Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (18) good (14) music (12) time (11) service (9) Tampa (8) live (8) years (7) band (7) awesome (7)
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  • 5/5 Joe P. 9 months ago on Google • 461 reviews
    Skipper's has been a Tampa tradition for many years, even appearing on the Food Network. They have live music and great Happy Hour specials. They serve seafood, barbecue, and other comfort foods. Great service.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deb L. 1 year ago on Google
    I chose Skippers for my husband's Celebration of Life. Over 25 plus years, we spent many evenings out listening to great music and food. Vickie and the entire staff helped me through a challenging day. They went above and beyond for everyone in attendance. A perfect day to celebrate the life of a kind soul. Thank you again ❤️
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Irene E. 11 months ago on Google • 197 reviews
    Will return. The place is original, pretty big with an open air stage in the back. We went tonight for the Grateful Dead - decent performance by Uncle John's Band. I think it's John's 70th birthday. You can watch/listen to 🎧 ‘Uncle John's Band’ (1979) on YouTube. The service at the restaurant is good, food is pretty delicious. We’ve the famous sandwich, chargrilled oysters, hush poppy - all are decent. We ordered their key lime pie but our friends devoured it - they said it’s really good.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 William M. 9 months ago on Google
    What a fun funky place to eat drink and dance the night away I've had a lot of fun here over the years If you haven't been GO After 4 yrs away due to pandemic,life etc. We returned for one of our favorites The Dukes of Juke fantastic band.Gouper Reuben and Fried Grouper dinner , cold beers made for a great nice. Remodel is nice but still retains old Florida dive bar vibe. Good to be back ❤🙃🌞🤩😎🥰
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather S. 1 year ago on Google
    We went to see/hear the live entertainment, Sean Chambers. He's an awesome guitarist! Can't wait to see him again--for sure. What a great time!! We had drinks & appetizers (huge onion rings, fried okra, fried gaiter tail nuggets). OMG...all were delicious!! Prices on drinks and food very reasonable. "Skippers" has a lot of character & personality. I love that type of casual atmosphere. Has a 70's rock n' roll vibe to it!! This was my second great time at Skipper's. Love the food and live entertainment.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janice “Jani” M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome, I love the atmosphere, the music, and the customer service is amazing! My first time coming here and I completely loved it. The food is so worth it! Delicious, great portions and prices as well. If you haven't gone yet, I recommend you go! 💯👍🏻
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 1866 Bill B. 1 year ago on Google
    Hey man, it was the 60 year anniversary of the Beatles...multiple bands did 3 Beatles songs each....and they were all well done. I shot some video...check it out. If you have never been to Skippers you're missing out on a piece of music history. From teen bands to professional, Skippers gives them all a shot at stardom. Reasonably priced, come early parking can be a challenge.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian J. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of the great institutions of Tampa. It’s been around since 1980 and is hands-down the best venue for live music in the Tampa Bay area. If you’re anywhere nearby you really have to go. Do check their opening hours because they had some closures due to the pandemic but I believe they are open from Thursdays to Sundays.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris B. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was good. Ate the fried green tomato BLT. Best part was the venue. Had a good show with Cracker.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katja W. 5 months ago on Google • 106 reviews
    Great place to kick back, relax, have a drink, eat some food, and listen to some music. We came here to see Mishka and had an awesome time. There's a good vibe ✨️ in this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joey C. 4 months ago on Google • 78 reviews
    Best damn place for live music in Tampa! Go on and get yourself some great food and drink and enjoy amazing sound courtesy of ryan Danger and crew. I played here and it was really fun.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 frances c. 5 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Went for a Sunday brunch and it was such a nice time! They have live music on Sunday’s for free from 1-4 and we were able to catch the beginning of this, which was super lovely. The place is huge and super cool vibes! I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before and I definitely want to come back for brunch again and a night show sometime
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Laura S. 9 months ago on Google
    This was my hang out many years ago so took my family here last night for good food and fun atmosphere. So disappointed food definitely wasn't what it used to be. Oyster shells weren't even clean prior to opening them, they had green slime on shells and inside of oysters, sent them back and got same ones. They were also mushie, very scared to eat these for 18 bucks a dozen. Tuff gator bites. Out of green tomatoes. Everything it served on paper plates and plastic forks. No salt,pepper or ketchup on tables ya have to ask and wait for it while food gets cold. Paid to enjoy the band and have a few beers outside then this old lady walks up to my daughter to tell her in a very nasty tone with her arms crossed like she was a warden of a prison, No Vaping ( we did not see any signs). Then she stood across the way with her arms still crossed staring at us. Very unwelcoming, uncomfortable so we left. I did ask the old lady who she was on my way out and she stated she's the owner's fiance and her name was Cricket. I let her know that there's a nicer way to treat her guest and she need to work on her customer service/host skills also we spent alot of money in here just to feel unwelcomed. Cricket told me if I didn't like it leave. So we will not be back to Skipper's and wont be missing out on anything.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ed B. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped by here on a whim while looking for oysters. Ended up ordering more than just them.... awesome food and service. The variety of different food they had means I'll have to cube back a few more times to try the rest.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jodi Costa Two Penny P. 7 months ago on Google
    My tips for visiting Skippers in any of the hot months. Wear comfortable clothes and no heels. Embrace all people and expect to share your table. Be patient. It’s gonna be a bit busy. Relax. It’s loud. Don’t try to share your life story during a concert. That person (I) won’t care. Food is good Atmosphere is unique and whimsical Wooden picnic benches are not overly comfortable. Wouldn’t change a thing. Always fun. Always tasty. Always memorable ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicklish J. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the food here!! I went almost a decade ago, when I went to see a friend m now I brought some others. I love the gator ribs!! So smokey and sweet. Just a little kick. I had the fried okra with it. Also really do just say f#ck it and get a bucket. Of booze. I was told it was quite yummy. Well worth the drive to Tampa. We came from Columbus Ohio and we were about 45 minutes away and I will gladly come back to Tampa, for the gator ribs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shane P. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to skippers for the first time last night and had a blast. Me and my classy lady dance to the blues band that was there last they were absolutely awesome. I have just now found a new place with great atmosphere and a great staff as well. We will definitely be at skippers multiple times. Thanks for the great time. What's going up to see the band went into the inside bar Brittany and the girl she was working with or top knots hopefully management recognizes that and gives them some kudos I had to leave early her to warm up or sound check on the van I'm sure they will be packed tonight
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Manthony A. 1 year ago on Google
    Ya'll!!!!!! Have you ever purchased a fried grouper or any fish entrée and when you get it liquid lines your plate? It was the most horrifying sight..well we eat with our eyes 1st, right? I eat fried fish opposed to bake because I don't want any liquid coming out of my fish.Furthermore the fries were burned and cold. Oh yea did I mention this meal was $32.....the event space a chill but the food was not edible and I had such high hopes for their seafood. I hope this helps them get it together!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maryam H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great live band-Harlem Gospel Travelers! Danced my legs off!!! Their vocals were AMAZING, and they knew how to put on a SHOW!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jim P. 11 months ago on Google
    This eclectic old Florida hideaway continually gets the best Bands in this area! Their stage viewing area is covered by huge trees that provide an atmosphere entirely unique. While their food options are limited, it more than suffices for an evening of great entertainment… absolutely recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick O. 9 months ago on Google
    Excellent service, fantastic chill vibe. My new favorite place in Tampa. Our waitress Salem was an absolute dream. The best. So friendly. Looking forward to coming back for more good food, good drink, good music and good vibes!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tracie T. 2 years ago on Google
    You must check this place out. We were recommended this place bc we were looking for a reggae band. There was a cover, maybe $15. We decided to eat inside first. Everyone loved their meals, there was 5 of us. We had a few drinks with dinner, then went next door to dance. We stayed until they shut down for the night. The band was fantastic. We dance for about 45 minutes. Got there around 10:30ish. Drinks were good. Dancing under the tree and full moon was awesome. Connect with me @The_beautifulrealtor on Instagram.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Elisha M. 1 year ago on Google
    Alligator 🐊 ribs yea I said it it’s alright reminds me of fish. Overall the food was alright at best next time I come im coming for the seafood will give you an update.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 deborah a. 2 years ago on Google
    Was here on an October night when a cover band was playing. Lovely outdoor venue with sand and or wooden planks for flooring. Tons of room tables are generally picnic tables. Food was very tasty expertly prepared and surprisingly yummy. But eat something before you go to big busy nights because the food took a long time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jami G. 8 months ago on Google • 127 reviews
    My friends and I had dinner while there for a show and the food was quite good. The pulled pork BBQ platter was delicious, and the portions were generous. My boyfriend enjoyed the grouper tacos, but the gator bites and potato salad weren't so great. The staff seems to be really young, and I had to interrupt social time to pick up my order.

  • 5/5 Kerri-Anne S. 3 months ago on Google • 114 reviews New
    Skipper's is a Tampa Bay area staple, and one of the best places for great music locally! The food, drinks and service are always outstanding, with little room for complaints. One of those local gems that you can't wait to share with visitors and new residents.

  • 4/5 Ann C. 8 months ago on Google • 63 reviews
    Great venue just down the road from my house. We enjoy coming here often. Tried the smash burgers. It was tasty. Also liked the fries. Love that they have so many different genres ♡ Staff is always friendly.

  • 1/5 Joann 8 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Haven’t been in years but we wanted Oysters and the reviews said they had the best ( lies ) small oysters, ordered grouper it didn’t look fresh or taste fresh like grouper the fries look like there’s been cooked in dirty oil and I’m not even going to mention the coleslaw it was just a mess…… I will never ever go back here again . Server was ok just ok the place was almost empty

  • 5/5 Dylan W. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome the service was fantastic. The atmosphere is one of a kind a lot of places that have history within the walls and this is definitely one of them. The outdoor area is absolutely gorgeous can't wait to go back and watch someone perform on stage.

  • 5/5 Alan K. 2 years ago on Google
    Wish I lived here year round. Like the funky open air concert venue. All the Blues bars near Detroit have closed. Glad to see they made it thru COVID. Great schedule.

  • 5/5 Valerie H. 7 months ago on Google
    I have been going there for about 8 years. They offer great food at good prices. Also, almost nightly live music. Fun!!

  • 5/5 Pat B. 1 year ago on Google
    Good restaurant, small seating area but you can order from the bar or takeout with the hostess then take your food onto the back patio. That's where everything happens. Good music! Dance floor. Good times.

  • 5/5 Pete B. 2 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Went to Skipper's Smokehouse for Lunch, I wanted try the Gator ribs. KJ our server was great! We ordered the Gator Ribs platter with fried okra, hush puppies and fries. And a Pulled Pork Sandwich on Texas Toast. Also had to try some oysters too. Food was great! Definitely have to go back soon and try the other items on the menu.

  • 4/5 Thomas H. 1 year ago on Google
    First time back in exactly 10 years, and the place was the exact same. I wish I would have been able to sit outside and enjoy the yard, but there was a concert, and i didn't want to buy a ticket for someone i didn't know. Our food was great and the service was exceptional.


Call +1 813-971-0666 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as veteran-owned

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