tbt.com - tbt* / Tampa Bay Times

08/18/2006

tbt* Ultimate Bar Guide

Welcome to our 2006 Ultimate Bar Guide

We like to think of our picks as consensus "all-Tampa Bay" places. We chose these places based on longevity, crowd potential, drink selection, reputation, word-of-mouth, had we ever been there and liked it, and - the all important - "what the hey, let's throw it in." The guide itself is divided to the left geographically and by themes.

And finally, our contest for the ultimate Tampa Bay bartender. We loved getting all of those entries. Loved the creativity. Loved the photos (see our tribute). And we think you'll like the winner. Okay, thirsty yet? Enjoy.

tbt* 2006 Ultimate Bar Guide cover with Lisa Wallace

tbt* 2006 Ultimate Bar Guide with reader-selected cover model Lisa Wallace

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Cover Story

What'll it be? She already knows
Lisa Wallace said she never would’ve registered herself for tbt*’s Ultimate Bartender contest, but when a regular customer tried to talk her into it, she conceded.

Meet your contestants, the best of the rest
As we monitored our contestants, we were struck by some of the more colorful entries.

Pick Your Pleasure

Downtown Tampa/Channelside
We review The Hub, Jackson’s, Spain, Newk’s, Yeoman’s Road Pub and Stumps Supper Club.

Hyde Park/SoHo
We review Whiskey Park SoHo, The Rack, 717 South, The Tiny Tap Tavern, Mangroves and Po’boys.

Northwest Tampa/USF
We review The Oak Room, Tank’s Tap Room, Brass Mug, Pegasus, Copper Top and Bull Ring.

Ybor City
We review New World Brewery, Boneyard, Green Iguana, Fume Bella, Castle, Club Hedo and Czar.

Downtown St. Pete
We review The Independent, Emerald Bar, Lobby/Garden, Rare Olive and Cafe Alma.

Beach/Waterfront
We review Shephard’s Resort, Gator’s Cafe and Saloon, Undertow, Rattle Fish, Palm Pavilion and Rick’s on the River.

International Plaza
We review Blue Martini, Bar Louie and Bamboo Club.

Dance Clubs
We review The Amphitheater, Club Underground, Bahasa Lounge, Floyd’s @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Club Fuel.

Brandon/ East Hillsborough
We review O'Brien's Irish Pub and Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, Barnacles and Cheddar’s Casual Cafe.

Live Music
We review Skipper’s, Boomerz, Gasoline Alley, Abbey Road Pub, Orpheum, Dave’s Aqua Lounge, Ringside, Blue Shark, The Fox, Dino’s and Elite Jazz Bar.

Irish/British
We review MacDinton’s, The Dubliner, Four Green Fields, Limey’s, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, James Joyce Irish Pub and Fox and Hounds.

North Pinellas
We review Chic-a-Boom Room, Dunedin Brewery, Jack Willie’s, The Neptune and The Junction.

Gulfport
We review O'Maddy's.

Gay
We review the Suncoast Resort, Grand Central Station/Platform, Flirt, Georgie’s Alibi, Azalea Lounge and City Side.

Country
We review Dallas Bull, The Round Up and Waterin’ Trough.

How it was done

The rules and regs
We know you're eager to dive into all those great places that exist in Tampa Bay to get your drink on. But the bosses want us to get this out of the way right up front: This isn't the Ultimate Most Comprehensive Scientific Guide to the Tampa Bay Bar Universe.

Confessions of a buzzed barfly
I have a confession. I'm a lightweight.