The Retreat: Tampa's Storied Watering Hole

Experience Tampa's oldest bar, a Hyde Park staple since 1938, offering strong drinks, a friendly atmosphere, and a step back in time, complete with its iconic mural and unpretentious vibe.

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The Retreat, a Tampa institution since 1938, stands as the city's longest-running bar at its original location. Nestled in the vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood, this beloved dive bar offers a nostalgic escape with strong drinks, a friendly atmosphere, and a rich history. Unpretentious and welcoming, The Retreat attracts a diverse crowd of locals, service industry workers, and Gasparilla revelers. Its walls whisper tales of Tampa's past, while its unpretentious vibe keeps patrons coming back for more. Whether you're seeking a classic cocktail, a cold beer, or simply a place to unwind, The Retreat provides a genuine Tampa experience that's hard to find elsewhere. The bar's iconic mural, uncovered in 2008, adds to its unique charm and historical significance, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Tampa's nightlife.

A brief summary to Retreat

123 S Hyde Park Ave, Tampa, Hyde Park, Florida, 33606, US
+1813-254-2014
Visit website

Monday 3 pm-3 am
Tuesday 3 pm-3 am
Wednesday 3 pm-3 am
Thursday 3 pm-3 am
Friday 3 pm-3 am
Saturday 3 pm-3 am
Sunday 3 pm-3 am

Local tips

Visit during Gasparilla season for an unforgettable, pirate-themed celebration that spills out onto the streets.
Check out Izzy's Tacos food truck outside on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for a delicious and affordable bite.
Happy hour draws a lively crowd of service industry workers, offering a great opportunity to mingle with locals.
Take a moment to admire the iconic mural behind the bar, a piece of Tampa history uncovered in 2008.
Street parking can be limited, especially during peak hours; consider ride-sharing or public transportation.

Getting There

Public Transport

For those arriving via public transportation, the HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) bus system offers several routes that stop near The Retreat. The closest bus stops are Kennedy Blvd @ Hyde Park Av and Tampa St @ Kennedy Blvd, both within a short walking distance. A single ride fare on HART buses is $2. From downtown Tampa, routes 1, 5, 30, and 19 will get you close to the bar.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tampa. A ride from downtown Tampa to The Retreat typically costs between $7 and $13, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before starting your trip.
Driving

If driving, The Retreat is located at 123 S Hyde Park Ave. Metered street parking is available on Hyde Park Ave and surrounding streets. Parking costs $2 per hour. Several paid parking lots are also nearby, including the First Church of Christ Scientist parking lot ($12 for 2 hours on select days) and the Fort Brooke Garage in downtown Tampa (hourly rates apply). Free weekend parking is available at the Magnolia lot (606 W. Kennedy Blvd) on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Discover more about Retreat

The Retreat, established in 1938, holds the distinction of being Tampa's oldest bar still operating in its original location. This unassuming establishment has witnessed decades of Tampa's evolution, quietly serving locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of Hyde Park, The Retreat offers a welcome respite from the area's upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants, providing a genuine, unpretentious atmosphere that's increasingly rare. Stepping inside The Retreat is like stepping back in time. The dimly lit interior, worn wooden bar, and eclectic décor create a cozy and inviting space. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia, offering glimpses into the bar's storied past. The centerpiece of the bar is its iconic mural, a colorful and whimsical depiction of Tampa's history, uncovered in 2008 after years hidden behind wood paneling. This mural has become a beloved symbol of The Retreat, adding to its unique character and charm. While The Retreat boasts a rich history, it's not stuck in the past. The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, from classic cocktails to craft beers, with a focus on strong pours and reasonable prices. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations or share a story about the bar's past. The Retreat also offers a limited food menu, featuring classic bar snacks like hot dogs and chips, with occasional food trucks offering tacos and other tasty treats. The Retreat's appeal lies in its unpretentious atmosphere and diverse clientele. It's a place where locals and tourists, young and old, can come together to enjoy a drink and conversation. The bar is particularly popular with service industry workers, who often gather after their shifts to unwind and socialize. The Retreat is also an unofficial pre- and post-Gasparilla hangout, hosting an all-day celebration on parade day that would make any pirate proud. Beyond its drinks and atmosphere, The Retreat is a community hub. It's a place where friendships are forged, stories are shared, and memories are made. The bar has weathered numerous challenges over the years, including economic downturns, changing tastes, and even a fight to keep its liquor license. Through it all, The Retreat has remained a constant in Tampa's ever-changing landscape, a testament to its enduring appeal and the loyalty of its patrons. While some may call it a dive bar, The Retreat is more than just a place to grab a cheap drink. It's a living piece of Tampa's history, a place where the past and present collide, and a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, The Retreat offers a genuine Tampa experience that's not to be missed. To truly appreciate The Retreat, one must understand its historical context. Opened in 1938, it was one of the few bars in the area to survive the Prohibition era. Over the years, it has been known by various names, including Milano's Restaurant, Dave's Grill, The Peanut Gallery, and The Mousetrap, before finally settling on The Retreat. Each iteration has added to the bar's unique character and contributed to its rich tapestry of stories. The Retreat's location in Hyde Park is also significant. Hyde Park is one of Tampa's oldest and most affluent neighborhoods, known for its historic homes, upscale boutiques, and trendy restaurants. The Retreat stands in stark contrast to its surroundings, offering a down-to-earth alternative to the area's more polished establishments. This juxtaposition is part of what makes The Retreat so appealing, a reminder that even in the most upscale neighborhoods, there's always room for a little bit of grit and authenticity. The Retreat's iconic mural, uncovered in 2008, is a testament to the bar's commitment to preserving its history. The mural, which depicts a colorful cast of characters, was originally painted in 1946 and had been hidden behind wood paneling for decades. When the current owners took over the bar, they made it a priority to uncover and restore the mural, recognizing its importance to the bar's identity and its connection to the community. The Retreat's enduring popularity is also due to its commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment. The bar has always been a place where people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy a drink and conversation. This sense of community is what sets The Retreat apart from other bars in Tampa and what has kept patrons coming back for generations. In recent years, The Retreat has faced increasing competition from newer, trendier bars in the area. However, the bar has remained true to its roots, refusing to compromise its authenticity or its commitment to its patrons. This unwavering dedication is what has allowed The Retreat to not only survive but thrive in an ever-changing landscape. So, the next time you're in Tampa, be sure to stop by The Retreat. Grab a drink, strike up a conversation with a local, and soak in the atmosphere of this historic watering hole. You'll be glad you did.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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The Retreat: Tampa's Storied Watering Hole

A brief summary to Retreat

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Retreat

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Retreat

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Old Schoolhouse

Kiley Gardens

Columbus Statue Park

Tampa, FL - Downtown West

William F. Poe Plaza

Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center

Visit Tampa Bay

The Great Escape Room Tampa

Tampa Historic Preservation

Carol Morsani Hall

The Vault

Weather clock

John Lennon Statue

S.H. Kress & Co.

Bayshore Boulevard

Unmissable attractions to see

Henry B. Plant Museum

Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa Riverwalk at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

MacDill Park on the Riverwalk

Tampa Museum of Art

Old Steel Railroad Bridge

Glazer Children's Museum

Lykes Gaslight Square Park

Iconic Tampa Bay

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Tampa Theatre

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

The Sail Plaza

Tampa Convention Center

Essential places to dine

Chanta

Mise en Place

Yah Mon Caribbean Restaurant

Malio's

Edison: Food+Drink Lab

Babushka's - Hyde Park

Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar

Maestro's Restaurant

Dio Modern Mediterranean

Melting Pot Social

Sal Rosa

TASTE Downtown Tampa

The Dan

EBBE

Yard House

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Lobby Gifts N More

Museum Store

Solle Boutique

Sacred Heart Gift & Book Store

Soleciety Sneaker Boutique

Holiday Gift Promotions, LLC

The Spring Boutique

Tarvos Boutique

Sincerely Shandrel

Tampa Bay Sports Store

Tidewater Home & Gift

Anthropologie

Kittenish Tampa

Salt Pines

Procure by The Women's Creative Tampa

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Champagne Bar

GenX Tavern

Hotel Bar