The Pub Crawler: Brew Time Pub

One of the oldest clichés in the bar business is when a cozy neighborhood establishment is compared to that legendary local watering hole of television lore, “Cheers."

And while Brew Time Pub on Sunset Point Road doesn’t have its own Sam and Diane, Coach or Woody, it does have a Kathy and Larry, an Otis, a Captain, and a female owner named Margo.

Set to celebrate its 15th anniversary July 23, Brew Time really is the quintessential neighborhood bar.

It’s had just one owner, Margo Maher; most of the bartenders have been there at least 10 years; and everyone is friendly towards everyone else, regulars and newcomers included.

“This place really is like our own 'Cheers,'" patron Kathy Raubenstine said. “We all know each other’s names and we all care about each other.”

Raubenstine and her husband Larry have come to Brew Time Pub every Friday for the last eight years; Kathy usually brings baked goods for the customers each time.

With a menu that consists primarily of basic bar food (pizza, burgers, wings and a fantastic fish spread) and a drink list that is limited to beer and wine, Brew Time relies on the time-honored tradition of friendly service from familiar faces and the camaraderie of its regulars to be successful.

Happy Hour specials are some of the best around:  $2.35 for a 23 oz. draft, $2.25 domestic bottles, and $5 pitchers. Happy Hour runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day Sunday.

In addition to Happy Hour, Brew Time has free pool on Wednesdays, free darts on Tuesdays, table shuffleboard, Golden Tee and free WiFi.

But the real fun at Brew Time isn’t playing the games, but interacting with the patrons and bartenders and soaking up the atmosphere.

Customers have contributed to much of the décor, from license tags and signs on the walls to a custom- made wheelchair ramp designed and built by regular “Captain” Bob Torelli for a handicapped former customer.

Brew Time doesn’t have sports packages - “We’re a Tampa Bay bar,” bartender Courtney proudly declares. The watering hole doesn’t have hard liquor and doesn’t bog you down with an overwrought menu.

What it does have is great service, an inviting, relaxed atmosphere and enough things to see and do to keep anyone entertained on an afternoon or evening out.

And don’t be surprised if everybody knows your name before you leave.

Brew Time Pub

1969 Sunset Point Road

Hours: from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Call: (727) 562-0109