Every neighborhood seems to have that one bar that comes to mind when you’re considering an after-work outing with friends or colleagues. It’s the place you bring your family when they visit or the spot you suggest tourists try while they’re in town. Here are some of those bars along with the Tampa neighborhoods they help define.

Downtown Tampa

Photo courtesy of Fly Bar and Restaurant 

It’s been referred to as “funky” and “eclectic,” but the owners of Fly Bar and Restaurant on North Franklin Street just call it “Fly”. This high-energy establishment stands out in an area where there are many dining and drinking options. Some patrons come for the laid-back atmosphere, craft beer, signature cocktails, and small plates designed for sharing. Others are drawn to the rooftop, where they can enjoy sunset views. Thursdays through Saturdays, the bar features live DJs and bands. 

Seminole Heights

Located in the heart of Seminole Heights on Nebraska Avenue is Ella’s Americana Folk Cafe, which serves American comfort food while marching to the beat of its own drummer. With folk art adorning the walls and the eclectic menu items, you know you’re in a space with a personality all its own. On its food menu are entrees such as Chicken & the Hoe (slow roasted mojo chicken thighs, arepa con queso, avocado rellono, and mole negra) and Henry the Loaf (bacon-wrapped meatloaf covered with beef gravy and crispy onion rings). On its drink menu are barrel-aged cocktails and specialty shots such as the Breakfast of Champions, consisting of Jameson and butterscotch schnapps chilled with an orange juice chaser—Ella’s swears it tastes like pancakes and syrup.

Ybor City

Gaspar's Grotto in Ybor City

When an establishment refers to itself as “a notorious pirate bar,” its atmosphere will be hard to forget, even by people who aren’t necessarily the swashbuckling type. Gaspar’s Grotto, one of the neighborhood’s numerous spots on 7th Avenue, features a pirate backdrop and a “one-stop bar hop” with three bars located on the premises. People come for the high-energy live music seven days a week and brunch on Sundays. If that’s not enough for a true Ybor City experience, then ask about “Tanker Ray, Bar Cat Extraordinaire.” This famous feline has a fan club with chapters in Atlanta, Georgia and Riverside, California.

Tampa Heights

Even though the Hillsborough River runs through a good stretch of Tampa, there are only a few places where you can sit by the water and enjoy food, drink, and sometimes even live music. Rick’s on the River features both an oyster bar and a marina, where slips (for boats up to 50 feet in length) are free to patrons during their visit and available for rent on a monthly basis. The outdoor bar hosts bands daily.

South Tampa

Photo courtesy of Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club

Yes, you need a password to get in (they’ll give you hints at the door), and reservations are recommended to ensure a table, but if you’ve ever wanted to experience the atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy, Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club is as close to a modern-day version as you can get. Dressed in 1920s garb, the staff both looks and acts the part. Although it’s a bit on the pricey side, patrons enjoy the hand-crafted cocktails and the quiet atmosphere conducive to conversation.

West Tampa

While Tampa has its fair share of craft breweries, many feel tailored to beer aficionados. However, Cigar City Brewing Co. attracts all sorts of people, especially visitors from the nearby airport. Their bar includes brands that can be found throughout the state, such as Jai Alai (India pale ale) and Florida Cracker (Belgian-style white ale). Brewery tours are offered daily except on Mondays and Tuesdays. For those who want food to accompany their beer, food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisine are on-premise throughout the week.