I’m Broke, Can You Help?

Posted Feb 20, 2006 by Alex Vila

Updated Feb 20, 2006 at 05:36 PM

In case you hadn’t yet figured it out, I do plenty of bar hopping.  I don’t always write about everything I do, usually because I’m too hung over to concentrate on writing (just kidding).  You might think that being the nightlife columnist means free cover, free drinks and VIP service all night, but as a journalist first and foremost, I can’t accept anything for free unless, for example, the club is running a special promotion where everyone in the place gets free booze until midnight.

Going out to bars and clubs three or more times each week can get pretty expensive, and my job with the Trib doesn’t cover all of my expenses.  Some nights, I’ll only have $20 in my pocket, and that has to last me all night.  That’s why I’ve scoured Tampa Bay to compile a list of places where you can get a good buzz for less than you’d spend on a T-shirt at the mall.

Every night, Whiskey North and Whiskey SoHo have a Goddess Happy Hour from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with $10 limited open bar.  On Fridays, the owners extend that invitation to the men.

All four Green Iguana locations have dollar drink nights on Wednesdays.  For a dollar, you can order select beers, and for two dollars, you can order slightly fancier, better tasting beers.

On Saturday nights, Orpheum in Ybor City holds its Retro Red Square Recall, with $9 sink or swim.  You can order select draft beer or well drinks while listening to music by ’80s pop bands and indie rock groups.

Full Moon Saloon hosts three-for-one drinks on Thirsty Fridays.  Wells, bottle beers and even top shelf drinks are included.

Yee haw!  The Round-Up offers $1 domestics after 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.  Fridays feature free Coors Light bottles all night, and Saturdays are $10 sink or swim.

Stonewood Grill and Tavern in New Tampa has $4 martinis on Wednesdays, and they’re some of the tastiest in Tampa.

If you know about any other cheap drink nights, leave me a comment below so I can add them to the list.