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The Best Bars for Foodies in Tampa

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 26, 2020

As one of the American South's greatest cities, Tampa, Florida boasts a fun and sunshine-splashed center for commerce, culture, and cuisine. The best bars in the Tampa supply the fuel for the exciting nightlife of the city, delivering live music, multicultural eats, and craft drinks to locals and visitors alike. But where are the city's smartest, savviest diners headed out to when in search of the best bars in Tampa? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. Here, we've gathered information from the city's in-the-know diners and good-time partiers to put together this comprehensive list of the best bars in Tampa. From local favorites and dive bars to exciting sports bars and cocktail joints, the best bars in Tampa have something for every crowd. Grab a table (and a drink) tonight!

A photo of Renzo's-St Pete restaurant
Renzo's-St Pete
4.3
4.3 (678)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
St. Petersburg
About the restaurant
This slice of Argentina in the middle of the city is one of the best bars in Tampa. With a classically colorful Southern American atmosphere, Renzo's delivers plenty of fun and classic Argentinian meals for locals and visitors. The wine list is exceptional, with a vast selection of South American wines imported from the Andes wine region. Grab a glass to pair with favorites like New York sirloin, beef Milanese, and the Renzo's "mighty burger." Stick around for the exceptional desserts, like the tres leches cake, coconut cream cake, or "chocolate overload."
Top review
Moniquevip
Dined on Oct 17, 2024
Food was excellent!!! Would definitely go back again!
A photo of Ocean Prime - Tampa restaurant
Ocean Prime - Tampa
4.9
4.9 (10914)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Tampa
About the restaurant
The local outpost of this nationally-renowned chain is one of the best bars in Tampa. Looking out over the water with an electrically colorful exterior, this welcoming spot is a local favorite. Along with the excellent and fresh seafood, Ocean Prime has one of the city's most creative cocktail lists. Go for the "Rye on the Hudson," with cheery Heering, dry Oloroso sherry, and bitters. a "Pine Fin" martini includes fresh golden pineapple-infused Finlandia vodka, and the classic Old Fashioned comes with Aperol and Angostura bitters.
Top review
Gwendolynvip
Dined 4 days ago
Outstanding business dinner at Ocean Prime: exquisite food, impeccable service!
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A photo of Point Judith Calamari of a restaurant
Popular dish
Point Judith Calamari
A photo of Ten Layer Carrot Cake of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ten Layer Carrot Cake
A photo of Blackened Snapper of a restaurant
Popular dish
Blackened Snapper
A photo of Forbici Modern Italian Restaurant restaurant
Forbici Modern Italian Restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1800)
$31 to $50
Unspecified
Tampa
About the restaurant
A classic Italian spot in the middle of Hyde Park Village, Forbici Modern Italian Restaurant is one of the best bars in Tampa. It's the perfect spot to head into for a hearty meal after a day spent exploring the city. Try a red or white from the restaurant's extensive wine list and pair that with one of the Forbici's Italian classics. Try some of the bar snacks, like meatball sliders or shishito peppers, to go along with the Forbici cocktails. Try the "Marianne," made with Tito's vodka, a beet cordial, and fresh lime. Local beers include the Cigar City Jai Alai and the Green Bench Postcard Pilsner.
Top review
linda
Dined 4 days ago
We love eating on the patio. The food is always consistent, flavorful and well presented. I love that there is always a specials list. The servers are very attentive and fun. I recommend it to all.
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A photo of Margherita of a restaurant
Popular dish
Margherita
A photo of Cavatelli of a restaurant
Popular dish
Cavatelli
A photo of Happy Hour! of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour!
A photo of The C House restaurant
The C House
4.5
4.5 (1568)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
About the restaurant
The C House has an extremely distinct vibe in the Tampa restaurant scene. Located in a former transmission repair shop, this modern and open local favorite boasts a creative and engaging menu. The menu features three "c's" - champagne, charcuterie, and cheesecake. It all makes The C House one of the best bars in Tampa. Diners will enjoy the menu, made up of dishes that start entirely with "C." Start with the cheesy mac, crab cakes, or ceviche. Crafted handhelds include a chickpea veggie burger, cheeseburger, and carne asada street tacos.
Top review
Stephanie
Dined on Oct 4, 2024
Cute new place to tryout; food was great however the coffee afterwards was old. When asked the server she stated it was brewed 2 hours earlier. To me when the table orders coffee a new pot should be brewed. As mentioned in other reviews parking is not an easy feat. I had to park several blocks back in a neighborhood.
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A photo of CARBONARA GNOCCHI of a restaurant
Popular dish
CARBONARA GNOCCHI
A photo of Bulla Gastrobar - Tampa restaurant
Bulla Gastrobar - Tampa
4.7
4.7 (1702)
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Tampa
About the restaurant
Amid the hustle and bustle of the SoHo and Hyde Park sections, Bulla is one of the more stylish restaurants in Tampa Bay. The Tampa version of this Southern chain features a wide selection of classic Spanish tapas. Head in during happy hour for specials on draft beers like Mahou and Estrella from Spain or Cigar City Jai Alai from Tampa. Try one of the "Bougie Palmers," with Russian Standard vodka, lemon, and lavender syrup. Tapas bites feature croquettes de Jamon, gambas al ajillo, and cumin-marinated grilled pork skewers.
Top review
Davidvip
Dined 2 days ago
Still one of the most fun places to have dinner. Food is phenomenal, staff is very caring, ambience is great and overall location excellent. Highly recommended
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A photo of 'Bulla' Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
'Bulla' Burger
A photo of PICK-TWO LUNCH - $16.50 of a restaurant
Experience
PICK-TWO LUNCH - $16.50
A photo of ROOFTOP VIBES of a restaurant
Experience
ROOFTOP VIBES
A photo of Ulele restaurant
Ulele
4.8
4.8 (14396)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
About the restaurant
A relaxed water-front spot close to the Tampa Rialto Theater, Ulele is one of the best bars in Tampa. There's a fun and engaging atmosphere in Ulele. Stop in for some of the restaurant's classic Florida cuisine alongside their house-brewed beers. The "Hydration Station" is a refreshing Mexican-style lager, and the "Wedding Beer" features a blend of natural black and red berries. Another favorite is the Buckhorn Stout Nitro, with coffee and chocolate notes. The Water Works Pale Lager is a menu highlight, brewed to pair with chargrilled oysters.
Top review
Nick
Dined 3 days ago
Get the fish…my wife had redfish I had the Mahi. Both were prepared perfectly
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A photo of Charbroiled Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
Charbroiled Oysters
A photo of Seafood Risotto of a restaurant
Popular dish
Seafood Risotto
A photo of Coconut Ice Cream of a restaurant
Popular dish
Coconut Ice Cream
A photo of American Social Tampa restaurant
American Social Tampa
4.5
4.5 (1989)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
About the restaurant
For some of the best sports bar action in Tampa, American Social is the place to go. This exciting and colorful Tampa hot spot is one of the best bars in Tampa. Filled with classic decor and with plenty of favorites on the menu, American Social is the place in town to see a Lightning, Buccaneers, or college football game. Head out to the Harbor Islands to enjoy one of the Tampa's "1st" Cold Fashion drinks, made with Hochstader's Rock and Rye, Filthy Cherry, and orange peel. Craft cocktails also include the Harbour Island Iced Tea, with Tito's, Bacardi, Tanqueray, and more. There's also a full menu of "Ketel Your Way" Ketel vodka cocktails and other mixed drinks.
Top review
Matthewvip
Dined 1 day ago
Great lunch for a business meeting, waterfront on a cool day (rare in Tampa) was nice.
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A photo of Wagyu Steak Fried Rice of a restaurant
Popular dish
Wagyu Steak Fried Rice
A photo of AmSo Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
AmSo Burger
A photo of AmSo Burger Taco of a restaurant
Popular dish
AmSo Burger Taco
A photo of Haven restaurant
Haven
4.7
4.7 (2462)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
About the restaurant
Right in the heart of Hyde Park, Haven is an elegant spot that is one of the best bars in Tampa. The food menu includes a wide selection of small plates perfect for group dining. Try the grilled shishito peppers or roasted cauliflower from the "roots and leaves" menu. The "curds and whey" selection features a chef's daily grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, or gouda fritters with fenugreek ranch. Pair the small plates with some of the restaurant's superb craft beers. Try the Motorworks V-Twin Vienna Lager or Coppertail Free Dive IPA. Other highlights include the Ommegang Hennepin saison and the 21st Amendment "Blah Blah Blah."
Top review
Adrian
Dined 6 days ago
We had such a great time dining at Haven! We came in for our anniversary dinner, and the entire staff did a good job making it memorable. Our server Jensen was amazing, she took great care of us, and made some fantastic recommendations. The drinks were very well crafted. The foie gras dumplings were so rich and delicious, we could have ordered 3 servings of the bread and fat. My wife ordered the sea bass which was cooked to perfection, and I had the lamb chops. Thank you to the entire staff for such a great dining experience. We can’t wait to come back!
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A photo of Mac & Cheese of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mac & Cheese
A photo of Fried Brussels Sprouts Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Brussels Sprouts Salad
A photo of Pork Tenderloin & Belly of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pork Tenderloin & Belly
A photo of Riviera Dunes Dockside restaurant
Riviera Dunes Dockside
4.4
4.4 (924)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Palmetto
About the restaurant
For water-side drinking fun and good times, the Riviera Dunes in Palmetto is one of the best options in Tampa. Grab a seat outside to enjoy the many yachts and boats that sail by and enjoy the Dunes' excellent menu and cocktails. Head in for the Happy Hour, with oyster shooter, taco, and chips and salsa specials or a cheap classic margarita. The menu is full of classic bar and pub food favorites, and be sure to stick around at the Riviera to hear some of the restaurant's fabled live music.
Top review
Myrnavip
Dined 7 days ago
Great view huge patio on water. Attentive staff. Great food not pricey for water view. Loved my seafood Cobb salad with shrimp and lobster
A photo of Veronica Fish & Oyster restaurant
Veronica Fish & Oyster
4.8
4.8 (2279)
$31 to $50
Oyster Bar
Sarasota
About the restaurant
One of the most modern and welcoming spots in the Tampa area. This Sarasota hot spot is one of the best fish joints in Florida. It's also among the best bars in Tampa, with an exciting and welcoming vibe for locals and tourists. Be sure to check out the Veronica Happy Hour, with draft beer and wine specials along with cheap small plates and well cocktails. For dinner, try the smoked fish dip or spicy gazpacho shooters at the raw bar, or go for the chicken and crawfish gumbo with andouille sausage. Daily specials include tacos, fried chicken, clams, and halibut.
Top review
John
Dined 3 days ago
Very good small plates and oysters. First time there and will definitely go back.
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A photo of Redfish of a restaurant
Popular dish
Redfish
A photo of Veronica Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
Veronica Burger
A photo of Thai Crispy Snapper (Whole Fish) of a restaurant
Popular dish
Thai Crispy Snapper (Whole Fish)
A photo of Tzeva restaurant
Tzeva
4.5
4.5 (315)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Sarasota
About the restaurant
This sleek and welcoming bar in the Sarasota Art Ovation Hotel is a hip spot for some drinks and a few bar bites with friends. The Overture's signature cocktail menu is full of favorites like the "Get On Your Feet," with pepper vodka, pepper juice, and simple syrup. The "Ghostnote" features Patron tequila, Averna, lemon juice, and peach bitters. Grab some of the Overture lounge menu bites to go along with the drink. Try the blistered Shishito peppers with sesame, soy, and miso butter, or melted brie with toasted almonds.
Top review
Fantasticvip
Dined 1 day ago
Had a really wonderful dinner tonight at Tzeva Restaurant Tzeva Sarasota in the Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection downtown. The food is a blend of Mediterranean delights, everything was done perfectly from the starters of Hummous and Toasted Feta Cheese with Thyme Honey, Dukkha, and Castelvetrano Olives plus accompanying warm Pita Bread to delicious Falafel with Smoked Tomato Chutney, wonderful Grouper Shaslik Kebabs with Fennel Orange Salad was perfectly cooked and while spicy, it was excellent—the waitress correctly gave me a heads up before taking the order and perhaps my favorite among favorites were the succulent Wagyu Short Ribs with amazing Golden Saffron Mashed Potatoes and Apricot Chutney which had my mouth watering—and dessert, which I usually skip was worth saving room for! Black Sesame Crème Brûlée. Yum! Service was spot on, nice ambience, a well-appointed wine list, interesting cocktails, some happy hour specials and a belly dancer added to the authenticity and fun! The room is contemporary and comfortable, the high ceilings, shiny wooden floors, large live plants and floor to ceiling windows helped create a welcoming ambience. Chef Ken Shiro and Tzeva are a great addition to Sarasota, this is way more than a typical “hotel restaurant.” Service was warm, friendly, professional, and efficient, Mary the Manager made sure to stop at least once at every table to ensure everything was to our liking and make folks feel welcome. It’s little touches like being acknowledged and checked in on during the course of the meal, having your water glass refilled without asking, and my waitress, Bucru even brought a brighter table lamp over without my asking, as she saw I was photographing my food (which I always do) and thought it would be helpful. Little things like staff that go the extra mile separate a good meal from a great meal.
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A photo of Chicken of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chicken
A photo of Castile Restaurant restaurant
Castile Restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1554)
$31 to $50
American
St. Pete Beach
About the restaurant
Exceptional views are on the menu at the Castile Restaurant, one of the best bars in Tampa. Head into the Hotel Zamora to enjoy the cocktails and Mediterranean Latin cuisine at this colorful Tampa favorites. For a great view of the water and the city, head up to the roof terrace and enjoy some of the excellent local craft beers on tap. Try the Tampa Bay Brewing Company's Reef Donkey or the Cigar City Jai Alai IPA. House cocktails feature the "Citrus Grove," with Absolute lime vodka along with rose liqueur and lemon sour. There's also a smoked Caribbean old fashioned with 12-year rum and simple syrup.
Top review
Lauravip
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Everything was very nice and our server, Tammy, was excellent every time she served us. The hotel seemed understaffed but maybe it’s tied to post-hurricane issues. The food was very good and reasonably priced.
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A photo of FILET of a restaurant
Popular dish
FILET
A photo of Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Scallops

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