Blue Shark Bar: Dive and Jive, Performed Live

While waiting for State of the Art to open at the Roosevelt, I walked over to the “Blue Shark” dive bar (1502 E 7th Ave Tampa FL 33605), a small club environment for locals and regulars with cheap beer, live bands and a chill attitude.

When I got there, it was still early at about 8PM. As I was the only patron in the bar, I chatted up the bartender. This was a friendly little place, even if the barstools are not fat-guy-compliant. I forced my butt into the seat and swilled down some cheap canned Iron City Beer, a similar draw to Steel Reserve. It wasn’t bad, but it was definitely a “get what you pay for” kind of drink.

While sitting at the bar, the band decided to run some equipment checks. The drummer went on for a few minutes, drowning out the radio which was playing a combination of disco and classic rock songs.

The Blue Shark had all the classic divebar sentiment that makes these kinds of places fun. Pool tables near the front give people something to do if they are not interested in the band. A center stage has room for five, which wouldn’t be uncommon considering this bar is known for both blues and rock shows. Everything is served in plastic cups, including shots. This no-frills approach keeps the atmosphere light and open. No strings. No worries. Everyone is just here for a good time.

The bar is well stocked with standards both in liquor and in beer, though the bartender admits that most of her customers come for the beer. They offer both draft and bottle, though bottles seem to be the favorites. Again, this goes hand and hand with the dive bar mentality. People come in and out, grab and drink and go. Few linger, but most are just here for a moment.

An upstairs area provides a bit of shelter from the loud band, but it’s not secluded either. People wandering back and forth remind me that this is still very much Ybor city even if it’s on the far end of 7th Avenue.

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