When playoff season hits, there’s only one rule that matters: if the game’s on, the sound better be too.
St. Pete’s got no shortage of bars with TVs — but finding one that treats your team like more than background noise? That’s the real win.
We scoped out five local favorites that play the games with full volume, solid crowds, and cold drinks. Whether you’re cheering every slapshot or yelling at the refs, here’s where you need to be for Tampa Bay Lightning playoff nights:
🍸 1. Mutts & Martinis
Location: 2900 Central Ave, St. Pete, FL
Vibe: Dog-friendly, people-friendly, and playoff-crazy.
Why it rocks: Massive screens, sound ON, and your dog can scream at the refs too. Bonus: frozen drinks and solid food trucks out back.
Fan Tip: Bring your pup in Lightning gear and prepare to be adored.
🍻 2. Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
Location: 1320 Central Ave, St. Pete, FL
Vibe: Legendary. Packed. Loud.
Why it rocks: Multiple bars, TVs everywhere, and when the Lightning score, you’ll hear it in your bones.
Fan Tip: Get there early if you want a seat anywhere near the main patio TVs.
🍺 3. Courigan’s Irish Pub
Location: 1 Beach Dr SE, St. Pete, FL
Vibe: Old-school pub with serious sports loyalty.
Why it rocks: Plenty of beer on tap, a no-nonsense sports crowd, and the volume is always up when it counts.
Fan Tip: Perfect spot for a more chill but still intense game-watching experience.
🎯 4. The Sports Bar & Grill
Location: 12924 66th St N, Largo (worth the short drive)
Vibe: Classic dive with pool tables, dart leagues, and sports on every screen.
Why it rocks: These folks live for live sports — expect big reactions and bigger pours.
Fan Tip: Check their daily specials — they’re usually insane.
🍕 5. Engine No9
Location: 56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N, St. Pete, FL
Vibe: Gourmet burgers meet hockey fever.
Why it rocks: Killer food, great beer list, and they crank the sound for Bolts games without fail.
Fan Tip: Order the “Mac & Cheese Burger.” You’ve earned it.
🧊 Bonus Tip:
If you’re planning a playoff bar crawl, start at Mutts & Martinis, let your pup run wild, then head toward Ferg’s or Courigan’s once the fur settles.
⚡ Let’s go Bolts. And let’s make sure everyone hears it this year.
