25 iconic Tampa Bay dive bars everyone should visit at least once
Tampa Bay is home to dozens of hole-in-the-wall watering holes (we’re not kidding, most of these places don’t have their own websites), and since 2020 was probably the worst year for bars since Prohibition, we thought it would be worth highlighting some of the area's classic local dives. So, here are a few dive bars that absolutely define the Bay area.
Scroll down to view images
1230 9th St. N, St. Petersburg
Flamingo Sports Bar originally opened in March 1937 as a drive-in restaurant selling wine, beer, ice cream and sandwiches. In the 1950s, the spot evolved from a stand to an indoor space. The legendary writer, Jack Kerouac, once drank there, and now the bar has a mural, photos and novels inside the bar to commemorate him. The bar is one of the oldest in St. Petersburg.
Photo via Flamingo Sports Bar/Google
46 46th Ave., St. Pete Beach
The Drunken Clam is known for its “naked” unbreaded wings. Even with a small kitchen, the staff cooks fresh wings for about 20 minutes and douses them in a variety of sauces including the award winning cajun parmesan garlic sauce. The Drunken Clam also has fresh steamed clams, shrimp, seared sesame tuna and fresh ground beef burgers. The bar also serves breakfast and features live music.
Photo via Drunken Clam/Google
11222 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview
Float away with some drinks on the deck and boat docking at Beer Shed, then stay for karaoke. The bar's kitchen serves fresh fish, and plenty of other eats. Family-run and serving snacks from all over the world like Thai, American, Southern fare and seasonal specials.
Photo via
Beer Shed Eats/Facebook
1463 S Belcher Rd., Clearwater
The Copper Mug is a classic TB watering hole. Dart and golf games are available, and the store sells lottery tickets. Drink cheaply, and kick back and relax.
Photo via
Copper Mug/Facebook
6717 Central Ave S, St. Petersburg
Known for its burgers, live music and late hours, Dead Bob’s serves drinks in both St. Petersburg and Tampa. According to the website, the bar is named after a boisterous and lively drinker named Bob. As a very old man, Bob carried around an oxygen tank and drank until he almost fell out of his barstool. Sadly, he eventually passed away, but the man’s legend lives on in the bar.
Photo via
Dead Bob’s/Facebook
