Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Tampa Airport North, FL

CARROLLWOOD. This popular wateringhole enjoys a loyal following thanks to great happy hour specials and fun weekly...

CARROLLWOOD. This popular wateringhole enjoys a loyal following thanks to great happy hour specials and fun weekly events.

Hours: Wed-Thu 9pm-3am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 7pm-3am

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

ROCKY POINT. A Caribbean flair distinguishes this place, which is both restaurant and bar. Open only in the evenings,...

ROCKY POINT. A Caribbean flair distinguishes this place, which is both restaurant and bar. Open only in the evenings, it's a popular destination for business travelers who want a taste of island life, including a frosty drink and some seafood munchies. Live reggae music provides a restful backdrop to the award-winning cuisine and vibrant southern sunsets. Bars are located inside and out, and Happy Hour offers visitors the opportunity to laugh and mingle after a hectic day downtown. The convivial atmosphere, accommodating staff and friendly patrons will have you relaxed and mellow in no time.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-Midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-2am

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

TAMPA DOWNS. If you're just a country boy or girl at heart, two-step it over to this laid-back club. With 3000 square...

TAMPA DOWNS. If you're just a country boy or girl at heart, two-step it over to this laid-back club. With 3000 square feet of dance floor, it's the ideal place to kick up your heels and let your boots stomp to the down-home rhythms. Occasionally, national performers take to the stage, but most of the time, patrons are happy to dance and hoof it into the night. Free line-dancing lessons are given in the evenings for all of the hottest moves, and drink specials run rampant throughout the week. Dress is casual, and jeans are always in style. Dance lessons 7pm-9pm.

Hours: Mon 9pm-3am; Thu-Sat 6pm-3am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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