At first blush, the downtown St. Pete bar The Bends seems like nothing more than a hipster hangout, with its narrow shotgun room, Beastie Boys-inpired mural, and modest patio overflowing with rockers and artsy types in skinny jeans. But the haunt goes above and beyond with its mixologist-tested cocktails and a slate of entertainment that combines art, music, sports and other themes in ingenious ways. The bar has hosted exhibits by young and emerging artists, zany costume contests, a “Drunk ‘n’ Ollie” skateboard contest, and Lucha Libro, a competitive writing event inspired by Mexican wrestling. There’s also the First of Nintendo vintage video game night on Wednesdays, and, on first Tuesdays, the Cloak+Dagger night by DJ and promoter Elias Théroux, which transforms the joint into a futuristic wonderland. facebook.com/thebendsbar
