10 Best Explores Tampa's Lively Bar Scene To Find the Perfect Hangouts
By Skye Rodgers, Local Expert, Tampa
Tampa has a lively bar scene, so if your idea of fun includes enjoying a couple drinks while socializing with friends, there is a perfect spot waiting for you here. Capitalizing on first-hand experience and extensive research, 10 Best has put together a list of some of the most popular spots for hanging out and kicking back. Several have been selected for those who wish to enjoy Tampa’s outdoor lifestyle such as Hogan’s Beach on Rocky Point Island. Hands down the best outside bar for enjoying the sunset over the water. If tasting some of our local craft beers is more your style, you might want to... Read more »
1The Fly Bar is a Tampa stand-out as a modern and eclectic downtown hangout with sophisticated drinks, food, and atmosphere.
Local Expert Tip: "Be sure to try their popular signature cocktail, the Doc Holliday."
2At the forefront of Tampa's quickly-growing micro-brewery trend, The Tampa Bay Brewing Company remains one of the most popular.
Local Expert Tip: "Want to skip the alcohol? Try a satisfying glass of their handcrafted root beer. Guaranteed to please kids of all ages."
3- Type: Bar
Located at the crossroads of downtown Tampa, the Sail Pavilion is the perfect meeting spot to enjoy beautiful weather and water views.
Local Expert Tip: "You pay for location, so expect higher than normal prices for drinks."
4- Type: Bar, Late Night / After Hours, Lounge
- Neighborhood: Downtown
The Hub Bar is a downtown Tampa landmark and a must visit for dive bar aficionados.
Local Expert Tip: "If you've looking for live music, check their website as dates and times for events vary."
5- Type: Bar
Rick's on the River is Tampa's only riverside bar and grill. Enjoy a drink and watch the river go by.
Local Expert Tip: "If you're an oyster fan, Rick's brings them in fresh and local. Try their "Jacked-Up" version. "
6Tampa's Hogan's Beach gets top marks for its beach location, beach volleyball, and all-round comfortable, beachy vibe.
Local Expert Tip: "Drinks are more affordable than other nearby options and Hogan's has the best sunsets."
7- Type: Bar
- Neighborhood: Soho
Tampa's Tiny Tap Tavern is a friendly dive bar that is a long-time favorite of locals and features cheap beer and pool (only 25 cents).
Local Expert Tip: "Patrons are part of the family so if you want a jug of beer, you'll have to go to the freezer yourself and bring the bartender an empty pitcher."
8- Type: Bar, Late Night / After Hours, Live Entertainment
- Neighborhood: Hyde Park
Tampa's Four Green Fields was named one of the top 10 Irish Pubs in the world by Dublin's "Ireland" magazine.
Local Expert Tip: "The pub grub here is very good. Try the fish and chips or Irish stew."
9- Type: Bar
- Neighborhood: South Tampa
The Retreat, established in 1938, is still going strong and is now the most popular college hangout in Tampa.
Local Expert Tip: "With the best happy hour in Tampa, the Retreat reels you in with 1/2 price drinks, drafts and house wines from 3pm - 9pm. "
10Fuma Bella is Tampa's best hole-in-the-wall bar. Great conversation and well-poured drinks will keep you coming back.
Local Expert Tip: "As its name implies, smoking is allowed. Due to its small size, this means Bella Fuma can get pretty smoky."
