Events at Crowbar, Tampa

About Crowbar

Crowbar is a compact, standing-room live-music venue located in historic Ybor City, Tampa. Opened in late 2006 by Tom DeGeorge (former manager of Ybor’s Masquerade club (www.cltampa.com)), it quickly became a staple in the local scene. The club’s capacity is about 300 (www.cltampa.com), with an elevated stage at one end and two full bars (one interior, one in the outdoor “beer garden”) (www.cltampa.com) (wanderlog.com). From day one its high-end audio and lighting have been praised – Creative Loafing noted Crowbar’s “ace sound system run by guys who know what they’re doing” (www.cltampa.com). Signature features include the back patio (often called the “Crow’s Nest”) with its own bar for relaxed lounge vibes (www.cltampa.com). Crowbar’s owners emphasize musical diversity – as one put it, “We opened Crowbar] to host all kinds of music… Today, on any given night we can do a 180 to comedy, rap, whatever… and nobody blinks an eye.” ([www.cltampa.com). Over the years it earned local “Best Venue” awards for bringing heavy metal, indie rock, hip-hop and more to Tampa (www.cltampa.com) (www.cltampa.com).

Events and Programming

Crowbar’s calendar is packed with live shows almost nightly, especially weekends. The venue books a wide variety of acts – from local indie bands to national touring rock, metal, hip-hop and electronic artists. Past performers include Brazilian Girls, Foxing, AlunaGeorge, MC Chris, Talib Kweli and many others (www.cltampa.com). Typical concert nights run Thursday through Saturday, with doors around 7–8pm and music starting ~8pm. In quieter moments the main stage may host stand-up comedy, solo singer-songwriters or smaller local gigs. The back “Crow’s Nest” patio often features DJs, especially on Sunday afternoons; in fact weeklong traditions included Karaoke Mondays, open-mic hip-hop cyphers on Tuesdays and “Ol’ Dirty Sundays” – a long-running yearly block-party-style reggae/hip-hop night where the courtyard turned into a ‘late-80s NYC block party’ with grills and DJs (www.cltampa.com) (www.indieonthemove.com).

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Crowbar shows are generally available through the venue’s official channels (check the Crowbar website or mailing list) and major ticketing platforms. Advance purchase is recommended since many popular shows sell out. Some larger concerts offer presale codes via the club’s mailing list; locals often hear about presales on radio or social media. Box office sales vary by event – smaller shows may allow walk-up door sales if not sold out, while big tours usually require online purchase submittal. Cover charges tend to be modest: one recent charity concert (“Fangsgiving VIII”) started at about $17.67 (www.cltampa.com), and general admission shows often range from $10–$30 depending on the act (www.nightflow.com) (www.cltampa.com). The bar serves open during concerts, so you’ll usually pay cover at entry and can grab drinks inside. Many attendees note the cover prices are fair and the drink service is efficient (www.nightflow.com).

Seating and Layout

Crowbar is a classic general-admission venue – there are no assigned seats, only open standing areas. The main floor is one big flat room with the stage at the front. The soundboard and interior bar run along the rear of this room, and a few high-top railings line the sides. If you want the full concert experience, stand near the stage or centrally on the floor; if you prefer room to move, hanging near the back by the bar or against a wall helps. For a more relaxed vibe, the outdoor beer-garden patio (Crow’s Nest) has its own bar, lighting booth and even late-night snacks (wanderlog.com). It’s a popular spot between sets or on hip-hop nights, though on busy nights it can fill up. Acoustically, Crowbar’s sound system is powerful and clear (patrons rave that it’s “strong” and expertly mixed (www.tripadvisor.com)), but it’s also loud – bring earplugs if you’re sensitive. The venue walls are decorated with concert posters and art, and there’s a dedicated “Merchland” booth near the back where bands sell T-shirts and CDs after the show (wanderlog.com). Restrooms are surprisingly spacious (one reviewer called them “big” and clean (www.tripadvisor.com)), with both male and female facilities on site. In short, plan for standing-room, easy sightlines, and a lively energy on the floor; avoid the very back only if you want to see and hear the band up close.

Getting There and Parking

Crowbar’s address is 1812 North 17th Street in Ybor City (just off 7th Avenue North). It’s a few blocks east of downtown Tampa. Driving or rideshare drop-off should be planned carefully: street parking is metered and fills up quickly on show nights, and Ybor has several paid lots. For example, the nearest municipal lot (at 1601 E. 6th Ave) costs only about $5 for the night (www.bestparking.com), while private lots like the E 8th Ave garage often charge more (~$20–$25) (www.bestparking.com). It’s wise to arrive early if you’re driving, as lots can close out. As an alternative to parking, Tampa’s free TECO heritage streetcar links downtown and Ybor: get off at the “Centro Ybor” stop (8th Ave & 16th St) which is a ~5-minute walk south to Crowbar (tecolinestreetcar.org). (The streetcar runs every 15 min and is free.) HART buses run along 22nd and 21st St as well, with stops near Ybor. If using Uber/Lyft, the drop-off point is usually easiest on 17th St near 7th or 8th Ave. Be aware that after a show, Ybor City is popular nightlife area – valet and rideshare waits can be long – so plan your departure route.

Inside the Venue

Expect an energetic, slightly gritty club atmosphere. Security and door staff are generally professional and friendly (www.tripadvisor.com). There is a strict ID check (21+ for most nights) at the entrance. Once inside, you’ll find two full bars: one straight ahead once you pass the door (covering the main floor), and a second on the outdoor patio. Cash and cards are accepted; patrons report that bartenders are efficient (one reviewer even named bartender “Michelle” as very kind (www.tripadvisor.com)), though service can slow when it’s packed mid-show. Outside food is not allowed, but Crowbar sometimes has snack vendors or food truck on the patio for late-night munchies (wanderlog.com). Expect to show ID referencing the ticket when re-entering. Photography rules are typical for clubs: cell-phone snapshots are fine but professional cameras are usually not permitted (no flash). The venue does not have coat check or storage, so carry minimal items; large backpacks or coolers will be turned away. Wi-Fi is not provided, so rely on your mobile signal (coverage is usually okay but can dip when crowds surge).

Nearby Amenities

Ybor City is full of entertainment options around Crowbar. For pre- or post-show dining, there are dozens of restaurants within a few blocks. On 7th Avenue (the main Ybor thoroughfare) you’ll find local favorites like Columbia Restaurant (Spanish/Cuban cuisine, ~0.4 miles away) and Acropolis Greek Tavern (~0.2 miles) (www.concerthotels.com). Casual spots like pet-friendly patios, burger joints, taquerias and cafes line the streets. The historic Cigar City Brewing Company is a couple blocks away if you want craft beer. For coffee or brunch, nearby cafes and bakeries abound on weekends. Bars and clubs on 7th Ave are open late – Ybor’s nightlife district is literally chickens walking distance – so you can easily hop from Crowbar to other venues (the Ybor City Saloon, The Ritz, etc.) after a show. If you’re staying overnight, some close hotels include the boutique Hotel Haya on 7th Ave (about a 5-minute walk) (www.concerthotels.com) and various chain hotels in the Channel District (about 1–1.5 miles west). Remember that Ybor streets can be lively at night, so use sidewalk rideshare pickups on the main roads or call your shuttle at corner of 7th Street and 17th Avenue for better signal. Late-night public transit (trolleys and buses) runs less frequently, so Uber/Lyft or taxi are usually safest for post-show rides home.

What Makes This Venue Special

Crowbar’s unique character comes from its raw, inclusive vibe and its long roots in Tampa’s alternative culture. It carved out a niche after larger Ybor clubs closed, focusing on all-ages (when possible) and underrepresented acts (www.cltampa.com) (www.indieonthemove.com). Its exposed-brick interior is literally “adorned with concert posters” and art installations (wanderlog.com), giving the space a creative flair. Crowbar is also known for memorable events and loyalty: fans call it a local’s haunt, and most staff have been “there for the majority of Crowbar’s existence” (www.cltampa.com). Legendary on-impulse moments are part of the lore – for example, hip-hop icons Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) famously did a surprise DJ set together there in 2011, giving fans “the show of a lifetime” (www.cltampa.com). Its recurring attractions (such as the long-running Ol’ Dirty Sundays block parties (www.cltampa.com)) and creative series (film screenings with live soundtracks (www.cltampa.com)) helped Crowbar win “Best Venue” accolades (www.cltampa.com) (www.cltampa.com). Crowbar has also had a charitable and community role – it hosted music benefits (like the annual Fangsgiving fundraiser for local school music programs) which have only run as long as Crowbar itself (www.cltampa.com). All these facets – the friendly ownership, genre-hopping shows, searing sound quality, and immersive space – make Crowbar an emblem of Tampa’s grassroots music scene.

Visitor Tips and Information

Age & Entry: Crowbar is typically a 21+ venue (lnepresents.com) (www.indieonthemove.com). Always bring a government-issued ID (states ID or passport) – no ID means no entry. Some special shows (often early-evening or youth-oriented events) may be 18+ or all-ages, but these are announced in advance. Be polite with security; reviewers note the gate crew is professional and fair (www.tripadvisor.com).

Dress Code: There’s no formal dress code – come in casual club attire. Jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are fine; avoid large hats or outfits that might block others’ view. (Crowbars really cares about the music and vibe, not fashion.)

Prohibited Items: Typical bar rules apply. No outside food or drinks. Bags and backpacks may be checked; generally only small purses or pouches are okay. Cameras with removable lenses, recording devices, and professional equipment are usually not allowed. No weapons or illegal substances. Smoking is illegal indoors in Florida, so step outside for a cigarette.

Accessibility: Crowbar is on street level with one main entry; unlike newer buildings it may have a couple of small steps. The Tampa streetcar stops near the venue are wheelchair-accessible (www.tecolinestreetcar.org) (Centennial Park and Centro Ybor stops). The venue does have indoor washrooms (likely gender-separated) but no official coat/locker check. If you require wheelchair seating or have special needs, it’s best to call Crowbar ahead of time, as the space is compact.

Timing: Doors often open about an hour before showtime (typically 7–8pm). If there’s a line, arrive early to secure your spot. On busy nights (or for major acts), beer stands and the bar line can get long – consider grabbing drinks before the main set. The stage often is dark until just before showtime, so earlier arrivals get better access. Remember that the area can be noisy and busy after midnight; plan for a safe ride home in advance.

Experience Enhancers: Many visitors bring earplugs – concerts can be loud, and ear-protection makes a long night easier. Wallets or purses should be minimal, as things can bump during energetic shows. Tips for bartenders are appreciated (and they pour quickly). Check Crowbar’s website or social media for the latest event info and any last-minute changes. Finally, part of the fun is mingling: Crowbar crowds are friendly and its staff loyal, so don’t hesitate to chat with people or the crew – the community is half the appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions