Best Bars In Pinellas To Watch Playoff Hockey

The Tampa Bay Lightning have made the playoffs (again). This is the 5th straight season they reached the playoffs. But where is the best place to watch a game if you're not willing to travel to Tampa for watch parties or the usual spots like Hattricks or American Social? With round 1 starting on Sunday at 12:30pm, we did some research for you!

It was a rollercoaster season for the Bolts. We were without star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy for the first 20 games. Then we had a few lost a few forwards to injuries. There's still no word if defenseman Mikhail Sergachev will be available for the playoffs after breaking his leg during a game against the New York Rangers in February. Sergachev and the team have posted videos of him skating and practicing with the team, but no official update yet.

On the other hand, Nikita Kucherov enters the postseason after a historic year. Kuuuuuuch ended the season with 100 assists and 44 goals. The only other players to ever finish a season with 100 assists and over 40 goals were Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. That's some pretty legendary company for Kucherov.

The Bolts will be hosting official Lightning Watch Parties at Sparkman Wharf on Sunday for the first game of Round 1, and MidTown Tampa for Game 2. There will be giveaways, concession specials and more. To celebrate the Playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be at various partner restaurant locations from April 22nd – April 25th providing Lightning fans with surprises each day.

We get it, gas, game tickets, parking, and arena beers are so expensive, so we reviewed the best sports bars in Pinellas County according to Visit St.Pete/Clearwater and narrowed down our favorites to go watch a hockey game. You won't be finding Buffalo Wild Wings or Hooters on this list!

We know that Ferg's is the spot to pregame at or watch the Rays, but their Tampa pride runs deep. There's no shortage of TVs or random activities to keep you occupied during intermission!

Nestled on the corner of 1st Ave N and 9th St., Engine No. 9 is a small sports bar with a strong hockey vibe. Not only are they known for their amazing craft burgers but owner Jason Esposito was born into a family of hockey royalty. His father, Tony Esposito, and his uncle, Phil Esposito, are both in the hockey hall of fame, as well as the founders of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

With over 40 beers on tap and a mouth watering food menu this is a definite must stop on our list. The place is also decked out in TV's and even has a big projector screen and game audio takes over the restaurant on big game days.

Hurricane Eddie's is a secret Dunedin gem. This place has it all, big projection screens, 50 TV's, bar games, and the best wings in town.

It is always good advice to eat where the locals eat, and the locals are flocking to Abe’s Place. With award winning wings and 44 beers on tap, it's a perfect spot to watch a hockey game.

With two locations in Pinellas, St. Pete and Oldsmar, this is a great spot to catch an away game.

The Dunedin gastro pub is modeled after a popular dining trend in many metropolitan cities. They feature daily food specials and a craft brewery of the month!