When it comes to bars in Tampa Bay there’s no shortage of bartenders in suspenders, themed drinkeries, and influencers hoggin’ patio space for clout, which is why the area’s dive bars hold a special place in our hearts.
Though we lost a few good ones recently, St. Pete still boasts iconic dives, and they’re not just dark, dank holes to grab a cold one. Some of the city’s best dives are also some of the premier spots for pool and darts, bar grub, and most importantly, they’re often indispensable for up-and-coming musicians.
So, next time you’re out, order a big double of well whiskey and give a warm toast to St. Pete’s dives. Here are a few of our favorites…
The Drunken Clam
46 46th Ave., St Pete Beach, 727-360-1800
This bar does not allow smoking indoors, but it does offer a small kitchen that pumps out a lot of food. From cajun parmesan garlic wings to fresh steamed clams, this is the perfect spot to get boozy and grab a bite.
Photo via The Drunken Clam/FacebookDead Bob’s
6702 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-317-2627
With 13 TVs, Dead Bob’s caters to those hoping to catch up on the latest sporting event, as well as those looking to grab a quick bite. If you’re looking to grab a cold one on the way home from St. Pete beach, Dead Bob’s is right there. Don’t miss out on The Big Bob, a menu favorite featuring a 10-oz. angus beef burger stacked double with a side of black beans and yellow rice.
Photo via Dead Bob’s/GooglePelican Pub
18 2nd St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-896-6329
Presented by the owners of Jannus Landing, Pelican Pub is St. Pete’s hub for snacks, darts and through-the-wall beats. That’s right! You can sort-of hear the performances from Jannus Landing through the walls of Pelican Pub, making it an excellent spot to stop by if you forgot to buy tickets to your favorite concert.
Photo via Pelican Pub/FacebookThe Bends
919 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-202-8931
The Bends gives local musicians a space to thrive, hosting frequent live music tucked away in the back of the bar. This newer bar is now popular with a second generation of ‘Burg-er bar goers, and is the obsession of a famous bathroom instagram @bendsbathroom
Photo via The Bends/FacebookMahuffer’s
19201 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-596-0226
Boasting free live music, Mahuffer’s is a seaside spot to grab a drink and enjoy some eclectic decor. The walls are decorated with everything from underwear to dollar bills, calling itself the “wurst place on the beech.”
Photo via Mahuhffer’s/FacebookMad Pub
12933 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727-258-8973
Serving up 63 taps, Mad Pub is the spot to try out a flight of brews. Located in John’s Pass, Mad Pub offers over 100 different types of craft beer, as well as a variety of cocktails such as the Blueberry Lemonade Fizz, featuring “The natural blend of muddled blueberries and fresh lemon juice. Deep Eddy Lemonade Vodka. Lemonade juice and soda water. Topped with Sprite.”
Photo via Mad Pub/FacebookWayward Goose
48 Dr MLK. Jr St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-201-9690
Right around the corner from The Bends, this little spot offers darts, pool, and seasonal menus featuring signature cocktails, such as the Banana Hammock, featuring “cinnamon infused vodka, banana syrup, lime juice” and ginger beer. The walls are decked out in art created by local artists, and art showcases to bring attention to the artists. Stop by for friendly bartenders and cheap beer.
Photo via Wayward Goose/FacebookSteve’s Tavern
933 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-894-1004
This storefront sells cigarettes at the bar, and offers a jukebox, darts, one pool table, and cheap beer. This little hideaway is hidden so well that it is the perfect spot if you’re trying not to be found. Don’t forget to stop by for happy hour!
Photo via Steve’s Tavern/YelpOne Night Stand
149 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-350-5822
A self-described “country and rock bar,” One Night Stand—which probably wishes it was a dive more than it actually is one—offers a small bar menu featuring Mexican pizza, mile-high nachos and more. This bar also offers weekly deals for healthcare workers, and weekly events such as hospitality night.
Photo via One Night Stand/GoogleLucky Star Lounge
2760 Central Ave., St. Petersburg,
Claiming to serve the “stiffest drinks in the district since 2008,” Lucky Star is an LGTQ+ hole-in-the-wall. This bar features a jukebox, so you can grab a drink while bumping to your own tunes.
Photo via Google Street49th Street Pub
860 49th St. N, St. Petersburg, 518-410-1159-
49th Street pub is the perfect place to play pool with friends and enjoy some live music. The website features a calendar of all of the upcoming live music, as well as events during the week, such as pool tournaments and karaoke, open mic, and poker.
Photo via 49th Street Pub/GoogleBar@548
548 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-914-7424
An open-air bar with plenty of outdoor seating, Bar@548 draws a young hipster crowd, and features a laid-back environment with local art covering the walls inside.
Photo via Bar 548/FacebookAbbey Road
974 58th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-343-0304
Offering cheap beer, darts, pool, and indoor smoking, Abbey Road is the perfect dive bar for those looking for a spot that’s perfectly rough around the edges. If you’re looking to bump to your own tunes, give the jukebox a spin.
Photo via Abbey Road/FacebookEmerald Bar
550 Central Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Established in 1950, Emerald Bar is one of the oldest dive bars in St.Petersburg. Offering bar games, indoor smoking, live music and happy hour, Emerald bar is a casual and cozy spot to grab a drink with friends.
Photo via Emerald Bar/GoogleBoardwalk Tavern
2600 54th Ave. N, St. Petersburg
Offering karaoke and pool, this is a great spot to make some drunken memories. This bar offers live local country music, as well as drink specials throughout the week. The hand painted sign is a true mark of an authentic dive bar.
Photo via Boardwalk Tavern/GoogleMastry’s Bar
233 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-3070
Mastry’s Bar is one of the oldest in St. Pete. This bar offers cheap drinks, live music, and darts. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a little hideaway from fancy establishments.
Photo via Mastry’sBar/FacebookPasadena Bar and Grill
796 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg, 727-345-3312
Pasadena Bar and Grill offers both a lunch and dinner menu, with American favorites such as burgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese. The Facebook page boasts the “best burgers in town,” but guests can see that for themselves. Photo via Google StreetJwags St. Pete
2312 4th St. N St. Petersburg, 727-202-7000
Jwags is exactly what you’d imagine a hole-in-the-wall would look like. The tiny dive bar offers strong mixed drinks, but does not have any beers on draft. Make sure to stop by for some fun bartivities such as darts and golden tee.
Photo via Jwags/Google
