Reservoir Bar

Wow! That bar got tagged! Bar games, value priced drinks, a seasoned bouncer, a men's room without a door, and a crowd that doesn't give a hoot. Yep, you will spend whatever end at the deep end ..

Went in there for a good time, there was a bartender. Tall, with white hair. He clearly hates women since he treated me like absolute trash when all I wanted was a drink. Very poor attitude and clearly should not be working behind a bar. If youre looking to have a good time I would not recommend this bar at all.

A great long standing watering hole. A place where Ybor City familiars and locals come to unwind. Pool tables, tunes and bartenders that become pals instantly. Great prices on a wide selection of beers and cocktails. Not highbrow and just the way I like it.

Anna at the front door and Hank at the bar is literally my perfect night. Cheap drinks, friendly service, cheap pool tables. What more can you ask for in a dive party or city?. Love you guys. Best drink spot for 2 years straight.

Came here after a few years of avoiding this bar due to bad service, but Jeff totally changed my mind about this bar. He was so nice and welcoming and accommodating. As a Tampa native, I’m so happy to have met him and experienced this bar for a second time. I’ll definitely return. Jeff deserves a raise (; *hint hint*

One of the must-visit dive bars in Tampa. A rare place you can visit with $20, and leave feeling a good buzz. Not too hip on the fact that they allow smoking-but it’s also a dive bar, so that’s irrelevant.

Awesome bar. Sometimes you visit a new place for the first time and try and figure out what kind of customer it trying to attract and cater to. Don’t even try here as you will fail miserably and I mean that in a good way . My best description is that it caters to citizens of the planet earth. Great mix of people just having a good time and a great vibe plus awesome music mix . Will definitely return on my next visit.

It's the spot. Like those other holes in the wall. It makes you feel like you belong. Oddball and quirky with a sense of randomness to it. Oozes character, there's a vibe here. It caterers to anyone and everyone. Good Drinks Served Proper. Love It. 🫶

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.

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!

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.

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!

My husband and I have been coming here for years! We've never eaten any food or anything like that but we do like the atmosphere. Lots of fun people like to go to sports on the TV in the bartenders are always amazing. Tyler and Jeff are the best.!!!!

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?

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.

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.

I was in Ybor for two nights and ended up here twice. I was initially at another bar that was pretty dead and was chatting up the bar staff. After hearing that I was into divey spots where locals hang out, they told me I had to go to Reservoir Bar. I made my way over and was so glad that I did. The drinks were cheap, the staff was great and the crowd (even on Sunday & Monday night) were filling up the bar. One of the bartenders from the previous spot ended up meeting me there after her shift and hanging out for the evening. I ended up talking to a local guy who hangs here often... so much so that he was there the second night I stopped in too. He was a wealth of information on the Tampa and Ybor area and was very interesting to talk to. The type of person that would offer to cover your tab on the second night because your debit card wasn't working as long as you promised to mail him the money. I know this about him because it happened (bank shut off my card for traveling). Luckily I was still able to use the ATM inside and take care of it myself, but the fact that he offered was thoughtful enough on its own. Cheers to Reservoir Bar and my new Ybor amigos.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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. Pool table. Good music. Cheap drinks. Straight forward place.

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!!

Super chill dive bar. Cheap drinks, two pool tables and an electric juke box. It's a dollar per game of pool. If you're picky about pool cues I would bring your own. That could use an update, but other than that nice laid back dive bar.

Great dive bar. A little smoky for a dive bar, needs better circulation. Don't use the jukebox there's no limit on fast passes, I played $15 worth of songs and never herd them! Kind of a joke so just let the radio go. Being from Fort Lauderdale I love a good dive bar, this was a little upsetting. 3 stars goes to the bartender. Amazing service!

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!

Dive bars are my favorite. Stumbled upon this place. The drinks are mediocre but still satisfying. However, service was not good when I went. I've had an unprofessional experience from a bartender named Dirk who took a really really long time to serve me. Very unhappy with the poor customer service

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.

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.

"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.

The first time I visited Res I was waiting on friends to join us at Czar. I was instantly won over by them because thg carry two of my favorite beverages: Lindeman's lambic (framboise) and Woodchuck Cider. Even though those particular beverages are pricey ($9 and $5 respectively) all their other drinks are pretty cheap! The atmosphere is laid back and "dive-y", the patrons can look a little rough-n-tumble but everyone is always friendly. Mama is a kickass bartender! Sassy, but warm...just don't disrespect her or you're out! There are two pool tables, dart board and a pretty jamming jukebox. If you're looking for a low key place to enjoy a few drinks, this is definitely a top choice.

Karen is absolutely awesome and meeting friends at Rez is a given knowing she is our tavern wench!! Love you, Karen!

This is a great dice bar in ybor city. All locals, all chill people and great atmosphere. You can play pool or sit at the bar with friends. They have a SPICY Bloody Mary here which is why I came to check it out. It was perfect. I will be back!

This was a complete bastion of hope during the RNC! I was only in Tampa for a week, but it was an amazing relief to find a cheap dive bar to escape the fray. I went back after the convention was over, and still Reservoir Bar stood apart as a breath of smokey air amongst the madness of Ybor on the weekend.

One of my favorite Ybor spots. Friendly staff and decently priced drinks. Always a good time! Great if you like dives. Don't forget to get a "purple" shot!

Been going here for 8 years. It's my absolute favorite bar ever. I've made many of friends here. I love the pool tables the special colored shots they have and its my home bar for life.

It boasts itself as a Dive bar...but it isnt. Young people. .clickey feeling... rappish music... does have pool tables people seem to surround.. I wanted to feel comfortable here. .but didnt. I came on Thursday night 10pm.

Walked in and felt like home. The bartender was super friendly, friendly atmosphere, and just a fun place.