The 25 under-the-radar bars in Tampa everyone should try

Hampton Station

5921 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa
A laid-back dining spot in Seminole Heights with tasty laid-back chow like pizza and wings that complement the roomy bar's pours of craft beer. Diners can sit on the covered, outdoor patio or choose a spot inside at the bar. Kids are not allowed.

Photo via Hampton Station/Facebook

Ricks on the River

2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa
Open 365 days a year, Ricks on the River triples as a marina, bar and grill. Diners can dock their boat for free while they visit, or keep it there for a fee. The riverside venue has three bars, including an oyster one, and daily live music.

Photo via Nebraska Mini-Mart/Facebook

Lowry Parcade & Tavern

1213 W Waters Ave, Tampa
Tampa’s first tavern and arcade opened in 2016. In addition to pinball machines and old school arcade games, they host trivia nights and events with drink specials and live music.

Photo via Lowry Parcade/Website

Skipper’s Smokehouse

910 Skipper Rd, Tampa
Turning 40 this year, Skipper’s Smokehouse is known for its live shows under what locals have dubbed the “Skipperdome.” Their menu is filled with fish platters and wings, but there is a veggie burger thrown in too. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4 – 8 p.m., and includes wing specials.

Photo via Skipper’s Smokehouse/Website>

C. 1949

6905 N Orleans Ave, Tampa
C. 1949 is a craft beer bar that keeps it local. With 40 taps and 100 bottles and cans, as well as wine and house-made sangria, there’s something for everyone. Guests can enjoy happy hour daily from 4 – 7 p.m. on the large patio outside or around the pool tables inside.

Photo via C. 1949/Facebook

The Corner Club

1502 E Sligh Ave, Tampa
Never a sight to behold, The Corner Club has always been known as the neighborhood dive bar. Visit for the cheap beer and stay for the local, friendly atmosphere.

Photo via The Corner Club/Google Maps

Pete’s Place South

4145 Henderson Blvd, Tampa
This sports bar and grill features 20 TVs, dart boards and pool tables. Drink specials are offered every day with wing specials on game days. Karaoke nights are hosted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

Photo via Pete’s Place South/Google Maps

The Dog Saloon - South Tampa

3311 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa
This small, neighborhood bar and grill has been around since the 70s, but didn’t become a full liquor bar until 2013. They host trivia nights, events and have a foosball table, pool tables and dartboards.

Photo via The Dog Saloon - South Tampa/Google Maps

Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern

3120 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa
This local dive bar has changing drink specials, live music, plenty of holiday parties and community events. Their patio features a small bar, plenty of seating and cornhole boards.

Photo via Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern/Facebook

I Don’t Care Bar & Grill

4556 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa
The local sports bar has been around since 2014. They host Beerball (similar to skiball) and dart tournaments, and their Facebook boasts “huge wings with great burgers.”

Photo via I Don’t Care Bar & Grill/Google Maps

Tapper Pub

3832 Britton Plaza, Tampa
This South Tampa hole-in-the-wall has been around since 1967, and is right next to a Publix. Get your groceries and stay for the happy hour hosted from 4 – 7 p.m. with different nightly specials.

Photo via Tapper Pub/Google Maps

The Hole in the Wall Bar

1708 E 7th Ave, Tampa
A literal hole-in-the-wall dive bar located in Tampa with nightly specials and a jukebox in the corner. Bar-goers can enjoy a pool table, dartboard, boxing game and more.

Photo via The Hole in the Wall Bar/Facebook

The Beer Shed

11222 Casa Loma Dr, Riverview
Cheap drinks with a friendly neighborhood feel are what you’ll find at this waterside bar. They’re known for their live shows and seating with views of the Alafia River. Happy hour runs from 3 – 7 p.m.

Photo via The Beer Shed/Facebook

Duke’s Retired Surfer Bar & Grill

5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa
This bar and grill is on the first floor of a multileveled restaurant, below Hula Bay Club. Customers can order food from either restaurant and have it brought to their table. It’s situated right on the water and features occasional live shows.

Photo via Duke’s Retired Surfer Bar & Grill/Website

Red Star Rock Bar

5210 N Florida Ave, Tampa
This Ybor City bar is known for their live music. Everything is made in-house, and happy hour runs Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. They host an open mic night every Monday starting at 8 p.m. — Kazoos are encouraged.

Photo via Red Star Rock Bar/Facebook

American Legion Seminole Post 111

6918 N Florida Ave, Tampa
This bar is the place for boy scout meetings or karaoke night. Doubling as a space for patrons to rent, the drinks are cheap and there is always something happening on the weekends, including the occasional rock show.

Photo via Photo via Google Maps

Davis Island Yacht Club

1315 Severn Ave, Tampa
The member-owned yacht club doubles as a bar. Situated on the water, the second story is where guests will find daily food and drink specials. There are events almost daily, including sailing races and trivia night.

Photo via Photo via Facebook/Davis Island Yacht Club

The Patio Tampa

421 S MacDill Ave, Tampa
The Patio is dog-friendly and open 365 days a year. They never close before 3 a.m. and boast daily drink specials, serving as a place to watch the game or fight and even celebrate the holidays.

Photo via Nebraska Mini-Mart/Facebook

Ducky’s Sports Bar

1719 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
This sports bar features multiple 60 inch TV screens to watch the game on. Guests can enjoy daily drink specials, live music and four-lane mini bowling.

Photo via Duckys/Google Maps

Elmer’s Sports Cafe

2003 E 7th Ave, Tampa
This pet-friendly sports bar is located among all the others in Ybor. They offer the usual sandwiches and fried bar snacks, and they’re always willing to pour doubles on any liquors all day and all night.

Photo via Elmer’s Sports Cafe/Google Maps