tbt* ULTIMATE BAR GUIDE
ALL OF YOUR FAVORITES
IN ONE SPOT

This summer, 3,596 votes were cast for a 276 bay area bars in 10 categories. There’s a mix of old favorites and new spots for you to check out, all approved by our readers.

Back to top

Salty’s Gulfport

Salty’s Gulfport

Dog-friendly beach bar

5413 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport

saltysgulfport.com

Salty’s Gulfport is a quaint neighborhood bar that simply “serves up fun.” Inside is an open-air bar with video games, pool tables and dart boards, and live music weekly on the indoor stage. Enjoy a cocktail on their waterfront Tiki Bar.

$2 domestic drafts, $3 wells every day until 8 p.m.

Beach Bar

Beach Bar

Beach, Polished, Casual

7700 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa

beachtampa.com

Next to Tampa’s Godfrey Hotel, Beach Bar sits right on the bay’s waterfront. The aptly-named spot has beach volleyball and live Jet Ski shows, with food and drinks in the inside bodega.

$3 Margarita Monday, ½-off Wine Wednesday, 93 cent beers 3-5 p.m. Saturday

CJ’s On The Island

CJ’s On The Island

Entertainment bar and game room

115 107th Ave., Treasure Island

CJsOnTheIsland.com

This Treasure Island staple has almost everything under one roof. There’s a full liquor bar, pool tables, darts, Skee Ball and live-band karaoke, and tons of wallet-friendly deals every night of the week.

Happy hour: $2 wells, $2.50 Bloody Marys, $3.50 margaritas / 11 a.m.-7 p.m., daily

Caddy’s On The Beach

Caddy’s On The Beach

Eat and drink on the beach

9000 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island

caddys.com

Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, Caddy’s is one of the best places to eat, drink and watch the sun set on the beach. They offer complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas. Be sure to check out their barbecue menu; the smoked corned beef Reuben is known around the world.

$10 Rum Buckets

River’s Edge Bar and Grill

River’s Edge Bar and Grill

Where land-lovers and seagoers go to play

6226 Ohio Ave., Gibsonton

riversedgebarandgrill.com

Accessible by land or water, River’s Edge is right on the Alafia River just south of East Tampa. There is a newly renovated pool room, outside seating and live music every weekend.

Free Jell-O Shots during Ladies Night, Wednesday.

Back to top

The Mandarin Hide

The Mandarin Hide

Cocktail lodge and social sanctuary

231 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Mandarinhide.com

The Mandarin Hide aims to be more than just a bar or lounge. It has an eclectic and unpretentious vibe, invigorating music and expertly crafted drinks.

$5 Moscow Mules, all night Thursday

Bizou Brasserie

Bizou Brasserie

Home of historic evenings

601 N Florida Ave., Tampa

Bizoutampa.com

Located in a former federal courthouse building in downtown Tampa, Bizou Brasserie looks formal on the outside, but inside it’s a casual, fun restaurant. Bizou’s mixologists are always creating innovative cocktails while seamlessly serving up signature favorites.

Happy hour from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Edison: Food + Drink Lab

Edison: Food + Drink Lab

Creative food + clever cocktails

912 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

Edison-tampa.com

This Tampa favorite focuses on cocktails with dynamic flavor profiles made from their custom-blended spirits, liqueurs and shrubs. Last year it was ranked #1 in the Tampa Bay Times list of top 50 restaurants.

Liquid menus change frequently, so ask for available unique or rare features.

Back to top

Big Storm Brewing Co.

Big Storm Brewing Co.

Not just craft beer, but great beer

12707 49th St. N, Clearwater and 2330 Success Drive, Odessa

bigstormbrewery.com

Both Big Storm taprooms pour 20 different beer creations and feature limited releases not found anywhere else. The Pinellas location now has a gourmet food truck while both the new tasting room and Odessa have Yoga on Tap.

Check out their new Sunday Brunch starting Aug. 27 in Clearwater, Sept. 3 in Odessa.

Right Around the Corner

Right Around the Corner

Craft beer gameroom

2244 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Facebook.com/StPeteCornerBar

This Grand Central hangout has retro arcade games, steel-tipped darts, pool, a Nintendo 64 with a variety of games, and a quickly-rotating tap list featuring a Sour Tower and many rare and beloved craft beer favorites. Check out the N64 Mario Kart tournaments or trivia on Thursdays.

Happy Hour from Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., $1 off drafts

Pinellas Ale Works

Pinellas Ale Works

Dog-friendly brewery and tap room

1962 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg

PawBeer.com

A local brewery whose number one goal is to create the best beer possible. There are 24 taps in the tap room and a shaded beer garden where well-behaved dogs are always welcome.

Yappy Hour every Thursday / Growler fill specials on weekdays

Pesky Pelican

Pesky Pelican

Laid-back neighborhood brewpub

923 72nd St. N, St. Petersburg

Peskypelicanstpete.com

One of the few nanobreweries on the west side of St. Pete, this neighborhood brewpub is right on the Pinellas Trail and offers half-pound burgers, their own beer and a variety of seafood dishes.

Taco Tuesdays/Wing Wednesdays

Tarpon Tavern

Tarpon Tavern

Top-rated neighborhood restaurant

21 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs

tarpontavern.com

This British-style pub has been ranked #1 on TripAdvisor since its opening on the Pinellas Trail five years ago. They have drawn rave reviews for their burgers and other pub fare.

BOGO Fish & Chips all day Tuesday.

Stilt House Brewery

Stilt House Brewery

Bold craft beer

625 US Alt 19, Palm Harbor

stilthousebrewery.com

Stilt House Brewery features more than 28 craft beers with some incredibly bold styles, such as their Honey Jalapeño Cornbread Lager and Vanilla Cucumber Cream Ale, as well as classic craft beer styles.

Customer Appreciation Free Pizza Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten & Brewery

Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten & Brewery

Tampa's oldest European and craft beer bar

14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa

dunderbaks.com

New Tampa’s 40+ year-old Bavarian-inspired beer hall is a restaurant and brewery with over 65 drafts and 500 bottles. Their menu features American classics as well as German favorites.

Tampa Bay B.E.E.R.S home brew club meetings, first Tuesday of every month.

The Brass Tap

The Brass Tap

Great times, well crafted

75 Brandon Town Center, Brandon; 10047 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; 1600 East 8th Ave., Ybor City; 2438 Tyrone Blvd. N, St. Pete.

Brasstapbeerbar.com

The Brass Tap offers over 200 craft beers from around the globe with a strong emphasis on the local beer scene. Guests can enjoy themselves in a neighborhood atmosphere and be entertained with weekly events and tappings.

Back to top

Dead Bob’s

Dead Bob’s

A fun, friendly place to hang out

6716 Central Ave., St. Pete

deadbobsstpete.com

A perfect place to stop before or after hitting the beach, this dive on the way to Treasure Island has cheap food and drinks with specials nightly. Check their website for their live music schedule.

$2.46 you-call-its on Tuesdays.

The Beer Shed

The Beer Shed

Honky tonk dive bar

11222 Casa Loma Drive, Riverview

This historic bar is the oldest drinking establishment on the Alafia River. They boast the coldest and cheapest beer and best live music on the river.

Trivia on Thursday nights.

The Drunken Clam

The Drunken Clam

Local sports dive

46 46th Ave., St. Pete Beach

drunkenclambar.com

A sports bar with a welcoming vibe, this locals establishment has a full bar with simple bar food. Their menu includes "naked wings," steamed shrimp, seared ahi tuna, and burgers. There is live music 8:30 to midnight Tuesday to Saturday.

Build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday

Back to top

City Side Lounge

City Side Lounge

Where good friends meet

3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa

CitySideLoungeTampa.com

At 27, City Side Lounge is Tampa’s oldest LGBT bar. There are numerous drag shows throughout the week including showcases on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, with Drag Queen Bingo on Sunday.

2-4-1 drink specials all day, every day

Punky’s Bar and Grill

Punky’s Bar and Grill

3063 Central Ave., St. Pete

punkysbar.com

With an upbeat and welcoming atmosphere, you will always find great pub food, cocktails, wine and cold beer at Punky’s, as well as weekly live music, karaoke and drag shows.

BOGO happy hour drinks daily

Back to top

Paddywagon

Paddywagon

Upscale twist on the neighborhood pub

813 N Tampa St., Tampa

facebook.com/pg/PaddywagonTPA

This downtown Irish bar is pet-friendly and offers tons of TVs for fans of any sport, but especially the Tampa Bay Lightning. There is a wall of domestic and craft beer taps, a variety of whiskies and tons of bar games.

Sign up for the text alerts for their BOGO deals

Irish 31

Irish 31

“The people’s pub”

Hyde Park Village, Westchase, Amalie Arena and WestShore

irish31.com

Irish 31 believes every neighborhood deserves a local Irish pub that becomes a community. You’ll find brunch deals, drink specials, sports screenings and live music at their many locations around Tampa Bay.

Dubliner Irish Pub

Dubliner Irish Pub

A SoHo institution for Good Times

2307 W. Azeele St., Tampa

thedublineririshpub.com

A SoHo favorite for the last 15 years, this neighborhood pub is known for its live music, comfortable vibe and outside deck. It offers more than 20 draft beers, a full pub menu and numerous Irish specialties.

Buckets, drafts and wing specials during NFL and college football games.

James Joyce Irish Pub

James Joyce Irish Pub

Award-winning Irish pub and eatery

1724 E 8th Ave., Ybor City

Jamesjoyceybor.com

This Ybor City Irish Bar has more than 50 beers on tap, a huge selection of Irish whiskeys and premier scotches. They are a four-time burger showdown champion and offer cheap drink deals every night.

Ladies night: ½ off beer and liquor for ladies, 9 p.m.-close, Tuesday.

O’Brien’s

O’Brien’s

Neighborhood Irish pub

701 W Lumsden Road, Brandon

facebook.com/brandonobriens

With different-styled rooms and events every night, this bar has everything: live music, trivia and karaoke. This is the local gathering spot for Buffalo Bills backers and the local Ohio State Alumni Club.

$15 all-you-can-drink, 7-9, Friday

Back to top

Bottle House Bar

Bottle House Bar

Live entertainment liquor bar

5902 South Gornto Lake Road, Riverview

This Riverview spot aims to be the “cleanest smoking bar around with something for everyone.” There are three specials daily with live music, live band karaoke and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar on Sundays.

Rockstar, live band karaoke, 9:30 p.m., Tuesday

Two Buks Saloon

Two Buks Saloon

Best in rock and sports

1915 N Hercules Ave., Clearwater

Twobuks.com

A local neighborhood bar with all the "big bar" benefits, Two Buks features great bands from around Tampa Bay every Friday and Saturday night with no cover. Rock out yourself with karaoke every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night.

Beer bucket specials during NFL games

Franklin Manor

Franklin Manor

Downtown Tampa nightlife destination

912 N Franklin St., Tampa

thefranklinmanor.com

This new eatery offers handcrafted cocktails, a premium beer selection and live music to downtown Tampa. There is an outside bar with counter service food as well as bar and table service inside.

Happy hour $5 red and white wine, 4-8 p.m. daily

Monkey Bar

Monkey Bar

Liquor, food, fun

1681 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater

Facebook.com/monkeybar1681gulftobay

This Clearwater hangout has local live bands on Friday and Saturday nights along with a full bar and cheap food.

Free pool on Tuesdays

MacDinton’s Irish Pub

MacDinton’s Irish Pub

Great food, atmosphere and entertainment

405 S Howard Ave., Tampa

macdintons.com

You can’t write a guide to Tampa’s favorite bars without mentioning MacDinton’s. The SoHo MacDinton’s is an infamous landmark with different rooms for different vibes; hang out on the deck or vibe inside with the dance floor and live band. On the weekends, check out any game for your favorite soccer team.

Drink specials 8 p.m.-3 a.m., Friday and Saturday

Back to top

The Grateful Fed Pub

The Grateful Fed Pub

Late night food and fun

300 10th St. S, St. Pete

thegratefulfedpub.com

Right by Tropicana Field, this Irish pub is great for late night eats and drinks after a baseball game or a night downtown. Visitors rave about the pub’s mac and cheese and fried Oreos.

$2 PBR and Rolling Rocks, $5 Grateful Deads, all day, every day

The Dog Bar

The Dog Bar

Sit, stay, drink

2300 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Dogbarstpete.com

The only private dog park with a bar, this unique Tampa Bay drinkery offers the perfect place to enjoy pups, pints and pals.

Yappy hour | $4 wells, $2 domestic cans, $4 SKYY | Until 8, Mon.-Fri.

1933 Pub and Grill

1933 Pub and Grill

2245 Nursery Road, Clearwater

1933Pub.com

With a Prohibition theme, 1933 Pub and Grill offers local craft beer and couples it with food made fresh, with quality ingredients and their own special flair.

All-day happy hour Sunday

Harbor Bar

Harbor Bar

Your ultimate neighborhood bar

840 Main St., Safety Harbor

facebook.com/harborbar1

A friendly and welcoming neighborhood bar, Harbor Bar has something for everyone, whether it’s cheap drink deals, karaoke tournaments or the wide variety of bar games, including cornhole, Jenga, 25-cent pool tables, darts and pinball.

Happy hour, Monday-Friday

Orbit 19 Lounge

Orbit 19 Lounge

Eclectic, vibrant flare

1542 US Highway 19, Holiday

facebook.com/orbit19

You’ll think you’re in a big city at this vibrant neighborhood bar with a New York-style atmosphere and a large selection of top-shelf spirits and and craft beers on tap.

$2 shot and beer specials, nightly

The Patio

The Patio

421 S MacDill Ave., Tampa

patiotampa.com

Centered around a — you guessed it — outdoor patio, this SoHo hot spot offers nightly drink deals including hospitality nights, yappy hours and an extravagant Ladies’ Night on Fridays.

Thirsty Thursdays: $4 New Amsterdam, $2 Yuengling drafts, all day

SoHo Backyard

SoHo Backyard

"Yep, there's a bar here."

610 S Armenia, Suite 105, Tampa

Sohobackyard.com

SoHo Backyard likes to think it comes down to two things: 1. Why can’t a “bar” have great food? 2. if we win the approval of the people in the industry, we have done something right.

$12 bottomless mimosas and a special brunch menu, Saturday and Sunday

Tampa Tap Room

Tampa Tap Room

Creole neighborhood pub

13150 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

tampataproom.com

This six-time tbt* Ultimate Bar has 41 taps of craft beer with a full liquor bar and serves award-winning burgers, wings and authentic Cajun/Creole food. This bar has a strong sports following and is a great place to watch football and other events. Check out the blues music every Saturday night starting at 9 p.m..

Pint Night Wednesday, $4.50 craft beer pints

Gaspar's Patio

Gaspar's Patio

Three separate great bars

8448 N 56th St., Temple Terrace

gasparspatio.com

This Temple Terrace hangout offers “three different bars in one.” The main bar has karaoke every night, the dog-friendly outdoor patio has live music at least five times a week and the bourbon bar offers 175 different kinds of whiskeys and bourbons.

Happy hour from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., every day

The Landing Bar

The Landing Bar

Great patio, live music

4351 Lynx Paw Trail, Valrico

thelandingvalrico.com

In the heart of Valrico, this friendly neighborhood bar prides itself on providing phenomenal service and comfort food. There are unique weekly specials, including Pizza Burger Night, Surf ‘N’ Turf Thursdays and Friday night fish frys.

$5 martinis and Motown music, Wednesday

Latitudes Apollo Beach

Latitudes Apollo Beach

“Bring your attitude to Latitudes”

131 Harbor Village Lane, Apollo Beach

latitudesapollo.com

Aiming to amaze, this Apollo Beach hot spot has a menu of steak, seafood and New American bites that is constantly changing in order to get the freshest ingredients. Some of the locals’ favorites include the slow-roasted prime rib and Beer Cheese Burger with tots.

Pick Four martini sampler

Fat Cat Tavern

Fat Cat Tavern

“Best neighborhood tavern around”

3665 E Bay Drive, Suite 100, Largo

FatCatTavernLargo.com

A neighborhood tavern with a fun bar atmosphere, Fat Cat Tavern takes food seriously. They offer weekly hosted trivia, karaoke and live music on Fridays.

$1 tacos and margaritas, Monday

Back to top

The Canopy at The Birchwood

The Canopy at The Birchwood

Breathtaking views, invigorating libations

340 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete

thebirchwood.com

Seated atop the Birchwood Hotel on Beach Drive in St. Pete, this rooftop bar offers views of the bustling area and Tampa Bay. There are private cabanas, fire pits and tantalizing fare from the kitchen at the Birchwood downstairs.

Happy hour: $3 wells, domestic drafts, 3-7 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Old Key West

Old Key West

Eat, drink local

2451 Central Ave., St. Pete

oldkeywestbarandgrill.com

Skip the eight-hour drive and find the Key West island feel in St. Pete’s Grand Central district. This neighborhood bar has an Old Florida feel with nightly events, bottomless brunch specials and the unmistakable Key West vibe.

$15 all-you-can-drink mimosas, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday

Sea Sea Rider’s Restaurant

Sea Sea Rider’s Restaurant

Comfortable, local gathering space

221 Main St., Dunedin

SeasearidersDunedin.com

A great stop for tourists and locals, this bar offers unique cocktails from well-rounded mixologists who constantly look to incorporate different ingredients into traditional cocktails.

$6 Banyan Bloody’s, $3 mimosas, all day Sunday

Back to top

Five Bucks Drinkery

Five Bucks Drinkery

Big fun. Big drinks. Little prices.

247 Central Ave. N, St. Pete

Fivebucksdrinkery.com

This Central Avenue staple is like a neighborhood tavern you would find in Philly or Boston, complete with the oak, neon lights and dead deer. Be sure to try their iconic big pours, whether it’s a massive craft beer or a Long Island cocktail.

Happy hour: $2 wells and domestics, $3 house wines, 12-7 p.m., Monday-Friday

The Avenue

The Avenue

The place to eat + drink every day

330 1st Ave. S, St. Pete

theavenuedtsp.com

Looking to have fun and always feel welcomed? This downtown St. Pete sports bar is a must. There are plenty of ways to imbibe with their Sunday Funday parties, featuring bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas with a DJ spinning tunes.

$5 burger night, 7-9 p.m., Wednesday

Mugs N Jugs

Mugs N Jugs

Wings, music, sports

40737 US Highway 19, Tarpon Springs; 2480 East Bay Drive, Largo

mugsnjugstogo.com

The wings are their thing. The secret is fresh ingredients and an array of signature sauces. Almost every night features food specials, such as all-you-can-eat boneless wings on Monday, bone-in wings on Tuesday and pasta on Thursdays.

$10 domestic buckets, $8 domestic pitchers during NFL and college football games

Johnny’s Tap House and Grill

Johnny’s Tap House and Grill

Sports craft beer bar

224 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs

Johnnystaphousegrill.com

With 27 different craft beers on tap, Johnny’s is a great place to catch any game and some of the area’s best beers. House-infused vodka is also available, and the outside tiki bar is dog-friendly.

Half-price burgers, $3 craft beers, 5 p.m.-close, Thursday

Fox & Hounds British Pub

Fox & Hounds British Pub

Good times await

229 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon

foxandhoundsbritishpub.com

This sports tavern -- billed as Brandon’s oldest pub -- offers British pub fare, Sunday brunch, quiet libations and TVs following all of your favorite sports teams.

Happy hour: $2 pints, $2.75 wells, 3-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday

SoHo Saloon

SoHo Saloon

Food. Drink. Sports.

410 S Howard Ave., Tampa

facebook.com/SohoSaloon

Happy hour: Monday-Friday, 12-8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 12-2 p.m., $5.50 calls, $4.50 wells