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After 19 years, South Tampa’s Elmer's Sports Cafe will close

Its last day open is Sunday, Jan. 29.

By Kyla Fields on Tue, Jan 3, 2023 at 1:06 pm

After 19 years, South Tampa’s Elmer's Sports Cafe will close

via Google Maps

Known for stiff drinks, good grub and classic dive bar feel, South Tampa’s Elmer’s Sports Cafe will permanently shut its doors later this month.

“To all Elmer’s customers, friends and family that you’ve become after 19 years of drinking together, laughing together and crying together, I’m sad to announce that on January 29, 2023, Elmer’s South Tampa will close,” owner Randy Levin wrote on his sports cafe’s Facebook last week.

Below the closure announcement, regular customers and sports fans alike mourned the loss of their local watering hole—although there's still a few weeks to experience "South Tampa's original sports cafe."

While beer and cocktails are the mainstays, Elmer's—which is located at 5206 S MacDill Ave.—also offers a straightforward menu of wings, burgers, stacked sandwiches, classic bar snacks and salads.

The only other Tampa Bay location of Elmer’s Sports Cafe resides in the heart of Ybor City at 2003 E 7th Ave. and is open from 11 a.m.-3 a.m. daily.

Until its eventual closure later this month, South Tampa's Elmer's is open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Wednesday and 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Sunday. Keep an eye on its Facebook for the possible announcement of any farewell celebrations.

Slideshow

20 legit Hillsborough County dive bars, and why you should get a drink at all of them

Retreat 123 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, 813-254-2014At 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

Hub Bar 719 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-229-1553This 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, 813-254-3872The 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., Tampa, 813-248-1442If 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, 813-839-7845If 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 LocationsWith 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

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About The Author

Kyla Fields

Email Kyla Fields

Kyla Fields is the Managing Editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay who started their journey at CL as summer 2019 intern. They are the proud owner of a charming, sausage-shaped, four-year-old rescue mutt named Piña.

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