Stiff drinks, mediocre service and a smelly atmosphere. What more could you ask for from Downtown Tampa's iconic dive bar? It's perfect. Local bands, loud mouths, random strangers leaving drawings on napkins, and oh, the best graffiti a bathroom stall in all of Tampa could ask for! Don't miss this joint like the iconic stuffed opossum for yesteryear. read more

The Hub Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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WARNING: This bar practices favoritism and targets newcomers. My friend and I are teetotalers, and we went there for their karaoke night a couple of days ago. Keep in mind, it was just two people: me and my friend. It was our first time there, and the bar was full of people for karaoke night. The vibe was great, but the service was rude. They only show gratitude to paying and regular guests. About an hour into the event, I went up to the bar and simply asked for a water. The bartender told me that I had to buy a bottle and that it was cash only. I said, "Okay, never mind." That wasn't the problem. I understand that they are running a bar and trying to make money. Every type of bar does that. The problem was that the bartender came over to my friend at our table after that exchange and rudely told us that we needed to buy something or leave. That completely ruined the experience for us, especially since it was our first time there. So, we left. We know when we're not welcomed, and this bar did not make us feel welcome. It wasn't the price or the drinks that were the problem. It was the fact that the bar was full of guests purchasing drinks, and many of the guests coming in were groups of five or more. Yet they chose to target two quiet guests, even before the event, and told us that if we were non-paying guests, they would "kick us out" at least an hour into the event. We didn't come there to cause any harm or start any trouble, and we're not bums off the street. We came to have some safe fun and sing a few songs--nothing more, nothing less. If everything had worked out well, we could have come back and purchased drinks next time and even spread the word about how great the bar was. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Be warned: This bar practices favoritism and looks down on non-paying guests. They completely ruined the vibe that night. If you're new to the area, I would think twice before coming here. read more

Amazing cash only dive bar in Tampa. Love this spot. A friend introduced me to this place and I love it.

Dive bars are all-too-rare in Square-yet-Bougie Tampa, FL. My brother tells me this is "like, the first dive bar in Tampa, you get a ton of liquor for a few dollars". I'm not sure how *technically* accurate that statement is, but you get the idea. We walked over here after a Ghost concert and, with our faces masked and painted, they thought we might be criminals, initially. However, after chatting with them and displaying IDs, they came around. The beer selection wasn't great. We got some old cans of Reef Donkey, the beer tasted sweet and oxidized but I wouldn't be surprised of post-acquisition Cigar City Brewing beers are supposed to taste like that. Overall, a fun hang. read more

Chloe behind the bar is super knowledgeable and very easy on the eyes ! Thank you so much for having me and my friends the jukebox lol all that story ! anyhow wonderful place nice place to sit and have a drink and enjoy yourself anytime. Thank you so much for having me in my friends. read more

No foood here just drinks and vibes. Everyone is very friendly but it is quite obscure and for a certain crowd. The service feels fine I never feel neglected and was tended to quickly. Not for everyone but if you're open to new things and bring some friends who feel the same. It can be a fun time read more

The Hub Bar - a band playing on stage - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

For being the historic dive bar in Tampa, from appearance it looked clean and the crowd wasn't too bad (although it was early in the night when I passed by). It's right next to the Tampa theater which is also cool. Only thing I wish they did was accept credit cards. It is what it is. read more

Service was ok, not as friendly as most. For being a slow Monday I expected a bit more welcoming. I wouldn't suggest this as a place to watch any sports as they only had 2 televisions. Seemed like the bar tenders were more interested in watching JurassicPark (great movie) guess I understand lol. The bar had some games but wasn't very big. It made me feel like I was in some small town pub where only locals were welcomed. read more

The Hub Bar - Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Great little place just re opened. Temporarily non smoking so that is great. Been open since 1949. Quaint little place and my first time here in the 22 years I have we worked downtown. They might allow smoking soon, so that will keep me away again. Bartender was great and they offer package service. The drinks are fairly priced. It's worth a stop if your downtown. read more

The Hub Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The place is the epitome of a "Dive Bar" which I love. Great drinks at a great price with a steady heavy poor - very easy on the wallet and super easy going atmosphere. All the bartenders seemed super friendly and cool. This was my first time here however it seemed like the patrons in the bar (most of them) were known and probably loyal neighborhood "regulars." Definitely would recommend for anyone staying in the area looking for libations." read more

The Hub Bar - Main liquor / bar / registers & TV wall. - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Tampa's premiere dive bar! You are likely to see a homeless man smelling of burnt hair and baby diapers standing next to an investment banker smelling of Calvin Klein. This bar is smelly( you can smoke inside), the tables suck, bathroom is like a war zone, but they have a package lounge and will sell you a bottle. All the Downtown homeless shop there, so the prices must be good. It is a cash Only bar and They have No Craft beer!!! So hipster beware!! This is not a safe space and they don't care about your entitlement. What they do have is some of the biggest drinks for the cheapest prices anywhere!!! Like seriously cheap drinks, you could get wasted for like $15. I think they have darts or some such games but i can't be sure. I was avoiding the Black plague and puke on the floor. Do yourself a favor and swing by at least once, you won't soon forget it. read more

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For me - loved it. But I prefer to sit at a bar if not a sit down & eat establishment. I enjoy bc it's an opportunity to meet interesting characters & experience local color. I LOVE THAT & The Hub didn't disappoint. Great lady serving up great conversation & encouraging a cocktail atmosphere. Friendly, Funny and a proper good time! 1 word: ONLY ACCEPT CASH (ATM inside the bar though). 2 words: don't go if you aren't down. Fancy pants wannabes & uptight, stuffy haters need not apply. For the rest of us - embrace all the days / nights / weird / wacky / wonderful places, ppl & things that Tampa offers! read more

The Hub Bar - Nice place - cash only - live music - lovely bartend/tress, she is 13 years in & loves the pups - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

If it's good enough for Jack, it's good enough for me. Friendly locals and a stiff poor make for an enjoyable evening. Cash only - they have a fair-priced ATM. They also sell booze and cigarettes to go from their attached liquor store. *Jack Kerouac btw read more

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The WORST bar I've ever been to. Service was absolutely terrible. Didn't even finish my drink before I left. Giving it 1 star is even too much but it's required to be able to post it. On top of that, it smells like a port-o-potty. read more

A quick stop for a beer at this iconic dive bar in downtown Tampa. There is definitely a vibe here and it's all about the booze. Scratched tables, graffiti in lots of places and even though there's no smoking, there's still a feel of a smoky dark underground bar. Cheap-ish beers here and they only accept cash. [Review 10415 overall, 182 of 2019.] read more

The Hub Bar - The Hub Bar in downtown Tampa - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Since I've lived in Tampa long enough to be a native, of course I'm familiar with The Hub. We usually stop in before a show at the Tampa Theatre, as we did this visit. Yes, it's a dive bar, but everyone already knows that going in. It's dark and divey, with a semicircle bar with table and chair seating, and a very good jukebox. The best thing about The Hub are the bartenders and the generous drink pours. The bartenders are all super friendly and attentive, especially Jamie. My curiosity was peaked when told the urinal in the men's room was a trough filled with ice, and Jamie told me to go ahead in to take a look, so I did. She said there are several venues throughout the country that do this too. Apparently, the reasoning is, the ice cools the urine, which lessens the smell, and hence the need for urinal cakes. I can emphatically attest, that the ice theory doesn't hold water! read more

The Hub Bar - The ice filled urinal trough in the men's room - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Had a nice time here....strong drinks & Caribbean band was very entertaining. There was a guy selling food on the outside. read more

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Friendly local bar, filled with games and nostalgic signs. Had a beer and a house vodka shot $11, dive bars I go to that's a $7 tab all day. I think it's a little on the high side but I guess it's the location. Don't look behind the bar is my only suggestion! Bring cash.. it's cash only. read more

I love this place!!! What a great no-frills find. The drinks are strong, the service is friendly. Can't wait to return when I get back to Tampon Bay. read more

The entire inside and outside of this bar is populated by homeless people. The bartender had an extremely nasty attitude, it was 95 degrees inside, and the drinks I ordered were revolting. This isn't a "dive bar" this is a homeless shelter that serves liquor. read more

Established in 1949, The Hub is part of Tampa's rich history and culture. Even for those who may not frequent dive bars, having a drink at The Hub is a unique experience and something to try at least once. Its name, The Hub, is also an appropriate description of the establishment because it's frequented by people from all walks of life -- rich and poor, famous and obscure. The owners and bartenders of The Hub are know for their friendliness and good service. The servings of alcohol are always generously poured. Prices in the adjacent package store are surprisingly competitive given its prime location. Both the bar and package store are open whenever it is legal, seven days a week, 365 days a year until 3:00 A.M. read more

Authentic, cool bartenders, eclectic crowd. In the vogue of Original Pinky Masters. A quality that's timeless. read more

Bonnie was amazing. Long Island ice teas are her specialty. Truly enjoyed the vintage jukebox with all the classic tunes. Just wish it wasn't cash only!! read more

Great dive bar. Cheap drinks and great atmosphere. Tons of local character! Bartenders don't take any crap either

This place used to be the go-to place in south Tampa. But now... not hipster, not cheap, not a dive bar... just a pompous sh$t hole. Prices are well OVER any normal area dive bar, especially for the good stuff ($10 for Blantons and $3.50 for a PBR can)?!?!? This place used to be known as the place for fair priced stiff drinks. Cash only, and pay/tip per order. Be ready for egotistical bad service and less than agreeable customers. Parking is always a challenge because it's downtown. I LOVE dive bars and this used to be the Standard. No longer. AVOID! read more

The Hub is not posing as a dive bar. It's the real thing, just like I grew up with in the UP of Michigan! Strong drinks and cheap beer for cash only ($3 beer special), and the music... an eclectic playlist ranging from punk to country to 70's Hall & Oates (with and impromptu group of ladies dancing in the middle of the seating area). The friendly, non-judgemental crowd is a mix of cultures, backgrounds, and attire. Hey, we may as well get along with one another and enjoy the evening. read more

If I could be more specific, I would give this place 4 and a half stars. First and foremost: The Hub is a DIVE!!! So if you read some bad reviews on Yelp, you will probably find that those who don't like it complain about smoking, drunk people, darkness and decor/filth. But that's okay...that is not the clientele that The Hub wants in there anyway. CASH ONLY awesome bar in the heart of downtown Tampa. Old crappy tables and chairs, plenty of outlets if you want to charge your phone, jukebox that is usually playing awesome classic rock, full bar (and drinks are not pricey). And yes, smoking is permitted inside so if that bothers you this might not be a 5 star place to you. The bartenders are super awesome and attentive. If you are looking for a dark and dingy bar to just chill out with some other fantastic folks like yourself stop by. I love this place for everything it is. read more

The owner of this bar routinly parked his car in front of the handicap ramp on the corner in front of the bar for hours in the morning restricting everybodys access. He is insensitive, insulting, rude, obnoxious, and the police do nothing. read more

I disagree with other reviewers who say The Hub has no atmosphere. The Hub has a unique atmosphere, unchanged and perhaps uncleaned since 1946. It's the cheap yet strong drink, cash only, chain-smoking, stumble out in to the street laughing, fall off your stool, fun loving hard-core atmosphere that attracts an incredible variety of characters ranging from: Friendly homeless folks using recent donations to get a shot or four... Tie-wearing business people who *need* a drink but have nowhere else to go after 2am... Couples on a first and potentially final date where the instigator is a serious risk-taker... Fun loving drinkers who perhaps both pre- and post-game at The Hub... History buffs who want to experience an atmosphere that took 69 years to create! You truly haven't lived in Tampa Bay unless you've been to The Hub. read more

When I was in college I had a roommate named John Bissett who was an international student from Dublin. Every Friday we'd ask him what he was going to do that night and he'd say (in a thick Irish accent), "I'm gonna find me a nasty room and get fooked." Obviously this wasn't in Tampa or instead John would have replied, "I'm goin' to the Hub, of course, you wanker." Drinks at the Hub are stiff (and served in plastic cups), the jukebox is good, and there's a liquor store in the front so you can take the party with you after last call. The Hub tends to be the place you go if all attempts to hookup elsewhere that evening have failed miserably and/or you just want to find a nasty room and get fooked. read more

The Hub Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Strong drinks, cash only. They still make you wear a mask as you walk in, but it's ok to take it off as you drink. Makes no sense. The place also smells like a sewage dump. I won't be coming back until they lift the mask requirement. read more

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." The Hub is a dive bar located in downtown Tampa, next to the Tampa Theatre. There are no martinis, craft beers, or wine at this bar. The Hub offers potent cocktails, cheap beer, and lots of chain smoking. The bar does not take plastic *gasp!*, but luckily there is an ATM on location if you don't carry cash. There really isn't any atmosphere at The Hub unless you count the homeless people that hang outside the bar. Occasionally they enter this establishment and drink and mingle with the customers. The jukebox carries every genre of music you can imagine. Surprisingly, the bathrooms are not as bad as I imagined they would be (a little dingy, but clean). Personally, for me the chain smoking is a deal breaker, but this dive bar has been a favorite of the locals since 1946. I wouldn't recommend this bar for "girls night out", but if you are looking for strong, cheap drinks then this is the spot! read more

When you order a gin a tonic here, it is a cup of gin with a splash of tonic. The drinks here are cheap and strong. The place is a Tampa landmark. The atmosphere isn't for everyone. It is rather grungy. It feels like a Ybor dive. It is smoky and dark. The bathrooms definitely feel like a five bar. I don't feel 100% comfortable but that is just me. read more

The Hub is 1. A dive, 2. The most historic bar in downtown, 3. A melting pot where everyone can feel welcome, and 4. Simply the strongest and best priced drinks in town (a single is poured in the least as a double). The scene at the Hub is so diverse that anyone can feel welcome. It's vibe is that if an old time bar (operated since 1948) and you can lose sense of where you are once inside. However it's a very casual and welcoming environment. In keeping with the authenticity there is smoking inside (a potential negative for some). Yet an experience that cannot be replicated and for the price is well worth it. read more

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Really cool atmosphere and love that they sell liquor in the front portion of the restaurant. I will say there is a VERY rude bartender named Jamie. Don't try to ask for recommendations or more than one drink at a time because she will glare and make condescending remarks. As much as I love old time bars, I don't think I will be back because there is no chance I ever want to see that "C U next Tuesday" (Jamie) again. read more

Major hole-in-the-wall dive bar here, but very historic. This is one of those places in which you must wet your whistle at least once, if not twice, just so you confirm what a hole it is. I walked La Chica to the women's bathroom, and the door was propped open, exposing all of the stalls to me. I could see that some classy broad has drawn a large ejaculating penis on the bathroom wall. Real top-notch joint here! A dark, smoky place filled with pinball machines, dartboards, a large bar, cheap drinks (cash only) and people from all walks of life. read more

The Hub Bar - 1946 - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I got kicked out of the bar for "not paying my tab" when I clearly did and have prove of the same. They threatened to call the cops and I said I would be happy to stick around and wait for it since I have proof that I paid. Then all of sudden they decided to just refusing me service. As a veteran and a minority I hate to go that direction but it was simply driven from a racist aspect. I asked to see if they would have a manage reach out to me in the morning and they still refused. read more

Wow! What a great place!!! Though it's not everyone's type of place; to those who don't like it I wouldn't want to see ya there. This place is a gem! Took the wife in and it's a dive bar with great atmosphere and people therein. The service was terrific and the drinks were a delight as a $20 bill goes the distance without a doubt. I would highly recommend this place. read more

The Hub Bar - Outside - Dive Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I've been here a few times. And let me tell you. The girls at this bar, they will make you feel right at home! Like, I'm sorta a drunk no matter what. But, these girls they make the night worth while. I would always recommend coming here. Good vibes and good people. Like I said, it's very rare that i come here but, every time I do, it's always a good time. I never have a bad time. The bartenders here are very friendly and very fun to be around. They make you wanna just stay here and keep drinking with them. Def try this spot out and see how you feel. read more

What can be said about the Hub that hasn't already been said? It is a dive! Simply and truly! It is dirty, it reeks of cigarettes, and you probably never want to see it with the lights on. For what it is, it is a great little spot. It's a dive you stop at when you are ending your night in downtown Tampa. Drinks are cheap, bartenders are nice, and there is an eclectic mix of characters almost anytime you step into that establishment. Keep in mind that they are cash only, they do have an ATM close to the entrance for your convenience. They do play music and have a jukebox. The bathrooms are decent and the walls are covered with 'transient art'? Connected to the Hub is a liquor store which is convenient if you need to get smokes or want to grab a bottle to take home with you. From my understanding it has been around forever and it is a staple in downtown Tampa. Check it out, I'm sure at the very least you will be entertained. The beautiful Tampa theater is just next door as well. read more