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Tampa dive bar Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern is under new ownership

A new concept will soon operate under the name The Friendly Tarpon Tavern.

By Jourdan Ducat on Thu, Aug 3, 2023 at 11:20 am

Photo by Jourdan Ducat

If you’re not careful you may drive right past the parking lot of South Tampa watering hole, Barefoot Billy's.

Barefoot Billy’s Friendly Tavern, a beloved Tampa dive bar located at 3120 W Gandy Blvd., is under new ownership, but it’s not time to say goodbye just yet.

While July 29 was the last day longtime owner Bill Geary was officially behind the bar, it will remain open as Barefoot Billy’s until new ownership is ready to begin work on the new concept, which is slated for September. After that, the bar’s namesake hopes to enjoy a life of semi-retirement and more time to spend with his family.

Geary, a spirited and genuinely nice guy, ran Barefoot Billy’s for 18 years, but the location has been a bar since 1957. When he took over it was called The Friendly Tavern and was little more than four walls. He used the opportunity to make much-needed improvements, and soon Billy’s was a popular haunt for South Tampa’s blue-collar working community.

Geary told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the evolving demographic of the neighborhood, along with changing habits among younger drinkers contributed to a decline in the happy hour crowd at Billy’s, which still managed to maintain a hold on its late night crowd.

He hopes the new ownership will maintain the “divey” feel of the past but is excited about the changes to come, which may include offering food and potentially even liquor in the future.

The new owner, who declined to be identified publicly, is a well-connected local with an entrepreneurial drive and a dedication to keeping the spirit of Barefoot Billy’s alive. The theme currently being considered is a sports bar with a focus on Tampa history and one that offers a more family friendly atmosphere, the new owner told CL.

According to a social media post, the new concept will operate under the name The Friendly Tarpon Tavern.

For now, you can still get your fix of the current operation during normal business hours (4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Friday, 2 p.m.-midnight Saturday-Sunday). If you’re lucky, you may even catch Bill at the bar, if he’s not trying to figure out how to turn on the finicky TVs.

Slideshow

20 legit Hillsborough County dive bars, and why you should get a drink at all of them

Retreat 123 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, 813-254-2014At this long-running bar across from the University of Tampa, you’re likely to be sitting next to a service industry worker who’s either just finished a shift or is having some liquid courage before starting one. It can get pretty packed with the college crowd on nights and weekends, so your best bet is grab a seat at happy hour if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience. This is another spot that allows smoking indoors, plus all day specials and bar snacks to soak up that Rumplemintz shot you just did with the bartender. Photo via Retreat/Facebook

Hub Bar 719 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-229-1553This downtown staple with an attached package store has been voted Best Dive Bar in the Bay on and off for several years. The Hub is about as iconic of a dive that you’ll find in the area, with a loyal following that up until recently included the late and dearly beloved regular of over 30 years, Texas Tim. Locals know that you never order a double here because the pour is probably the strongest in town, so don’t take it personally if you get cut off after your second Long Island. Photo via The Hub/Facebook

Tiny Tap Tavern 2105 W Morrison Ave., Tampa, 813-254-3872The Tiny Tap really cleaned up its act during the pandemic, including making the move to non-smoking indoors and giving every surface a good wipe down. The charm of a dimly lit bar with one of the few remaining Megatouches (IYKYK) is all still there, and now you can even pay with a credit card. Regulars here usually move between a barstool and the pool or foosball tables and are sure to regale you with tales of the old Tampa. Photo via Tiny Tap Tavern/Facebook

Reservoir 1518 E 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1442If you’re a fan of this place it’s probably because you appreciate the “no BS” attitude that the bartenders and regulars all seem to have. The prices are extremely reasonable, the music is usually an eclectic mix and Reservoir Dogs is likely playing on loop. This is also one of the few spots in town where you can order a Malort, which you’re probably going to hate. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a dried scorpion to your order for just $2. Photo via Reservoir/Google

Tapper Pub 3832 Britton Plaza, Tampa, 813-839-7845If you can’t find a seat at the bar, the retro red booths make a great substitute. Tapper offers a varied food menu, including an absolutely delicious Ruben. If you’re lucky enough to catch Kay popping in and out then you’re in the presence of one of Tampa's longest running bartenders. On some occasions you’ll find the old school regulars involved in a TouchTunes war with the younger crowd, so be prepared to possibly never hear a song in its entirety. Photo via Tapper Pub/Google

Elmer’s Sports Cafe Multiple LocationsWith two locations (one on 7th Avenue in Ybor City and the other in South Tampa on MacDill Avenue), this bar and grill offers up the usual pub grub, plus a rather decent pour and fair prices. The crowd is a diverse mix that makes for good people watching. If you can’t take the smoke, the MacDill location offers some outdoor seating. The Ybor location has an attached package store. Photo via Elmer’s Sports Cafe/Google

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