Wingman

Who's the greatest movie wingman of all time?

Times Editor — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:51:46 -0400

By now, every English-speaking movie-goer has seen The Hangover, the runaway surprise box office hit this summer about three loyal dudes who try to find their best friend who went missing after a bachelor party that nobody can remember.

And while we here at Wingman offer a hardy hats-off to actors Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis, we wonder: Where would they rank among the greatest movie wingmen of all time?

Above Goose (Anthony Edwards) from Top Gun? Below Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting? Filmcritic.com has their top 10 list of movie wingmen online. Click here to read the full explanation for each pick, but here's the Cliff's Notes version:

TOP 10 MOVIE WINGMEN:

10. Stiles (Jerry Levine), Teen Wolf
9. Randall "Pink" Floyd (Jason London), Dazed and Confused
8. Mike Damone (Robert Romanus), Fast Times at Ridgemont High
7. Will Hunting (Matt Damon), Good Will Hunting
6. Jay (Romany Malco), Dave (Paul Rudd), and Cal (Seth Rogen), The 40-Year-Old Virgin
5. Enid (Thora Birch), Ghost World
4. Jack (Thomas Haden Church), Sideways
3. Roger Swanson (Campbell Scott), Roger Dodger
2. Trent (Vince Vaughn), Swingers
1. Goose (Anthony Edwards), Top Gun

[Publicity photo]

Behold the greatest thing since beer: The Man Wall

Times Editor — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:57:30 -0400

Do not not stare directly at The Man Wall, for we fear your eyes will burn until you are blind and your body will turn into a pillar of salt. Yes, this beautiful invention is dubbed simply The Man Wall. Keep saying it over and over again. Man Wall. It just keeps feeling better.

The Man Wall (ahhh, see?) is an actual blessing from above that mere mortals can buy from a company called HybridFurniture. Now, we're not telling you the price just yet. Like any good sales pitch, let us detail its features first. The Man Wall (sigh) comes with:

A 42-inch flat panel LCD HDTV
Three more 26-inch flat screen TVs
A 1,000-watt home theater system
DVD player with 5-disc changer
An iPod docking station
Two wireless surround sound speakers
A live 7-foot sports ticker (with built-in computer and 1 year of free service)
A full-size built-in refrigerated beer keg and tap
A microwave oven
Two cigar humidors
A 32-bottle wine rack

Of course, it can be customized to be built in your favorite team's colors.

“This is the Taj Mahal of Man Room accessories, it has everything but the kitchen sink and we only left that out to make room for the full-size kegerator,” said co-designer Vince Caruso. (Very practical, sir. Bravo.)

Want one more reason to buy it? It's made by a Tampa Bay area company. HybridFurniture is based in Bradenton. Check out their Web site for a bunch of other man-friendly contraptions.

Okay, we put this off long enough. The price tag: $14,900 ... plus shipping.

(So maybe that card table and milk carton shelf unit you're using as an entertainment center will have to do for a little longer.)

The Garage provides a fun (if lengthy) alternative to fireworks

Times Editor — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:53:33 -0400

When people think of the 4th of July, they think of hot dogs, cold beers and blowing stuff to high heaven. They usually don't think of rockabilly and pin-up girls, but the Garage does.
Instead of messing with the traditional patriotism that comes with Independence Day, the Garage brought in a plethora of rockabilly groups and the girls of Go Cat Go, a burlesque group with a vintage focus.
There were four bands that played throughout the night (The Dead Popes, The Redliners, The Strikers and The Chop Tops) and they all fit in really well with the mood that the night was trying to portray. Nothing brings up a 50's feel better than a guy with a large pompadour pounding away on a double bass.
The real highlight of the night to me were the girls of Go Cat Go. They definitely had the meaning of Burlesque down with dance routines meant to be tantalizing and over the top without straying into a straight out sexual show.
If I had one complaint it would the length. The show started up at 5 p.m. and was scheduled to go until around 1 a.m. It wouldn't of been bad had their been constant action for all of that, but there just wasn't. I just felt like I was stuck waiting and bored for the next band to come on. Longer doesn't always mean better and the promoters should take that into account when scheduling their next event.
That aside, the event was a worthy excuse to do something else other than sit on the beach watching fireworks. Seeing explosions is alright but seeing a rockers jam out while beautiful women dance sexily, that's some patriotism I can get behind.

--Story/photos by Leigh Armstrong, Times Staff Writer

Check after the jump for more photos!

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Hard Times is good times

Times Editor — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:39:32 -0400

With the recession in full effect, bars all over Tampa Bay are capitalizing by making new nights based around the lack of green in their customer's wallets. Leave it to the boys who created the Wednesday night Filth event at the Emerald to create one of the cooler cheap drink nights in Tampa Bay.
Hard Times at Durty Nelly's in St. Petersburg on Monday takes the ideas that made Filth such a success and combines it with cheaper drinks and a bigger dance floor.
Even if you despise the new wave of hipster drinking nights, the $10 sink or swim, which includes PBR, might be enough change your opinion. Plus, everyone who enters gets a free PBR Tall Boy right off the bat.
If you're interested in getting some cheap alcohol and listening some hot music, the night starts at 9 p.m.

Counting down Tampa Bay's best bars: And the winner is ...

Times Editor — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0400

We'll spare you no suspense: Tbt* is naming the Hyde Park Cafe in Tampa its 2009 Ultimate Drinking Destination.

In 14 years, the Hyde Park Cafe has transformed the South Tampa nightlife scene, turning what was once a gay strip club into the ultimate place to see and be seen in Hillsborough County. Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan have partied there. Ex-American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra was arrested there. And the club's Tuesday night parties are the stuff of legend, yielding more Wednesday-morning hangovers than anyone would care to count.

With Hyde Park Cafe's success, owner Tommy Ortiz has been able to create more popular SoHo ventures, including Cheap and the Kennedy. Lush and exotic, with plenty of nooks for chilling, the HPC is perfect for celebrating your 21st (or 30th, or 40th...) or simply talking up a well-dressed member of the opposite sex.

And hey, check this out: Hyde Park Cafe's Rafael Martinez was voted Tampa Bay's Ultimate Bartender 2009. We swear, we didn't plan it that way. Just goes to show what can happen when a great bar meets a great bartender.

For the full story on the history of the Hyde Park Cafe, including a rare sit-down interview with Ortiz, check out Susan Thurston's story on the club.

After the jump, check out rest of our top 20 bars in Tampa Bay. And if you need a refresher on the entire list, see Nos. 100-81, 80-61, 60-41 and 40-21.

What do you think of our top choice? If you love it, what's your favorite Hyde Park Cafe story? And if you hate it, which bar would you have chosen instead?

2. ULTIMATE SCENE: Czar
1402 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City. (813) 247-6838, myspace.com/czarvodkabar.
Lookit: When you talk about Czar, the word “hipster” is going to get tossed around a lot. There’s just no way to avoid it. Sideways haircuts, thrift-store sundresses, skiny jeans and ginormous sunglasses (yes, even at midnight) — all of these are de rigueur at Czar. On the other hand, the vodka drinks are out of this world. The decor — unapologetic Soviet iconography, chandeliers, sofas, giant video screens and throwbacky white vinyl booths — is part Banksy, part bordello, even a tiny bit South Beach. They’ve hosted tremendous indie rock acts, including Ladytron, Les Savy Fav, Matt & Kim and the Hold Steady, who closed an epic 2008 gig by inviting fans up onstage for a 10-minute rendition of Killer Parties (which is set in Ybor City). And the DJs? Well, if you’re not turned on by A-list DJs like Girl Talk, Diplo, Switch and A-Trak, we just don’t know what to tell you. Czar's crazy-popular Pulp the Party electro night (featuring recently moved from Friday to Wednesday; in its place the club launched Filthy Richard, another dance party that seems to be doing just fine. “It’s really hip, a little left of the center and definitely not for the mall-nightclub crowd,” general manager Sandy Hein said in February. “The more creative types of Tampa hang here.” Czar is a bar that by all rights should be located in Hollywood, or at least Brooklyn — not Ybor City. And yet there it sits on Seventh. Enjoy it while you’re still young enough to pull off a keffiyeh.

3. ULTIMATE BREWPUB: Dunedin Brewery
937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin; (727) 736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
The Scottish regalia is fitting, since the stone-walled Dunedin Brewery looks a bit like a highlander’s castle. Equally breathtaking are the ginormous brewing vats inside, which are known for producing phenomenal, award winning beers like the Redhed Red Ale, as well as a swimming selection of seasonal brews (watch out for the Old Mean Stout). An excellent live music setup is a huge plus — a recent Ramones tribute show with several local bands was a sellout — and dogs are welcome at Suds on Sunday, a dog-washing service that includes a pint with each purchase. Our only knock on the place: It’s beer and wine only, no liquor. If we could just order a slug of Glenlivet with our Pipers Pale Ale ... we might be talking about Dunedin Brewery as our new No. 1.

4. ULTIMATE MEGABAR: The Dallas Bull
3322 U.S. 301 N, Tampa. (813) 987-2855, dallasbull.com.
A living, breathing, bucking machine on the skirts of East Tampa, the Bull is Florida’s answer to Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth: A veritable honky-tonk heaven, a place where the only thing sexier than a belle in boots is the intro to Copperhead Road. The numbers speak for themselves: 31,000 square feet (making it Tampa Bay’s largest nightclub), 9 bars, 20,000 patrons a month, $95,000 worth of liquor on hand at any given time. And then there’s this one: $9.95. That’s the cost of a concert ticket to see Joe Nichols, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan or Jamey Johnson, all of whom have played the Bull in the past year. John Rich and Brooks and Dunn occasionally come by, and have been known to hop up on the stage for surprise sets. The club is clean, secure and friendly — co-owner Lewis Surratt Sr. roams the pool area most nights, hobnobbing with customers — and Thursday college nights can draw upwards of 3,000 people. You’ll still get your cowpokes in Dingoes and shooter shirts, sure, but most of the crowd is college-aged and comfortable. Lest you think the Bull ain’t nothin’ but a country bar, know that there’s an Ybor-esque Top 40 floor on the second level that attracts a fairly diverse crowd. Of course, when all the ladies are line-dancing in skintight Wranglers and tank tops, who cares what music they’re playing?

5-7. ULTIMATE IRISH BAR
The Dubliner and MacDinton’s are a sloshed crawl away from each other in SoHo. Four Green Fields is a mere mile away on Platt. All three are killer Irish bars. But which one is the best? We couldn’t come to an agreement — maybe it was all that Guinness we were guzzling — so we’ll let you decide. In the comments, let us know which of the three you think is the best. We'll publish your favorite in next Friday's tbt*.

Four Green Fields
205 W Platt St, Tampa; (813) 254-4444, fourgreenfields.com.
The oldest Irish pub of South Tampa’s big three and the most prestigious in all of Tampa Bay, perhaps all of Florida, Four Green Fields proudly advertises itself as “America’s only authentic thatched roof pub.” There are also two wooden decks and a bar in the rear outside area. It’s got no TVs, though for monster soccer matches, exceptions are occasionally made. Irish greats such as Tommy Makem, The Prodigals, The Corrs, and Sinead O’Connor have all played Four Green Fields, which has traditional Irish musicians perform every weekend. Perhaps the most Irish thing about Four Green Fields? Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has frequented Four Green Fields, and almost every staff member is from Ireland.

MacDinton’s Irish Pub
405 South Howard Ave, Tampa; (813) 251-8999, macdintons.com.
MacDinton’s opened in 2002, same year as its chief competitor, The Dubliner. Unlike The Dubliner, MacDinton’s has a liquor license, which it uses to make an assortment of mind-blowing “bombs” that are very popular with drinker sin their early 20s. An expansive booze emporium, MacDinton’s has a large patio and tiki bar plus five more full bars inside. There also dining tables, stage and dance floor. They serve plenty of authentic Irish grub, and show soccer and rugby matches from around the world. Plenty of Irish soccer fanatics show up on game days.

The Dubliner
2307 W Azeele St, Tampa; (813) 258-2257, thedublineririshpub.com.
Laid-back and charming, the Dubliner has been a SoHo favorite since 2002. It’s on Azeele, just off South Howard, around the corner from its sworn enemy, MacDinton’s. The Dubliner brims with charm, and serves 14 beers on tap, but it has one serious drawback: no liquor license. (A Dubliner that opened not long ago in Citrus Park does serve liquor.) A converted house decorated with beautiful Emerald Isle bric-a-brac, The Dubliner has a handsome deck and a total of four full bars including a tiki.

8. ULTIMATE PARTY: Jackson’s Bistro
601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa; (813) 277-0112, jacksonsbistro.com.
On any night of the week, Jackson’s is a fine place to sip something top-shelf, immerse yourself in swank and possibly spot an athlete. The waterfront venue also has possibly the best vantage point of anywhere for the annual Gasparilla Pirate Invasion. And when celebs come to town, they’re sure to drop by. Paris Hilton, Pete Wentz, Ashlee Simpson, Benji Madden and various Playmates have been spotted there. But on Friday nights, Tampa’s sexiest bistro transforms into something more: a pulsating nightclub. Fantasy Fridays offer something for everyone: top 40 music on the patio; ’70s, ’80s and ’90s tunes in the lounge; and house music in the restaurant. Then there are the professional dancers, stilt walkers, flame throwers and magician. And yet, it doesn’t come off like a carny family reunion. The vibe is sleek, sexy — and packed. Mike Piper, president of Pied Piper Productions, which organizes the weekly bash, puts the Friday crowd at 1,600 to 1,800, depending on the weather. Jackson’s is especially popular for celebrating birthdays and bachelor parties, with many folks opting for bottle service at a table or cabana.“We give the people the ability to have a party within a party,” Piper says. At holiday time, Jackson’s pulls out even more stops. Check out Jackson's Third of July fireworks display, and don’t miss the annual Hell-O-ween party on the last Friday in October. At least 2,000 guys and ghouls flock to Jackson’s for the annual $2,000 costume contest.

9. ULTIMATE DESTINATION: Floyd's
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa. (866) 502-7529, seminolehardrocktampa.com.
A few drinks or so at Floyd’s and you’ll think you’re in Las Vegas. Maybe that’s because you’re drinking on Nevada time. When the Pinellas bars close at 2 a.m., drinkers head east to Hillsboough. Then, at 3 a.m., they head to Floyd’s, which, due to the sovereign-nation status of the Seminole Tribe, doesn’t have to stop serving alcohol until 6 a.m. Because Floyd’s is so glitzy, high-rolling and decadent, it would be easy for haters to knock it. But you’ll hear none of that from us. Floyd’s dishes out a genuinely wild party; it’s exactly the sort of place you want to end up when you’re nowhere near ready to call it a night. Celebrities often stay at the Hard Rock (during the Super Bowl, Paris Hilton, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore and the entire Kardashian family stayed there), so you might spot someone famous. And DJs Santana, Kidd Leow and guest artists like DJ AM, Dirty Vegas and even will.i.am always keep the dance floor moving. Go, and you’ll have a good time. Bet on it.

10. ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK HOTSPOT: Shephard’s
601-619 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach; (727) 442-5107, shephards.com.
What first opened in 1976 as the Lagoon has morphed from a rather pedestrian lodge to a full-fledged waterfront resort of the highest order. The entertainment complex known as Shephard’s now features a hotel, restaurant, lounge, two killer tiki bars, private beach and a double-level nightclub called The Wave. During Sping Break season in mid-March, it might be the busiest club in Tampa Bay. The bikini contests alone are worth a trip; T-backs and tiny tops are allowed on the private beach where drinking is allowed. The bar brings in performers like Tone Loc, Darude and Blake Lewis for its busiest weekends (Spring Break, Memorial Day, Labor Day), but all year round a steady stream of beachgoers flock to the bar for lazy tunes, Rum Runners and margaritas.

11. ULTIMATE SPORTS BAR: Ferg’s
1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 822-4562, fergsonline.com.
Say what you will about the Rayhawk hysteria that accompanied the Rays’ run to the World Series last fall, but it did prove one thing: Ferg’s is the best sports bar in Tampa Bay. Situated just a deep fly ball from the Trop, this bar was saluting the Rays long before the rest of us. Owner Mark Ferguson bought the joint in 1991, back when the Trop was the Florida Suncoast Dome and the building that would become Ferg’s was just an abandoned Sunoco. He built a sports bar more or less on faith that a baseball team would someday show up. When the Devil Rays finally debuted in 1998, Ferguson was up at 7 a.m., serving breakfast on Opening Day. Over time, Ferg’s has expanded, developed character, built a camaraderie with regulars and turned into the go-to watering hole before and after every Rays game. It’s now a gathering spot for fans of all sports, and they even host cornhole tournaments and other games, but the baseball ties run deep. When the Rays clinched a playoff spot in September, the bartenders at Ferg’s created a drink called Rays Victory Punch, consisting of vodka and blue Gatorade. Yeah, we know ... but at the time, even that tasted sweet.

12. ULTIMATE TAMPA JOINT: Gaspar’s Grotto
1805 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-5900, gasparsgrotto.com.
Anyplace with “Gaspar” in its name must be a beloved place in Tampa. This one is no exception. Owners Eric and Shere Schiller are super-active in the community, often hosting fundraisers and other benefits at the longtime Ybor bar. Krewes love it, thanks to the pirate theme. But even if you’re not into puffy shirts and beads, you’ll still dig Gaspar’s fun events (Beer Olympics) sporty, eclectic decor and embrace of the animal kingdom — regular Yappy Hours, fishtanks behind the bar, a resident bar cat named Tanker Ray. Schiller once said that if the calico feline dies, he’ll have him stuffed and mounted in the bar. At Gaspar’s, where Tampa’s history is celebrated in every direction, that would feel just about right.

13. ULTIMATE CORNER BAR: The Hub
719 N Franklin St., Tampa. (813) 229-1553, hubbartampa.com.
A Tampa icon, this downtown dive bar has a bad reputation for serving the strongest, most affordable cocktails in the city limits — maybe the entire state! And then there’s the wildly eclectic crowd. Jobless vagrants, UT students, after-work professionals, well-dressed Tampa Theater concertgoers, skinny scenesters, off-the-clock servers and everything in between can be found inside the dark, dank, fabulously dirty setting, sipping from fat glasses of whiskey or chugging cans of cheap beer. In recent months, The Hub has also started hosting live, original music. Which makes sense, since it seems not a night goes by without at least a dozen local rockers coming through the door.

14. ULTIMATE LIVE MUSIC BAR: Skipper’s Smokehouse
910 Skipper Road, Tampa, (813) 971-0666, skipperssmokehouse.com.
Is it a stretch to call Skipper’s a “drinking destination?” Not if you’ve ever sat beneath the Skipperdome listening to the Black Keys, or Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, or Ralph Stanley, or Alejandro Escovedo, or the Red Elvises, or Damon Fowler, or ... look, we could obviously carry this on all day. Skipper’s is one of the 5 to 10 things Tampa music fans love most about living here, a ramshacle roots-blues-hippie barbecue joint whose giant, sandy, picnic-tabled open-air arena incorporates a giant live oak tree. Raining? Head inside and grab a seat at the cozy Oyster Bar, where the walls are covered in band stickers and the conversation is free-flowing and friendly. Old Florida at its finest, it’s like our own little corner of Austin’s fabled Sixth Street.

15. ULTIMATE DIVE: Dave’s Aqua Lounge
10820 Gandy Blvd. St. Petersburg; (727) 576-1091, davesongandy.com.
It’s like a clone of the stevedores’ bar in Season 2 of The Wire. Dirty little blues lounge, popular with the casual Pinellas boaters and fishermen, working-class and unfussy all the way. There’s live music at Dave’s six nights a week, including live blues every Wednesday, and usually on weekends. And it’s got the coolest backdrop of any stage in town — hundreds of gleaming silver CDs affixed to the wall. Not the most eye-popping menu in the world, but hell, it’s got Knob Creek, Ms. Pac Man and Howlin’ Wolf on the jukebox — what else does a man really need?

16. ULTIMATE MARTINI BAR: The Chic-a-Boom Room
319 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-5284, kellyschicaboom.com.
This fun, beloved Dunedin party joint sits at the center of the complex known as Kelly’s For Just About Anything, which is a pretty accurate description. The Chic-a-Boom Room is eclectic drinking at its best, with a menu of two dozen colorful “Martoonis,” from the Barry White (Stoli Razberi, Godiva white chocolate liqueur, chambord, $8) to the Ginger Rogers (Yazi Ginger vodka, Stoli Vanil, Sour Apple Schnapps, $8). After a couple of these, we’re liable to wander next door to Blur (another Kelly’s bar), where weekly Drag Queen Bingo nights are the norm.

17. ULTIMATE PUNK BAR: The Emerald
550 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 898-6054, myspace.com/emeraldbar.
It’s probably the coolest place to go on a Wednesday night in St. Pete, thanks to Filth, a party with a good range of older and newer music that turns the place into basically a hipsters’ lounge. The rest of the week, it’s a top-notch destination for affordable rum-n-Cokes, vodka tonics and a whole mess (and we do mean mess) of punk bands. This is where you’re likely to fund unapologetic punks like Car Bomb Driver, the Pink Lincolns, Doll Parts or the Semis spitting fire on the tiny bandbox of a stage. When the music isn’t live, the Emerald is still crusty but friendly, low-class but high-minded (see the cool art on the walls) and a must-stop for any local wannabe rocker.

18. ULTIMATE ONE-STOP SHOPPING: Push Ultra Lounge
128 Third St. S, St. Petersburg; (727) 871-7874, myspace.com/pushultralounge.
First, take one of downtown St. Petersburg’s most picturesque buildings, the gloriously reinvented McNulty Station. Add the district’s hottest restaurant, the delectable Red Mesa Cantina. Open a nightclub, Push, that feels posh and utterly cool, but not intimidating, and has a lovely open-air rooftop bar. Throw in a more casual bar downstairs, the Mexican-wrestling-themed (!) Lucha Bar. Give it some owners looking to provide creative entertainment options (concerts by Julian Marley and the Airborne Toxic Event, rooftop movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Birds). And top it all off with the club’s “Recession Sundays,” featuring half-price admission for everyone. Put it all together, and you’re guaranteed to find a date-night combo that works for you.

19. ULTIMATE GAY BAR: G.Bar
1401 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 247-1016, thisweekintampabay.com.
For the past couple of years, G.Bar has been an enormously welcome, and enormously entertaining, presence in Ybor City. The fun-loving club has been a major player in building up the GaYbor scene, which now boasts a slew of gay and gay-friendly nightclubs. Out of all of them, though, G.Bar is the one with a line out the door each weekend, thanks to celebrity guests — Lady Gaga played here before Just Dance and Poker Face got huge — and strip parties and dance nights for both sexes. It’s a fun place to get loose, even if you’re straight.

20. ULTIMATE BEACH BAR: The Undertow
3850 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach; (727) 368-9000, undertowbeachbar.com.
On weekends, its seems all of Tampa descends on this St. Pete Beach favorite. With two buildings, a patio in the sand and a strange running-water moat inset in the long oval-shaped bar, it’s a delightful place to grab a run drink and some wings. Some nights there’s live reggae, some nights it’s canned. Parking is a real pain (don’t even think about parking in the lot) but it’s worth it when you get there. Beach volleyball and a respectable beer list (more than 150 bottles) add to the attraction.

-- tbt* staff

Okay, now that our list of 100 is in the books ... what did we miss? Which bar do you think deserved a slot on the top 100? Who should have been higher? Who was overrated? Discuss.

Counting down Tampa Bay's best bars: No. 40 to No. 21

Times Editor — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:30:00 -0400

One more day until we can unveil Tampa Bay's Ultimate Bar for 2009, as well as our Ultimate Bartender.

You've already counted down with 60 (plus) of our favorite drinking destinations. In case you missed them ...

• Nos. 100 to 81 (Eddie's to L'Olivier)

• Nos. 80 to 61 (Jack Willie's to the Reservoir)

• Nos. 60 to 41 (Whitey's Fox & Hounds to the Venue)

Now we're getting to the true cream of the crop. Many of the remaining bars deserve their moment in the spotlight. So starting with No. 30, we're assigning awards to each of our bars. One of the winners: The new and improved Mr. Dunderbak's, above.

Keep reading to find out where it ended up...

40. The Castle
2004 N 16th St., Ybor City; (813) 247-7547, castleybor.com.
It’s a Tampa landmark for a reason. Dark, twisted and pierced, it opened in 1992, and it kept going even as shiny new Centro Ybor opened across the street. Today, with all its spiderwebs and candles and curtains, the Castle is Tampa Bay’s most popular goth club, by a wide, wide margin. But it’s not just about Skinny Puppy and Bauhaus; on Mondays, the Castle offers one of the best ’80s nights around. Be on the lookout for costumed characters like Batman, Peter Pan and an elderly gentleman called the Senator, a Castle regular and Ybor veteran who hangs out in lingerie.

39. Bourbon Street
4331 U.S. 19, New Port Richey, (727) 843-0686, clubbourbonstreet.com.
Bourbon Street is truly an excellent balls-out hard rock club, spacious and comfortable and spacious and rocking and full of things that rock. Oh, and did we mention that this is a rock club? Everyone’s in black. The stage is surrounded with chain-link railing. Every wall is slathered with rock posters and beer signage. The overhead plays Billy Idol, Judas Priest and Pearl Jam — raw rock, no hipsterism, just a lot of effing old-school metal. As an added bonus, at closing time, you can head next door to Insomniacs, an all-night lounge that serves an energy drink called Cocaine. Now that is hardcore.

38. Peg’s Cantina
Peg’s Cantina, 3038 Beach Blvd., Gulfport; (727) 328-2720; pegscantina.com.
Combine one of Tampa Bay’s smartest beer menus (a gorgeous array of Belgian ales and lambics, big-name microbrews like Bison and Boulder) with one of its most laid-back settings (a resorted bungalow that abuts a neighbor’s backyard), and you have a winner in sleepy Gulfport. Owners’ son Doug Dozark recently started brewing his own extract beers. During the week, the Mexican food is tasty and healthy; save room on the weekends for one of Peg’s saucy, thin-crust pizzas.

37. New World Brewery
1313 E Eighth Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-4969, myspace.com/newworldbrewery.
Beloved by the Chucks-and-hornrims set for hosting early concerts by artists like My Morning Jacke, Animal Collective and Okkervil River, New World is a fixture for any local band that hopes to make a name for itself in Central Florida. The shedlike outdoor stage is still as intimate a setting for local music as you’re going to find in Tampa Bay; artists stare you straight in the eye while they play. Even if you’re not into music, the patio garden is a nice respite from the craziness of Ybor. They no longer brew beer here, but the drafts are still excellent (sorry, Simpsons fans, the Duff Beer signs are only decorations), and the no-frills pizza is filling.

36. Hammer Heads Billiard Lounge
1916 U.S. 19 N, Holiday; (727) 939-9494, hammerheadsbilliards.net.
Hands down, the best billiards bar in Tampa Bay. With 24 tables (including specialty tables for snooker and cushion billiards) and a slew of additional games, it’s hosted exhibitions by pros like Hall of Famer Nick Varner and Jeanette “The Black Widow” Lee. At the same time, it’s clean, cozy, classy and happy to provide alternate entertainment options (many other games, karaoke, open mic nights). On Tuesdays, you can play all night for $7 per person. We’d break a rack there any day.

35. Ringside Cafe
2742 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 894-8465, myspace.com/ringsidecafe.
A converted house on Fourth Street that now ranks as the top blues bar in the ’Burg, Ringside Cafe has a tiny stage that has been rocked by national rockers like Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers) and local hero Damon Fowler, among others. On Friday and Saturday nights, the living-room sized dance floor teems with people getting down to greasy grooves. Speaking of greasy, Ringside Cafe serves food in addition to wonderfully strong liquor drinks, table wines and mostly domestic beer.

34. The Zone Lounge
121 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs; (727) 934-5599, thezonelounge.com.
Located in one of Tarpon Springs’ oldest and most historic buildings, the Zone feels anything but dusty. With funky artwork covering exposed brick walls; antique copper ceilings; cabanas both indoors and out; a cool and relaxing patio; and plenty of bars and nooks in which to listen to live music or huddle for a cozy conversation, it looks like a perfectly welcoming nightspot. It’s worth stopping in on your way back from the Sponge Docks.

33. Oldsmar Tap House
300 State St. E, Oldsmar; (813) 855-9181, oldsmartaphouse.com.
With some three dozen tap beers, countless bottles from around the world and even an old English hand pump for true draught, this warm pub is a magnet for beer geeks who love discussing rare finds and sharing new brews with newbies. So enamored are the proprietors with spreading the gospel of beer that, on the official Oldsmar Tap House MySpace page, they encourage members of ratebeer.com and beeradvocate.com to come in, sample the brews and write reviews using the bar’s free Wi-Fi.

32. Prana
1619 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City. (813) 241-4139; clubprana.com.
Since adopting its current name in 2001, Prana has weathered Ybor City’s ups and downs and remained one of its most popular clubs. With different music on each of its five floors — from hip-hop on the ground floor to house in the middle to reggae and live music on the roof — it offers something for everyone. Especially the high-heeled and well-heeled.

31. Club Skye
1509 E Eighth Ave., Ybor City; (813) 247-6606, skye1509.com.
Always popular, still running strong. Ybor’s best-connected hip-hop club gets a lot of top-notch visitors (Ludacris, Lil Jon, Tracy Morgan, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Fat Joe) thanks to its ties to Wild 98.7 (Orlando and DJ Christion are regulars), but the omnipresent line out the door on Fridays is proof that the crowd isn’t just there to mingle with the rich and famous. During a 5-year anniversary party last August, 2 Pistols, Tay Dizm and Tom G. lit up the crowd with an electric set. And the club’s annual Halloween Erotic Exotic Ball is one of Ybor’s best. And if that’s not enough, the club is open-minded enough to hand the reins to nearby Streetcar Charlie’s on Sunday nights, for a gay-friendly party, Engine Sundays.

And now, the envelope, please ...

30. ULTIMATE DIRTY LITTLE SECRET: Thee Dollhouse
1010 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa. (813) 281-9389, theedollhouse.com.
Girls, watch your guy’s eyes pop by suggesting a trip to Tampa’s classiest jiggle joint, Thee Dollhouse. (And don’t make the mistake of calling it The Dollhouse — it’s Thee, which rhymes with whee!) This topless club is a gentlemen’s club suitable for — and often frequented by — wives and dates. And unlike fully nude joints like the Mons Venus, you can order a drink here.

29. ULTIMATE BEER PARADISE: Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa; (813) 977-4104, dunderbaks.com.
We won’t go so far as to call Mr. Dunderbak’s snobby. But trust us, if you try to order a Bud Light there, you’ll definitely catch hell from the regulars. Dunderbak’s — which recently moved from University Mall to an ornate biergarten/marketplatz-style outpost in a New Tampa shopping center — is the home to the award-winning Tampa Bay BEERS (Beer Enthusiasts Enjoying Real Suds) club, which prides itself on its love for rare, exotic brews, on tap and in bottles (maybe 350 total). Come to Dunderbak’s, and the secrets of fine beer will reveal themselves to you — if you let them.

28. ULTIMATE PUB GRUB: Tampa Bay Brewing Company
1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 247-1422, tampabaybrewingcompany.com.
They brew their own beer, and it’s damn good. They make their own pizza dough with that beer, and it’s damn good, too. Beer-infused menu items like the Iron Rat Stout crab cakes and jalapeno beer cheese soup — well, they’re also pretty damn delightful. But if you’ve lived your entire life in Tampa Bay without tasting one of TBBC’s hamburgers, stop what you’re doing and go there right now. It’s like steak on a bun. Steak. On. A. Bun.

27. ULTIMATE NEW CLUB: AJA Channelside
290 S Meridian Ave., Tampa. (813) 373-2633, ajachannelside.com.
When it opened in January just before the Super Bowl — and the owners just barely made it, with construction and capacity problems just a few days before the game — it was clear that AJA Channelside, the ultra-chic nightclub in the Towers of Channelside, was swinging for the fences. So far, it’s hitting them. During the Super Bowl, guests included Pamela Anderson, Kim Kardashian, Kendra Wilkinson and DJs AM and Jazzy Jeff, and one night, the club sold out of its $850-per-bottle Ace of Spades champagne. Since then, the crowds haven’t left. Playmates and nationally known DJs have popped in for guest appearances, and Kardashian returned to host a Memorial Day Weekend bash. On a Saturday earlier this month, there was a line around the building of affluent party people waiting to get inside. In this economy, that’s what we’d call a home run.

26. ULTIMATE HANGOUT: The Rack
1809 W Platt St., Tampa. (813) 250-1595, hittherack.com.
Why is the Rack such a favorite among the South Tampa crowd? Could be because of its prime location, sidewalk patio, bright decor, great sushi, purple pool tables, myriad gathering areas, lively conversation, nice tunes, crowded weekend parties, great dinner and drink specials and all-around positive vibe. Other than that ... who knows?

25. ULTIMATE DAY AT THE BEACH: Caddy’s on the Beach
900 W Gulf Blvd., Sunset Beach, Treasure Island. (727) 360-4993; caddysotb.com.
If you can find a parking spot, Caddy’s has an awesomely spring-break-style carnival atmosphere — DJs, volleyball, cornhole, an upstairs deck — and yet, for some reason, it still feels a little hidden. Maybe that’s because people spill out from the bar all over the beach, often with coolers of beer they brought from home. Truth is, Caddy’s feels less like a bar and more like a beach that serves liquor — and you won’t hear us complaining about that.

24. ULTIMATE WINE BAR: Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 251-2421; bernssteakhouse.com.
Obviously, this is first and foremost a restaurant, arguably the best (and certainly the most famous) for miles around. But it’s also a good place to drink. In fact, we’d go so far as to say it’s the best place to get a glass of wine anywhere in ... well, America. Because of its reputation — and its ability to buy world-class wines in bulk — Bern’s offers a wine list extensive enough to make even the most tried and true oenophile swoon. But even without that killer cellar, the Bern’s bar is still a destination in and of itself. It’s a dimly lit, low-ceiling, bordello-feeling room where you can get a pitch-perfect mojito and one of those absolutely delish off-the-menu steak sandwiches. And if you’re not that hungry, you can always head upstairs to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room for cheese, brandy, a Cappucino Ybor City or even a Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate. Order light, and you could get in and out for under $20. (Okay, maybe $50.)

23. ULTIMATE BICURIOUS HOTSPOT: The Honey Pot
1507 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 247-4663, myspace.com/tampahoneypot.
The Honey Pot has featured burlesque dancers, an Ashlee Simpson concert and the 2009 Madden Bowl, sure. But owners Stephen Moss and Steve Donahue (who also own G.Bar) have made sure the club embraces the GaYbor spirit, holding weekly Steam (for men) and Tease (for women) parties on Friday and Saturday night, respectively. And yet that hasn’t stopped straight singles and couples from lining up to get in on weekends. A gorgeous club is a gorgeous club, no matter your sexual preference.

22. ULTIMATE SUBURBAN OASIS: World of Beer
9524 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa; (813) 852-2337, worldofbeerusa.com.
Boasting 500 ales, lagers, lambics and stouts from just about every corner of the globe, this Westchase hotspot is a hophead’s dream destination. World of Beer features a clean, snug indoor area, long bar, a V.I.P. loft and an outdoor seating area, which is the only place smoking is permitted. In addition to beer and wine, both of which can consumed on location or purchased to go, the bar sells pretty good stogies.

21. ULTIMATE HOLE IN THE WALL: Fuma Bella
1318 E Eighth Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-6130, myspace.com/fumabella.
We’re serious. Fuma Bella is, quite literally, a hole in the wall, a room carved out of the side of a building. It’s the size of one of those mock-up apartments inside IKEA. Two dozen people can drink there in comfort, if they’re skinny. None of this matters to the proprietors, who cherish Fuma Bella’s intimacy as much as nearby clubs cherish money. You can meet new friends at Fuma Bella, have a civilized conversation there, order a serious (and seriously strong) cocktail. Belly up to the bar and ask for Charlie, who makes some of the meanest drinks in town. Then do yourself a favor, and don’t tell anyone how good it was. The last thing Fuma Bella needs is a crowd.

-- tbt* staff

Thoughts on the list so far? Which drinking destinations are you guys hoping to see in the top 20? And who do you think will end up No. 1?

Counting down Tampa Bay's best bars: No. 60 to No. 41

Times Editor — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:30:00 -0400

Today, as we continue counting down Tampa Bay's best bars and nightclubs, we cross the midpoint of our list and enter the rarified air of the top 50.

We've already listed numbers 100 to 81 and numbers 80 to 61. Now it's time for numbers 60 to 41. This means we're about to get into some bars we really, really love. In fact, tomorrow, we'll start offering up a few awards with our top 30.

Pick up Friday's tbt* for the complete list, as well as an interview with tbt*'s Ultimate Bartender 2009.

On with the list. This section is where you'll find the Green Iguana, above ... but the question is, which Green Iguana? There are six around Tampa Bay -- do they all make the list?

Read on to find out ...

60. Whitey’s Fox & Hounds Irish Pub
229 E Brandon Blvd.; (813) 685-8151, whiteysfoxandhounds.com.
If you’re into awesomely authentic-looking, smelling, tasting and feeling Irish pubs, Whitey’s Fox & Hounds is a must visit. The setting is a 1930 cottage that feels lifted from owner Tom White’s motherland of Mayo County Ireland. It’s also the only place in Brandon that carries all six major Irish beers on tap — and serves 'em in true (20 ounce!) pint glasses. But the best part: The Fox and Hound offers a whopping 19 Irish whiskeys! Don’t worry, there’s cottage pie and other assorted Emerald Isle grub to go with all the libations.

59. The Kennedy
2408 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 259-9669, thekennedysoho.com.
With world-class DJs (Benny Banassi, Mix Master Mike) and some inventive events (last fall’s Reborn Couture fashion show), the Kennedy has managed to become another magnet for the trendy SoHo crowd — and all on one of Tampa’s most blah boulevards, Kennedy. Dark, wine-colored walls with gold-leaf trim and handsomely designed posters add to the exotic feel of the giant, ornate center bar. Booming beats and pristine acoustics come courtesy of the excellent Funktion-One hybrid sound system. “The only other place in the state you’ll find one is Miami,” says owner Tommy Ortiz.

58. Ceviche
• 1502 S Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 250-0203
• 10 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg; (727) 209-2302, ceviche.com.
Tampa Bay has mangy fine purveyors of sangria, but Ceviche serves the absolute finest. Both Ceviche locations — one in South Tampa, one in downtown St. Pete — make for great first dates. They’re intimate, Old World-ish and they feel exactly how Tampa tapas bars ought to. Check out the Flamingo Bar, located in the basement (a rarity in Florida) of the St. Pete location for a late-night drink and live Latin music fix.

57. Fly Bar
1202 N Franklin St., Tampa. (813) 275-5000. flybarandrestaurant.com.
Kudos to Fly for being one of the first places to spark interest in the north end of downtown Tampa. Minimalist-chic decor, live music, suave cocktails — workers finally had a reason to venture up Franklin Street. The rooftop bar is one of the few in the city, and the food is second to none.

56. Peabody’s Billiards
15333 Amberly Drive, Tampa; (813) 972-1725, peabodysbilliards.com.
A sports bar for those who like to get active, Peabody’s features about a dozen pool tables, more than 15 electronic dart boards, a couple of Dragon Punch games and dozens of TVs. With countless high-tops and more than 30 beers on tap, it also might be New Tampa’s best spot to watch a game. The Palms, Peabody’s clubby neighbor next door, is where to go for an after-midnight party.

55. Market on 7th
1816 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-2356, myspace.com/marketon7th.
Located across the street from Gaspar’s Grotto, Market on 7th is an understated haunt for night owls on the Ybor strip. It’s got brick walls, a pool table, a few chairs on the sidewalk and a great stage for live music (stop by on Thursdays for a sample). You can get cheap pizzas that are greasy and tomatoey, with a very crisp crust, until the wee hours of the morning.

54. O’Maddy’s Bar and Grille
5405 Shore Blvd, Gulfport, (727) 323-8643, omaddys.com
Full-liquor bar with tasty sandwiches has a kitschy, nautical interior and large wooden deck that overlooks the water. Karoake starts at 9:30 every night and that’s where you’ll find Eckerd, Stetson and USF St. Pete students belting out tunes. During the afternoon, don’t be surprised to find old men sipping Myer’s rum on the rocks and debating the merits of the American Dream.

53. The Independent
29 Third St. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 820-9514, independentbeer.com.
It’s become trendy for haters to knock this slick little bierhaus, one of the hotspots that helped lead to downtown St. Pete’s revival in the mid-’00s. But there’s a reason it drew praise during a 2008 New York Times travel story on St. Pete; people are always sipping from its impressive, rotating beer menu at the sidewalk tables. It’s been such a hit that owners John and Veronica Vellines will soon expand into another outpost of below-the-radar yuppiedom: Tampa’s Seminole Heights.

52. Stroker’s
• 11236 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; (813) 814-2277, myspace.com/strokerstampa.
• 30901 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor, (727) 786-6683, mystrokers.com.
Either Stroker’s bar is a more than worthy destination to rack 'em up. Leagues meet here. Pros play here. With some 40 tables between the Tampa and Palm Harbor locations, this is no place to try to hustle the regulars, if you know what we mean. Not into pool? Try darts, shuffleboard, foosball and tons of other games. The Tampa location can get pretty wild, with lingerie bull riding on Monday nights. You heard us.

51. The Press Box
222 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. (813) 876-3528, pressboxsports.com.
We’ve been in a lot of press boxes over the years, and trust us — we’ve never seen one containing a stuffed bobcat. Plastered with sports memorabilia, jerseys and autographs — and yes, a stuffed bobcat — this dugout-like South Tampa mainstay is where you want to go for any pay-per-view boxing, MMA or wrestling event, hands down. It’s a haven for the sports uber-fan.

50. Molly Goodheads Raw Bar
400 Orange St., Palm Harbor; (727) 786-6255, mollygoodheads.com.
Established in sleepy Ozona back in 1985, the hilariously named Molly Goodheads ranks as one of Tampa Bay’s best-kept secrets. Dig the Key West-style setting, marvelous margaritas and tasty dishes like the signature grouper sandwich and fresh oysters. It’ll feel so right, it’ll almost feel like the mounted animal heads on the wall aren’t looking at you. Almost.

49. Whiskey North
11921 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 968-1515, whiskeynorth.com.
Carrollwood’s only real nightclub, Whiskey North transports Floridians to the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York with its classy hunting lodge décor. For the past decade, it’s where the young people of North Tampa go to imbibe vodka cocktails and dance the night away to throbbing beats. Just make sure you dress to impress at all times and be careful of that footwear — even a $100 pair of sneakers, worn for a happy hour visit, will likely result in you being denied entry.

48. Georgie’s Alibi
3100 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 321-2112, georgiesalibi.com.
Relaxed and sporty (but always up for a party on weekends), it’s the grand dude/dame of Pinellas gay bars, even if it’s not that old (it opened in 2000, the cousin of another Alibi in Broward County). Thursday’s Long Island Iced Tea party is not to be missed — it’s crowded, but $3 mason jars filled with liquor make it worth it.

47. Limey’s Pub & Eatery
1492 Fourth St N, St. Petersburg; (727) 895-2049, limeyspubonline.com.
Close to downtown St. Petersburg but far enough away to have a neighborhood pub feel, Limey’s offers an expansive yet cozy indoor and outdoors setting via the wrap-around wooden deck. It’s a full-liquor bar with a decent wine selection and solid beer assortment that ranges from domestic standards to about a dozen imports served in proper, 20-ounce imperial glasses. Limey’s also offers a full-menu (open until 1:30 a.m.!) that includes such faves as the traditional fish & chips ($8.95). Expect a fairly eclectic lineup of live music acts, typically starting around 10 p.m. nightly.

46. Mahuffer’s
19201 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores; (727) 596-0226 mahuffer.com.
Don’t miss this South Pacific-styled gem of a beach bar on your way up Gulf Boulevard. Four decades old, low-ceilinged and slathered in graffiti and beachabilia — fish nets, crab trap markers, boat parts, bras, dollar bills and more photos than you can imagine — the outrageously quirky Mahuffer’s is unlike any other beach bar in town. Or the world, for that matter.

45a.-45f. The Green Iguana
Green Iguanas have been synonymous with good times for two decades. Well, at least in these parts. There are six of the bars and grilles spread across Tampa Bay. Each one famously serves tasty burgers and features live music. Unlike, say, Hooters, though, every Green Iguana has a characteristic that sets it apart from the others. Here’s a rundown of what makes each lizard location an awesomely unique destination.

Brandon
6264 Winthrop Town Center, Riverview, (813) 643-7800.
The newest and busiest of the Green Iguana group, this spot opened last December in the Winthrop Town Center, on the site that formerly housed MJ Barleyhoppers. There’s a signature Green Iguana tiki bar, front and back patios and the interior has a roomy, clean feel. There are DJs late at night but mostly you’ll find two-piece acoustic acts performing non-offensive ditties. Brandon proudly declares itself the most family-friendly of all the Green Iguanas.

North West Shore
1200 N West Shore Blvd., Tampa, (813)868-7600.
This Green Iguana debuted in January of 2008 with a grand opening that found the place packed to capacity with fun (and booze) loving professionals. Situated on the first floor of the Westshore Hotel in Tampa, it’s darker, more lounge-y and ritzier than the rest. There are three bars including the main one that caters to the inside and front patio crowd. There are live cover bands and DJs. Patrons will also find 15 plasma TVs. The swanky VIP Buddha Lounge, which has its own bar, is next door.

South West Shore
4029 S West Shore Blvd., Tampa, (813) 837-1234.
The first Green Iguana emerged in a quiet neighborhood off South West Shore Boulevard. It’s the smallest, funkiest and for the majority of South Tampa residents, the most beloved. The air-conditioned tiki bar out front is where rock bands and solo acoustic play every night. It’s also where one of the most famous and longest running local blues jams has been taking place each Monday since the place opened 20 years ago. In addition to Tampa’s finest musicians, big names — like Buddy Guy! — have dropped by.

St. Petersburg
8790 Bay Pines Blvd., St Petersburg, (727) 209-1234.
The sprawling St. Petersburg location has several distinctions that make the place a special drinking destination. It’s the only two-level Green Iguana, the only one in Pinellas and the only one with a beachy, waterfront view. From the second floor, you can sip a drink and dine while gazing at the Gulf Intracoastal. It’s also the only Green Iguana where you can dock your boat and bring your dog!

Veterans
9202 Anderson Road, Tampa, (813) 288-9076.
The biggest of the bunch, the Veterans location on Anderson Road flaunts the “largest climate controlled Tiki Hut in Florida.” We weren’t able to verify that claim, but are in agreement that it’s huge. The fun-plex also features ample indoor and outdoor seating, three full bars, as many pool tables and darts. But the Veterans is about more than just size. It’s the only Green Iguana that transforms into a true nightclub. Twenty-somethings (and slightly older) arrive dressed to impress and dance to the throbbing sonic stylings of world-class DJs like Ferry Corsten, Benny Bennassi, Armin Van Burin and the Crystal Method.

Ybor City
1708 E Seventh Ave., Tampa, (813) 248-9555.
The most visible of the Green Iguana gang thanks to its digs smack-dab on Seventh Avenue, this location has been a destination for locals and tourists since 1994. A fixture of the Ybor nightlife scene, it has five full bars, two large dance floors, stage and second level DJ booth. The music runs the gamut from techno to bluesy rock. There’s also sidewalk seating that provides the ideal spot for highly entertaining people watching.

44. The Veranda at the Vinoy
501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 894-1000, vinoyrenaissanceresort.com.
Walk up the stairs to the patio at the historic Vinoy Renaissance Resort, and you might feel like you’re walking into The Great Gatsby. Old-school wicker benches and lounge chairs, outdoor fans, a view of the Vinoy Marina and the water ... on a cool spring evening, it’s bliss. The staff will bring your drinks out to you.

43. A Taste For Wine
241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 895-1623, tasteforwine.net.
Bern’s may have the better wine list, but many of us would rather hang out at A Taste for Wine. The wrought-iron balcony offers a great view of Central Avenue in St. Pete. Inside, there’s art on the walls from JJ Watts gallery, and live music on weekends: jazz, folk, flamenco, pop, etc. (You can also eavesdrop on concerts at Jannus Landing.) They also serve beer, if wine’s too fancy for you.

42. Yeoman’s Road Pub
236 E Davis Blvd., Tampa; (813) 251-2748, myspace.com/yeomansdi.
Located on a stretch of Davis Boulevard that feels like it belongs in a smaller coastal town, Yeoman’s Road is what you might call a “friendly dive,” a neighborhood Britpub that often hosts reggae bands and singer-songwriter open mics. With great pub grub, a menu of 120 beers, a red non-working telephone booth outside and dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, it’s neither big nor flashy (though a giant glowing digital TouchTunes jukebox near the door does look a tad out of place). But it’s beloved by Davis Islanders, and it’s a nice little outpost for people who just want to, you know, groove.

41. The Venue
2675 Ulmerton Road, St. Petersburg; (727) 571-2222; thevenueclub.com.
Although Diddy pimped it out for his Super Bowl party, the place looks nice even without the extra decoration. At 27,000 square feet, it makes good use of its space: Swanky bathrooms, a breezy rooftop bar, classy wood floors, VIP rooms and two gastronomically adventurous restaurant concepts, the beautiful Takara sushi lounge and suave Viaggio tapas bar. The location is perfect for those in the ’burbs of Feather Sound — it’s close to I-275 and the Carillon office park — and has proven popular with 30- and 40-something moms and dads.

-- tbt* staff

Thoughts on the list so far? Which bars are you guys hoping to see on the list?

Counting down Tampa Bay's best bars: No. 80 to No. 61

Times Editor — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:30:00 -0400

We're one day closer to unveiling Tampa Bay's best bars.

Yesterday, we unveiled the top fifth of our top 100 drinking destinations, numbers 100 to 81. (If you missed it, click here to read.) Today we've got another round of bars, from number 80 to number 61.

As always, check back throughout the week for another batch, and for the full list of 100 -- including a special look inside our No. 1 overall bar -- pick up a free copy of tbt* on Friday.

On to today's list. You might see an appearance by the Lodge in South Tampa, above...

80. Jack Willie’s Tiki Bar
1011 St. Petersburg Drive, Oldsmar; (813) 854-1972, jackwilliestikibar.com.
A tiki bar that’s not on the beach? Perfect if you live in Oldsmar and feel like seeking out the saltwater-weathered wood bars. Slathered in baseball memorabilia (particularly from the Yankees), Jack Willie’s serves a mean rum drink, the Big Bamboo, that’s best enjoyed on its outdoor patio, maybe even at the boat-shaped bar beneath the thatched tiki roof, while a blues guitarist wails in the background. Just watch that an egret doesn’t make off with your grub.

79. Mastry’s
233 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 822-3070
They call it St. Pete’s truest dive bar. It’s dank, smoky and cavelike, all right, but that isn’t why we love it. We love it because Babe Ruth used to drink there, and Billy Martin, and (legend has it) Jack Kerouac. We love it because Minnesota Fats played piano there years ago. True, those were the old days, when the pub was still in its original location, just down the street. But the place still smells of whiskey and cigarettes, and it’s still run by the Mastry family, just like it was in 1935. You won’t find that on the menu anywhere else.

78. Crowbar
1812 N 17th St., Ybor City; (813) 241-8600, crowbarlive.com.
The soundstage at Crowbar just shreds, making it one of the top live music destinations in Ybor City. From Top 40 (Josh Kelley and Ryan Cabrera) to Latin funk (Spam Allstars) to metal (Obituary) to indie (Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s) to hip-hop (the weekly Da Cypher party on Wednesdays), Crowbar’s got it all — plus a killer patio bar that’s smooth and relaxing even when there’s no live band.

77. Kahuna’s Bar and Grill
10515 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg; (727) 576-7800, kahunasbarandgrill.com.
It may not be the only place where Parrotheads and bikers can mingle in peace, but it’s certainly the only place that also has a Lord of the Rings pinball machine. Evan as a housing development is being built all around it, Kahuna’s is still kicking in its spot across from Derby Lane, with games, live music out back and sweet Happy Hour specials (like $1.39 burgers from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays!).

76. Azalea Lounge
1502 N Florida Ave., Tamp; (813) 228-0139, myspace.com/azalealounge.
GaYbor might be the best known local district for LGBT drinking destinations, but if you’re looking for something a little quieter and laidback, duck into the gay bar (but definitely straight friendly) Azalea Lounge. It’s a beautiful old building with a comfy, closed-in back patio. Just pace yourself on the mixed drink intake. Azalea serves some of the strongest beverages our Barfly columnist has ever tasted. Seriously, their rum-n-cokes might literally be flammable.

75. Dunedin House of Beer
927 A Broadway, Dunedin; (727)-216-6318, dunedinhob.com.
While everyone else is fawning over the homebrews at Dunedin Brewery, serious hopheads are sampling the 40 or so draft beers a couple of blocks away, at the more laid back (but equally inviting) Dunedin House of Beer. Small and friendly, with a patio in the parking lot out back, it’s got enough beers on tap and in bottles to keep you sampling new flavors for weeks to come.

74. Studio Inc.
3603 W Waters Ave., Tampa; (813) 598-3946, myspace.com/studioincnightclub.
Ample, free parking makes this spot a viable alternative to the Ybor scene. The popular club mixes it up with the Best of Both Worlds Thursdays (that’s hip-hop and reggaeton), hip-hop Fridays, Latin Saturdays and Sunday teen nights through the summer. Latin artists occasionally drop by for a live set: Merengue group La Makina hit the stage last weekend, and Xtreme is scheduled to perform July 2. On the urban front, Ne-Yo and Ray J have performed there. And let’s not forget rapper Plies, who sparked a fan-frenzy when he held his album release party at Studio Inc. in December. But with three indoor cabanas and a plush VIP area, you may have to pull some strings to get close to a celeb.

73. Blue Martini
International Plaza, 2223 N West Shore Blvd.; (813) 873-2583, bluemartinilounge.com.
Blue Martini is definitely one of the slicker martini chains out there; so much so that it even has an outpost in Vegas. Ick. (At least it’s based in West Palm Beach.) But there’s no denying this lounge at International Plaza is one of Tampa’s most popular meat markets, both at Happy Hour and late on weekends. You might bump into some pretty big-name athletes there. (In the mood for something a little less pressured? Try the very nice Bar Louie next door, which has some 50 beers on tap ... although it, too, is a chain. Don’t tell anyone!)

72. The Columbia
2117 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-4961, columbiarestaurant.com.
Skip the 1905 Salad. Head straight to the glorious bar inside Tampa’s most historic restaurant, and order yourself a mojito. If it’s not the best you’ve ever had, it’ll be damn close. Stirred with sugar cane and bursting with lime and mint, it’ll make you feel like Hemingway in Havana.

71. Tank’s Tap Room
13150 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 961-2337. tankstaproom.com.
It looks like any other Carrollwood strip-mall bar ... until you lay eyes on the bar. With an astounding 51 beers on tap, including a tower of six Belgian ales, Tank’s is a hops-lover’s paradise. A Steelers hangout, this place was hopping during the recent Super Bowl. And if you’re hungry, we dare you to order the Tankinator, a mountain of shredded beef, cheese, cole slaw and a fried egg on a garlic cibatta roll. The one-pound version is $9.99; the “ginormous” version is $31.99. We’ll let you use your imagination.

70. Mirage
3605 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; (813) 673-8835, miragetampa.com.
A lot of offer salsa lessons, but this swanky spot is where people who already know how dance come to get their groove on. Wednesdays and Fridays are officially Latin nights, with DJ Speedy Jr. spinning the hottest salsa, bachata, reggaeton and more from his sky box while couples dance effortlessly below. There are also strong drinks and ample seating for folks who don’t feel like being shown up. On Fridays, the dress code goes up a notch as DJ Carlos Jose from Maxima 92.5-FM hosts the party. Security guards meticulously pat down the guys and check ladies’ purses, so arrive early to avoid long lines. (On a recent Wednesday, which is also when ladies drink free, we waited 40 minutes to get in.)

69. Mangroves Seafood Grille and Bar
208 S Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 258-3302 or mangroves-restaurants.com.
Established in 1996, Mangroves has been a key player in making SoHo one of the region’s top dining and drinking districts. The two-story restaurant and bar, which also features a deck with private cabanas, doubles as a nightclub on the weekends. Superior service makes this an excellent place to enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine or some scrumptious sangria.

68. O’Brien’s Irish Pub
• 11744 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 961-4092
• 701 W Lumsden Road, Brandon; (813) 661-9688, obrienspubs.com.
It also has locations in Riverview and Plant City, but our favorite O’Brien’s pubs are the ones in Carrollwood and Brandon. Since 1991, the Carrollwood O’Brien’s has been the pub of choice for nearby residents ranging in age from barely 21 to retirees. Fair prices, great Irish whiskey and beer selections, live music, a tiki bar, Emerald Isle food and one of Tampa Bay’s biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day parties make O’Brien’s Tampa’s top Irish bar north of I-275. Farther east, tucked into the dark streets of suburban Brandon, the neon green shamrock that tops O’Brien’s is a beacon of night life. The atmosphere is casual — Irish pub meets Applebee’s — and it’s perfectly acceptable to start up a game of darts or shoot the breeze on the patio with a stranger. Indoor and outdoor bars, plenty of flat screens and live music make this O’Brien’s an ideal place to pass the evening when you’re not yet ready to turn in for the night.

67. Friendly Tavern
18121 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores; (727) 393-4470, myspace.com/friendlytavern.
And we do mean friendly. Darts and one of the beach’s best karaoke nights on Tuesday (this was supposedly the first bar in Pinellas County to get a karaoke machine) are reason enough to hit this longtime local favorite. But Friendly’s is a place where summer and winter beachgoers alike go for cold ones and killer conversation. You’re more than welcome to join in.

66. The Brass Tap
2000 Piazza Ave., Wesley Chapel; (813) 991-4343, brasstapbeerbar.com.
Like everything else at the Shops at Wiregrass, the Brass Tap has become a magnet for Wesley Chapel commuters looking for something fun to do at night besides Applebee’s. Not a lot of wine, but with more than 40 beers on tap and another 300 domestics, imports and crafts in a bottle, there’s so much else to choose from that even Tampa beer lovers sometimes make the trip. You can also sample from a cigar menu (though you must do so outside).

65. Swigwam Beach Bar
6300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach; (727) 360-0889, swigwam.com.
When the Swigwam, which has been around since the late 1980s, closed a year or so ago the regulars went into an uproar. The tiny tiki bar reopened Dec. 17, 2008 and all became right in the world — or at least on St. Pete Beach. Besides being known for attracting all varieties of beach bums, the Swigwam is also famous for its signature drink, The Bushwaker. It’s a deliciously potent mix of vodka, rum Kahlua and other assorted goodness.

64. Splitsville
Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 514-2695, splitsvillelanes.com.
Think bowling chic, if there is such a thing. Lots of bowling alleys have cute, snazzy vibes, but Channelside’s Splittsville is all upscale razzle-dazzle, with great food and drinks to go with your strikes and spares. It has several lanes of bowling, two bars, pool tables and a dining lounge. Hey, it breaks up the monotony of just sitting around and drinking.

63. Rick’s on the River
2305 N Willow Ave., Tampa; (813) 251-0369, ricksontheriver.com.
Pull up a dinghy to one of the friendliest working-class bars in Tampa. Overlooking the mighty Hillsborough, the “Marina-Bar-Grille” draws a varied crowd for Budweiser, burgers and oysters. The patio is perfect for sunsets and margaritas, and Rick’s offers overnight docking if you end up too tipsy to boat home. The super-strong mixed drinks are served in plastic cups, adding to the backyard-barbecue atmosphere.

62. The Lodge
516 S Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 251-5634, lodgetampa.com.
A ton of failed restaurants have called this address home in the past. But at the Lodge, the fun doesn’t seem to be stopping — especially on the menu. Tater tots! Beans 'n’ franks! A Twinkie-tiramisu hybrid called the Twinkimisu! A Key Lime Pie martini that smokes and gurgles like a volcano! The thing is, all this cheeky, kitschy humor stuff really works, giving the Lodge a vibe that hits somewhere between The Big Lebowski and A Christmas Story. With live music and an outdoor patio, it’s affordable, loosey-goosey and packed on weekends. Kudos to the crew behind Ciccio & Tony’s, who conceived the Lodge. This is a concept we hope will stick.

61. The Reservoir
1518 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-1442, resbar.com.
Quick, dirty and no-nonsense, the Reservoir is the best place to get a drink early in Ybor. Jager ($4 a shot) is the specialty, and you can easily walk in and stumble out 30 minutes later. Tip o’ the cap to everyone’s favorite barkeep, Mama, a finalist in tbt*’s 2009 Ultimate Bartender Contest:

-- tbt* staff

Thoughts on the list so far? Which bars are you guys hoping to see on the list?

Counting down Tampa Bay's best bars: No. 100 to No. 81

Times Editor — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:30:00 -0400

It's here. The day of reckoning.

It's time to unveil our list of the 100 best best bars in Tampa Bay. We're including dives, nightclubs, beach bars, longtime community watering holes -- basically, any place where you'd go out of your way to get a drink. Drinking destinations, we'll call them.

We'll be unveiling all 100 throughout the week on Wingman, 20 at a time, starting today. For the full list of 100 -- including a special look inside our No. 1 overall bar -- pick up a free copy of tbt*/Tampa Bay Times on Friday.

Let's start with No. 100 and count down to No. 81. You might see an appearance by the Retreat, above...

100. Eddie’s Bar and Grill
1283 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin; (727) 734-2300, eddiesbarandgrill.com.
This is going to sound weird, but just hear us out: Eddie’s is the best bar for kids in Tampa Bay. What we mean is, it’s got an incredible assortment of games, from Skee-Ball to race-car games to toy pick-ups to pool and darts. The menu and outdoor patio are quite pleasant, too, and there’s usually live music. Which means you’re likely to see plenty of families with young kids running around. And while all that’s taking place, you can just belly up to the expansive bar, which has 40 beers on tap, and watch the game.

99. Osceola Tavern
13941 Seventh St., Dade City; (352) 523-2714, osceolatavern.com
The Osceola Tavern has only been around since 1999, but the building it’s in has been a Dade City fixture since the 1890s, and was a saloon at least as far back as 1910. Classic rock jukeboxes, live music on weekends and a whole mess of folks who don’t feel like heading to Hillsborough for a good time — that, as they say, is real.

98. The Garage
662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 553-9212, myspace.com/stpetegaragebar.
The Garage is a punk club with a distinctly rockabilly flair, from the artwork — tattoo-style murals and glamour-shot photos of pinups — to the polished aluminum diamond plate trim around the walls. On concert nights (the place has a great stage), it’s a bona fide magnet for young retrophiles, comely rockabilly chicks with flowers in their Bettie Page hair and greaser lads wearing pomade and Buddy Hollys. Everyone else might be drinking PBR, but you should order the signature drink, the Sake Bomb, which is original and tasty.

97. The Dirty Shame
1929 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 247-7930, myspace.com/thedirtyshametampa.
Dark. Brick. Wood. Pool. Darts. The place feels like an Old West saloon, complete with no-nonsense bartenders. Beloved redheaded bartender Karen Durrett, or maybe affable, mustachioed owner Richard Boom, will gladly greet you with the finest Irish Car Bombs (Guinness, Jameson and Bailey’s, $8) this side of Belfast.

96. Howl at the Moon
615 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 226-2261, stumpssupperclub.com.
It’s a cheesy dueling piano bars franchise that makes you feel silly — but in a good, fun way. A hallmark of the terrifically tacky Channelside entertainment district, Howl at the Moon is the place to get sloshed with a group of friends and sing along to barroom anthems like “Sweet Caroline” and, yes, “Piano Man.”

95. Pegasus Lounge
10008 N 30th St., Tampa. (813) 971-1679, pegasusniteclub.com.
Grimy, gritty and an unapologetically fun place to hang out and drink Jager, the Pegasus is famed for three things: Zombie luaus, live punk and rock almost every night, and Pornaoke. Yep, that would be karaoke with hardcore porn playing on the screen behind you. It’s every bit as disturbing as you might think. And by disturbing, we mean awesome.

94. O’Keefe’s Tavern
1219 S Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater; (727) 442-9034, okeefestavernonline.com.
The best Irish bars have a legend. Here’s O’Keefe’s: In 1972 or 1973, a car crashed through the bar, destroying much of an addition known as the Cedar Room. Among the casualties was a painting of a naked lady, which (as the story goes) is rumored to be the wife of late founder Bill O’Keefe. The painting still hangs in the bar, only with a patch covering a scar on her belly. Whether or not you believe the tale, there’s no denying O’Keefe’s is maybe the top spot in Pinellas to celebrate St. Patty’s Day, with tons — literal tons — of corned beef and green beer for all. Slaunte!

93. Copper Top Pub
5112 E Fowler Ave., Tampa; (813) 988-8656, myspace.com/coppertoppub.
Keeping of-age USF students quenched for three decades, the Copper Top is a pitchers-and-plastic cups place, with pool tables, NASCAR on the tube and Cream on the jukebox. It’s best known for two things: (1.) an actual, shiny copper-topped bar, and (2.) sizzling, spicy air-smoked chicken wings, arguably the best you’ll find.

92. Gators on the Pass
12754 Kingfish Drive, Treasure Island. (727) 367-8951, myspace.com/gatorsonthepass.
Depending on when you visit Gators, it’s either (A) one of the best sports bars in Tampa Bay (on Florida Gators game days), (B) one of the randier college-party scenes on the beach (on summer bikini-contest days), or (C) one of the bigger and better beachy-touristy bars on the beach (most of the rest of the time). Parking is free and plentifuly, and there’s a covered outdoor area with a DJ, so if it rains, the party doesn’t stop. There’s also plenty of seating for food and live music, but if you don’t want to be bothered with all that, you can sit upstairs in the air conditioning and just watch football.

91. The Retreat
123 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa; (813) 254-2014; retreattampa.com.
How can you not love a bar that, when faced with losing its liquor license, produced a photo from 1946 that showed the bar serving the hard stuff, proving its right to sell hooch should be grandfathered in? A favorite among University of Tampa seniors and downtown drones, the 61-year-old bar (which has gone by many different names) offers cornhole, darts and generous specials, and it claims to hold the Guinness record for most draft beers ever sold.

90. Neptune Lounge
13 S Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs; (727) 943-5713 theneptunelounge.com.
Beloved by young Pinellas punks for its all-ages shows, Neptune combines live music with bicycling, thanks to its bike shop next door. But after hours, it’s the top place for the youths of Tarpon to chill out, shoot pool, crash in the lounge and thrash in the pit. Beer only, but considering how many teens show up for concerts, that’s probably a good thing.

89. Empire
1902 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 247-2582, empirelive.com.
During Super Bowl weekend, the billed headliners at a postgame party at Empire were Dennis Rodman and Lawrence Taylor. And you had any doubt that Empire was a no-nonsense joint. True, Empire has had its share of highly publicized troubles over the years, but one only need look at the line around the block on weekends for proof of the club’s enduring popularity. It’s certainly outlasted other hip-hop clubs (Fuel, Full Moon Saloon) in Ybor City.

88. The Brass Mug
1441 E Fletcher Ave., Suite 101, Tampa; (813) 972-8152, myspace.com/brassmug.
If you go to USF in Tampa and you haven’t hit up the Mug, you’re shaming your school. The dominant outpost for live punk and metal in Hillsborough County, the Mug offers cool local shows, cheap drinks and bartenders who are easy on the eyes but heavy on the liquor.

87. Tiny Tap Tavern
2105 W Morrison Ave. Tampa; (813) 254-4895.
A dive in tony SoHo? You bet, and it’s one of the best in Tampa Bay. It’s certainly Tampa’s oldest, having opened in the 1930s. Low-key, lo-fi and low-cost (cheap PBRs keep the Urban Outfitters crowd coming back for more), Tiny Tap’s an unfussy oasis in a desert of chic.

86. Taps Wine & Beer Merchants
777 N Ashley Drive, Tampa; (813) 463-1968, tapswineandbeer.com.
It’s posh. It’s urban. It’s got pleasant food. It’s got a massive wall of beers, at least a hundred bottles and dozens of drafts arranged by categories like lambics, India pale ales and pilsners. In short, it’s everything the owners of SkyPoint want from a bar at its base. The wine selection’s not quite as drop-dead amazing as you might hope, but Taps makes up for it with an electronic pay-by-the-glass Enomatic wine system (the first of its kind in Tampa), which dispenses some 30 wines by the ounce. You get on a real experimental roll here in a hurry.

85. Wine Exchange Bistro and Wine Bar
1609 Snow Ave, Tampa; (813) 254-9463, wineexchangetampa.com.
For nearly two decades, The Wine Exchange has been a defining part of swanky Old Hyde Park Village. Last March, the bistro and wine bar relocated to its big, gorgeous digs from a smaller spot around the corner. Order grape by the glass or bottle while scanning the room for Tampa big shots like super attorney Barry Cohen.

84. Ka’Tiki
8803 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island; (727) 360-2272; katikisunsetbeach.com.
When Jimmy Buffett sang of lost salt shakers and days lost to tequila, he was probably thinking of the Ka’Tiki, where being a beach bum is still considered a respectable profession. Strong, $3 cocktails, awesome tiki setting, great live music (provided you have a strong tolerance for Margaritaville). Wait your turn at the pool table while noshing on chicken wings, and you’ll fit right in.

83. The Dirty Martini
25032 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater; (727) 796-2442, dirtymartinibar.com.
The Dirty Martini definitely lives up to its name. With gimmicks like nearly naked sushi, nude body painting and “skin parties,” this upscale club is all about being naughty while serving up an array of fine martinis in a posh South Beach-style atmosphere — and does it all right off U.S. 19, which is an accomplishment in and of itself.

82. Hattrick’s
107 S Franklin St., Tampa; (813) 225-4288, hattrickstavern.com.
It’s not the closest hockey bar to the St. Pete Times Forum, but it’s the best. The staff knows everything about the game, and TV analyst Bobby “The Chief” Taylor has been known to stop by and hold court. With a nice menu, tons of Lightning memorabilia on the walls, tasteful brick decor and a shuffleboard table (!), it’s an amazing spot to celebrate after a win (or, in recent years, mourn a loss).

81. L’Olivier Restaurant and Cabaret
1600, E Eighth Ave., C102, Ybor City; (813) 247-5307, loliviercabaret.com.
Tampa Bay’s only authentic cabaret, L’Olivier offers an awesome wine selection, delicious crepes and quiches as well as traditional cancan and burlesque performances inspired by those made famous at the Bal du Moulin Rouge. L’Olivier doesn’t date back to 1889 like its Parisian mentor, but its large, handsome, high-ceiling Ybor City room is nearly that old and features not one but two Eiffel Tower replicas that remind customers that the chic restaurant/nightspot doesn’t take itself too seriously.

-- tbt* staff

Thoughts on the list so far? Which bars are you guys hoping to see on the list?

Let's just guess: Metrocon is back in town

Times Editor — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:54:03 -0400

You Metrocon fans are seriously demented with your costumes! We know, we know, it’s all to celebrate Japanese popular entertainment, like anime (animation), manga (comics), J-pop and J-rock music, cosplay (costume design and performance) and video games. And we know you’ll find kindred spirits roaming the halls of the Tampa Convention Center and its surrounding area — in even more amazing costumes.

And we know those of us with no clue will stop and stare if we run into one of you on our way to Splitsville or Hooters. Just ignore us. We’re obviously not worthy to wear a Princess Mononoke number. So go ahead and enjoy the annual convention with its theme of Steampunk (yeah, we had to Google it, so what?).

Metrocon starts Friday at noon and runs until 3 a.m. On Saturday, the doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 3 a.m. Sunday it’s from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Besides all that money for a costume, it’ll set you back $25 on Friday or Sunday at the door, and $30 Saturday. Hey kids, 6-12, you pay only $10 daily. (941) 746-4855; www.metroconventions.com.

A movie called 'Evil Bong?' Oh, we're so there

Times Editor — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:47:14 -0400

If you’re like us, you’ve wasted many rainy afternoons making fun of craptastic B movies. It turns out that time wasn’t wasted after all. The Beach Theatre is calling all snarkers to make fun of a bad movie with a microphone in hand (sidekick robot optional).

Friday kicks off the Atomic Cinema series with Tommy Chong and Bill Moseley in Evil Bong, a movie about a vintage bong with the mysterious power to grant truly killer highs (duuuuuuude!). Tickets are $7, and the show starts at 11 p.m. at the St. Pete Beach movie house at 315 Corey Ave. in St. Pete Beach.

The cast of Atomic Cinema are already plotting future rip sessions on horror flicks such as Puppet Master and the original PSA of Reefer Madness.

Nearly naked foam party rocks!

Times Editor — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:20:31 -0400

Foam parties are nothing new ,but combine them with encouragement to get naked and you have a whole different story.

Same deal at the Xzanthia's clothing-optional foam party at the Riverboat Nudist Club in Land O' Lakes on Friday. And let's get this out of the way first: There were naked people and we did gawk at them for a little bit (there won't be any pictures of them though). Once we got past the initial shock that there were a few scattered nudists walking around, we found one well put together party.

Aside from the foamy goodness, There was the awesome DJ Robert Van West who mixed electro-rave stuff combined with some dark wave and industrial plus an interlude for a band called the Unit Shifters that rocked out some classic tunes (their Alice in Chains was particularly good). Add into that artists showing off their work by painting people with UV reflective paint and a man who turned a go-cart into a bed-mobile and you've got something to attract the attention of anyone.

Our personal favorite was the sideshow artist Twisted Trystan who shoved his face into broken glass and swallowed swords. Even though it was cringe-worthy, his charisma kept us enraptured throughout his entire set.

We know some people maybe skeptical but let me assure you that the party put on by Xzanthia is on the best that you'll find in the area. From art to foam to hot tubs to entertaining spectacles, this part had something for everyone.

If you're at all worried about the nude thing, do what we did and wear dark sunglasses, no one will be able to tell where you're looking.

If you're open-minded enough to check it out, the next one is going on July 10 and will cost $10 to get into the craziness.

--Story/photos by Leigh Armstrong, Times Staff Writer

Check after the jump for more photos that are completely safe for work. we promise!

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What's the best bar in Tampa Bay?

Times Editor — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:19:12 -0400

You've helped Laura Reiley pick the 25 iconic restaurants of Tampa Bay. Now it's time to let loose for a nightcap.

Tbt* is putting together its fourth annual Ultimate Bar Guide, and we want your help picking the best bars in Tampa Bay.

Let's be clear: By "bars," we mean dives, nightclubs, sports bars, watering holes, brewpubs, dance clubs, beach bars, Irish pubs, wine bars ... anywhere you can get a cold one or a stiff one. Yes, this means we'll be comparing dives like the Hub in Tampa, above, and the Emerald in St. Pete, to hotspots like Prana in Ybor City or Floyd's at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

The Dallas Bull, Hyde Park Cafe, Four Green Fields, Dunedin Brewery, Shephard's Beach Resort, Gaspar's Grotto, Czar, MacDinton's, Jackson's Bistro, Mastry's -- tell us where you love to go to have fun drinking with friends, and what's so great about it.

While you're at it, don't forget to vote in tbt*'s Ultimate Bartender Contest. The deadline to pick your favorite bartender is June 21.

You've got a week to send in your nominations. We'll start publishing our picks for Tampa Bay's 100 Ultimate Drinking Destinations on this blog late next week. Or early the following week. Or whenever the hell we sleep off this hangover. Then pick up the complete list June 26 in tbt*.

Bottoms up.

-- Jay Cridlin, tbt*

Pick your ultimate Tampa Bay bartender

Times Editor — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:48:01 -0400

If you haven't gotten in on the voting for tbt's Ultimate Bartender yet, you're missing out. Think of it like American Idol for your favorite intoxicologist and giving back to those who help you end each work week right.

This year, they’ve narrowed the field to five finalists: Ashley from Splitsville; Ian from Howl at the Moon; Mama from Reservoir; Pam from Coyote Ugly; and Rafael from Hyde Park Cafe. All five have recorded a video making their case for why they should be voted the ultimate.

We loved Ashley’s perkiness, got a little concerned over Ian’s flames, really freaked out when Mama started using her paddle, settled down to marvel at Pam’s versatility and admired Rafael’s smooth demeanor. But don’t let us influence you. Head to tampabay.com/ulbartender and vote for your favorite via text. Anyone who votes will be automatically entered in a drawing to win four tickets plus a limo ride to see Green Day on Aug. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum. The winner will be notified via text on June 22. The voting ends June 21, and tbt* will announce its Ultimate Bartender (along with its top 100 Tampa Bay area bars) in its June 26 issue.

To get your vote in, just send a text over to 446365 that says "tbt". After you've sent that, you'll get a bounce back text giving your choices. Choose the letter of your favorite brewmaster in your reply to the bounce back and you're set! It sounds complicated, but it's easy to do after doing it once.
Remember, that only one vote per day will count so there's no use in sending out 500 texts (unless you want to run up your phone bill).

[Note: This isn't one of the actual contestants, but we wanted to get you in the mood for voting. AP file photo]

Playmate DJ? Lemme guess. She starts with Adam Ant's 'Strip'

Times Editor — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:58:44 -0400

Colleen Shannon is the self-proclaimed "World's Sexiest DJ." Whatever. She's standing in front of a Mac laptop and playing around with iTunes. If that makes you a DJ, then give us five minutes and a string bikini and watch us make DJs from half the people lounging on Clearwater Beach today.

Okay, rant over. Shannon was just in Tampa over the weekend, clicking buttons on her laptop (come on, that's being honest) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for their "Pink Party" by the pool.

Tbt* paparazzo Luis Santana was there and has this photo gallery to drool over.

Big Bang steals the show at Nova 535

Times Editor — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:11:37 -0400

First and foremost, the Big Bang Show at Nova 535 is an awesome idea that I want to see continued. There's not nearly enough stuff going on at Nova 535 and the show, which combines elements of the Gong Show and Whose Line is it Anyway, is a prefect fit for Nova's atmosphere and clientele.
From comedy to spoken-word poetry, the night had a good variety of performers being introduced. There was even a guy playing African drums!
Let's be honest though. The main attraction of the night was seeing the man who started up the show, Sterling Powell, out and about. It's hard to find an event where Sterling won't steal the show. There's one way to describe him and that's flamboyant. If you went to Nova, you couldn't miss him (with the suit he was wearing, you'd have to be colorblind to).
Before they were given their chance to shine, they had to participate in an improv game with the group Got Jokes. While most of the time, this had me rolling on the floor laughing, there were a few skits that just seemed a bit boring.
With guest comedian, Christine O'Leary in the house for the night, there was always that to look forward to. She did not disappoint either.
While her set started out a bit slow, it didn't take long for her to build up her energy to the point where I was laughing so hard that I had to sit down.
If I had to make one complaint for the night it's that the Cosmic Tea Party should have been before the show, not after. By the time the show was all done and over with, I was ready to get going home and didn't have enough energy left to hit the floor and dance.
This was a shame too because there were some really cool things (like a sexy burlesque balloon dance!) going on at the tea party and a lot of people just cruised out of the door after the Big Bang Show was done. I really hope that Sterling decides to move the tea party to before the show in the future.
If you're looking for something to do on a Sunday night, this is it. With laughs galore and an event worthy of getting gussied up for, you're not likely to find anything better on a Sunday night in St. Pete.

Check after the jump for some more photos of the fun at Nova 535

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La Di Da turns the Ritz into a fantasy playground

Times Editor — Sun, 31 May 2009 13:15:48 -0400

I've been to quite a few eccentric art shows in my time and I can honestly say that non were pulled off with more elegance and extravagance than La Di Da at the Ritz on Saturday (5/30).

Most shows that I've been to have an overlying theme of some sort that artists are encouraged to adhere by. Where La Di Da differed was the execution of this. The theme was that of a bright and fantastical dreamworld and all the artists got into the fun of playing along.

From fortune-tellers to face painters, the whole ritz was turned into a place of child-like innocence. There were even tables set-up with bowls of sugary sweets to have!

It was interesting to walk from artist to artist to see all the unique representations of fantasy that were put into various mediums. A few highlights for me were Maria Capitano Pardo's massive stage show displaying a girl dreaming of dancing and fashion shows. It was brilliant and huge. I have to give credit for being able to choreograph a group of at least 25 people so brilliantly.

I also enjoyed the work of Phoenix Beauty (pictured above). Not only did she get fully into the spirit of the show and had a smile plastered on her face all night, but her work was fun and belied a deeper talent and ingeneuity.

The crowds also participated with enough crazy costumes to make me think that I was walking through an anime of sci-fi convention. I even saw a black-suited Spider-Man having a cigarette (I have to wonder how he was though).

Going to La Di Da was like giving my inner child a ticket to Disney World to run wild and free.

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Ready to get Sloppy drunk with Joe?

Times Editor — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:21:46 -0400

Key West will always be home to the original Sloppy Joe's (above) -- debate all you want between the Duval Street location and the original spot that now houses Capt. Tony's. But there's a version closer to home that's worth checking out. Wingman's barfly Wade Tatangelo gives us the scoop.

Cloudy days get to me. Last week's continuous onslaught of heavy weather had me feeling caged-rat crazy. I mean, come on, we live in the Sunshine State!

I desperately needed some good ol' Florida escapism last Saturday. With family members in town, we opted for Sloppy Joe's on the Beach, inside the Bilmar Resort on Treasure Island. We would enjoy an afternoon of alcohol-enhanced merriment, and uneasy stories spoken much too loudly.

Click here to continue reading.

[AP photo]

Party with Kim on Memorial Day Weekend

Times Editor — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:28:46 -0400

So it's finally Memorial Day Weekend. Nevermind all the rain and just plan to stay indoors, all cozy with Kim Kardashian, who's over at AJA Channelside on Friday night.

What is she doing in Tampa? Probably collecting an outrageous paycheck for a few mere hours of hobnobbing with the common folk, but who cares?

If you're looking for other options, check out our Entertainment page or this quick roundup of events.

[Times file photo]

Grab your sombrero ... it's Cinco de Mayo!

Times Editor — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:20:53 -0400

Finally, it's Cinco de Mayo. We've been waiting patiently for another party/holiday since St. Patty's Day! Here's a look at some Wingman-worthy parties to help celebrate.

Baseball and Cinco de Mayo: The Tampa Yankees celebrate Cinco de Mayo at their game against the Daytona Cubs with a south of the border fiesta featuring margaritas, chips and salsa on the Tampa Tribune Party Deck. All you can drink for ladies, $5, 6-8 p.m. only. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tue. George M. Steinbrenner Field (formerly Legends Field), 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. $4 general, $6 reserved, $1 if you wear a sombrero. (813) 875-7753; www.legendsfieldtampa.com.

Cinco de Mayo Pub Style: The Irish bar goes Mexican for the day with an all-you-can-drink Corona and tequila bar, jalapeno-eating contest, recorded Mexican music, prizes and giveaways. First 100 people get a free sombrero. 5-8 p.m. Tue. MacDinton's Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. $15, 21 and older event. ID required. (813) 251-8999.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Party with a Santana tribute by the Supernaturals, tequila sampling with the Sauza Tequila Girls, giveaways and a Southwestern buffet covering everything from salad and flat breads to fajitas and flan. 4 p.m. Tue. Tucson's Southwest Grill, 13563 Icot Blvd., Clearwater. Admission free, $8.95 buffet, drinks individually priced. (727) 530-0637; www.tucsonsswgrill.com.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration: An all-day party with mariachi bands, DJ, dancing, food, drink specials and other live music. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Tue. Cinco de Mayo Restaurant, 1919 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. Free admission, but separate charges for food and drink. (813) 374-2222.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta: Mexican-themed street party along Dunedin's Main Street with guacamole, quesadillas, margaritas and more under the food and drink tents, salsa dancing and lessons, performances by Clearwater Dance and Circus Arts, sombrero fashion contest (sombreros auctioned for charity), music by Orquesta Infinidad salsa band. 5-11 p.m. Tue. Casa Tina, 365 Main St., Dunedin. Free admission, but separate charges for food and drink. (727) 734-9226; www.casatinas.com.

Cinco de Mayo Party: The Hut calls this "Tampa's Largest Cinco de Mayo Party," with games, prizes, contests for best decorated sombrero, jalapeno eating and limbo, drink specials and live music by Spy vs. Spy. ID required. 4-11 p.m. Tue. The Hut, 514 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $5 cover; drinks and food extra. (813) 226-8961. thehutbarandgrill.com.

Cinco de Mayo Disney Style: Visit the Mexican pavilion for shopping, food and mariachi music. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tue. Epcot at Walt Disney World, 1515 N Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. Single-day admission to park: $75 adults, $63 ages 3-9 plus tax. (407) 934-7639; www.disneyworld.com.