10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Tampa

Gaspar’s Grotto is a lively bar and restaurant that celebrates the mythical pirate Jose Gaspar, who has long been part of Tampa’s local lore. It’s known for its killer cocktails like homemade sangria and South Seas Rampage – a fruity drink made with a mix of coconut rum, blue curacao, melon schnapps, and pineapple juice.

Weekends at Gaspar’s Grotto welcome a more leisurely crowd, with its all-day live music that kicks off at 11 am. Its famous Sunday brunch offers a huge selection of dishes to graze on. 

The Orpheum has been a popular fixture in Tampa's entertainment scene for more than 20 years. It’s known to showcase a mix of well-established and upcoming artists on its stage. On nights when there’s no concert, the venue lets the crowds dance to the sounds of its DJs. But to get the full, rock-out, crowd-surfing Orpheum experience, it’s best to catch a live show.

This theatre in Ybor City also hosts other events, such as professional wrestling matches, art exhibitions, and dance competitions. Show entry tickets and balcony access passes can be purchased in advance.

The Castle is set in an imposing 1930s building that once served as the headquarters for a labour collective of Tampa cigar and restaurant workers. The building’s castle-like architecture inspired its interior spaces, which include “The Dungeon” – this party area is adorned with chains, skulls, and dim red lighting. 

The Castle is a place where “everyone is welcome, nothing is taboo”. As such, there’s no dress code and patrons are encouraged to get creative with their looks – you can even dress up in fetish, cosplay or rockstar costumes. Visitors can roam the club to find their preferred party zone, which is spread over 5 different gathering areas with 3 designated music sections. 

Hard Rock Cafe Tampa is where rock ’n roll fans can enjoy the sounds of live bands and music-themed settings as they dine and drink. This branch is part of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, a sleek glass building that offers more bars and a casino to explore. 

Hard Rock Cafe Tampa’s food offerings are classic American fare (think big juicy burgers!). The style is sleek and modern with some touches of 1950s diner design with leather dining booths and neon lighting. Stop by the onsite Rock Shop for shirts, caps and fun merchandise.

The Hub Bar is a legendary Tampa nightspot, continuing to attract crowds in search of a strong drink since it first opened in 1949. Its look has remained unchanged over the years, with simple tables and chairs that have a “borrowed from the Legion Hall” look, black-and-white chequered floors, and walls full of photos, graffiti, and bar memorabilia.

The Hub Bar hosts local bands on occasion, though its musical selections mostly come from its jukebox. There’s a liquor store attached, and you’ll need to flash your cash here as the bar doesn’t accept credit cards. You can find the bar on North Franklin Street, just a few doors down from the Tampa Theatre.

Ybor City Wine Bar offers an elegant setting and an extensive wine list for those in search of a sophisticated night out in Tampa. Found on the ground floor of the Centro Ybor entertainment complex, the wine bar features more than 200 labels served by the glass, plus 100 craft beers. It also offers small plates and desserts for guests to nibble at while trying out all the tasty wines.

On Wednesday evenings, Ybor City Wine Bar hosts a weekly educational wine tasting for a small fee. It's open to anyone interested to learn more about wine in a fun and social setting.

Lowry Parcade brings together 2 fun activities into 1 place – beer drinking and playing arcade games. Found near the historic Lowry Park, this friendly bar has some 30 arcade and pinball machines, as well as an air-hockey table, board games, and Skee-Ball. There’s also a selection of pub grub on offer from its food truck.

Lowry Parcade, which calls itself a “nerd wonderland”, puts on regular events like karaoke and trivia nights, and – in case anyone complains that adults have all the fun – it’s open to kids until 10 pm.

The Kennedy Soho is a plush dance club found on the northern fringes of Tampa’s trendy SoHo neighbourhood. There’s a sleek bar, red-and-black velvet lounge seating, outdoor lounge areas, and exclusive seating for VIP guests.

The Kennedy Soho's music policy covers a spectrum of upbeat sounds, including Latin and pop. It's popular with local professionals as well as students from the nearby University of Tampa. The club is also known to have hosted celebrities, including Lady Gaga.

Club Prana is the spot to see and be seen and is among Tampa’s ritzier bars and nightclubs. Open since 2000 in Ybor City, the club is spread over 5 levels, each of which offers a different vibe. Those with cash to spare could opt for its VIP and bottle service, though all who enter are made to feel like a movie star with the club’s grand entry and red-carpet walkway.

One of Club Prana’s levels is called The Sanctuary, set up as a private party room with sleek marine decor. The Night Club floor features dancers onstage and a glass dancefloor, while the top floor – called The Sky Bar – offers city views and a tropical bar with reggae music playing in the background.

Crowbar is a Tampa favourite for live music. There’s a great variety of musical styles played here, from rock and hip-hop to jazz to reggae. The bar hosts several events and theme nights throughout the week, including open-mic nights, karaoke, and All Good Tuesdays when they play only feel-good music. 

Visitors to Crowbar pay either no cover charge or just a small fee to enter, making it one of the most budget-friendly spots in Ybor City. If the dancefloor gets too crowded, the bar’s outdoor patio offers a less hectic area to hang out.