Tampa Bay's Best Nightlife Spots

By day, Tampa Bay offers immense stretches of white sand beaches, and a multitude of Jimmy Buffet-style beach bars. But for a real slice of Tampa Bay you must experience its renowned nightlife that includes dance clubs, sports bars, comedy clubs, and concert venues as well as world-class dining and steak houses. You will find a sophistication present in Tampa Bay's social scenery unlike anything you'll find in your average tourist locations.

If good food is a passion Tampa Bay is the place for a great dining experience. In an area that is best known for it steaks one restaurant stands above the rest, Bern's Steak House. Considered one of the best steakhouses in the US by the fine people at the Travel Channel, Bern's Steak House is not just the finest restaurant for steaks but a true dining experience. With lush décor, a massive 62-item dessert menu, and an unbeatable selection of over 6000 wines as reported by Gayot.com, Bern's is described as "the leading steak place on the west coast of Florida."

For more casual fare and delicious ribs stop by Kojak's House of Ribs. Located in a charming converted bungalow style house, Kojak's has been a family owned and operated restaurant since 1978. It offers diners delectable casual American fare in one of three comfy indoor dining rooms or outside on the terrace below beautiful shade trees with the fresh bay air blowing by.

Tourists who like to party should hit Tampa Bay's thriving club scene for a real treat. Jazz clubs, dive bars, beach bars, dance clubs and sports abound here. For some of the most popular night clubs and bars in Tampa Bay, according to 813area.com, check out one of these fine establishments.

Blue Martini - An upscale and chic Jazz bar, the Blue Martini is a hub of music, good food and specialty drinks along with being a popular after work watering hole for Tampa Bay's hottest crowd. With three distinct bars offering over 20 superior martinis, an extensive wine list and excellent tapas menu, in addition to great live music or DJs most nights, it is the elite place to hobnob, eat and enjoy great music.

The Rack - Those looking for a unique experience have to check this place out. A very stylish billiards and darts lounge/bar with relaxing atmosphere, outdoor seating and a huge sushi bar; yes, that's right sushi in a pool hall; the Rack is a local and tourist favorite. Chosen as the #2 best sushi in 2006 by Best of Citysearch (not surprisingly #1 was a Japanese restaurant), this is a great place to socialize, play and enjoy great food.

Banana Joe's Island Party - One of the top five ranking dance clubs and singles scene spots in City's Best of 2008 provided by AOL's City Guide, Banana Joes's is a tropical setting dance club featuring frozen drinks and a mix of 70's, 80's, 90's and Top 40's hits. Connected to 4 other clubs; Margarita Mama's, Sling Shots, The Velvet Room and the all new Hook Rum Club; all for just one cover, it is one of the few Tampa Bay night clubs that is 21 & up only.

Press Box Sports Emporium - Voted the #1 best sports bar in 2007 by Citysearch users, people have been packing into this place for over two decades to watch everything from wrestling and boxing, to football, baseball, soccer and basketball. With 23 screens, a comfy rec-room decor and what many claim to be the best Buffalo wings in the area there is no wonder why this place tops the list of local sports bars.

Want to sit back and laugh a while instead? Stop by Tampa Bay's premiere comedy club, Side Splitters. The leading comedy venue for over 15 years, five nights a week it showcases the best in stand-up comedians and comediennes from around the country. Though set in a smaller venue it doesn't have a bad seat in the house and provides an inviting atmosphere with great prices.

Visitors looking to rock out to the best in live music need look no further than Skipper's Smokehouse. In this half-outdoor band shell, half screened-in eatery you can hear everything from, reggae played every Wednesday night, to Grateful Dead covers, to great blues. This venue attracts music enthusiasts of all ages with its laid-back setting, and best of all you can pick up a dozen oysters between sets.

So no matter what you may be looking for, world class steaks, great dance clubs, or the best comedy or live music venue, Tampa Bay's nightlife will not disappoint.

Sources:

Erica Walsh, "Steak Paradise: Part II" The Travel Channel

"City's Best - AOL Local City's Best" AOL Local

"Tampa Nightlife - Bars & Nightclubs in Tampa FL" 813area.com

"Best of Citysearch Tampa Bay 2008 - Best Tampa Bay Sushi" Citysearch.com

"Best of Citysearch Tampa Bay 2008 - Best Tampa Bay Sports Bar" Citysearch.com