Tampa Dining: Gen X Tavern Space Becomes Nagi by Soho Sushi

Nagi by Soho Sushi opened its doors on Monday, Nov. 2, at 103 E. Jackson St. in downtown Tampa. The new venue replaces Gen X Tavern, which closed in July after seven years of operation. The former retro-themed bar has been converted into an 180-seat Japanese dining room and whiskey lounge.

Burton Holdings acquired the South Tampa restaurant Soho Sushi in 2022. Managing partner Dave Burton also operated Gen X Tavern through the same holding company. The ownership group decided to retire the 1980s and 1990s nostalgia theme that defined the bar since 2019. They chose to replace the concept with a more upscale dining experience.

Soho Sushi originally opened in 2005 on South Howard Avenue with 10 tables and a seven-seat sushi bar. The brand moved to Kennedy Boulevard in 2008 before expanding to the downtown location. The new space features chefs preparing nigiri and rolls directly at customer tables. A dedicated Japanese whiskey lounge serves sake, specialty cocktails, and premium spirits.

The menu includes Japanese small plates, wagyu dishes, and pork belly fried rice. Tableside sushi service is available by reservation for an additional fee. The restaurant operates until 1 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday. Closing hours are earlier on other days of the week. The venue serves customers looking for full dinners or late-night drinks.

The location hosted a friends-and-family event prior to the public opening. Reservation-only previews ran from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1. These sessions allowed guests to tour the new dining room, bar, and cocktail lounge before the official launch.