Just because a bar isn’t always jam packed, doesn’t mean it isn’t loved. Here you’ll find some of Tampa Bay’s essential dive bars, classic holes-in-the-wall spots, hidden sports bars, and even watering holes inside of grocery stores.

Hampton Station 5921 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa A laid-back dining spot in Seminole Heights with tasty laid-back chow like pizza and wings that complement the roomy bar’s pours of craft beer. Diners can sit on the covered, outdoor patio or choose a spot inside at the bar. Kids are not allowed. Photo via Hampton Station/Facebook
Ricks on the River 2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa Open 365 days a year, Ricks on the River triples as a marina, bar and grill. Diners can dock their boat for free while they visit, or keep it there for a fee. The riverside venue has three bars, including an oyster one, and daily live music. Photo via Nebraska Mini-Mart/Facebook
Lowry Parcade & Tavern 1213 W Waters Ave, Tampa Tampa’s first tavern and arcade opened in 2016. In addition to pinball machines and old school arcade games, they host trivia nights and events with drink specials and live music. Photo via Lowry Parcade/Website
Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa Turning 40 this year, Skipper’s Smokehouse is known for its live shows under what locals have dubbed the “Skipperdome.” Their menu is filled with fish platters and wings, but there is a veggie burger thrown in too. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4 – 8 p.m., and includes wing specials. Photo via Skipper’s Smokehouse/Website>
C. 1949 6905 N Orleans Ave, Tampa C. 1949 is a craft beer bar that keeps it local. With 40 taps and 100 bottles and cans, as well as wine and house-made sangria, there’s something for everyone. Guests can enjoy happy hour daily from 4 – 7 p.m. on the large patio outside or around the pool tables inside. Photo via C. 1949/Facebook
The Corner Club 1502 E Sligh Ave, Tampa Never a sight to behold, The Corner Club has always been known as the neighborhood dive bar. Visit for the cheap beer and stay for the local, friendly atmosphere. Photo via The Corner Club/Google Maps
Pete’s Place South 4145 Henderson Blvd, Tampa This sports bar and grill features 20 TVs, dart boards and pool tables. Drink specials are offered every day with wing specials on game days. Karaoke nights are hosted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Photo via Pete’s Place South/Google Maps
The Dog Saloon – South Tampa 3311 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa This small, neighborhood bar and grill has been around since the 70s, but didn’t become a full liquor bar until 2013. They host trivia nights, events and have a foosball table, pool tables and dartboards. Photo via The Dog Saloon – South Tampa/Google Maps
Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern 3120 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa This local dive bar has changing drink specials, live music, plenty of holiday parties and community events. Their patio features a small bar, plenty of seating and cornhole boards. Photo via Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern/Facebook
I Don’t Care Bar & Grill 4556 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa The local sports bar has been around since 2014. They host Beerball (similar to skiball) and dart tournaments, and their Facebook boasts “huge wings with great burgers.” Photo via I Don’t Care Bar & Grill/Google Maps
Tapper Pub 3832 Britton Plaza, Tampa This South Tampa hole-in-the-wall has been around since 1967, and is right next to a Publix. Get your groceries and stay for the happy hour hosted from 4 – 7 p.m. with different nightly specials. Photo via Tapper Pub/Google Maps
The Hole in the Wall Bar 1708 E 7th Ave, Tampa A literal hole-in-the-wall dive bar located in Tampa with nightly specials and a jukebox in the corner. Bar-goers can enjoy a pool table, dartboard, boxing game and more. Photo via The Hole in the Wall Bar/Facebook
The Beer Shed 11222 Casa Loma Dr, Riverview Cheap drinks with a friendly neighborhood feel are what you’ll find at this waterside bar. They’re known for their live shows and seating with views of the Alafia River. Happy hour runs from 3 – 7 p.m. Photo via The Beer Shed/Facebook
Duke’s Retired Surfer Bar & Grill 5210 W Tyson Ave, Tampa This bar and grill is on the first floor of a multileveled restaurant, below Hula Bay Club. Customers can order food from either restaurant and have it brought to their table. It’s situated right on the water and features occasional live shows. Photo via Duke’s Retired Surfer Bar & Grill/Website
Red Star Rock Bar 5210 N Florida Ave, Tampa This Ybor City bar is known for their live music. Everything is made in-house, and happy hour runs Monday through Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. They host an open mic night every Monday starting at 8 p.m. — Kazoos are encouraged. Photo via Red Star Rock Bar/Facebook

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 Maps
Davis Island Yacht Club 1315 Severn Ave, Tampa The member-owned yacht club doubles as a bar. Situated on the water, the second story is where guests will find daily food and drink specials. There are events almost daily, including sailing races and trivia night. Photo via Photo via Facebook/Davis Island Yacht Club
The Patio Tampa 421 S MacDill Ave, Tampa The Patio is dog-friendly and open 365 days a year. They never close before 3 a.m. and boast daily drink specials, serving as a place to watch the game or fight and even celebrate the holidays. Photo via Nebraska Mini-Mart/Facebook
Elmer’s Sports Cafe 2003 E 7th Ave, Tampa This pet-friendly sports bar is located among all the others in Ybor. They offer the usual sandwiches and fried bar snacks, and they’re always willing to pour doubles on any liquors all day and all night. Photo via Elmer’s Sports Cafe/Google Maps
Hattricks 107 S Franklin St, Tampa The self-appointed, “best sports bar in Tampa,” runs happy hour everyday from 4 to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close. Their menu features wing specials, and other pub-style fare to get you through the game. Photo via Hattricks/Google Maps
The Wine Exchange Bistro (Hyde Park) 1609 W Snow Ave, Tampa This bistro and wine bar in Hyde Park Village gives guests a taste of wine from around the world, or allows them to sip martinis from the fully-stocked bar. Their fanciful-fare can be eaten inside or on the patio. Photo via The Wine Exchange/Facebook
Tiny Tap Tavern 2105 W Morrison Ave, Tampa Originally a gas station in the 30s and 40s, Tiny Tap became a tavern in 1951. The dive bar has served as the local hotspot for beer, wine and pool for nearly 70 years. Photo via Tiny Tap Tavern/Google Maps