In terms of Tampa nightlife, the area surrounding University of South Florida, Tampa may not seem like the most glamorous, but some unique spots have popped up over the years. Here are some of the places that I’ve frequented, they won’t disappoint.
1.) Dunderbak’s
If you’re looking for a German experience, complete with an extensive beer selection and community tables (don’t worry there’s a bar and single party tables, too), Dunderbak’s is your place. Some of my fondest USF memories are of listening to the open mic with friends while throwing back a few ciders. Dunderbak’s is a European experience in the middle of a strip mall. With outdoor seating, a beer hall parties can rent out, and a variety of foreign candy and desserts for sale, Mr. Dunderbak’s is a welcome escape from the usual Tampa hangouts. If the German experience isn’t what you’re looking for, head a few doors down to Acropolis Greek Taverna for mouth-watering cuisine, and nightly entertainment that includes bouzouki and belly dancing!
2.) The Boba House
Boba has been a quintessential part of the USF experience for years. A popular hangout right on the USF Bull Runner (bus) route, it’s got live music, beautiful local art, video game tournaments, and a ton of non-alcoholic drink flavors to choose from. If you’re looking for a chill vibe with excellent service right in the neighborhood, Boba is the place to go!
3.) Peabody’s
Open til 3AM every night of the week, Peabody’s is the go-to if you’re looking for a place with strong drinks, pool tables, and often times Greek life eye candy after a long day of classes. Guests love the All-American cuisine; Monday nights their half pound Angus burger for only $2 attracts the masses. Be wary of getting behind the wheel after a night at Peabody’s; the police know it’s one of the main college hangouts and are often waiting nearby to stop drunk drivers.
4.) Skipper’s Smokehouse
Skipper’s is an iconic music venue that has attracted hippies, DeadHeads, rastas, bluegrass fans, and the like since 1980. Whether you just want to dance barefoot, hum along to some unique tunes with a cold one in your hand, or eat the freshest seafood around, Skipper’s is the perfect judgment-free spot.
5.) CopperTop
This hole-in-the-wall is known and loved for its wings, broad range of craft beers, and the fact that it’s stumbling distance from campus. Once you’ve gone a few times, you’ll get to know the regulars, and they’ll get to know you which may make you feel more or less comfortable. Open til 3AM daily, this is the spot to unwind with the locals over a game of pool or darts, occasionally with live music or a DJ.
Bonus Spots:
Ybor City: This historic city is known nationally for its Cuban influence- that means cigars! For many freshmen, it’s where they got their first taste of freedom partying into the night with their dorm mates, safely taking the party bus back to campus. Prana is the most popular club that’s lasted the test of time because of its 5 floors, including the rooftop, with different types of music on each. Ybor is always lively on the weekends until 3AM, after which you can expect to be run out by policemen on horseback.
Whether you just want to grab a slice of pizza, watch a comedy show, or club hop, 7th Ave. in Ybor is famous, or perhaps infamous, for a reason. If you do drive, parking can get expensive; if you get off the strip, though, there are quite a few houses that charge only a few bucks to let you park in their front yard a little random, but hey, you’ll have more money to party! Just remember to drop a pin on your phone; you do not want to be searching for your car on the back roads of Ybor at some ungodly hour.
Soho AKA South Howard Ave: Soho is where the 21+ aged college students, and those who miss college, go to party and oh do they party! With a ton of bars and clubs including MacDinton’s Irish Pub, World of Beer, Cheap, The Lodge, Drynk, and Hyde Park Café, bar hopping is easy and welcomed. Caveat: don’t even bother with this area unless you’re actually over 21 all the bouncers check IDs, and if it looks suspicious, they’ll gladly ask for a second form before granting you entry. Make sure you have a DD or call an Uber before stumbling out of this intoxicating strip.
Sarah Marshall is a Florida native who graduated from USF Tampa in December 2012 with a degree in Environmental Science & Policy. Her university experience included some of her fondest memories, meeting lifelong friends and learning invaluable information about social and environmental justice issues. She is currently writing a monthly environmental column for a British newspaper and looking for a job where she can help the community by educating locals about the principles of sustainability.