Cue the Drake and 21 Savage, folks.
That invigorating time of the year in which all 48 states break out the beanie caps and down jackets except for us. For us, it will be gorgeous.
And with this gorgeous weather—falling right in line with Florida tradition—comes the sudden, violent urge to watch football outside. The way it’s supposed to be, with a cool fall scent of pigskin in the air.
Surprisingly, however, not all of Tampa Bay’s coveted outdoor locales have optimal TV situations. Some—and hold onto your desk chair with this one—don’t even have televisions at all. That’s why we wanted to gather ten outstanding ones that do. And tidy them into a nice listicle in which you can easily determine an outdoor venue that’s right for you come this weekend.
1. The C House, Seminole Heights
The C House isn’t a sports bar, per say, but it’s one of the best outdoor bar and patios we know in which every seat has a good view of a TV. It’s also a solid laid-back alternative to the popular, packed-house sports bars that are, uh, pretty easy to find around here.
2. American Social, Harbour Island Tampa
AmSo seems to be where the party is at just about each and every weekend. But get there early enough to snag a table and you have one of the best waterside sports-watching scenarios in town.
3. Jackson’s Bistro, Harbour Island Tampa
AmSo’s elder, easygoing cousin directly next door. Same great view with slightly less chaos.
4. The Sail Plaza, Downtown Tampa
Right across the water in Downtown Tampa, The Sail’s circular day bar is stellar when there’s a seat. It doesn’t hurt that Big Ray’s Fish Camp’s beer-friendly grouper nuggets are only a 15-minute buzzer away.
5. Crafty Squirrel, St. Pete
There’s something about a well-designed, indoor-outdoor seating arrangement that will place you immediately on a subjective outdoor sports outing list.
6. The Patio, Tampa
More often than not, you better come to The Patio prepared to bring the ruckus. But the number of TVs, daily drink specials and manageable bar placement is tough to beat.
7. Corner Bar, SoHo
Corner Bar used to be WOB. Now it’s merely the understated hero of SoHo’s long line of a bar scene.
8. Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, St. Pete
The OG Rays joint is still a can’t-miss sports deck come football season.
9. Yard of Ale, St. Pete
A dog-friendly patio with cornhole within big-screen range. Pour one up.
10. Irish 31, Hyde Park Village
Sometimes you just need to sit under an oak tree and have a Guinness with your college football.