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Best Tampa Bay area bars to watch Lightning playoff games

If you're looking to grab a cold brew while you cheer on the Bolts — you're in luck.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Bolts are getting ready to chase down the elusive back-to-back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, and that means you're probably looking for somewhere to watch the playoffs.

It's the fifth-straight season the Lightning have clinched a playoff berth. The NHL playoffs will begin on Monday, May 2.

Not sure where to go? You're in luck. There are plenty of options at your fingertips in the Tampa Bay area.

Here are some of the top spots to cheer on the Lightning on their quest for three championships in a row:  

Park & Rec

The dual-city locations are full of oversized games to take your shot at while you cheer on the Bolts. Both locations offer a food menu in addition to drinks.

St. Pete: 100 4th Street South

Tampa: 209 South Meridian Avenue

Hattricks

The Tampa-based bar has no shortage of TVs to catch all the game-time action on. You can grab a drink or a bite to eat and imagine you're at the game while being just a few blocks from Amalie Arena.

Tampa: 107 South Franklin Street

Sparkman Wharf

You can watch the game from downtown Tampa's outdoor one-stop shop for some of the best food and drinks in the area. Not to mention, you'll have Tampa Bay as your backdrop. 

Tampa: 615 Channelside Drive

American Social

Pull up a chair at one of the bar and kitchen's many flatscreens to cheer on the Bolts during their quest for the Cup. 

Tampa: 601 South Harbour Island Boulevard

MacDinton's Irish Pub

Cheer on the Bolts at the bar deemed one of the area's "most popular" for sporting events. The location offers a food menu in addition to drinks. 

Tampa: 405 South Howard Avenue

The Press Box

South Tampa's "original sports emporium and eatery" has been serving the Tampa Bay community for more than 42 years. According to its website, The Press Box hosts specials and giveaways on game day.

Tampa: 222 North Dale Mabry Highway

Oak & Stone

Cheer on the Bolts while you explore the eatery's self-serve beer wall of more than 50 rotating beers.

St. Pete: 199 Central Avenue

Ferg's Sports Bar

You can watch the Lighting during the playoffs on one of the bar's more than 90 TVs while also grabbing a bite to eat and enjoying a cold brew.

St. Pete: 1320 Central Avenue

Ducky's Sports Lounge

The bar deemed "your home for lightning hockey" is ready to help you cheer on the Bolts in their quest for the Cup. Plus, if you want to blow off some steam in between periods, there are always the bar's mini bowling alleys.

Tampa: 1719 West Kennedy Boulevard

Chains

If you'd rather hit up your favorite chain location on game day there are several to choose from across the Tampa Bay area like Duffy's Sports Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings and Beef 'O' Brady's.

Watch party

Tampa Bay Lightning will host a watch party on Ford Thunder Alley at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 for Game 1 of the second-round series as the Bolts take on the instate-rivals Florida Panthers. The party will feature live entertainment, appearances from ThunderBug and other Lightning personalities, plus giveaways and more.

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