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Keeping Tabs On The Taps
Tribune photo by JASON BEHNKEN
Even in these tough economic times, the desire for the exotic keeps local tap rooms filled.
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Published: November 13, 2008
No longer content with the lagers that made Milwaukee famous, beer connoisseurs seek watering holes where the buzz comes from pints of rich, dark European stouts or specialty American ales with quirky names such as Rogue Dead Guy or Dogfish Head Lawnmower.
Even in these tough economic times, the desire for the exotic keeps tap rooms filled. And there are more beer-centric pubs than ever before in the Tampa area.
We've plotted a pub-crawl of local spots - both old and new - where beer is king. But if you love your liver, don't try to hit 'em all in one night - or even one week.
THE CIDER HOUSE
1752 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 822-7400
Beers and ciders on tap: 10
Bottled beers and ciders: 80-plus
Price range: Varies
Notable drafts: Guinness Stout, Strongbow Cider, Bass Ale
The skinny: We walked past this Scottish pub a million times on our way to Rays games before finally popping in for a pint, and thank goodness we finally did. This cozy spot sits well off the beaten path of the downtown scene, so it draws an eclectic but fun-loving crowd of mostly regulars. Bartenders are more than happy to guide you through the bar's surprisingly varied array of draft ciders from Ace to Blackthorn, but they also serve a number of fine beers on tap and in bottles.
THE INDEPENDENT
29 Third St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 820-9514
Beers on tap: 12
Bottled beers: 100
Price range: Varies
Notable drafts: Delirium Tremens, Hercules Douple IPA, Trappistes Rochefort
The skinny: We still can't get over how colorful and vibrant downtown St. Pete has become, and The Independent is a shining example of the area's appeal. It's hip without being pretentious, and strikes a perfect balance between edgy urban energy and neighborhood-pub chill. A knowledgeable staff pours mostly Belgian and German drafts - each served in a style-specific glass - but also offers a modest but impressive selection of imports and micros by the bottle. Outdoor seating is a plus, especially this time of year.
MR. DUNDERBAK'S
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa; (813) 977-4104
Beers on tap: 50+
Bottled beers: 300
Price range: $4-$12
Notable drafts: Spaten Optimator, Reissdorf Kolsch, Old Rasputin Imperial Stout
The skinny: One of Tampa's oldest beer havens, this German-themed pub and restaurant has been around since 1974. Recently relocated from its old University Mall digs to a spiffy New Tampa spot, it supports an active homebrew beer club and hosts monthly beer-related events. Cluttered, cozy and friendly, Dunderbak's pipes in German polka music and features a fresh meat deli market, imported German products and an extensive menu with an impressive array of sandwiches and German dinners as well as bratwurst, knackwurst and kielbasa. During happy hour, drafts are $4.95 a pint, $7.95 a liter.
NEW WORLD BREWERY
1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 248-4969
Beers on tap: 45
Bottled beers: 90
Price range: $3-$15
Notable drafts: Hercules Double IPA, Lagunitas Censored, Chimay Cinq Cents
The skinny: Part outdoor beer garden, part indoor pub, part live-music venue, the New World is one of the Bay's most versatile hangouts, and that's evident in the eclectic crowd perched on its barstools. The place gets loud on weekend nights but it's extremely laid-back most other times, making it the perfect antidote to the excess of Ybor's Seventh Avenue strip. In addition to pouring an array of spectacular brews, they also serve a surprisingly good pizza. And the only thing better than the bartenders is the killer jukebox. Bring cash.
OLD CHICAGO
2042 Badlands Drive, Brandon; (813) 982-3170
Beers on tap: 30
Bottled beers: 80
Price range: $2.99 to $14.99
Notable drafts: Bell's Amber Ale, Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier, Spanish Peaks Black Dog Ale
The skinny: This nationwide pizza-and-beer chain has decor inspired by all things related to the Windy City, from "da Bears" to the Cubs. Casual dining and modest prices pull families in for thick- and thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, burgers and calzones. The bar draws regular beer hounds working their way through 110 brands to get a plaque on the wall. The beer club encourages repeat visits and the worldwide selection runs from the pedestrian Bud Light to Belgium's Chimay Rouge Premiere Dubbel. The tap selections change periodically.
OLDSMAR TAP HOUSE
300 E. State St. No. 107, Oldsmar; (813) 855-9181
Beers on tap: 35
Bottled beers: 75
Price range: $3-$34
Notable drafts: Avery White Rascal, 'T Smisje Dubbel, Duchesse De Bourgogne
The skinny: Ranked as a top favorite on ratebeer.com, this small pub in the renovated Oldsmar downtown shopping area caters to serious beer buffs. There are no TVs here, and conversation at the bar is likely to center around the rare and intriguing selections listed on a massive chalkboard. Owner Tony Falso is happy to enlighten his customers about offerings such as Duchesse De Bourgogne or rotating specials from the Brooklyn Brewery. A limited menu includes sandwiches and sausage-and-cheese platters. On select nights, there is music.
TANK'S TAP ROOM
13150 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 961-2337
Beers on tap: 51
Bottled beers: 75-100
Price range: $2-$17
Notable drafts: St. Bernardus Abt 12, Lagunitas IPA, Avery Reverend Belgian Quadrupel Ale
The skinny: It looks like a sports bar, it feels like a sports bar and it certainly smells like a sports bar. But in addition to boasting an impressive collection of big-screen TV sets (they show Steelers games on Sunday), Tank's also carries a globe-spanning array of quality brews. Bartenders admit they still move more Bud and Bud Light than anything else, but Tank's is doing its best to change that: They host Brewery Nights every Tuesday, spotlighting new and interesting craft beers with specials and giveaways.
TAPS WINE & BEER MERCHANTS
777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa; (813) 463-1968
Beers on tap: 25
Bottled beers: 201
Price range: $5-$34
Notable drafts: Chimay Rouge, Weihenstephan, Young's Double Chocolate Stout
The skinny: This new addition to downtown Tampa offers high-end beer on the ground floor of the trendy Skypoint tower. The decor is cold modern industrial. The clientele: well-heeled professionals and theater goers. Tasty food (small portions, large prices) is presented with flair. A large selection of wine is sold by the ounce from glass and wooden cabinets with stainless steel do-it-yourself taps. Oh, and there's beer - good beer, and plenty of it.
WORLD OF BEER
9524 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa; (813) 852-2337
Beers on tap: 30
Bottled beers: 500
Price range: Varies
Notable drafts: Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA, Ommegang Hennepin, Wittekerke
The skinny: Part sports bar, part hangout for beer enthusiasts, this locally owned, upscale tap house in a Westchase shopping village has plans to expand to seven locations in the Tampa Bay area. There's no food but delivery from four nearby eateries is fast. The vast bottle selection is mind-boggling and drafts from throughout the world (hence the name) are rotated with some new brews introduced each month. Outdoor seating is a huge plus and friendly service makes repeat visits a must.
ANOTHER ROUND
We haven't had a chance to try these yet, but here are a handful of more recent additions to the local suds scene (click for info):
The Brass Tap in Wesley Chapel
The Brew Garden in Clearwater
Dunedin House of Beer in Dunedin
Linksters Taproom in Brandon
LOCAL FLAVOR
In addition to the growing number of tap rooms, the Tampa area also boasts two exceptional brewpubs, bars that make their own suds:
Tampa Bay Brewing Co., 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa; (813) 247-1422
The Brewco serves up its own award-winning brews, including the gloriously hoppy Old Elephant Foot IPA, along with a strong selection of imports and micros on draft. And the food's darn good, too.
Dunedin Brewery, 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin; (727) 736-0606
We love the good-time atmosphere and hearty grub at this casual brewpub, but their award-winning Piper's Pale Ale is what keeps us coming back. They have some great seasonal brews right now, too.
Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654; Rommie Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7426.
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