AROUND USF-TAMPA
Applebee's. Bad atmosphere but all-day happy hour! 5779 E. Fowler Ave., 33617, 813-989-2000, applebees.com.
Bobalouie's Grill & Sports Garden, 1913 E. Bearss Ave., 813-971-1243, bobalouies.com.
The Greenery Pub. The epitome of the USF dive bar — a relaxed atmosphere, a few video games, a jukebox and a grizzled bartender who'll keep the drinks comin'. The Greenery has no dress code — just come in your best beer-drinkin' outfit. Located in the heart of student housing, it's also convenient for those looking to avoid cab fare. 13740 N. 42nd St., 813-977-5992.
Mr. Dunderbak's. University Mall's greatest asset! 2222 University Square Mall #b, 813-977-4104, dunderbaks.com/.
Peabody's Billiards. Free parking, great menu, three full liquor bars, 14 professional-size billiard tables, 18 electronic dart boards, 60 TVs. 15333 Amberly Drive, 813-972-1725, peabodysbilliards.com.
Tia's Tex-Mex (Fowler), 2815 E. Fowler Ave., 813-977-5025, tiastexmex.com.
U.A Hangout. What UH lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in nightly specials, including Trivia Mondays, Texas Hold 'Em Wednesdays and Nickel Beer Thursdays. Steer clear if you're in the market for a hip, trendy nightclub, but if you're looking for a good time and drinks aplenty, UH is right up your alley. Friday nights require a dress code — no T-shirts, ball caps or sports jerseys allowed. Besides the wet T-shirt contest, this is as classy as Friday nights get. 2025 E. Fowler Ave., 813-977-2683, thehangoutbar.com.
HILLSBOROUGH/CHANNELSIDE/SOHO/YBOR
Banana Joe's. 615 Channelside Drive, 813-228-7300, bananajoestampabay.com.
Dallas Bull. For the cowboy in everyone. Thursday is Ladies Night! 3322 N. U.S. 301, 813-987-2855, dallasbull.com.
Club Prana. AKA the "jewel of Ybor's nightlife." 1619 E. Seventh Ave., 813-241-4139, clubprana.com.
The Dubliner Irish Pub. 2307 W. Azeele St., 813-258-2257, thedublineririshpub.com.
Howl at the Moon. Upbeat piano bar. 615 Channelside Drive, 813-226-2261, howlatthemoontampa.com.
Hyde Park Café. Popular with grad students, also great for bachelorette and b-day parties. 1806 W. Platt St., 813-254-CAFÉ, thehydeparkcafe.com.
MacDinton Irish Pub & Restaurant. 405 S. Howard Ave., 813-251-8999, macdintons.com.
Splitsville. Bowling lanes, multiple bars, good food, pool tables. 615 Channelside Drive # 120. 813-514-2695, splitsvillelanes.com.
ST. PETE & BEACHES
Baywalk. The high-end, new-school trendy place to hang out as opposed to the historic Central Avenue nightlife core. First St. N. between Second and Third avenues north in downtown St. Pete, yourbaywalk.com.
Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Central Avenue has too many restaurants and bars to mention. You can walk the strip and follow the crowds to see where everyone is going; or stop in and have a drink at every establishment until you find the one that is perfect for your mood, budget, crowd, etc.
St. Pete Beach. While certainly not South Beach, St. Pete Beach has a number of cool beach bars. Your best bet, much like with Central Avenue, is to stroll down the beach or the strip and stop into a few to gauge the atmosphere and crowd. Some popular places are Ricky T's, Gator's Café and Bahama Mama's Beach Bar — or have a great mixed drink at Crabby Bill's upstairs deck.
The Tavern at Bayboro. An on-campus drinking establishment with good (and by that we mean more than just boring American light lagers) beer and good food. As of right now it is USF St. Pete's only on-campus place to get food, since the closing of the much-beleaguered Coquina Club. There is also an attached bookstore that carries textbooks. The Tavern is unique because it has the look and vibe of a college-town pub in a city that lacks a college-town feel. 121 Seventh Avenue S., St. Petersburg, 727-821-1418, tavernatbayboro.com.
