The Brass Mug

If you like Live Music, if you like bars in general, then the Bras Mug might be the perfect venue for you. A large floor with sparse tables allow for plenty of room to socialize and even dance f that’s your thing, while others may find themselves more comfortable hanging back and slinging back drinks.
The accoustics are great, allowing you to hear all the nuances of the music, whether it be death metal or scream-​o. In any case, what ever band you hear here is going to be enjoyable to you.
They have a nice, outside patio where you can chill and still hear the music and be able to have a conversation, and have your ears stop ringing. (grin) But the main draw back to me is that smoking is allowed inside. Yes, it’s ventilated, but that doesn’t stop you from going home smelling like stale smoke.

The Brass Mug is kind of a legendary name in the Florida Metal scene. Lots of big acts played there before they were big. I had been to the original location, on Fletcher, back in my early twenties, and remember having a blast chugging drinks and watching metal bands. A couple weeks ago was my first time to this location since they moved. Hubby and I came to see Swarmfest (a metal festival). This location was pretty much everything I appreciated in my twenties (scantily clad bartenders, stiff drinks, divey atmosphere, tattooed men), but also everything that I don’t necessarily love now that I’m in my thirties (smoking indoors, nasty bathrooms, a layer of grim covering every surface). I was happy to find that there was an outdoor back patio to offer some relief from the smokiness. The inside was pretty big, allowing room for a second stage on the other end. I would say the place was pretty packed that night, however all the bartenders were able to remain very nice and attentive. Overall, we had a great night. Despite the smoky atmosphere and icky bathrooms, what’s important to me about this place is that they have always supported the metal music scene. If I was local (I about 2 and half hours away) I’m sure I’d be there often to catch live shows.

The Brass Mug is a great place to check out local bands. The staff is really nice, the service is great and the bands are awesome. The only down side is that smoking is allowed, but it’s well ventilated.

The legendary Brass Mug, now in it’s 3^rd (and hopefully, final) location.
Originally based off Fletcher, then Florida, the Brass Mug has weathered a few storms when dealing with landlords whom don’t like heavy metal and punk music.
The Brass Mug has always been a supporter of local heavy music, and is probably one of the only Tampa venues to have consistently done so.
On any given weekend, and often during the week, you will find local and national acts playing.
The atmosphere is still a work in progress, with most of the «décor» being posters and flyers for whatever band (s) are going to be performing there.
They have a nice long L shaped bar, and a large stage, with a decent backstage area (for a bar) and even a «green room».
Smoking is allowed indoors, which can be off-​putting for nonsmokers (me being one of them) but more and more smokers are starting to use the outdoor patio, so it’s getting better.
Speaking of the outside patio; it is roomy, with a couple tables and chairs, and even an outdoor bar for those slamming nights.
There are a couple of pool tables and a state of the art jukebox.
The bartenders are top-​notch and gorgeous, and are quite personable and down to earth.
Rick and Heather, who own/​run the bar are cool as all get out, and Heather, especially, is always quick with a smile and greeting.
In case you can’t guess, I love this place. It’s my second home, haha.
I have been a regular since the original location, and just love the music, vibe, and everything that comes with it.
If you live heavy music and dive bars, you won’t be disappointed.
And bands, don’t forget to bring a sticker for the bathroom walls.

New location
Friendly door guy
Good booking
Good sound
Saw D.O.A on their farewell tour
Saw Jucifer at the previous location
Its a dive bar for punk, metal, and hardcore
Sure beats Skippers just down the road

1 star for atmosphere
5 stars for having DOA play there!
In the realm of dive alt music bars, this one is a dump. Pretty sure ‘I got the black lung, pops’ from being here 1 night, so f’ing smoky. Glad it exists, wish it wasn’t so filthy, poorly laid out, and didn’t feel like it should be condemned.
Very friendly door guy!