New Craft Beer Bar to Open in South Tampa

South Tampa beer aficionados will have a new spot to refresh their palates during the summer heat.

The Brass Tap will open in a shopping plaza at the corner of West Kennedy Boulevard and South Dale Mabry Highway in August 2012.

The 2,500-square-foot upscale bar will feature 60 different craft beers on tap and 300 varieties of bottle beers, mostly imports or boutique brews that will also be available for carry-out.

“We specialize in microbrews and go for the hard-to-get beers,” said Brass Tap general manager Stephanie Coffie, warning that just a few domestic beers will be available in bottles and none on draft.

Jeff Martin, Gary Bailey and Steve Slowey launched the first Brass Tap in the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel in 2008. Last year, the three friends and business partners opened another location in the Brandon Town Center in Brandon. Next year, a franchise location will also pop up in Carrollwood.

Co-owner Martin said that the Brass Tap will be an addition to South Tampa’s night life and that he hopes to “educate people about craft beer.”

From Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing seasonal suds to Belgian triples, folks will never have to drink the same beer twice. Patrons will have a hard time making up their minds while browsing the menu, which includes imperial stouts such as the American Victory Storm King, porters such as the English Fullers London Porter, barleywines such as the Scottish Skull Splitter and brown ales such as the American Terrapin Hop Karma.

But more familiar names, like Chimay, Harp, and Paulaner will also be offered.

What of World of Beer on South Howard Avenue just two miles away?

Martin says the two bars are different since the Brass Tap offers more taps and less bottles compared to World of Beer and focuses more on customer service.

“We kind of focus on a different crowd and aim for a more mature and upscale feel,” said Coffie.

From a French merlot to a Californian chardonnay, the Brass Tap also offers about 15 different wines by the glass or bottle, along with a selection of cigars that servers cut and light up for patrons.

Although the Brass Tap does not have a kitchen, customers will have the option to order from the restaurants around the area.

The bar will also feature a 600-square-foot outside patio, 20 15-inch flat screen TVs and a projector — so customers never miss a sports game, karaoke nights and daily live music and entertainment.