Largo Dives and Bars: Ageing Still Bar and Grill

The fits nicely into a cadre of Largo establishments that eschew the present craft beer wave for an old fashioned sensibility. Its bar, which was full of patrons on a Monday afternoon, was smoke-filled and rife with laughter. Here, at least during the day, an older generation can chat among one another in a comfortable locale with familiar spirits (like Bud and all of its offshoots) filling their pint glasses.

At night, twenty-something partygoers stop by the almost decade old cantina for reasonably priced shots of tequila and live Southern Rock blasting from Ageing’s minimalist stage. After a quick glance inside its doors, one is not surprised that the indie genre has not taken hold. While Florida is not really of the south, this bar would feel more at home in Mobile, Alabama than in Brooklyn.

“We have a lot of specials on liquor,” said Tammy Frontera, the Ageing’s General Manager . “An average liquor drink is $6.50 or less.”

Many night crawlers, Frontera said, come to Ageing after a jaunt into Tampa. In this way, it cements itself as a no-frills neighborhood bar- its customers are looking to unwind after time spent in more extravagant clubs. A DJ spins records on Thursdays and Saturdays nights, another element which entices a younger crowd.

Ageing Still is more bar than grill. With indoor smoking allowed, and strongly implemented by drinkers, food sales are diminished. This does not bother Frontera, as many patrons come to socialize, especially with the bartenders.

This atmosphere is particularly apparent during football season. Ageing is partial to the Buffalo Bills (who have struggled since it has opened), but all football fans can enjoy the plethora of television screens to watch their team of choice. Some take advantage of dartboards and pool tables during half time.

Ageing Bar and Grille is the type of dive that one is grandfathered into. Patrons go because their family went, or some one they knew went, and this act of attendance morphs into routine. Standing in the bar, listening to the conversations, its expected that some patrons drink at this bar at a particular time. And that the bartenders know when their customers are coming and what they will be drinking when they arrive.

Bar regulars trade novelty and variety for comfort and normalcy. Ageing’s is full of regulars. This is what makes it feel both welcoming, and intimidating, at the same time.