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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2007

Where: 1502 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 248-3499

What it's like: The Blue Shark is a blues bar, seemingly for the smooth jazz (or Jimmy Buffett) fan. The crowd is largely comprised of suburban middle-class 30-to-50-somethings looking for adventure.

Cover: Varies; often free

Specials: The Blue Shark Shooter is the house drink.

Hours: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, some Thursdays and an occasional Sunday.

The scoop: The Blue Shark is a little bigger than a bar, but certainly smaller than a nightclub - despite the additional balcony-style seating overhead. The 'stage' is right next to the bar and the only real reason to go is for the music. They make that clear from the moment you walk in with a dedicated 'no frills' approach. The new location makes life easier on the locals who flock here, being close to parking garages and closer to compatible bars rather than nightclubs.

The drink selection is a hair below average and the prices are certainly a result of being located in Ybor City. Still, the mixed drinks are made strong enough to put hair on your chest and the bartenders are fun to talk to.

The catch: As we said, the music is the only reason to go. Some nights feature blues-lite cover bands, Jimmy Buffett wanna-bes or smooth jazz (yikes!), but The Blue Shark is also the only venue in Ybor for touring (read: real) blues acts and they are definitely worth the trip.

Robert Davis

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