By: Andrew Silverstein

Brandon may seem like boring, soccer-mom suburbia to some, but those poor folks just haven't experienced all the great nightlife the city has to offer.  Sure, it's not as prolific as famous Tampa nightlife hubs like Ybor City or Channelside, but that doesn't stop it from providing a number of great options when it comes to hitting the the town at night.  Here's a few of our favorite bars in Brandon.

The Rack - Sushi and billiards; an odd, but pretty fun-sounding combination.  That's what the Rack in Brandon provides.  Enjoy a round of pool, sushi, a big screen with Wii Sports and more at this popular nightlife destination.  In addition to sushi, their menu boasts an assortment of items including chicken wings, nachos, sandwiches, and more.  Go on Tuesdays and enjoy an unlimited menu from 9 till 11 p.m.

The Green Iguana - The Green Iguana is a Tampa nightlife institution and their Brandon location is definitely no exception.  During the day it's a cozy neighborhood bar and grill serving up a ton of great Caribbean-inspired fare and bar staples like wings, sandwiches, burgers,wraps, and more.  At night, it's an ideal location for anyone seeking a place to dance, hang out with friends, and get their drink on.  Wednesday night is $1 drink night, a great way to save some money while still enjoying the nightlife.

The Brass Tap - For beer lovers in Brandon, the Brass Tap is likely your best bet for a nice, craft beer focused watering hole.  Located in the plaza at the Westfield Brandon Mall, the Brass Tap is a great place to watch the game on the flatscreen and sip on a beer lightyears ahead of your typical, watery light beer.  With over 300 to choose from, you know there will be a few to fit your tastes or maybe even surprise you.  If that isn't enough, the Brass Tap also hosts a wide variety of live music acts all throughout the week.

The Dallas Bull - This one's for all the country-minded folk out there.  This mega bar off highway 301 has been a country music institution in Tampa since 1979.  Head down to the Bull and enjoy free line-dancing lessons, live music, a mechanical bull, and much, much more.

Mellow Mushroom - Mellow Mushroom is primarily known for its awesome pizza, but the bar selection, including a ton of great craft beers, is second to none.  Sip on a Rogue Chocolate Stout or perhaps a Boulder Mojo IPA while you take in the tunes pumping through the sound system or watch your favorite game on one of the big screen TVs.