THE DUBLINER 2307 W Azeele St., Tampa, 813-258-2257; 12836 Henderson Rd., Tampa, 813-300-2076; thedublineririshpub.com. The two locations of this Irish pub don't settle for just the same old stout and ale options available at similar joints. There's a hefty selection of beer focused largely on imports.
DUNEDIN HOUSE OF BEER 927 Broadway, Dunedin, 727-216-6318 or dunedinhob.com. What is it about 40 taps that makes it the gold standard for big-time beer bars these days? Is there some law of relativity that makes it impossible to break the 40 tap barrier? Honestly, though, 40 is more than enough when they're filled by the incredible craft- and import-brews available at Dunedin House of Beer.
DUNEDIN BREWERY 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606 or dunedinbrewery.com. Dunedin has the best hangout scene of the three breweries located in the Bay area by a long shot, with a cozy tasting room adjacent to gigantic vats of proto-beer and a big outdoor deck. Besides having the full range of the brewery's produce on tap, there's also frequent live music, constant events focused on the brewing cycle and a selection of simple but surprisingly competent bar food to fuel the enjoyment.
THE INDEPENDENT 29 Third St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-820-9514; 5016 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883; THE REX 2061 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-2337. St. Pete's standard for beer bars has recently expanded into a couple of new locations, each with a vibe that matches the neighborhood. The HQ in downtown St. Pete is slick and modern, the Seminole Heights spot is casual and rustic, while The Rex in Grand Central feels like a convivial classic pub. Across all of the outlets, however, the beer choices are excellent.
MELLOW MUSHROOM 11955 Sheldon Road, Tampa, 813-926-3440; 10959 Causeway Blvd., Brandon, 813-685-1122; mellowmushroom.com. MM is a chain, but even chains can have a dedication to good suds. Hundred of beers by the bottle, a good selection of craft-brews and imports on tap, and fabulous pizza makes this restaurant a full-service destination for hungry beer lovers.
MR. DUNDERBAK'S 14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4104 or dunderbaks.com. For years now J.B. Ellis has been a linchpin of the Tampa beer scene at his Mr. Dunderbak's. last year the bar/restaurant moved to nicer digs, making it easier to enjoy Ellis' massive 51 taps, beer engine, hundreds of bottle selections and serious German food. He also hosts meetings of the Tampa Bay BEERS homebrew club and features occasional live music.
NEW WORLD BREWERY 1313 E Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969. These days, New World is recognized as a serious music venue first and foremost, but the place also has a fantastic selection of beer that puts to shame the $6 plastic cups of Bud or Miller at most concert spots.
OLDSMAR TAP HOUSE 300 State St. E, Oldsmar, 813-855-9181 or oldsmartaphouse.com. With 36 beers on tap, all pouring interesting American craft-brews, along with a healthy and ever-changing selection of 75 beers by the bottle, Oldsmar Tap House is a beer destination. There's also a small food selection of straightforward sandwiches and sausage or cheese platter designed to sate your hunger without getting in the way of your serious beer tasting.
POUR HOUSE AT GRAND CENTRAL 1208 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-402-2923 or pourhousetampa.com. This new beer and wine bar in Tampa's Grand Central complex near the shipyards is a bright and airy spot with a truly astounding array of 40 taps pouring mostly American craft-brews, along with some key imports.
TAMPA BAY BREWING COMPANY 1600 E Eighth Ave., 813-247-1422 or tampabaybrewingcompany.com. TBBC is one of the only survivors of the brewpub craze of the 80s and 90s, and for good reason. The location in the heart of Centro Ybor helps, but the real draw are the nine tasty house beers — and 18 or so seasonal offerings — brewed in vats and tuns located right in the dining room proper. TBBC's kitchen takes advantage of the free-flowing beer with traditional pub dishes that incorporate the house brews whenever possible.
TANKS TAPROOM 13150 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-961-2337 or tankstaproom.com. Tanks is called a "taproom" for a reason, with three dozen or so drafts available from across the world, largely focused on Belgians and American craft-brews. The massive sandwiches are almost enough of a reason to stop at Tanks by themselves.
TAPS WINE AND BEER MERCHANTS 777 N Ashley Drive Tampa, 813-463-1968 or tapswineandbeer.com. One of the pioneers in reviving downtown Tampa's nightlife, Taps' beer and wine selection makes it an easy spot to meet friends after work or a show. The two dozen taps feature a wide variety of brews ranging from pedestrian to interesting, backed up by an extensive list of bottles and a menu of crowd-pleasing tapas.
