Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Tampa East, FL

YBOR CITY. Billed as "one of the world's best watering holes," Gaspar's Grotto certainly fits well in a town...

YBOR CITY. Billed as "one of the world's best watering holes," Gaspar's Grotto certainly fits well in a town known for its Buccaneers.

Hours: Daily 10:30am-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

YBOR CITY. The jungle-themed decor and iguana mascot give this energetic eatery a character all its own. Known for its...

YBOR CITY. The jungle-themed decor and iguana mascot give this energetic eatery a character all its own. Known for its live entertainment, the place books live bands every night of the week and pumps up the sound to make sure everyone gets an appropriate dose of music. Often crowded, the Iguana is a fantastic place to hang out and nurse a drink during the evenings. During the day, it's a little more subdued, and you can order sandwiches, salads, and burgers with a Gulf Coast flair. The grouper sandwich is a perennial favorite, and you can also try gator bites, conch fritters, or iguana poppers, with crab meat and black bean sauce.

Hours: Daily 11am-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CHANNELSIDE. This popular Channelside hotspot features an entertaining dueling piano show. Inside, you'll be impressed...

CHANNELSIDE. This popular Channelside hotspot features an entertaining dueling piano show. Inside, you'll be impressed by the place's homey, pub-like decor, which includes smooth, dark wood accents, large comfortable seats, and a traditional stage area where you'll see two Baldwin pianos. The players are great showmen and do all they can to get the audience involved ­ even if it means insisting that a few people come on-stage for a bit of song and dance. No matter what, be ready for a great show.

Hours: Fri-Sat 7pm-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

NORTH TAMPA. This Key West-style place attracts a faithful crowd of regulars. Although it started out as a smokehouse,...

NORTH TAMPA. This Key West-style place attracts a faithful crowd of regulars. Although it started out as a smokehouse, Skipper's is now renowned for its seafood and for booking some of the top bands in the area. Beneath moss-draped oaks, an outdoor stage welcomes performers of all musical genres, including rock, soul, jazz, zydeco, blues, ska and reggae. While patrons pull chairs up to the stage, performers chant and sing into the night. The outside bar makes libations available, and the entire island ambience is Old Florida perfection.

Hours: Tue-Wed 11am-10pm; Thu 11am-10:30pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat Noon-11pm; Sun 1pm-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Excuse the pun, but this classic dive has been the "hub" of Tampa's high-end drinking scene for a...

DOWNTOWN. Excuse the pun, but this classic dive has been the "hub" of Tampa's high-end drinking scene for a number of years now ­ before many of Ybor City's trendy-come-latelies were even conceived. Here, you can rub shoulders with the legal crowd ­ that is, circuit court judges and lawyers, the large majority of the over-21 group! Hub staples include famously potent mixed drinks and a jukebox lineup that would make Bob Seger beam with pride.

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-3am; Sun 1pm-3am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

DOWNTOWN. A one-of-a-kind gem in Tampa, Fla., this beloved bar features a classy yet inviting atmosphere and the city's...

DOWNTOWN. A one-of-a-kind gem in Tampa, Fla., this beloved bar features a classy yet inviting atmosphere and the city's only open-air rooftop bar, along with vibrant murals and live music. Choose from the thoughtfully chosen beer and wine list, or go for one of the genius cocktails crafted with fresh, flavorful ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, elderflower and mint. You can also pair your deliciously distinctive drinks with sophisticated bar fare, including light and zesty fish tacos.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-3am; Sat 5:30pm-3am; Sun 4pm-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

HARBOUR ISLAND. Located just a few clicks from downtown, this high-end bar is attached to one of Harbour Island's ­...

HARBOUR ISLAND. Located just a few clicks from downtown, this high-end bar is attached to one of Harbour Island's ­ and perhaps Tampa's ­ finest American eateries. Dark stained mahogany combines with the earthy color scheme to give Jackson's the look and feel of the quintessential neighborhood bar, and that's just what the place is. Expertly-mixed cocktails and the critically-acclaimed wine list ensure there's plenty to quench whatever thirst you may have, and the kitchen plies the lunch and evening crowds with terrific appetizers and bistro fare.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-3am; Sun 10:30am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

HYDE PARK. Named after Ireland's four provinces, this pub is housed in a thatched-roof cottage amid a grove of palm...

HYDE PARK. Named after Ireland's four provinces, this pub is housed in a thatched-roof cottage amid a grove of palm trees. Once inside, surrounded by pints of Guinness and lilting accents, you'll feel that you've been transported to the Emerald Isle. The lunch crowds, who come from downtown's business district, are somewhat sophisticated; they munch on salads, sandwiches, Gaelic stew, and other UK favorites. In the evenings, though, the patrons are younger, and they flock to hear authentic Irish music and drink hearty brews. On the front porch, there's always a laid-back group who gather, drink, and dream in the moonlight.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

HYDE PARK. Three places in one! Hyde Park Cafe features everything from hot, DJ-led dance parties in the...

HYDE PARK. Three places in one! Hyde Park Cafe features everything from hot, DJ-led dance parties in the terrazzo-floored Velociti Room to outdoor seating to a sexy gallery area. Tampa's young and beautiful set come to Hyde Park to preen and pose, but you'll also find a Joe Average sprinkled here and there, helping to cut down on the place's pretense. The VIP area in the back of the bar tends toward the exclusive side, but don't fret ­ there's plenty up front to catch your attention (and your eye).

Hours: Tue, Thu, Sat 9pm-3am; Fri 7pm-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

SOHO. A cozy dose of Ireland on the Sun Coast, Dubliners offers an authentic Blarney pub experience, one enriched by...

SOHO. A cozy dose of Ireland on the Sun Coast, Dubliners offers an authentic Blarney pub experience, one enriched by dark wood trim, earthy shades of yellow and green, and a beautiful patio area. Enjoy a game of pool in the lounge/billiards room, or just saddle up to the bar and lose yourself in a cold pint of stout. If the old stomach starts to rumble, don't fret ­ the menu includes everything from Jameson-marinated chicken and salmon filet sandwiches to traditional shepherd's pie and fish & chips. Chances are, you'll feel lucky to have stumbled upon this joint.

Hours: Mon-Thu 2:30pm-3am; Fri-Sun Noon-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express