The local watering hole has long been a source of comfort for what ails you. There’s just something about the sight of a neon sign that makes you want to shake it off and leave your worries at the door. You might be finishing off a bad week at work, dealing with a breakup, or just having “one of those days.” Regardless of why you’re there, you quickly feel a sense of welcome relief when you sink into a bar stool that helps you forget the world outside.

Hillsborough County has tons of bars where you can catch a buzz, but there are nuances about certain haunts that make you want to return. We’re talking about the kind of place where you’re likely to skip the museum tour or miss that dinner reservation because you’re just having such a good time. Chances are your bar stool neighbor will introduce themselves and, if you’re lucky, even buy you a round.

These spots have a special type of dynamic that aren’t always for the faint of heart. You may not get served the second you sit down, or the bathroom may not be as clean as you’d like. Quite a few of the bars listed still allow indoor smoking, so you’ll probably have some laundry to do the day after. The rules here are to be patient and tip your bartender so that you can continue coming back.

Here’s a list of dives across Hillsborough where you might just spend more than a few good nights. Insider tip: bring cash, as several of these locations don’t accept credit cards.

Honeysuckle Bar

119 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-932-1429
Buckle up for this one because it’s a true dive, nicotine-stained NASCAR merch and all. The outside is very unassuming and to be honest, so is the inside. It’s beer-only, so you’ll have to make a choice between Bud or Busch, and pay with cash. Between the cigarette vending and coin-operated washing machines, you’ll find this is a place to have a strong opinion about one way or the other.
Photo via Honeysuckle Bar/Google Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Hub Bar 719 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-229-1553 This downtown staple with an attached package store has been voted Best Dive Bar in the Bay on and off for several years. The Hub is about as iconic of a dive that you’ll find in the area, with a loyal following that up until recently included the late and dearly beloved regular of over 30 years, Texas Tim. Locals know that you never order a double here because the pour is probably the strongest in town, so don’t take it personally if you get cut off after your second Long Island. Photo via The Hub/Facebook

Tiny Tap Tavern

2105 W Morrison Ave., Tampa, 813-254-3872
The Tiny Tap really cleaned up its act during the pandemic, including making the move to non-smoking indoors and giving every surface a good wipe down. The charm of a dimly lit bar with one of the few remaining Megatouches (IYKYK) is all still there, and now you can even pay with a credit card. Regulars here usually move between a barstool and the pool or foosball tables and are sure to regale you with tales of the old Tampa.
Photo via Tiny Tap Tavern/Facebook

Reservoir

1518 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-1442
If you’re a fan of this place it’s probably because you appreciate the “no BS” attitude that the bartenders and regulars all seem to have. The prices are extremely reasonable, the music is usually an eclectic mix and Reservoir Dogs is likely playing on loop. This is also one of the few spots in town where you can order a Malort, which you’re probably going to hate. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a dried scorpion to your order for just $2.
Photo via Reservoir/Google
Tapper Pub 3832 Britton Plaza, Tampa, 813-839-7845 If you can’t find a seat at the bar, the retro red booths make a great substitute. Tapper offers a varied food menu, including an absolutely delicious Ruben. If you’re lucky enough to catch Kay popping in and out then you’re in the presence of one of Tampa’s longest running bartenders. On some occasions you’ll find the old school regulars involved in a TouchTunes war with the younger crowd, so be prepared to possibly never hear a song in its entirety. Photo via Tapper Pub/Google
Elmer’s Sports Cafe Multiple Locations With two locations (one on 7th Avenue in Ybor City and the other in South Tampa on MacDill Avenue), this bar and grill offers up the usual pub grub, plus a rather decent pour and fair prices. The crowd is a diverse mix that makes for good people watching. If you can’t take the smoke, the MacDill location offers some outdoor seating. The Ybor location has an attached package store. Photo via Elmer’s Sports Cafe/Google
Retreat 123 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, 813-254-2014 At this long-running bar across from the University of Tampa, you’re likely to be sitting next to a service industry worker who’s either just finished a shift or is having some liquid courage before starting one. It can get pretty packed with the college crowd on nights and weekends, so your best bet is grab a seat at happy hour if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience. This is another spot that allows smoking indoors, plus all day specials and bar snacks to soak up that Rumplemintz shot you just did with the bartender. Photo via Retreat/Facebook

The Dirty Shame

1929 E 7th Ave, Ybor City
The Shame offers a decent selection of higher quality liquor (including the bartender’s personal favorite digestif, Underberg), as well as some great craft beer options on tap or to-go. You can smoke inside but the high ceilings and well ventilated bar room offer respite, as does the outdoor patio. It’s one of the last remaining bars that trusts its patrons with steel tipped darts and also has two pool tables.

Photo via The Dirty Shame/Facebook
I Don’t Care Bar & Grill 4556 S Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 813-832-3321 This regular’s bar is tucked away in a shopping center on Manhattan Avenue in South Tampa, so you might want to keep your GPS on until you’ve safely parked. Once inside, you’re likely to be greeted with a welcoming remark and maybe even an invitation to request some songs on the jukebox. If you’re a dart player you are sure to find a worthy opponent to entertain you while you drink your extremely cheap domestic beer (which is inevitably served in a koozie). It also has food that comes highly recommended, particularly the chicken wings Photo via I Don’t Care Bar & Grill/Google
Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern 3120 W Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-831-8703 If you’re not careful you may drive right past the parking lot of this South Tampa watering hole on Gandy Blvd. From the street you’ll notice the outside of the bar is painted with tropical scenes of palm trees and a setting sun, but once inside you’ll find a dimly lit space with wood paneled walls and TVs to watch your favorite teams. While they offer beer and wine only, they do have flavored jello shots, which were deemed “strong as hell” by the bartender. A large patio area out back has plenty of picnic tables where you can enjoy your beer with your furry friend. Photo by Jourdan Ducat Credit: Photo by Jourdan Ducat
Pete’s Place South 4145 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-282-9039 There’s pretty much always something going on here, whether it’s the three times a week karaoke, live bands or a rowdy but fun group of regulars enjoying the extensive happy hour. The space was recently renovated and decided to nix the indoor smoking, so you can enjoy your beverage without a side of cigar plumes. It also offers a food menu. Photo via Pete’s Place South/Google

The Dog Saloon

3311 W Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-832-8211
You may remember hearing about this place when it was called Red Dog Saloon and the bartenders still wore risque attire. The Dog is a full liquor bar with an extensive draft selection and trivia on Tuesdays. It’s a popular place to watch a game because of the abundance of TV’s, including individual sets for most of the suspended wooden tables. They offer a variety of bar games and a full food menu as well.
Photo via The Dog Saloon/Google

Beer Shed

11222 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview, 813-671-1885
Situated right on the Alafia River, this is a great place to have a cold one on a nice day. It’s a beer-and-wine-only spot that provides carpet samples for you to rest your drink on and an adjacent snack shack that offers up BBQ on most days. This is definitely a good ol’ boys bar, so check your pretentiousness at the door and just relax.
Photo via Beer Shed/Facebook

Fisherman’s Pub

9602 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-915-9009
If you come in for happy hour, you’ll be surrounded by a group of fun-loving and genuinely nice people who can’t stop talking about how much they love it here. Each chair is numbered and the bartender occasionally draws numbers to reward one lucky patron with a free drink. While they don’t have liquor, they do carry Fireball minis if you’re looking to up your buzz.
Photo via Fisherman’s Pub/Google
First Chance Last Chance 1707 N 16th St,, Ybor City, 813-816-1707 Located just off the hustle and bustle of 7th Avenue, this spot has long been a go-to for Ybor service industry folks before or after their shifts. Behind the bar is a drink wheel if you’re having trouble deciding what to order, or you can ask the bartender to suggest one of their well executed craft cocktails. Out back you’ll find a sizable patio where First Chance occasionally hosts a DJ or karaoke. Photo via First Chance Last Chance/Google

Fox and Hounds British Pub

229 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon, 813-438-8913
This Brandon staple is a cozy spot that claims to be the oldest pub in town. Locals come here to watch the game with a pint or have bites of a burger in between darts or pool. The dark wood furnishings and traditional decor will make you feel like you’re actually across the pond, as will their traditional English breakfast (served on Sundays only).
Photo via Fox and Hounds British Pub/Facebook

Seffner Tiki Hut

1001 U.S. Hwy-92, Seffner
If you find yourself East of I-75, The Tiki Hut is one of the more inviting spots to stop into for a drink. It’s an open air space with a large patio that gets pretty busy on the weekends, especially on nights with karaoke or bands. It offers beer, liquor and a varied menu that ranges from Philly cheesesteaks to gator bites.
Photovia Google Maps

Why Not

9906 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-935-7092
This beer-and-wine-only spot is another that will leave you wanting a shower after. Once your eyes adjust to the dark interior, you’ll find Franzia next to the pickled pigs feet behind the bar and styrofoam bowls for the cheese balls you may need after you’ve had a few. The decor ranges from sports themed murals to a wall of fame with regular’s names on it.
Photo via Why Not/Google
Babalouies Grille & Sports Garden 1913 E Bearss Ave., Tampa, 813-971-1243 This University of South Florida area bar has countless TVs for the game you’re looking to catch and bar games such as darts and pool. It also offers typical bar fare, so you might find yourself washing that rum and Coke down with fried appetizers or some spicy chicken wings. It opens at 11 a.m. everyday, so it’s a good spot to get that much needed hair of the dog. Photo via Babalouies Grille & Sports Garden/Facebook
Bilmar Station 8501 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-496-8898 This strip center spot in Town N’ Country has all the makings of a great neighborhood bar. The service is friendly, the food exceeds pub standards (think house made sauces for your wings) and the drinks are strong enough to rival what you’d make at home. There are several dart boards and other bar games but no pool table, likely because of the aforementioned heavy pour. If you can drink 99 beers in 90 days, you’ll get your name onto The Wall of Foam. Photo by Jourdan Ducat Credit: Photo via Jourdan Ducat

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