The Hub Bar

Definitely a historic landmark in Tampa. Living in Tampa, for the past 32 years, I was able to visit the original location quite a bit through the mid to late ‘90s. It still has the same gritty feel, colorful, but friendly bartenders, and eclectic patrons. Drinks start out strong and only get stronger the better you tip. Be aware, it is cash only.

If you're looking for a classic dive bar, look no further. Cash only. Stiff drinks. Great service. The place is definitely dated but it was not dirty like a lot of other divey spots. The only thing missing that I expected to find was a cigarette machine.

Came with my friend, pretty good location staff is so nice treat you like family. Its our second time here taste of old fashioned is perfect( we are still here lol) Fully recommended to those people trying to find a nice spot for having few drinks. Chloe and Gy they were very professional bartenders. Definitely visiting back again.

Imagine having a cocktail in your best friends basement circa 1982, that’s what this bar feels like. Vintage arcade games, Christmas lights hanging over old band posters, witty bartenders and a relaxed vibe. The drinks are strong and bathrooms are clean enough

Best Dive Bar in Tampa!! Best Pour in Florida!!....Great Bartenders!!! Last Monday of each month ROCK AND SOUL DJ. SHINE...LIVE BANDS ON Friday and Saturdays check listing for dates

Great Service, great hours, great people. Easy parking. Cheap drinks, cool bartenders. What are you even thinking about?

The crown jewel of dive bars in Tampa. The Hub is a classic and has been getting people drunk for literally generations. Hands down some of the nicest staff and legit the only place in tampa where you can sit next to a millionaire, a guy who went to high school with Tom Petty and then a homeless person. and yes, it's cash only. and tip your bartenders

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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

Bartenders were extremely rude and sarcastic. Felt like I was being talked about the whole time. Very uncomfortable.

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!

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."

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.]

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Place is great, gave me free bottle service (no hepatitis this time) and free leftover French fries. The homeless in the bathrooms were awfully handsy but it's a weekend that makes sense. Cheap drinks and only accept foreign currencies. Great spot would definitely take my kids here if I wanted them sex trafficked.

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.

What's not to like about the hub bar? I have to admit I've stopped in here on more than a few occasions, for various reasons. It depends on the time of day weather or not you can have an actual conversation so that kind of sets the tone for whether you're coming there too have a discussion, meet someone or just chill and have a few drinks. Is it a dive bar? I don't know I guess in some cases that would be considered that. I have definitely been in much worse bars and I've definitely been in much better bars. All I know is I can get a good drink at a fair price and nobody bothers me. In paragraph yup, it can get smoky, that's what happens when you don't serve food. But, you get what you pay for and that's a nice fairly strong drink for a fair price. Let's face it, the company could never be any better. You have everything from executives to people that are bored, people who are on the street, people that just don't want to go home, and a whole slew of other people that stop by just to have a couple cocktails to chillax. I don't find the hub or offensive in any way. I have had many lively discussions there in plan on having a few more. There never seems to be any type of trouble, none that I've seen. Everyone pretty much mind their own business and is doing their own thing. Yep, time and place for this place and sometimes it's my kind of place. What's a girl to do? Well if you're in the mood for a couple of really good drinks at a good price and don't want anyone to bother you this is a place to go.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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!

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.

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.

Straight, No Chaser. No AC/ventilation No kitchen No ATM Dive Bar Tourist Fact: Men's bathroom features an ice filled galvanized steel pee trough.

Oh, dirty rondogo if u did that on the floor. to just take a question of caracter. Muffed up my booties on the side. Wonder who that was at the place with the rash collar. Oh my, the frothy whore with a black hatted sailor askeew came hazzardly on the concrete row alongside mr rondog, wet night in the room. any chance of it? stout one be with you in the costume, that one appointment. sees me does she! look in here. in the Nub antique biker saleshop with windows hardly in deer mr. man dear sailor earnestly rondog blazed candlestick oozing bags of curd. bargain: poke stop. roar stick. might learn to play one day ron? cheap, let him pass. course everyone js dear if you dont want it. thats a good saleman, ill take it full to the brim crisp as the razor the swedish man sold me. make u buy what he want sell. hes passing now, pokestop. must be cider or bergeunt. looks bronze from anear gold from afar chicked glasses bright and gallade, bronze as the last shine of summer, summer off the anoles. that one year. tap. young men enter the nub. rons view of a gallade hero in the nubs window. jasons last word. eight last words, that is. --hello fellow brother we look alike indeed --i feel the same as you do, nice --come lift the bronze with us they lifted. skunchuk tops stirling thunk --yes! -so joe how you blow see that one chimeney shove my eye out with the teeth stick? -some luck, says joe. i was in there with force too minds to not to give the fellow in charge of the corner to be dammed to sweep per poké per ounce of time at that relative quantity -oh but joe does that not hold relative to in these parts? to buy at when they sell per poké to ounce at that quantity -tea and sugar bronze to pay three poke me ol kisssister was just given me a winkle about it -half one, over bloody paper with alf looking for spicy bits in a basket deadwood in hand three girls seated on rockbench. woodbench. wood block to bench is bench to woodblock. -nonsense joe raising hand to chin. -i am up to this level i display, am i not? joe walked long face and silenty. with a heart and a half for a fellow to back him for a poke that was no younger then last weak. as if he could raise the wind anyhow. go nearer to the railing, the bells have sounded. twenty fingers in the folds the bread wrapped in, two old trickles plum juice dribbled from to spitting stones from the railings. a sudden laugh, hearing, beckoned, led towards the window. so long as they do no worse.

I love a good dive bar!! Some how when im out in downtown tampa we end up here..... we always have a good time. Yes its a little dive bar, but the staff is great and i love playing the games. Drinks are strong and cheap. Bring cash. You'll end up drinking more than planned. A must try if you are out on the town!

Listen. This place is a dive. It's Smokey, dingy, cash only and cheap. They pour the strongest drink you've ever had- like shove the straw half way down your throat to be able to drink it strong. I once fell out of my chair onto the floor and as far as I know I had no lasting infections. Also my name used to be on the bathroom wall...of the women's room. No idea why. Sure it could have been another "Shanna" but we aren't exactly as common as "Amandas" around here. Alas if you are in the mood for a good dive bar this place is the text book definition. Just be glad it's dark inside.

Such an amazing bar, drinks are worth the cost as most bars don't serve strong ones. Love the live music

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.

I lived right down the street from this bar, you'd either start your night here or end it here. The hub will see you at your best and worst all in one night. And it will get you wasted for a great price. You can piss on the ice cubes in the bathroom piss-trough and check out the writing on the wall. Talk to the awesome bartenders who seriously are awesome. Shit buy them a shot because they are so awesome. Place is great.

This joint is a real legit dive/dump. Great stiff pour. Cross section of humanity can be found hunched over at the bar. Double thumbs up. Juke box, old school Pinball machines and fooseball. Our bartender was on point.

If you have been craving an overdose of second hand smoke this is the dive bar place for you. Unpretentious low key smokers and drinkers, good music, suspicious and unsuspicious characters abound. The place glitz forgot. A stiff ass drink in a big heavy glass is 6 bucks. Don't expect the bar to treat you like you're special 'cause of course you ain't or you wouldn't be here. Get the picture? POST SCRIPT: You'd never imagine this place is smack dab in the middle of urbane bank tower skyscrapers. Could be a bar in any small town in the deep south. Music plays that way, too. PSS. Look at the HVAC air intake on the ceiling immediately above your head as you walk in. That is all you need to see to believe in second hand smoke.

What's left to say about The Hub that already hasn't been mentioned? Best "dive" bar in ALL of Tampa Bay. The drinks are always stiff, with your initial thought after your first beverage always being "how does this place make money with the amount of alcohol they put in each drink?" But of course, that thought quickly dissolves upon your second drink, and before you know it, it's 3am and all you can recall is that you had a great time, and hopefully you have enough money for your Uber ride. Hands down, a Tampa staple that you MUST visit!

We bought some drinks at this store to take on the cruise and found out same day that we could not take those liquor on board but wine only. Came back the next day less than 24 hours to exchange the liquor for wine and was rejected and refused the exchange. His excuse was no capability in 2019 to pull up credit card records to return items purchased less than 24 hours ago. The rep was stone faced, appeared out of it, rude. and could careless. This is not the way to treat new customers and this is really bad customer service. I am very unhappy and upset. Will never return.