Beaune's at West Palm Wines

Ybor City : 2009 N 22nd St., Tampa, 33605

Beaune's Wine Bar is a classy yet comfy lounge, perfect for a first date or an intimate night with friends. Beaune's (pronounced "bones," after the city in Burgundy) opened for weekday lunch in 2009, quietly adding one of the most affordable and delightful lunches in Ybor City. Jim Sirna's wine  …

Blue Shark

Ybor City : 1502 E Seventh Ave. , Tampa, 33605

It's one of the few bars on Seventh where you can avoid the hubbub and hassle of the Ybor nightlife crowd; where the beats are most likely from an old Delta king's boot heel kicking the floor. The Blue Shark has become a linchpin in Tampa's music scene for its appeal to old and new school blues  …

Crowbar

Editor's pick

Ybor City : 1812 N 17th St., Tampa, 33605

A top-notch sound system, the best sight lines, comfy patio and mind-boggling variety of bands have established Crowbar as one of the best places to catch a band in Tampa Bay. Ceramic-mosaic columns, red draperies and mirror-backed bar walls contrast against corrugated steel, black polished conc …

D'Cajun Blues Roadhouse

St. Petersburg : 3090 34th St North , St. Petersburg, 33713

Floribbean Restaurant and Lounge

Sarasota : 1400 Main St., Sarasota, 34236

Lunch and dinner specials, brunch on Sunday.

Green Iguana (S West Shore)

Editor's pick

South Tampa : 4029 S West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 33611

The first Green Iguana emerged in a quiet neighborhood off South West Shore Boulevard. It's the smallest, funkiest and for the majority of South Tampa residents, the most beloved. The air-conditioned tiki bar out front is where rock bands and solo acoustic play every night. It's also where one o …

Green Iguana (Ybor)

Editor's pick

Ybor City : 1708 E Seventh Ave., Tampa, 33605

The most visible of the Green Iguana gang thanks to its digs smack-dab on Seventh Avenue, this location has been a destination for locals and tourists since 1994. A fixture of the Ybor nightlife scene, it has five full bars, two large dance floors, stage and second level DJ booth. The music runs …

Gulfport on the Rocks

Gulfport : 5413 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport, 33701

Waterfront but not beachy, it's just across from Williams Pier and Boca Ciega Bay. The thick fog of smoke inside is shorthand for "no food served here." You're ordering shots. Don't argue with us.

Hyde Park Cafe

Editor's pick

South Tampa : 1806 W Platt St. , Tampa, 33606

Named the top bar in the Tampa Bay area in 2009 by free weekly tbt*, Hyde Park Cafe is a see and be seen kind of place. You haven't truly partied in Tampa if you haven't woken up hung over after a Tuesday night at the Cafe. Tuesdays are for the real partiers who aren't afraid to stay out late on …

Jenn's Wine Bar

Carrollwood : 11724 N Dale Mabry Highway , Tampa, 33618

Jenn's Wine Bar is a low-key, perfect spot for an after-work glass of wine or an intimate watering hole on the weekend. A small patio is set up out front with wrought-iron tables, large umbrellas and plenty of foliage. Inside, the walls are lined - top to bottom - with bottles of wine, and racks …

King Corona Cigars Cafe & Bar

Ybor City : 1523 E Seventh Ave., Tampa, 33605

More about the cigar than the bar, this is a great place to buy gifts for out-of-town loved ones. They sell smokes, accessories and merchandise depicting Ybor history. Dark-wood paneling, burgundy flourishes and overstuffed chairs all lend to the relaxed atmosphere. It's like a good ol' boys --  …

Lobby Bar

Downtown St. Petersburg : 217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 33701

This unpretentious bar adjoining the Garden Restaurant is classic St. Pete — no need for a sports theme, blaring jukebox or gimmicky shot specials here. If you're a whiskey drinker, get an Old Fashioned: they do it right here. If you'd rather take the lighter route, there's a homemade, che …

Marchand's Bar & Grill

Editor's pick

Downtown St. Petersburg : 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 33701

The Vinoy has undergone a major makeover that includes retooling of Marchand's, showing off the central Vinoy Bar. A small wine cellar room provides an enviably intimate dining space for four. But perhaps the biggest change is the dining concept: One side used to be Marchand's, with a Mediterran …

Maximo

Sarasota : 1296 First St., Sarasota, 34236

Italian and bold South African cuisine including ostrich, with special theater menu offered in season.Hours: 5 p.m. until late Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.- until late Sat.-Sun.

Ringside Cafe

Fourth Street Garden District : 2742 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, 33704

A converted house on Fourth Street that now ranks as the top blues bar in the 'Burg, Ringside Cafe has a tiny stage that has been rocked by national rockers. They include Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers) and local hero Damon Fowler, among others. On Friday and Saturday nights, the living-room …

Ruby's Elixir Song & Spirits

Downtown St. Petersburg : 15 Third St., St. Petersburg, 33701

Between Central and First Ave. N at the west end of Jannus Live block. Speakeasy bar with live jazz, and an emphasis on old school cocktails with new techniques.Open seven days a week starting at 4 p.m.Read more here.

Take 2 Lounge

Carrollwood : 14416 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33618

If you're tired of your living room and want to watch the football game or play Nintendo Wii in another living room with a full bar and comfy couches, then Take 2 Lounge is the place. Attached to the Tampa Pitcher Show, a restaurant and movie theater in Carrollwood, the lounge radiates a '50s fe …

The Dirty Martini

Editor's pick

Countryside : 25032 U.S. 19 N , Clearwater, 33763

The Dirty Martini definitely lives up to its name. With gimmicks like nearly naked sushi, nude body painting and "skin parties," this upscale club is all about being naughty while serving up an array of fine martinis in a posh South Beach-style atmosphere - and does it all right off U.S. 19, whi …

The Living Room

Editor's pick

Dunedin : 487 Main St, Dunedin, 34698

Sarah Johnson wants people to hang out in the Living Room, and Dunedin residents have responded favorably. The affordable small-plate menu has been embraced for its novelty and vegetarian friendliness. A plate of snappy haricots verts is perfectly paired with almonds and shallots in a classic br …