Legend has it that there aren't many college bars around USF Tampa where students can hang out -- but according to my research, that's just not the case! There are a few great places students can hit up in between classes to chill, or grab a couple of beers with friends after a stressful test. Most importantly, these places have really awesome specials, like Peabody's with their ALL-DAY Liquor Pitchers starting at $8! Gator's Dockside has an exclusive USF student special. Just bring your ID to get 15% off your order (not including alcoholic beverages). Continue reading to check out where you can find the best deals close to home!
CDB Pizza
What college peeps don’t love this perfect combo? Pizza and beer are a classic pairing, and CDB’s Pizza has the hookup! They have irresistible daily specials that you and your friends need to check out. Their most important one is their 20 Wings with a Pitcher of Beer special. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in some yummy wings and an entire pitcher of beer?!
Peabody’s
Peabody’s is known for their NFL, NHL, NBA, college football and basketball and UCF Packages with no cover at all! Peabody’s is the place to go with friends to enjoy sports or just hangout. Maybe you want to play some pool, indulge in some friendly competition for a round of beer pong with pals, or simply watch your favorite team playing, you'll never be bored at Peabody’s! On Mondays, they have their Monday Madness special with $6 Fishbowls, $5 Tequila Shots, and half-off appetizers! On Wednesdays, they have $2 pizza slices and $1.25 select drinks. Thursdays are for the ladies, with $3 wines, $5 Kettle 1 Martinis, one hour of free pool play and ALL DAY Liquor Pitchers starting at $8. These specials are a college student’s dream! Don’t miss out!
World of Beer
World of Beer is a hot spot for young locals and USF college students. Their appetizers are simply to die for; mac and cheese bites, crispy chicken sliders, salty pretzels, wings... you name it! Their take on bar food is a must try! The atmosphere has a feel-good vibe with a large outdoor patio area and innovative seating options. And of course, the best part is their infinite list of beers. Here, you will always find USF students shooting darts, watching sports or playing beer pong, especially on Friday nights! Mondays are for $5 Burgers and Brats, Tuesdays are for tacos and Trivia Night is on Wednesdays. The Power of (Free) Beer is their Bolts special; if you wear some Bolts gear, every time the team scores a goal, you get a free Big Storm Bay Beer. Bring your friends!
The Local Draught House
The Local Draught House is your neighborhood bar and tasting room focusing on locally-inspired beer and cocktails. Being local is what they’re all about! With excellent bartending services, your time at The Local Draught House will be exceptional. They've got specials like all-day happy hours, thirsty Thursdays and a fantastic beer selection. They even have a jukebox so you can play your favorite tunes as you sip on some local craft beer with your buddies.
Miller's Ale House
This place is perfect to catch up with some friends as it is a relaxing, laid back environment. Located on Fowler near University Mall and USF Tampa, it is a short, convenient drive for local beer-hungry college students. They have so many daily beer specials it’s hard to keep count! Craft beer of the day, Blue Moon Pitchers, Bud buckets on Saturdays, Leinenkugel’s Seasonal Pints and more! And the food and cocktails are exceptional too! $5.99 lunch specials daily like their White Margarita Flatbread and Salad Duo, Fried Clam Po’Boy, $6.99 Dad’s Homemade Meatloaf and their delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich. Delicious eats, affordable drinks and liquor, what more could you ask for?
The Retreat
“Tampa’s original watering hole since 1938!” Located at 123 Hyde Park Avenue, The Retreat is Tampa oldest dive bar. They've been serving up cold beers, cocktails and a good time since 1938. With solid beer bucket deals and affordable pool table games, who wouldn’t want to pay this dive bar a visit? How about playing some Dirty Trivia for a chance to win cool prizes? 1stplace wins a $50 gift card, 2ndplace wins a $25 gift card, and 3rdplace wins a $10 gift card. They also have their “Rump Days”, where you can go watch the Lightning and after 9 p.m. enjoy $5 Rumplemintz!
Gator's Dockside
Gators Dockside is a family restaurant and sports destination carrying the NFL and MLB packages, UFC and much more! At Gator’s Dockside be sure to bring your student ID as you get 15% off your order all day, every day (excluding alcohol), exclusively for USF students. On Mondays they have all-you-can-eat wings from 5-11 p.m., on Wednesdays they have Trivia Night at 7:30 p.m. and all-you-can-eat boneless wings and fries from 5-11 p.m. Saturdays are UFC Fight Nights, and Sundays they have NFL ticket and specials.
Now you know! Next time someone says there are no good college bars near USF, you show them this article and watch them swallow their words! All these places welcome students with open arms, (if you are 21 or older of course). Whether you want a real sports bar atmosphere like Peabody's, or a more relaxed ambiance like World of Beer, any of these businesses will take care of you!
Find even more bars in North Tampa by registering on 813area, your free guide to everything Tampa Bay.
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
