Tommy Knockers Saloon Is One Of A Kind

From its peculiar name to its contest that pits drinker against bladder, , 5627 14^th St. W., is clearly a one-of-a-kind watering hole in Bradenton. 

But being one of a kind doesn’t mean it has carved out a defined niche in Bradenton’s bar scene. In fact, it’s hard to put a finger on what type of bar it is. And that’s fine, according to patrons and staff, because Tommy Knockers prides itself on its diverse set of patrons from morning until the next morning – young and old, bikers and socialites, dancers, wallflowers and everyone in between. 

Provided they’re at least 21 years of age. 

“We try to make it everyone’s home,” said bartender Rhonda Audsley.

She said the daytime crowd tends to be the older patrons while the younger adults arrive later in the evening. But there’s a good balance of ages throughout a typical day and night, she said. And everyone seems to be OK with the Top 40 tunes emitting from the jukebox.

The bar also offers karaoke and dancing most every night and every Tuesday is Bike Night with live music. 

There is never a shortage of drink specials. Take a seat at the bar but let your eyes scan the surrounding walls. Drink specials and special events are advertised throughout the spacious confines. Examples: Bloody Marys are $3.50 Friday through Sunday, pitchers are $5 from 7 p.m. to close Tuesdays, pool is free Sunday and Monday and bombs are $3 every Wednesday.

Tommy Knockers goes all out for its special evenings. Just around the corner is a panty party scheduled for Aug. 11 with complimentary Tommy Knockers panties for any willing lady while supplies last. Hundred bucks to the winner of the dance contest at midnight and drink specials throughout the evening. Check out Bar Tab’s weekly roundup on Aug. 11 for more information.

Football season is popular for the sports fans because of the NFL Sunday Ticket, which broadcasts every football game all season. And every Thursday around 10 p.m. is the famous “Penny Til Ya Pee,” where contestants enjoy one cent drafts until someone gives in and has to go. 

“They always do something different here all the time,” said Katrina Kloth, a Saturday afternoon regular. She lives close by and likes the bar’s friendly atmosphere that welcomes “people of all ages and all ethnicities.” 

The bar has a small kitchen that opens around 5 p.m. most days (closed on Sundays) and serves burgers, sandwiches, 12 varieties of wings and sides like quesadillas, tacos, chicken strips, fries and so on. The kitchen usually closes around 11 p.m. 

The spacious interior includes two bars - a main one that seats about 30 and an overflow bar for weekends and busy nights - more than a dozen televisions, several tables, a stage with a dance floor, a DJ booth, three pool tables and a pole. The pole isn’t for strip shows, of course, but available for any patron who wants to show off their moves – or lack thereof. 

“I’ve seen a couple girls get up there and all they did was spin,” Audsley said. “I’ve actually seen more guys get up there.”

Tommyknockers draft beer selections include the popular domestics in addition to Yuengling, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Guinness. Drafts cost between $2.15 (PBR) and $5 (Guinness) for a pint. Newcastle, Moosehead, Honey Lager, Stella Artois, Sam Adams and Hazed & Infused are sold by the bottle.

There’s even a Tommyknocker brand of beer but the only connection between the bar and the beer is that the beer is for sale in the bar.

Wines are $3 a glass and mixed drinks range from $2.65 for wells to around $7 for top shelf. 

Tommy Knockers celebrates its three-year anniversary in October.

IF YOU GO:

Tommy Knockers Saloon is open from 11 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. seven days a week. Call them at 752-3535 or visit their website at www.tommyknockerssaloon.com.