Bar Scene: Howl at the Moon

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In a small corner of Channelside is a grubby bar that serves up great entertainment, high-energy laughs, and huge buckets of booze. The name of this raucous little gem is Howl at the Moon, and if you head over with a big group of friends and an even bigger wad of cash, you’re most definitely in for a good time.

The scene: Howl at the Moon can be summed up in three simple words: crowded, loud, and interactive. Populated mostly by 20-somethings, this dueling piano bar requires a good audience to get wild. Two pianists take up a stage with a ton of different “games” you can play along with them. Every hour, the entertainers rotate, so there is a constant parade of new talent to liven things up. Throw a couple of bucks their way and hear your favorite song played like a jaunty vaudeville tune. A large mirror behind the stage always displays a message from someone in the crowd; get your message up there by being the highest bidder. Phrases can be anything from insults to philosophical musings, and you will be sure to read all kinds of things on any given night. The “Wheel of Death” is another opportunity for patrons to join in the fun by embarrassing their friends – throughout the night, friends put up money to add a name to the wheel. At some point in the night, the entertainers will announce that it’s time to spin the wheel, and that privilege goes to whoever has ponied up the most dough. Possibilities include wet t-shirt contests and downing a hotdog in one bite, so don’t volunteer if you’re faint of heart.   

The décor: If this bar wasn’t so popular, it would probably be a dive. The chairs are rickety and mismatched, the floors are dirty and covered in spilled beer, and the stage looks like it’s seen better days. All of this only adds to Howl at the Moon’s charm, though. Truthfully, the only uncharming thing about this venue is the dreaded bathroom attendant. I am a firm believer in a person’s capability to get their own towels and squirt their own hand soap. So why should I tip someone to do these things for me? Plus, the bathroom attendant really seems out of place in an otherwise grimy establishment. My advice? Avoid eye contact at all costs, or don’t break the seal.

The drinks: All the usual suspects – beer, your basic liquors, and some few top-shelf options – abound, but the best drinks at Howl at the Moon are the buckets. Five or six shots are loaded into a large container and accompanied by fruit juices and six huge straws. Try the Hurricane, or go for the classic Long Island Iced Tea. Although the buckets taste pretty weak, even if you share with a few friends you will still feel a buzz coming on by the end of the night. And considering that a regular mixed drink is nearly three times the cost per-shot of the bucket, if you’re looking to get your drink on, this bar staple is your best bet.

The damage: In a world where cover charges are sometimes out of control, Howl at the Moon seems to have their stuff together - $5 gets you in, and if you eat at Stump’s Supper Club next door, flash your receipt for free entry. Once inside, though, drinks can add up quick – expect to pay $4 or more for beers, and $6.50 and up for mixed drinks. The best deal by far is to go with the house specialty buckets of booze, where $18 will get you six shots, which adds up to a measly $3 a drink. Of course, you have to factor in the money you’ll be throwing at the stage all night which could mount up easily. Be sure to bring cash, because ATM fees are steep, and after a few drinks you will definitely want to join in the fun.

Insider tip: It is nearly impossible to get a table at this bar, but things are much more fun if you can manage to secure one. Get there early (doors at 8pm on Thursday, 7pm on Friday and Saturday), or be prepared to scan the room all night and wait for a table to leave. When someone gets up, move very fast, because you can bet ten buckets of booze that several other people will be headed for the same table.

The bottom line: A favorite spot for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other celebrations, Howl at the Moon is the perfect place to let loose with 10 of your closest friends. And while you’re there, don’t forget to sing along with the hourly catchphrase: “You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille, you b*tch! you s*ut! you wh*re!”

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Howl at the Moon

615 Channelside Dr.
Tampa, Fl 33602

813.514.9378 ext 314

www.howlatthemoontampa.com

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