Wesley Chapel’s Favorite Bars!

Based on the results of our 2019 Reader Survey:

There’s no doubt that Bahama Breeze Island Grille is popular, but considering the selection of bars and restaurants now located in Wesley Chapel, it was a bit of a surprise to see the popular Darden Restaurants brand take home both our readers’ Favorite Bar in WC and Favorite Restaurant.

It probably shouldn’t be so surprising, however, considering that the Bahama Breeze bar has more seats — inside and out — than any other in or near Wesley Chapel. In addition, it’s one of our area’s few live music venues and, Melissa says, “with so many other restaurants and businesses having opened around us, there’s a lot more nearby parking than there was when this location opened.”

And of course, for those seeking sweet tropical specialty drinks, few local hangouts offer the variety that Bahama Breeze does, from a full line of mojitos to cocktail flights to the famous Bahamarita, or half-priced appetizers during Happy Hour and other bar specials. 

And, Melissa says, all Bahama Breeze locations will again be celebrating National Margarita Day with $2.22 margaritas all day. Might I suggest a ride-share service to go that day? Bahama Breeze is located at 25830 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz. For more information, call (813) 949-0779 or visit BahamaBreeze.com. — GN

2. Brass Tap, for my money, is truly Wesley Chapel’s premier bar hangout and has only grown in popularity since the nearby Primebar closed in the Shops at Wiregrass. With the cheapest premium full-liquor bar prices at the mall and karaoke, live music and trivia, the Brass Tap is hard to beat.

3. BJ’s Brewhouse would finish higher on my own list of Wesley Chapel favorites if it just had a few additional seats at its always-packed bar. BJ’s has one of the more-rounded food menus in Wesley Chapel, and reasonable enough prices, it just could use a more bar-friendly configuration, in one editor’s opinion. 

4. The Basement has long been one of Wesley Chapel’s best-kept secrets, especially since it’s technically located in Lutz. But, its great beer and hard seltzer/wine-based cocktail selection, karaoke and DJ dance music and occasional comedy nights always bring out a lively, fun crowd —  and the drink prices are great.

5. Noble Crust truly offers one of the great bar scenes in Wesley Chapel, with ultra-premium liquor but still fair prices and usually enough seats to accommodate those who don’t want to sit at a table. Noble Crust was the only place this year other than Bahama Breeze to make the top-5 as both a restaurant & bar.