National Dive Bar Day falls on July 7, and this year it happens to be on a Sunday, which is arguably one of the better days to imbibe at your favorite hole in the wall.
In recent years, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay has published lists for both Pinellas and Hillsborough dives, including ones that often get overlooked. Many of the beloved haunts have been around for years, and remain staple must-tries everyone should visit at least once.
Some watering holes, however, have rebranded, including Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern, now known as The Friendly Tarpon Tavern. The nearby Tapper Pub changed ownership and went non-smoking at the beginning of the year, and more recently got rid of the nostalgic red booths and added outdoor seating.
Others have sadly closed, including both of Tampa’s Elmer’s locations, plus South Tampa’s I Don’t Care Bar & Grill, meaning Gandy Boulevard’s Warehouse Liquor Store and Bar is the last place in Hillsborough County where you can still smoke inside and order food in house.
Ybor City also lost First Chance, Last Chance and Boneyard, but Dirty Shame and Reservoir Bar are thankfully still going strong.
Pinellas didn’t escape changes to its dive scene either, with Steve’s going non-smoking and Abbey Road permanently closing. Though it’s not recent news, all dive bar enthusiasts are encouraged to pour one out for the bygone Wilson’s, which is sorely missed by regulars and casual fans who may have recognized the spot as the exterior shots for the original “Magic Mike” movie.
As always, bring cash and check your expectations at the door, but most importantly, get ready for a damn good time. Cheers to the Tampa Bay dive bars that have lasted through the years.
American Legion Seminole Post 111
6918 N Florida Ave, Tampa
This haven for cheap drinks also has a swear jar, dance nights, open-minded regulars, and a steady rotation of America’s best touring underground rock acts.—Ray Roa
Photo via Photo via Google MapsAnclote River Boat Club1761 Beckett Wy, Tarpon Springs
The Boat Club, as regulars affectionately call it, is quite possibly the diviest bar on this list. If your car doesn’t bottom out trying to access the treacherous parking lot, you’ll notice an actual wood burning fireplace just inside the entrance for that one week it gets cold in January. The entire building seems ready to give way into the river it’s situated on, so you may feel buzzed before you’ve even had a beer. Bring some bug spray and enjoy a slightly cold domestic on the dock.
Photo via ancloteriverboatclub/FacebookBar Mastiff4021 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg
If you’re a longtime dive bar patron, you may have visited Bar Mastiff when it was known as Marsha’s Wayside Inn. The drinks start flowing here at 8 a.m., so it’s an apt place to get a hair of the dog from the spirited bartenders while listening to the regulars poke fun at each other. Every day from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. you’ll get a raffle ticket for each drink ordered, with a winner receiving a free drink on the hour.
Photo via Google MapsBeer 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/FacebookThe Bends919 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Take a selfie for the @bendsbathroom Instagram account, then have a seat inside or out and enjoy what are lowkey some of the best cocktails—dive or not—in St. Pete. Stay late for any one of the always-free concerts in the shotgun style performance space in the back.—Ray Roa
Photo by Xebulon EmmzBoardwalk Tavern
2600 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Offering karaoke and pool, this is a great spot to make some drunken memories. This bar offers live local country music, as well as drink specials throughout the week. The hand painted sign is a true mark of an authentic dive bar.
Photo via Boardwalk Tavern/GoogleThe Dirty Shame
1929 E 7th Ave, Ybor CityThe 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/FacebookThe 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/Google5th Street Station
Places to grab a drink here include St. Pete Brewing Company, the long-running watering hole Emerald Bar (pictured, smoking indoors is allowed), and stock market-themed bourbon purveyor Whiskey Exchange. If you’re a wine drinker, Book + Bottle provides a cozy refuge where you can relax with a good read and one of several decadent small plates.
Photo via Emerald Bar/GoogleFisherman’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/GoogleFlamingo Sports Bar
1230 9th St. N, St. Petersburg
This St. Pete institution has been open in some form or another in the same location since 1937 and is said to have been a haunt of the late writer Jack Kerouac. It’s easy to see how the Flamingo could have been the perfect place for him to retreat with his thoughts, given its dark and smoke-filled interior and complete lack of pretension. The blue collar regulars are likely to regale you with tales of the past, that is if they’re not involved in a game of pool.
Photo via Google MapsFox 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/FacebookFranks Sports Bar4201 62nd Ave. N, Pinellas Park
This Pinellas County dive, located in an unassuming strip center, has all of the makings of a great neighborhood watering hole. You’ve got the accommodating Franks regulars who are quick to introduce their fellow comrades, a kind-but-no-bullshit bartender who also plays the role of cook during day shifts, and well-priced booze that your new friends might even treat you to. Food is offered during select hours, so call ahead to make sure they’re serving if you need a burger to go with your Bud.
Photo via Google Maps
3120 W Gandy Blvd., Tampa
Formerly known as Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern, this quaint “dive bar” on South Gandy has undergone some major renovations in recent months under new ownership. While the bar currently doesn’t serve liquor, it does offer a hefty selection of craft beers, seltzers and even sake-based spirits. For now, patrons can order hot dogs and snacks like boiled peanuts, but the food menu will soon expand to include more game day favorites. And, yes, say hi to Jourdan while you’re there. Credit: Photo via Friendly Tarpon Tavern/FacebookHarbor Bar 840 Main St., Safety Harbor
This Safety Harbor dive serves shots in plastic cups but offers a decent liquor selection, including the Italian amaro Fernet, a rare sighting in most dive bars. The rectangular bar is usually packed with regulars smoking Marlboros and bullshitting, while the service is fast and friendly. If you like pickles, you’ll be pleased to hear the owner makes his own, which means your pickleback just got a locally made upgrade.
Photo via Google MapsHoneysuckle 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 MapsBest Dive Bar
Winner: The Hub
Runners-up: Emerald Bar, Bauser’s Dunedin
Photo via Ray RoaLana’s Place109 107th Ave., Treasure Island
This Treasure Island bar is situated just behind the popular VIP Mexican restaurant, so it’s a great place to pregame while you’re waiting for your table. Once your eyes have adjusted to the extremely dark interior, have a seat next to a sun-soaked regular and order a cheap shot or something from Lana’s decent selection of craft beers. If you haven’t stopped in post-pandemic, you’ll be surprised to find that the place no longer allows indoor smoking but has expanded its outdoor seating area.
Photo via Google MapsLucky Star Lounge
2760 Central Ave., St. Petersburg,
Claiming to serve the “stiffest drinks in the district since 2008,” Lucky Star is an LGTQ+ hole-in-the-wall. This bar features a jukebox, so you can grab a drink while bumping to your own tunes.—Min Craig
Photo via Google StreetMahuffer’s
19201 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-596-0226
Boasting free live music, Mahuffer’s is a seaside spot to grab a drink and enjoy some eclectic decor. The walls are decorated with everything from underwear to dollar bills, calling itself the “wurst place on the beech.”
Photo via Mahuhffer’s/FacebookMastry’s Bar
233 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-3070
Mastry’s Bar is one of the oldest in St. Pete. This bar offers cheap drinks, live music, and darts. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a little hideaway from fancy establishments.
Photo via Mastry’sBar/FacebookPelican Pub
18 2nd St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-896-6329
Presented by the owners of Jannus Landing, Pelican Pub is St. Pete’s hub for snacks, darts and through-the-wall beats. That’s right! You can sort-of hear the performances from Jannus Landing through the walls of Pelican Pub, making it an excellent spot to stop by if you forgot to buy tickets to your favorite concert.
Photo via Pelican Pub/FacebookPete’s Place South
4145 Henderson Blvd., Tampa
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 Photo via petesplacetampa/FacebooksReservoir
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
123 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa
This Hyde Park haunt, located across from the University of Tampa, is on the heels of celebrating its 85th anniversary and shows no sign of slowing down. Patrons can saddle up to the full liquor bar while cheering on their favorite teams with the locals and seasoned bartenders alike. Izzy’s Taco Truck parks out front several nights a week to serve hungry crowds, but you can also order a hot dog or brat from the bar if you’d like more traditional gameday fare.
Photo via retreattampa/FacebookSeabreeze Lounge 30625 U.S.-Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor
You know a place is going to be divey when the only indication of its presence in a strip mall is the word “lounge” in unassuming capital red letters on the facade. Seabreeze is a haven for folks who want to enjoy cheap drinks and a cigarette, but don’t sleep on the delicious “snakebite” chicken wings if you like your BBQ sauce with a little tang. Along with daily specials, there’s a pool table, darts and a bookshelf by the bathroom with random titles in case you want to pretend you’re being productive.Photo via Google MapsSeffner Tiki Hut1001 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 MapsShadrack’s114 8th Ave., St. Pete BeachThis long standing Pass-a-Grille staple is the perfect place to hit before or after your next beach day, as it’s only a short walk from the sand. Open since 1972, “Shads” has welcomed locals and tourists with cheap domestics, decent liquor pours and camaraderie for decades. The two pool tables are always hopping and smoking is only allowed outside, which makes it an accommodating spot for all members of your crew. Shadrack’s also has a seriously impressive bloody mary toppings bar the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Photo by Nicole Abbett Credit: Nicole AbbettSkip’s Bar 371 Main St., Dunedin
Located in the heart of downtown Dunedin, Skip’s is the perfect place to grab a cold one on a hot day. This cash only beer bar still has a coin-operated jukebox and serves PBR bottles in a brown paper bag for a truly authentic dive bar experience. Another fun thing Skip’s does is offer half off drinks every Wednesday if you wear your Skip’s T-shirt, which they sell for $15 each—an investment that pays for itself.
Photo via Google MapsSteve’s Tavern
933 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-894-1004
The perfect retreat for when you get sick of the crowds on Central Avenue sidewalks or need an air-conditioned spot to cool off with a cold draft. The regulars vary from industry professionals finishing (or about to begin) a shift to seasoned drinkers that have been guzzling the same draft or one-mixer cocktail here for years. It’s a cash-only bar that recently banned smoking and boasts a pool table and two electronic dart boards.
Photo via Steve’s Tavern/YelpSmugglers Tavern
1120 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg
If you think Tierra Verde is all marinas and seafood restaurants, you’ll be surprised to know there’s at least one true dive bar here, with a to-go package license to boot. Smugglers is another dark and smoky spot that typically caters to locals looking for a lowkey time, but even first timers will be welcomed with a strong pour and friendly, no frills service.
Photo via Google MapsSunset Grille
2996 Dr M.L.K. Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg
This neighborhood haunt is definitely a favorite with locals. You have the choice of sitting at the indoor bar, the outdoor bar or table seating on a covered lanai. It has pretty good chicken wings, decent prices and megatouch, which is always a plus for nostalgic dive frequenters.
Photo via Google Maps
3832 Britton Plaza, Tampa
One of Tampa’s oldest bars is another in the long list of establishments that made some big changes in recent months, most notably nixing indoor smoking at the start of 2024. The open kitchen behind the bar is still pumping out the delicious sandwiches that have drawn regulars in for years, including a Reuben sandwich that seems too good to be dive bar food. The recently added outdoor seating is a welcome option for fresh air in between plays. Last September, sale of the bar was finalized, giving former owner Guido Caggiano and longtime bartender Kay some much needed time off. New owners made only minor changes and continued the legacy Guido and his staff created. Tapper Pub debuted back in 1967 and has been an anchor of the Britton Plaza strip mall ever since
Photo via Tapper Pub/FacebookCredit: Photo via Tapper Pub/FacebookTiny 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/FacebookWhy 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/GoogleHoneysuckle 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
