Now that baseball season is here (go Rays!), the NBA playoffs are tipping off, and the NHL post-season is in full melee, there are many options to keep sports fanatics glued to their televisions. What better way to catch a big game than to be surrounded by fellow fans? Head to one of these destinations for awesome viewing options, food and drinks specials.
BAR LOUIE 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-874-1919, barlouieamerica.com. Awarded “Concept of Tomorrow” by Restaurant Hospitality magazine, this restaurant and bar oozes casual-cool.
Photography buffs will enjoy the contemporary pictures adorning the wood-paneled walls. Catch the game, courtesy of plasma TVs, experience the Caffeinator for a buzz and a jolt, or try the Voodoo Chicken with “voodoo sauce.” If you are 21 or above (seriously, per menu), splurge on Tennessee Whiskey Cake. If you’re under 21, the kid’s menu is also available.
BIG MO’S SPORTS BAR 6231 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-839-6308, bigmossportsbar.com. Hey big guy, catch the playoffs on one of the high-definition flat screens. Happy hour (6-9 p.m.) includes $1.25 drafts, $6 pitchers and $2.25 bottles of beer. Check out Team Trivia on Mondays (7-9 p.m.) and Saturdays (1-3 p.m.)
BOSTON’S 9316 Anderson Road, Tampa, 813-901-9590, bostons.com. Boston is the VIP at this restaurant and sports bar, so Red Sox fans, poor things, will feel right at home. They will also enjoy the Boston team memorabilia on the walls, if they can tear their eyes off the TV for a moment. Happy hour is everyday (11 a.m.-close), and includes specials such as $12 domestic beer buckets and two-for-one Blue Moon. Select $5 appetizers are available at the bar (7-9 p.m.).
BUNGALOW 2202 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-3663, bungalowtampa.com. Built almost 100 years ago, Bungalow has come a long way since then. Catch the playoffs on over a dozen flat-screen TVs. Take advantage of nightly specials, such as $5 nachos and trivia on Tuesdays, and bottomless wine on Wednesdays. Weekend brunch and Bloody Mary bar is available on weekends (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), in case it’s an early game.
CHAMPION’S SPORTS BAR 700 S. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-204-6335, marriottmodules.com. Located at Marriott Waterside across from the Forum, this destination isn’t just for tourists. Catch the playoffs on one of the giant screens, while guzzling one (or a few) of the 35 beers available. Sports memorabilia provides sporty scenery.
CHAMPP’S 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-353-0200, champps.com. Established in Minneapolis 25 years ago, this sports bar provides a “game day atmosphere every day of the week.” Giant TV screens adorn the walls. Come hungry and enjoy BBQ Triple Play, featuring baby back ribs, chicken and pulled pork. The extensive menu also features a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, salads, desserts and cocktails.
COOTERS RESTAURANT AND BAR 423 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach, 727-462-COOT, cooters.com. Not to be confused with Hooters, Cooters has received a Best in Tampa Bay award for the past five years. Head to the Sports Bar and Game Room (open 6 p.m.-1 a.m.) for a bunch of TVs and fellow fans to root along with. Play some Pac Man or virtual bowling games if your team is losing. Enjoy daily (3-6 p.m.) and late-night (10 p.m.-close) happy hours.
COURTSIDE GRILLE 110 Fountain Pkwy, St. Petersburg, 727-561-7433; 13901 Nine Eagles Drive, Tampa, 813-818-7433, courtsidegrill.com. Former NBA player and Tampa native Matt Geiger co-owns this sports-oriented establishment. The 9,500 square-foot “arena” is an excellent location to view the playoffs. Catch a breath of fresh air in the patio area.
FERG’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-4562, fergssportsbar.com. Located across from the Trop, this is the place to be after a Rays game. Even if the game's a downer, fans still congregate at Ferg’s, which gets crowded post-game. Ferg’s is also a prime spot for Rays pre-gaming and game viewing as well.
HATTRICK’S 107 S. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-225-4288, sportsbartampa.com. This building is over 100 years old, but the food and drinks are fresh. Check out the sports memorabilia surrounding you during the commercial breaks. Happy hour is everyday (4-8 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close) and includes specials such as $1.50 Miller Lite and Coors Light drafts and $.50 chicken wings.
LAGERHEADZ 606 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-937-6665, lagerheadz.com. Enjoy one, or a few, of the 50 available craft beers, lagers and ales, and catch the game on the 40-foot Boat Bar. Or, play video games in the Game Room. Or, relax at the Tiki Bar. In between drinks and games, try the Fish or Pork Tacoz. Don’t forget to feed the gators on your way out.
LEE ROY SELMON’S 4302 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-871-3287; 2424 Tyrone Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727-347-5774; 17508 Dona Michelle Drive, New Tampa, 813-977-3287, leeroyselmons.com. Named after the first Tampa Bay Buccaneer inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, Lee Roy Selmon’s keeps the superstar's legacy alive. Try Baby Back Ribs, smothered in Mama Selmon’s homemade barbecue sauce. Hot steam towels are handed out post-meal, which will conclude your meal on a high note.
PEABODY’S BILLIARDS AND GAMES 15333 Amberly Drive, Tampa, 813-972-1725, peabodystampa.com. You definitely won’t miss the game; there are 70 TVs and 10-foot screens to broadcast it. If your team is losing, distract yourself with a game of pool or poker. Take advantage of Peabody’s drink specials, such as penny pitchers on Monday nights (buy one, get one for a penny).
PLAYERS SPORTS PUB 4500 W. Cypress St., Tampa, 813-998-2255, playerspubtampa.com. Everyone will want to be a player at this pub, located at Doubletree Hotel Tampa Westshore Airport. They don’t play around when it comes to the playoff viewing options, with 14 high-definition TV and 120-inch projection TV. They serve a variety of food, such as Prime Rib Au Poivre and Sausage and Fennel gourmet pizza.
This article appears in Apr 26 – May 2, 2012.