The LA Hangout
Vitals: 16411 N Franklin Ave., Lutz, (813) 964-5631, www.thehangoutbar.com; major credit cards accepted.
The spot: Having just celebrated its second anniversary and broken the curse that haunted businesses previously occupying its space, the LA Hangout is like visiting three bars at once. There's an outside bar and deck, plus two separate rooms inside. One is a bona fide sports bar complete with hardwood, toss-your-peanut-shells-here floors and sports paraphernalia hanging on the walls. It's also home to dartboard machines, pool and foosball tables. Another room has mirrored walls, candlelit tables, a dance floor and a stage for live bands and karaoke nights.
The crowd: On a Saturday night, a late 30s and up crowd of Lutz locals smoke up the bar, and several mullet and sleeveless flannel sightings occurred within a 30-minute period. The occasional college student strolls in, especially for Monday ladies' nights, when DJ Kidd Leow tears up the turntables with hip-hop. From NASCAR nights to karaoke nights, you never know who might show up at the hangout.
The grub: Wings, burgers, fried goodies and other bar food.
The juice: Imports include Heineken and Kronenbourg, while domestics include Amber Bock and Budweiser. Almost every night there's something on special.
The UA Hangout
Vitals: 2025 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, (813) 977-5631, www.thehangoutbar.com; major credit cards accepted.
The spot: A decent escape for those growing weary of the more upscale, trendy South Tampa scene, the UA features hardwood floors and lighted signs bearing beer logos. Plus TVs in every corner make for a night-out-with-the-guys atmosphere. The bar was started up by the same folks who own The LA Hangout, and the similarities are startling. Frequent drink specials and Tuesday night beer pong tournaments scream college bar, and don't forget Wednesday night Playstation Madden Football tournaments. Don't be surprised by the occasional cowboy hat and pretty blond hootin' and hollerin' in an unlady-like fashion.
The toys: With an old school Atari game, Silver Strike Bowling, Golden Tee Live, pool tables and dart machines, this is every man's playground.
The tunes: You'll hear the occasional Alcohol and Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off during Saturday's all request night followed by something completely unrelated and unexpected but entirely welcome, like Bob Marley, Buck Cherry or even a South Park sound bite. This is a place where a Hank Williams Jr. song might just make an appearance at some point - and the crowd will slur along to every word. Friday nights the hangout is transformed into a dance club as WFLZ-FM 93.3's Kidd Leow takes over, mixing hip-hop.
The crowd: College students and North Tampa locals fill these bar stools, which isn't a shock since the UA stands for "university area."
The grub: The usual bar food menu equals greasy goodness.
The juice: Standard liquors, domestic beers and imports at cheaper than average prices. Pitchers are a fixture at most tables.