BEST BEER SELECTION IN A BAR: The Independent

This tiny downtown St. Pete beer bar makes you feel like you’re in a real city, surrounded by others who crave the same thing. The truly cool, unpretentious hang out here — and that, of course, means us. We bask in Delirium Tremens on draught, or Chimay or Rogue or any number of craft beers rarely found, much less celebrated, anywhere else around Tampa Bay (strong exception: New World Brewery). Simple beer-sign décor slathers the exposed brick walls, and the communal drinking table makes drunken bonding easy. Early, middle or late night, the Independent is always a good place to be, whether you’re hip or not.