Nightlife in Tampa

Produced by the Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce, the second annual Bluz & BBQ event sates senses with live music and barbecue from local vendors, contributing to the fundraising effort for the revitalization of the historic Roy Jenkins Pool, a Davis Islands landmark. Like any good roast-beef market, the currency at Bluz & BBQ comes in the form of Little Piggie Bucks, which are valid for a number of menu items including Yuengling drafts ($3), Cigar City Brewery drafts ($4), and barbecue plates ($6–$12). Event attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic blanket that doubles as a giant handkerchief to the event, ensuring comfort and cleanliness during six live blues performances from musicians such as Damon Fowler, a roots-rock virtuoso and Florida native.

Best local neighborhood bar in Westchase area. Lot's of locals of all ages, crowd gets younger as the night wears on. Lot's of games daily specials, best Happy Hour in town from open to 8pm 7 days a week. Thursday is ladies night, ladies drink free from 9pm to 11 and half price all night long.

The Bricks serves up a menu of unconventional comfort cuisine in a laid-back, edgy setting. Taste-bud-teasing starters such as the kinky tuna, a wasabi pea and pistachio crusted ahi, seared rare and topped with lemongrass cream ($12), segue finely into main courses such as the bird and pig sandwich, which nestles its tastily terraformed layers of roasted chicken, bacon, brie, crispy apples, and agave nectar between Hawaiian sweet bread ($8). Alternately, the amsterdam clothes a naked baguette with a delicious ensemble of crunchy organic peanut butter and melted, smoked gouda ($5). Feel free to customize your own crusts by mixing and matching breads, spreads, and toppings at the peanut butter bar ($3–$4.50).

The Fox Jazz Café induces fork and toe tapping alike with a melodious menu of gourmet fare served amid two full bars of rotating live music. Hearty dinner entrees, such as the port-wine demi-glazed Dorsett filet, served with smashed potatoes and the daily vegetable ($28), and the chicken francoise of Razz Matazz, served with asparagus and smashed potatoes ($18), remind bellies of their dominance over organs that can't eat things. For lunch, cheer on the antiquated dance moves of a cakewalking crustacean with the ragtime crab cake ($11), or listen to the Louie Armstrong grouper's ($10) water-gargling rendition of "What a Wonderful World," as a cascade of fine wines and top-shelf spirits quench the thirst of any throats parched from singing along.

Though the staff at The Brass Tap take beer very seriously, they've nevertheless turned drinking it into a game. Customers get a single point for each of the pub's 300 craft beers that they try. At certain milestones, they'll receive gift cards or a t-shirt with a new title, all the way from rookie to beer guru—and, if they conquer the challenge three times, they can win the coveted Repeat Offender 900 shirt.

Thankfully, the bar makes it easy to sort through its 300 beers. The menu is divided up into different beer types, which go deeper than the basic delineation of ale vs. lager vs. water that's been dyed amber. Guests can peruse listings of bottled barleywines and porters, or have a resident beer aficionado fill their mug with an imported brew on draft. Beer even permeates the food: the chipotle mustard on the house-baked pretzels is made with pale ale, just as the cheese dip is made with Samuel Adams. All of the burgers, sandwiches, and pretzel pizzas also have recommended drink pairings.

As for entertainment, each Brass Tap books a variety of local bands throughout the week. Trivia, bingo, and happy hours find regular spots on the schedule, and some locations have outdoor patios and cigars for purchase.

When you walk into John Rolfe Tobacco Company, one of the first things you'll notice is the large humidor to your right. The glass structure is stocked with dozens of internationally curated cigars, lined up neatly in handsome display cases bearing brand names such as Davidoff and Flor de las Antillas.

And while cigars get top billing here, it's far from the only card in John Rolfe's deck. Folks stopping in for a smoke might be entertained by anything from their reflections on the flat-screen TVs to live jazz music, all while dining from a menu of Middle Eastern dishes such as spinach and artichoke pies. The leather couches situated around a fireplace mantel invite groups to linger, and those who do can pair their cigar with craft beer or imported wine.