doorman or security when you enter. Without a stamp or hand marker, you may need to pay again.
Are there any coat check or locker facilities?
Emperors does not generally advertise a formal coat check. In Tampa’s warm climate, guests often keep belongings on chairs or hand them to friends. If you have many items, try to minimize what you bring. The bar area will hold small purses and jackets on stools. For valuable items, you could ask a staff member if there’s a secure spot, but plan on carrying most items with you.
Is it common to tip the dancers at Emperors?
Yes. Tipping is customary in strip clubs. Dancers work for tips, so it’s polite to tip when they perform. If you enjoy a dance or performance, a tip of a few dollars on stage is appreciated. There’s usually a tip rail in front of the stage or specific areas where dancers perform; just drop bills there. The DJs and bartenders also rely on tips if service is good. Carry small bills for tipping convenience.
Can I bring outside food or drinks?
No. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Emperors After Dark has its own full bar and dining menu (www.mapquest.com ) (emperorstampa.com ). All drinks and food should be purchased on site. Bringing in alcohol or food from outside would violate club policy and could result in being denied entry. If you’re hungry, plan to order from the club’s menu.
