Shuffle Danielle O’Connor and Jennifer Evanchyk 2612 N Tampa St, Tampa, 813-450-3797 Founded by two of the most badass women and moms in the 813, Shuffle is a shuffleboard bar, of course, but also a neighborhood staple that's home for various local musicians including a Tuesday night open mic that's one of the best in Tampa Bay. The kitchen, run by a worthy man, Anson Mitchell, serves what the Shuffle calls “glorified concession food” like spaghetti sandwiches and a loaded grilled cheese—and yes, it's glorious, indeed. Credit: SHUFFLE/ FACEBOOK

Shuffle Danielle O’Connor and Jennifer Evanchyk 2612 N Tampa St, Tampa, 813-450-3797 Founded by two of the most badass women and moms in the 813, Shuffle is a shuffleboard bar, of course, but also a neighborhood staple that’s home for various local musicians including a Tuesday night open mic that’s one of the best in Tampa Bay. The kitchen, run by a worthy man, Anson Mitchell, serves what the Shuffle calls “glorified concession food” like spaghetti sandwiches and a loaded grilled cheese—and yes, it’s glorious, indeed. Credit: SHUFFLE/ FACEBOOK

This Veterans Day, Shuffle is offering up something special for those who have served —  free shuffleboard all weekend long (from November 8-11).

The owners of Tampa Bay's Best Vagina Forward Bar, Jennifer Montgomery and Danielle O'Connor, are both daughters of Vietnam veterans. Military ties run deep for O'Connor being that her family has been through three wartime Army deployments; she also currently works at the VA. The duo wanted to use their business to give back to Tampa Bay veterans (and any other vets willing to shuffle over) by offering free therapeutic fun through shuffling. 

This initiative isn't new for Shuffle. For the last year, the neighborhood bar and restaurant has been hosting vets from the James A. Haley VA for recreational therapy. Several VA inpatient groups, including the PTRP (Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program), which helps polytrauma injured patients prepare to return home, have all come to play.

In a release from Shuffle O'Connor and Montgomery wrote that, "many patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are relearning how to do most everything, including shop, cook and count." Shuffleboard gives patients the opportunity to play a sport while improving their math skills to add the scores. Others practice standing up from their wheelchairs or walkers to gain balance, while slinging biscuits. 

If you're a veteran, or know a vet, make sure to slide by for some free play which is proven to be good for the mind, body and soul. Shuffle is located at 2612 N. Tampa St., and hours are 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

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This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 7, 2019.