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Five bars within walking distance of Amalie Arena

Grab a drink at one of these spots before or after a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game.
 
Amalie Arena in Tampa.  [LUIS SANTANA   |   Times]
Amalie Arena in Tampa. [LUIS SANTANA | Times]
Published March 15, 2019

Fermented Reality Biergarten at Sparkman Wharf

Fermented Reality Biergarten sits in the middle of Sparkman Wharf. [TAILYR IRVINE   |   Times]
Fermented Reality Biergarten sits in the middle of Sparkman Wharf. [TAILYR IRVINE | Times]

Sparkman Wharf is a natural choice for pre- or post-Lightning game libations. The new outdoor food hall with outposts from some of Tampa’s top chefs housed in shipping containers is walking distance from the arena. And the Fermented Reality Biergarten anchors the space, a raised island that sits on a sprawling artificially turfed area. Order a beer or two and stretch out on the lawn.

Address: 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa

Phone: (813) 345-5881

Hotel Bar

Bartender Sean O'Connor preps fresh mint at Hotel Bar. [GABRIELLA ANGOTTI-JONES   |   Times]
Bartender Sean O'Connor preps fresh mint at Hotel Bar. [GABRIELLA ANGOTTI-JONES | Times]

A 10- to 15-minute walk from the arena, this sophisticated spot has mood lighting and a serious cocktail list. It’s not a hotel - the name is inspired by the drinks, which are re-creations of historic signature cocktails from hotels around the world. This is primarily a late-night drinking establishment, with classics like a Sidecar or Sazerac. There’s also a solid food menu, served until midnight. Hotel Bar made our list of the best cocktail lists in Tampa Bay. hotelbartampa.com

Address: 200 N Tampa St., Tampa

Phone: (813) 533-2650

Splitsville

Various new menu options at  Tampa's Splitsville Southern + Social. [SCOTT KEELER   |   Times]
Various new menu options at Tampa's Splitsville Southern + Social. [SCOTT KEELER | Times]

The longtime Channelside spot, an upscale bowling alley with a bar and restaurant, borders Sparkman Wharf and its beer garden, but it’s a different experience. Think fun cocktails and games in a hip sports bar atmosphere. They recently revamped the food menu, with a focus on celebrity chef Art Smith’s Southern comfort fare.

Address: 615 Channelside Drive, Suite 120, Tampa

Phone: (813) 514-2695

American Social

American Social in Tampa. [Photo Luis Santana | Times]
American Social in Tampa. [Photo Luis Santana | Times]

This lively waterside restaurant adjacent to Jackson’s on Harbour Island reads like a sports bar from 1995. There are TVs anywhere, a competent food menu and sprawling indoor and outdoor spaces. You can order a drink from four full-service bars, mostly stocked with liquor and a wide selection of beers.

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Address: 601 S Harbour Island Blvd. No. 107, Tampa

Phone: (813) 605-3333

The Sail Pavilion

The Sail Pavilion. [Photo Luis Santana | Times]
The Sail Pavilion. [Photo Luis Santana | Times]

This bar and restaurant located on the Tampa Riverwalk is right on the water, with gorgeous views of Tampa and the bay. It’s family-friendly, with a food menu and thirst-quenchers including standard cocktails and local craft beers. There’s a Brews & Bites food truck rally on the second Friday of each month.

Address: 333 S Franklin St., Tampa

Phone: (813) 274-7778