Nightlife in Tampa has been fueled by the main entertainment districts of Ybor City and Hyde Park.  With Channelside on its way back to the scene, Downtown Tampa is exploding with night-time action as is Seminole Heights with an ever-growing list of new bars and restaurants, it's fitting to point out some of the top bars in Tampa. Many have been at the top for years, while some are rising stars.

Know a place you believe should be on this list?  Comment below or review them on 813area.com!  Be sure to check out our full guide to bars & clubs in Tampa. Let us know what you think as you tour the 21 best bars in Tampa. Let us know if you completed the tour and tried them all! 

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MacDinton's
4.0  5 Rating (61)
405 South Howard Ave, Tampa FL, 33606
MacDinton’s is the area’s most popular Irish bar for happy hours, drink specials, live entertainment, soccer/sporting events, and amazing nights out. MacDinton’s...
SoHo Saloon
3.8  4 Rating (11)
410 S. Howard Ave., Tampa FL, 33606
Come get your country on at South Howard Avenue's one and only Southern Sports Bar, where you'll find good friends, great service, and legendary wings....
American Social
4.9  5 Rating (8)
601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa FL, 33602
What is American Social??? It's a place where friends come together and good memories are made. It's a place where cravings are satisfied through all-American...
Bulla Gastrobar
4.6  5 Rating (9)
930 S Howard Ave, Tampa FL, 33606
Set in the heart of the trendy Soho and Hyde Park neighborhood, Bulla Gastrobar’s newest location is an electrifying addition to Tampa’s vibrant restaurant...
The Bad Monkey
4.5  5 Rating (4)
1717 7th Ave., Tampa FL, 33605
A lit bar right along historic 7th avenue in Ybor City. Expect great drinks, specials, live entertainment, and much more at this awesome Ybor City bar.
Double Decker
4.1  5 Rating (25)
1721 E 7th Ave., Tampa FL, 33605
Welcome to the best party in town!!!! Tampa Bays Best Karaoke Bar! European American Bar featuring tropical beer garden, live music, exclusive DJs, cockpit...
Mad Dogs and Englishmen
4.3  5 Rating (4)
4115 South MacDill Ave., Tampa FL, 33611
English style restaurant serving favorites including steak, grilled pizzas, pub fare, seafood & much more. Mad Dogs also features a Sunday Brunch, live...
WTR Pool
4.6  5 Rating (18)
7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa FL, 33607
WTR Pool & Grill is Tampa's ultimate seaside retreat. Overlooking beautiful Tampa Bay, WTR provides guests with a memorable experience of poolside luxury...
The Blind Goat Food and Drink Co.
4.1  5 Rating (6)
4106 Henderson Blvd, Tampa FL, 33629
Combining the rich history of Tampa, with the newest trends in the hospitality industry, The Blind Goat is a modern industrial, happy hour hot spot, designed...
Mermaid Tavern
4.5  5 Rating (5)
6719 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa FL, 33604
The Mermaid Tavern might just be North Tampa's best kept secret when it comes to great neighborhood bars. Head in for a vast selection of craft beers,...
Mandarin Heights
4.7  5 Rating (2)
5901 North Florida Ave, Tampa FL, 33604
Like it's counterpart, The Mandarin Hide, Mandarin Heights is more than the average bar. This mid-century modern lounge embraces guests with its delectable...
Thee Tree House
4.8  5 Rating (11)
1809 W Platt Street, Tampa FL, 33606
We emphasize seasonality, serving familiar flavors through inspired ingredients. Enjoy authentic hospitality and chef-driven, New American fare at Thee...
EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
4.9  5 Rating (2)
1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa FL, 33606
EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge is the perfect place to unwind after a long day at work, relax for a drink before dinner or to lounge and watch the sunset....
O'Brien's Irish Pub | Brandon
4.4  5 Rating (15)
701 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon FL, 33511
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Grill is the brainchild of three Irish friends who met in New York and wanted to create a neighborhood Irish bar for the people of Brandon...
Hattricks
4.2  5 Rating (21)
107 S Franklin St., Tampa FL, 33602
Irish pub and sports bar theme make this bar a great place to watch sports games or just wind down with some food and cold drinks.
The Soho Backyard
4.8  5 Rating (5)
610 S Armenia Ave, Tampa FL, 33609
A low key, date-friendly restaurant/bar in Tampa's Soho District. An aesthetically appealing, welcome alternative to the massive crowds and loud music....
The Hub
4.8  5 Rating (2)
719 N. Franklin St., Tampa FL, 33602
Open since 1946, the Hub has outlasted much that has come and gone in Downtown Tampa. Known for their famous "hub pour", the Hub never uses bottom shelf...
Tiny Tap Tavern
4.7  5 Rating (2)
2105 W Morrison Ave, Tampa FL, 33606
Tiny Tap Tavern has been around for many years and is one of Tampa's staple neighborhood bars. Along with inexpensive beer & wine this bar in Hyde Park...
The Patio Tampa
4.7  5 Rating (6)
421 S MacDill Ave, Tampa FL, 33609
A Palma Ceia staple for almost a decade, our nightly drink specials appeal to both beer and liquor drinkers alike. Feel free to get a little inspiration...
Molly Malone's Irish Pub
Bar & Restaurant $$
304 E Davis Blvd Ste E, Tampa FL, 33606
Expected to open for St Patrick's Day, Molly Malone's Irish Pub will be the newest addition to the Davis Islands bars and restaurants serving traditional...