Oktoberfest celebrations have already wrapped up, but it still seems as good a time as any to give the spotlight to Underberg, a storied German digestif that is typically used to settle the stomach after a large meal and is also a popular hair of the dog across the pond after a long night at the pub.
The small glass bottle wrapped in brown paper—which is quietly infiltrating Tampa Bay’s hippest watering holes—has been around since 1846, when Hubert Underberg first started selling it in Rheinberg, Germany. The formula inside contains herbs from 43 different countries and has been tightly kept as an Underberg family secret since its inception over 175 years ago and contains only water, alcohol and herbal extracts. Before it hits the shelves, the bitter beverage is matured in casks made of Slovenian oak, a process that adds to the complexity of the final product.
Underberg’s taste is often compared to the flavors of Fernet Branca and Jagermeister, which is likely to evoke a strong feeling one way or the other for the person drinking it. Since it’s offered in such a small serving size (20 ml), it can and should be quickly downed for ultimate palatability and results. While the bottle is small, the ABV, which sits at 44%, is not.
Here’s a list of some small businesses in the Tampa Bay area that offer Underberg if you feel like giving it a shot. Oh, and don’t forget to keep the green caps, which can be redeemed for Underberg merchandise that ranges all the way from glassware and plates to clothing and accessories.
Underberg is a storied German digestif that is typically used to settle the stomach after a large meal. Credit: Photo via La Setima Club/FacebookMr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten and Brewery
14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4104
Tampa’s award-winning German beer hall is an Americanized food “haus” that keeps traditional German ingredients at its core. Along with over 40 drafts on tap, Mr. Dunderbak’s serves Swabisch classics like an Oktoberfest sausage platter, sour cream schnitzel, Bavarian bratwurst, Polish kielbasa and more. Make sure you bring your German-to-English translator before trying to read the menu.
Photo via Mr. Dunderbak’s Brewpub/FacebookBest Bottle Shoppe
Jug & Bottle Dept.
Finalists: CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe Credit: Photo via Jug & Bottle Dept.Independent Bar
Veronica Danko
5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883
With a fun indoor-outdoor environment and wide selection of drinks and bites, this neighborhood staple European-inspired bar and cafe offers wine, beer, coffee and pastries with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options fit for everyone. Credit: Photo via Marlo MillerNew World Brewery
810 E Skagway Ave., Tampa
Photo by Dave Decker Credit: Dave DeckerHawthorne Bottle Shoppe
2927 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Photo via Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe / Facebook Credit: Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe / FacebookThe Hub
While this downtown Tampa institution is certainly a great place to score a strong shot and a cheap beer, it also offers a surprisingly good selection of mezcal, for a dive bar. We recommend going on a shift when Tampa’s second best bartender, Kamran Mir (only joking, Kam), is working, as he actually enjoys taking the time to concoct unique mezcal cocktails that will have other patrons reconsidering their next shot and a wash.
719 N Franklin St, Tampa. 813-229-1553 Credit: Photo by Brian MaharThe Dirty Shame
1929 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-247-7930
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/FacebookYard House
4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa
MOSI will soon debut an outdoor taproom and food truck from Ybor City’s Zydeco Brew Werks—the second location for the New Orleans-themed brewery. Zydeco’s General Manager Josh Henneman tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that MOSI’s newest hospitality concept is just a few weeks away from making its debut. Zydeco Brew Werks at MOSI will feature an outdoor bar loaded with the brewery’s most popular beers, an 18-foot food truck next to the museum’s miniature golf course, four TVs and shaded seating under its amphitheater awning (where the IMAX theater once was)— which will soon host a variety of live entertainment, too.
Photo via Zydeco Brew Werks Credit: CourtesyThe Rollin’ Mullet
6401 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa ,813) 245-5465
The Rollin’ Mullet bar is unique in the sense that the beer is literally poured from a 1971 Airstream trailer. The menu features gourmet hot dogs, burgers, cheesesteaks, quesadillas and more. The spot also has ample amount of outdoor seating making it perfect for kids and dogs.
Photo via The Rollin’ Mullet/FacebookLa Setima Club
815 E 7th Ave., Tampa
Photo c/o La Setima Club Credit: Photo c/o La Sétima ClubLowry Parcade
1213 W Waters Ave., Tampa
Photo via lowryparcade/Facebook Credit: Photo via lowryparcade/FacebookThe Ship’s Hold
37 4th St. N, St. Petersburg
Photo via The Ship’s HoldBest Brandon Restaurant
The Stein & Vine
Finalists: Vine Vegan, Bootleggers Brewing Co Credit: Chris FasickWillard’s Tap House
12500 Starkey Rd., Largo
Photo via WillardsTapHouse/FacebookSchiller’s German Delicatessen
4327 W El Prado Blvd., Tampa
Photo via Google Maps