The Hub Bar – Tampa

In 1946 Pio Guerra jr. Opened the hub liquor and package store. In 1949 the hub was expanded into a piano cocktail lounge. In the early hub years the clientele was an older group, dressed up in their evening wear. There were no jeans and t-shirts to be seen, and the room was a veritable who’s – who of downtown tampa; the hub entertained judges, attorneys, bankers, boxing champions, and even mob bosses. The hub bar and package store has now celebrated it’s 60th anniversary in downtown tampa.

The famous “hub pour” if the hub is famous for one thing aside the historical relevance and essential ambiance, it is the drinks. The hub does not serve bottom shelf liquor and it is nationally known for having some of the most generously freely poured drinks anywhere. A “hub drink” in local speak is synonymous with being a good drink and a strong one.

Critical recognition the hub bar has received praise from local and national media for being what it is, a true american cocktail lounge, with honest charm, strong drinks, and the best jukebox around. It has continually won numerous ‘best of’ lists in local and national newspapers and magazines both high and low brow. The hub has been the meeting place for people of all backgrounds for over 60 years. The hub today the hub bar is located at 719 north franklin street, next to the tampa theater. The hub package store is located next to the bar. People that congregate at the hub are as diverse as the bar’s storied past. It is a favorite meeting place of downtown workers of all social strata, artists, writers, musicians, local university professors and students, out of towners and tourists looking for a strong drink. The hub is open before lunchtime and stops serving at last call. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you soon.