Ten years later and I end up back in Ybor on a work trip and of course I had to stop at Reservoir Bar. I arrived in town on Cinco de Mayo and had a free night before work stuff started. I met up with an old friend and we had dinner and drink nearby in Ybor. We called it a night around 12:30 and I was heading back to the hotel when I saw Reservoir Bar and remembered that I loved this divey spot last time I was in town. I stopped in for a drink and the place was packed for a Tuesday, but I'm guessing Cinco had people out partying too. There wasn't an open seat anywhere so I ended up at that little table in the game room by the bathrooms. I figured I would just have a drink and go. That's when a couple guys started playing the punching bag game. Typically that means some meatheads are about to get agro on a video game and end up arguing about high scores soon. But these guys were having so much fun with it and started getting everyone involved. Next thing you know, I've joined in and we're all dropping fivers in to the machine to keep the party going. The strategy and theatrics on how to get the highest score was nothing short of brilliance, but the next day my wrist was killing me from beating on a punching bag at 2 in the morning. 10/10 would do the same thing again! read more

I have been visiting this iconic spot for over 20 years. Easy drinks, fits the wallet and a vibe you can't find anywhere else in Ybor. Quick shooting drinks and shots that make you feel groovy by the time you leave. The bartenders are always quick friendly and nice but don't mistake kindness for weakness. They aren't afraid to tell you're being obnoxious. Two pool tables, come early to stake your name. read more

See all

If you can't handle smoking, strong drinks, an eclectic crowd, and open minded atmosphere STAY OUT. But if you're a cool, laid back funky kinda soul, this is your place! Been coming here for years, and it's my go to spot for interesting people, drinks that'll make you forget your woes, and music that'll wake your mind. LOVE Reservoir! read more

Love this bar and the staff. Jeff and Tyler never disappoint. Reasonably priced drinks and fun atmosphere. We love to just sit, play music on the jukebox, and enjoy the company. read more

Reservoir Bar - Lots of different brands and options behind the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

What to say about Rez, it's been around Ybor for a decade a least. I can't be sure because anytime I'm in Ybor my memory is fuzzy for some reason?!? Maybe I need an MRI? Rez is my favorite Ybor dive bar, anyone is welcome: smokers, jokers, and midnight tokers. Located at what I like to call the top of Ybor(West end) Rez is a staple of what ybor is about, drinking! The bathroom has no door on it ,Ladies can meat gaze as they exit the bathroom if you stand back from the urinal. The walls are plastered with Graffiti and black, some from patrons and probably some from the staff. Which look like they would fit in a Rob zombie movie. I think there's a pool table and jukebox and their prices are low for Ybor. There was bands I think, not sure about now. I went during daylight hours which is the slow time. They have stone hands in Rez and your drink will be an over pour. They have some good booze choices and the craft beer selection is limited, but are you going to Rez for craft beer? No you go to smoke inside and scare away tourists. You can drink alone and no one will bother you. read more

See all

Of all the dive bars across the country I've graced, this one was legend! This California girl walked in on a Monday afternon (cuz I'm classy) and immediately was shocked - I haven't smelled cigarette smoke indoors outside of a casino in decades. And so I leaned into this time warp experience, which was only the start of the fun. My friend and I were only there for maybe 20 minutes but I will remember Reservoir forever, and here's why. As we sat down at the bar once I got past my cigarette freakout, I ordered my usual - a Manhattan. The bartender was a charming lady who said as politely as possible that this wasn't that kind of bar, no vermouth and no bitters. I should have known that and felt like a dumbass but she was so sweet and nice! So my moron brain had to switch gears, and a whiskey sour it was. HELLA whiskey, very little sour, in a plastic cup with a straw. Amazing. My friend was perplexed about what to order and so the bartender and I rattled off options and possibilities based on what he liked, and he essentially ended up with a WA Apple - again, all the whiskey, very little juice. This bar will put hair on your chest, and I AM HERE FOR IT. Those 2 drinks cost 11 bucks, I almost choked. What a place! For the right crowd at the right time, Reservoir is literally magic in a desert of polished normality! I would so happily return here, and approach it all properly - ready to pound booze, stick to the floor, and as a previous reviewer put it, "meat gaze" because apparently the mens room has no door. I say it again - WHAT A PLACE! read more

Ray the bartender was so nice and a great vibe, will definitely come back because of him!!

Been in Florida for a year now and this place has been a great experience everytime I go. It's never the same experience no matter how many times you go! Okay. So it's divey but not a dive bar. You are allowed to smoke inside so it can be a tad smokey at times. Dark lightning, two pool tables at front, definitely need pool stick updates btw...foos ball and dart board in the back as well. It has a ATM and a TouchTunes Juke box. The thing I love about this spot is definitely the diversity. You will hear Rock, Country, Trap Music, Pop, R&B all in one sitting. Mostly locals here so we all just talk a lot of shit and play pool. If you love to people watch this is your spot. I might be one of the ones you people watch because I'm very interesting when inebriated lol. Hey bottom line you want a good drink and meet weird, smart, strange, drunk friendly people without the fear of being judged stop by! I definitely recommend it! read more

Classic dive bar, ybor staple. Miller high life ponies, pbrs, alternative music/crowd. Great prices. Jukebox. Darts. Sharpie laden walls. Cigarette smoke. What more do you need? read more

The last real dive bar in Ybor. Cheap drinks a cool jukebox with a lot of old punk and pool tables. Note: smoking is allowed inside, so if you're sensitive, this might not be the place for you, but this is one of my go-to places to grab a shot or cider with friends. read more

Talk about your stereo typical hole in the wall bar! I'd never been inside, but we were hosting a going away party for a friend, and this was one of three locations of the night (My only stop, though). The place was fairly large with a few pool tables, some dart boards and a few video games in the back, Other wise there was a large bar with plenty of seating, and some tables off to the wallside. Service was really good, as were the drinks. For the inexpensive price, the drink was pretty high on the octane. Other than the constant stink of cigarettes and some of the patron's questionable music choices, I'll probably go back. read more

This in my opinion is a cool spot for anyone. I thought the music selection was awesome! The walls are all decorated with gory pictures and cool movie items. The bar is pretty big and has lots of seating. There's two pool tables up front and a couple dart boards in the back. Our bartender was really cool and active with the customers. The one thing I dislike about this bar is they allow smoking. I know that's a plus for most but us non smokers it kinda sucks. Now this won't keep me out of this location I still stand by this bar. I probably wouldn't go there on a date lol but with friends for sure!! This bar was also really clean inside unlike some bars I've seen in the area. I will definitely be going back soon and if you've never been here give them a chance. I know this place wouldn't really be for everyone but I think most will really enjoy it. read more

Reservoir Bar - Inside bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

rude bouncer and weird environment. I was expecting a lot better but it just was not it. idk I don't recommend but try it if you want lol.

Hello friends I'm a huge fan. 10/10 will definitely return. Yelp told me my review is too short so here is another sentence. read more

I have scolded some reviewers for using the term "dive bar" too loosely, and have named some local examples of true dive bars that earn the label every day.....and are generally to be avoided by those who respect their lives & livers, and are still allowed to drive a car. (BTW a true dive bar has lots of pedestrian bar-flies and bikes chained outside) OK....some dive bar characteristics noted at Reservoir: dark, lots of drunks, some napping, cluttered behind the bar, a few pool tables with bad but loud players, a juke box with lots of oldies...but maybe not always working, few signs of sweeping/mopping/cleaning, a sometimes snarling barkeep, most customers known by name & rap sheet, business may pick up after monthly disability checks are received, and a slight air of raffishness. However any such dive indicia are offset by these factors: too many beer choices, beer too expensive, too many drinking lite or import beer, availability of mixed drinks, wine, Red Bull, cider & "ladies" drinks, patrons too well dressed, located in the middle of an entertainment district, tourists drifting in and actually staying for a drink, nervous giggling at the naughty adventure, a feeling there may be a "dive docent" lurking in the office, toilet paper in the bathroom, and no visible signs of recently rejected beer pooling on the floor. FYI the presence or absence of gallon jars of red fluid and floating sausages, pickled eggs, pigs feet, dills or other country delicacies on top of the bar ($1 Each) is a neutral factor...not an absolute dive indicator...except for the sqeamish. But this place understands that tourists sipping a Cosmo would not be happy staring at a jug with split hog hooves suspended in a pinkish fluid. However, the presence of a Jagermeister dispenser should cause revocation of any dive certification and repossession of SCUBA tanks. So this is a show dive, a joint that charges Ybor/tourist prices for the standard array of drinks with an ambiance of orchestrated decadence without real danger. After your stop here as part of your Ybor tour, also check out the historic marker for the Italian-American Club. read more

No better bar in Ybor, if you want a place where a gay guy, a tattooed punk chick, and a middle aged normal looking guy will be drinking and playing pool together, this is the place. Strong drinks, a selection of Cigar City draft as well as a lot of great bottles and cans will make sure you leave happy (but you should still call a cab). read more

Arriving early to Ybor to attend an RL Grime show at The Ritz we skipped pre-gaming at our apartment to check out Reservoir Bar. I was dressed ridiculously. Neon green tshirt and fuzzy rave leg warmers. I was initially nervous that I would get dirty looks and shitty service. I was pleasantly surprised that our bartender (a big guy with a big beard!) was literally the most down to earth person ever. He offered us tons of drink specials, and didnt seem bothered with the fact that we were only there to see a show across the street. We enjoyed him a lot. However, after splitting a shipwreck beer and each taking a shot of jameson, we crossed the street and were denied access to The Ritz. Upset that a night that started so awesomely at Res Bar ended up to be a terrible night involving the police at The Ritz. We will be returning to Reservoir Bar, as they clearly deserve our business. Cant say the same about the venue across the street. read more

Reservoir Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

I really enjoy this bar. . . on weekday nights! However, on the weekends it gets very crowded and since it is rather small, it can almost feel suffocating at times. Bill and I went there last night to just unwind from the day and it was awesome. Not very many people, we played four rounds of pool without feeling pressured to finish our games and the drinks were strong! I only had a beer and a mixed drink and I was definitely feeling a buzz when we left! The staff is awesome as well. I see a lot of people have complained about it not being the cleanest but come on, its a bar. . .in Ybor! What are you expecting? Bottom line, if your looking for a laid back bar with awesome music (think pearl jam, etc.) and cheap, STRONG drinks - then you should definitely check out Res Bar! read more

Standard PIRATEY bar in Ybor City. Went here after Gasprilla because this was one of few bars that didn't have any cover. Like the pool tables, games, and quick bartenders! But nothing special to rave about. read more

This is where the locals and I hang. I adore the staff and the drinks are cheap. don't get me wrong, its a townie bar but its my favorite townie bar. real laid back,not uptight at all just fun. read more

Tattoos, Flaming Drinks, and Beers served in Mason Jars. This smoky dive bar will win you over if this is your style. Play darts or pool. Chat up the friendly patrons, and nurse your inner punk with the cheapest drinks in Ybor. read more

Reservoir is the perfect chill dive bar to offset all of the overpriced clubby places that it is near. Though it will certainly not be winning any awards for cleanliness, it is a fun place to start out any night in Ybor. The drinks are very reasonably priced (and BOGO on Tuesday nights!) and PBR tallboys are always $2. The bartenders are also awesome- Mama is my favorite and definitely has the ability to make every customer feel as though they are the only person she is taking care of. My only gripe would be is that it is very narrow and small, and it can be difficult to navigate through the crowds on the weekends. read more

Love this place. It's seriously the best "dive" bar in town. The bartenders are all very friendly and they always remember what the customers drink. The music is always set to 90's alternative, but they have a jukebox that you can play whatever you desire. So, when in Ybor and want a low key, friendly place to go.......I recommend you stop here read more

Wasn't a fan of the staff here. Wide mix of patrons. Lots of cool and random stuff to look at. Cheap drink prices but it doesn't come with a smile or much help, more like a grunt. Needless to say this is where we got our night started and it would be a pass in the future. read more

Anywhere that has a men's room with a door that doesn't close and a stall that doesn't close or lock deserves zero stars, but 1 is the lowest I can go. read more

Located in the ybor village section of Tampa, this bar is cool. it reminds me of some of the classic NYC dive bars. this bar has character and i kept thinking of the tarantino movie 'Reservoir Dogs' . The crowd is part weird and friendly at the same time. the tattoed people are also around. Any way, this bar is mostly locals and many people know each other. definitely a stop on the ybor city night out agenda. General note: The prices in ybor city are $6 for a mixed drink. same price as NYC. in fact in NYC you get a third drink free. Considering Ybor city is 200% cheaper than NYC, not sure why the drinks are overpriced even for dive bars. However PBR tallboys seemed to be $2 everywhere according to the signs I saw which is a good deal. Bottom line: Ybor is a fun place to visit and this bar is one of the places to visit when you get here. read more

As you may have noticed if you read my other reviews, I'm a fan of dive bars. A big fan. And when I stumbled upon this little gem on 7th Ave in Ybor, I was instantly captivated with the crowd, decor, & the Tarantino undercurrents of awesomeness. Friendly & super fast staff. Even though it was crowded af we got spots at the bar from people being awesome playing pool who elected to stand. The bathroom was a graffiti ridden feast for the eyes but it was very clean considering the crowd and the rowdy feel of the place. Other guests engaged me in nice conversation. Even the toughest looking face-tatted people were approachable and friendly. There was a bucket of (free, maybe?) condoms easily accessible. And the shirts- aw man, I need a T-shirt from this place. The merch is fabulous. It's really dark inside & there's not a ton of seating but everyone who didn't have a chair was totally down to stand and there were smiles all around. Side note: There are some big TVs above the bar. I don't think there's food served. There's pool, but chances are you'll wait. I will absolutely go back here. Super fun, & maybe next time I'll meet some new friends. read more

One of the best "dive bar" type atmospheres in Ybor. I always see a diverse crowd in there and the drinks are strong. I used to come in here all the time, but haven't been in a while because it is so small and sometimes gets overcrowded on the weekends. Mama- the owner- is a badass. If it is your birthday and she finds out about it, she will spank your ass in front of the whole bar with a wooden paddle. The bar itself is grungy and dark with tattoo covered clientele and two pool tables and a punching bag machine. It's nothing too special, but the place has character and I've spend many nights there drowning my sorrows away with the rest of the ybor misfits. read more

Definitely a great grungy dive bar and perfect spot to pre-game. Drinks are pretty cheap and stiff, great beer selection and you can play some pool or darts to pass time with friends. I typically order a drink not every bar has the liquor for, but I was pleasantly surprised this bar was able to make it with no problem. The bartenders were very nice and the crowd was mixed and interesting to say the least. Definitely will come back again. read more

Great place. I have come here for years and l have always felt comfortable with the atmosphere. Pool tables are win. read more

Reservoir Bar - Great bar packed with awesome staff and people. - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This is not a dive bar but rather a genuine bar. No nonsense pool , beer music and peace of mind. Check it out!

Great dive bar with a dark atmosphere. Friendly. Good beer selection. Fun for people watching (those in the bar as well as those passing by). We started a great night out here and returned a few more times over the course of a week-long trip. It felt like our neighborhood bar by the end of our stay! read more

Gimme a 'dive bar' with over 50 beers and I'm a happy girl. The Reservoir offers a chill environment, plenty of fine beers (in the bottle, a few on tap), awesome staff and a pool table. They had the tv on a recent Monday, but not football, which disappointed me, but I declined having them put it on since I didn't want to be that person. Came back later ...then again and again. It's the best place to kncok a few back in Ybor City. BOGO Tuesdays rock it!! read more

Love Love Love this bar. I've been going there since it opened and have never been let down. Most of the bartenders (both past and present) are friends of mine and they are all heavy handed when it comes down to pouring a good drink. It's a great place to go when you don't want to sit in a noisy club! read more

While Reservoir might be a good dive bar and serve good drinks, the general manager leaves much to be desired. I went tonight around 7pm to meet up with some friends. I am a disabled veteran and had my service dog with me. Before I could even sit down, the general manager approached me and asked about my service dog. I explained that it was a service dog and what tasks he is trained to perform. The general manager then proceeded to say that my dog wasn't a service animal but an emotional support animal and that I had to leave. I called the police and was informed that it was a civil matter. The officer spoke to the manager and I was told I could return. When I returned, the manager continued to have an attitude that made me feel very unwelcome so I left. If I could give no stars, I would. So much for the spot where my friends and I used to meet up. read more

From a few hours south of here, had a few hours to kill this afternoon. Saw pool tables in the window and decided to pop in Reservoir Bar. Winning decision! Great beer selection - KAREN, our bar tender, was very knowledgeable about her stock - good happy hour prices and free pool til 7:00 - rainy night so it was slow, which was A-Okay with me. The restroom situation on a busier night would have been iffy (the only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5). I had a great time and will definitely make a point of coming again next time I am in the area. read more

If a place doesn't tickle my fancy as the type of bar I enjoy I usually don't tend to review it. Sadly, I usually like Dive Bars...Dive Bars in Boston... but STILL DIVE BARS! I've gone here several times, most times being INCREDIBLY drunk and trying to feed the punch machine dollars and probably losing 3 to 4 dollars on it not working. I actually have a picture in this bar sporting my dali stache. So anyways, back to the point. I go here last night, the bartender is ridiculously drunk. I found it funny and entertaining for a bit, as he had gotten my friend the wrong beer and he kept on rambling on about numbers and whatever else. When he kept on saying that my beer might take 15 to 20 minutes and handing me a half drank beer and trying to charge me for it. I finally got the attention of the owner. He wasn't drunk, I don't think, just a complete jerk. He finally told the guy to go home, but seriously the guy was wasted. Later, we were sitting on the table and the owner spilled not only one but two beers all over me just because he was being careless cleaning up- he brought me over a drink napkin to clean up....one drink napkin. No not every experience has been like this, and they have cheap beers. But I'd rather just drink home with friend than be in this crap hole in a wall. read more

Great dive bar. Pool table. Good music. Cheap drinks. Straight forward place.

"Res" is a dive-y bar. Although the appearance of the patrons and the bartenders alike is a little rough, everyone is nice for the most part. Place is dimly lit to fit the atmosphere. Large liquor selection, reasonable prices. If you are looking to have a more laid back night with friends, it should definitely be one of your stops. They also have billiards and dart boards. read more

This bar found their niche and from what I could discern from my first visit, it's working for them. Self-described as the best hole-in-the-wall bar in Ybor, I would have to visit the others to make a definitive decision; however, I didn't end up walking around much after getting there. With a couple of pool tables, a plethora of dartboards, and located in an area with plenty to do, Reservoir Bar is a good spot to post up with your friends. Also, they allow smoking which for someone from Iowa was mad bizarre, but appreciated. If I ever make it back, I'll stop in for one definitely. read more