This place is interesting to say the least. We went right before Christmastime with a few friends. It becomes very crowded very quickly and I feel the space isn't big enough for the amount of people. If you don't already have a spot to sit or chill, you might not find one. I did like the idea that it was holiday themed and it really fit the festive time of year we went. But not sure I'd go there throughout the other times of the year. Parking was also a mess. Very small lot and people were parking everywhere; across the street at grocery store lots, etc. and walking across the 4 lane road. read more

Joy Bar is a Christmas themed dive bar in the Tampa area. Had the pleasures of visiting on Christmas night. Good thing I already got my presents b3cause it was a naughty night full, of pool, genial, beer p I no, darts and jukebox music. There was only one bartender and she did an amazing job of handling the crowd. What a great way to celebrate Christmas and at Joy Bar you ca n celebrate every day. read more

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A year round Christmas bar, I came the first time as part of Yelp event and returned with some friends a couple years later. I love the decor and fun of this dive bar and played some Jenga while hanging out with friends! Drinks are all bottle or mixed but good prices and my only complaint is the bathroom which was pretty close to unusable. read more

Joy Bar - Jenga - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Joy Bar is awesome. They're a Christmas themed whiskey bar (365 days a year!), and they also have an incredible whiskey selection. It's dive-y in the best way. There's lots of seating, and service is wonderful. I love it here! read more

Great place to host event and drink. The bar has 365 day's Christmas decorations. The eye dizzy Christmas lights that make it unique. This bar has jingle games, pool tables, dart game and more. The round bar is great for single independent visit. I have the Kentucky Blanton Gold Edition bourbon. It is rare to be found. They also run the special flight on the wall like Santa Lap, Best wrapper alive, and more. I enjoy my time there. If you looking for collected Kentucky bourbon, this is the place. read more

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Four calling birds, three French hens, two dollar drinks"... fa la la la la! What a fun place to make merry with friends. Nobody's a "misfit" in this festive Christmas themed bar (though you might spot several "Yukon Cornelius" lookalikes-or maybe the "Wet Bandits"). Located on Armenia, just north of Sligh, not far from ZooTampa... it's an unassuming place, with a liquor store next door. There's a little parking lot-and I'm told you'll get towed if you park in the shopping center across the street-so you might want to carpool, take a ride share or get a lift from Santa (I think there's room to land "up on the housetop.") When we first walked in-letting sunlight stream in, it felt like everyone turned to stare-and it was so quiet, there could have been maybe a record scratch in the background. But we were greeted with smiles and so many twinkle lights-Clark Griswold approved. It's easy to see this place packs both comfort *and joy. There are definitely regulars-but everyone was very welcoming. There's a pool table, darts, beer pong, a Claw machine and holiday touches everywhere... including some intriguing shots ( like Santa's Lap) You can imagine Rudolph and the boys hanging out here after their big run. We didn't get to hang out long, but it was definitely fun-with Touch Tunes going and a good conversation spot-under Santa's watchful eye. I don't think they serve food, but there's a vending machine and we saw people bring in Taco Bell. (Jingle those taco bells!) You don't have to be an elf to get in... but you'll feel all kinds of jolly once you do-and not just because of the four-sided bar, or the spinning "wheel of joy." (Spin for a shot) Go try it out... yule (!) be glad you did. read more

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Joy Bar is everything. I enjoyed the Christmas themed dive bar. Every corner was filled with Christmas cheer. If you enjoy Christmas cheer then Joy Bar is your place. As the spirits were flowing, the cheer was growing. Go visit Joy Bar for Christmas 365 read more

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I really tried to give this place another chance, but the red haired bartender completely ruined the experience. Whatever happened to customer service? She smelled strongly of marijuana and treated anyone who wasn't a regular like they were an inconvenience?? Honestly, I had more fun here on a slow Sunday a few weeks back than on a busy night with someone who looks like they hate their job If you see her behind the bar, run she will ruin your "Joy Bar" experience. Try going on a night she's not working. read more

Like many other people, we heard about this new "Christmas" bar so we had to check it out. I would describe it as a local dive bar that needed to add a theme so they could bring in curious people like us to make the rent. Nothing wrong with that, just know what to expect. I personally like dive bars so I was fine with it but it isn't like an overall all encompassing Christmas experience. They do have really cheap drinks, which is good and the bartender was super nice and polite. Our group had fun because we went as a group after an early dinner so I would recommend going with a group. The parking lot is very small so be aware of theat when you go. Maybe caepool or uber here. There are also signs in the grocery store lot across the street that they tow. There is a taco food truck in the lot next to it so you could also get food there. Feliz Navidad! read more

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Merry Christmas 365 days of the year here at Joy Bar. This is a really unique bar with pretty good drinks and a merry ambiance! Super nice and polite staff. No food is sold here but there is a Little Caesar's across the street if you are hungry. Parking is scarce but there is a huge parking lot across the street. Be careful crossing the street because there is no dedicated cross walk. Stop in and check Joy Bar out if in the area! read more

Joy Bar - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Tampa, Florida

A dive bar with lots of Christmas spirit! I understand the decorations are up all year- so will be interesting to see what it is like the rest of the year. Worth checking out! read more

I love a good gimmick and that is exactly what this is. I love the theme (who wouldn't) and I love the decoration. This is a well lit dive bar with a ton of whiskey and bourbon options. They are connected to a package/liquor store so you can get almost anything that tickles your fancy. They keep it nice and cold but the smell of cigarettes is in the air. The parking lot is a bit tight but it doesn't get too terribly busy on weeknights or during happy hour. The bartender I've seen there twice in a row is very nice and chatty. I cannot wait to come back in December to try their themed Christmas drinks that I simply cannot stomach in the summer or fall. One fun tip- if you get hungry, go ahead and stumble over to the taco truck called Las Tacos Californias- delish! read more

Joy Bar - Pool table - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Joy Bar is definitely one of my favorite local places to enjoy some good time with friends. The vibrant theme and decorative atmosphere makes this place a unique experience. They give you lots of different activities throughout the bar to enjoy yourself while they provide an amazing service. As in any bar; you can ask for whatever you want, but they specialize themselves in bourbon and whiskey, and count with signature shots that are delicious. If you go there, ask for the "Santa's Lap" ;) read more

Joy Bar - Pool tables area - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Went here last week to get in a Christmas vibe with friends. So glad we made the decision to come here because I am a big whiskey and bourbon drinker and they legit have everything that you can think of. The prices are also really good as well. read more

Rumors are true. This bar is fun. Great drink prices, fun people and friendly staff.

Love this dive bar. It is now a Chtistmas themed dive bar...and we are here for it! The decor is fun...lots of holiday themed shots...a $2 dice roll Mystery shot game...pool tables...Xmas beer pong...claw machine...and literally every person inside singing along to 90s songs on TouchTunes. The bartender was great and was laughing right along with us. I heard they would stay Christmas themed permanently. I really hope so. We really had so much fun and love this option in the neighborhood. read more

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This Armenia Ave place is part of my "beat" and one of the few bars on the Avenue, so i dropped in once several years ago on a quiet afternoon. Very large bar area, 4 sided and no sign of food served. It seemed to specialize in beer and had most dive criteria. I took a seat and watched the bartender chatting with a few apparent regulars, and watched, and watched. Other than a glace my way when i opened the door to let sunlight invade, I was ignored. Sat for about 5 minutes, considered calling the bartender...maybe on the phone....then decided to Hell with it and left. Have not returned. read more

If anyone has read my reviews you will note that I am a huge dive bar fan. I just love 'em. The atmosphere, the vibe, the "seediness"..it's a draw for me. I just have no use for overpriced, pretentious nightclubs, and the like. Give me a little hole in the wall, with cold beer, interesting regulars, and a friendly barstaff, and I'm good.. Throw in some live music, and I'm hooked. VIP Liquors is not a true dive bar, but has some of the same qualities, and is more akin to a old school neighborhood bar. My friend Sean is a regular and invited me to join him this past Friday night. I had been here one other time, but it was literally for only 15 mins as we simply grabbed a beer and went on our way. This time, we chose to hang out for a while, so I was able to really soak in the atmosphere. The bar is a combination bar and liquor/packing store, so you can stop in for a drink, or take one to go, haha. The liquor store area is well stocked, and well lit. A little something for everyone. The bar itself was pretty typical. A couple of beer promo signs, a dry erase board with specials, and a cooler in the back. The bartender, Audie, stood in the center of a 4 sided bar, and kept everyone's drinks full. A little quiet at first, but personable enough, and gets to talking as the night progresses. I also noticed that the regulars were quite friendly and open to newcomers. There's a pool table and a video putt putt golf game, that is more fun than it sounds, haha. Friday is also karaoke night, so there was plenty of good (and not so good) renditions of radio stapes, but everyone was having a good time. I even belted out a couple songs. All in all, a nice little "hole in the wall" bar, that captures that neighborhood bar feel, but with just enough "dive" to keep from being stale/boring. It's also a perfect place for a first-timer..you'll be just as welcome as a regular. read more

Joy Bar - Bar interior - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Great bar... mainly regulars, but always a good time! There's a liquor store connected so it's like a two stop shop. Plenty of games and music to keep you entertained all night read more