News

Bar & club review

Straight up from the regulars

By tbt* staff report
Published April 13, 2005

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New World Brewery has a loyal clientele composed of musicians, artists and professionals of all ages and walks of life. We talked to some regulars and found out what they have to say about their favorite hangout.

"What I love about New World Brewery: The pizza kicks butt. The jukebox rules and it's free. It's the first place I ever drank Newcastle Brown Ale, and I can always count on seeing a friend there. Plus, New World's low indoor lighting provides the illusion that I'm more attractive than I really am."

--Kamran Mir, 27, WMNF-FM 88.5 DJ and guitarist for Urbane Cowboys

"In February of 2003, Crooked Fingers (Eric Bachmann of Archers of Loaf's new band) came down to play. Before they were to go on, the temperature outside was near freezing, so the band (consisting of all acoustic instruments) decided to play inside with no P.A. system. The band stood on top of the tables and the bar, moving around the room so everyone crammed inside could get a chance to hear. The room was virtually absent of crowd noise as Crooked Fingers played and sang just as loud as humanly possible. It was a show that was so intimate and spontaneous that it could have only happened at New World."

-- Gabe Loewenberg, 29, bassist for Eumenides

"The New World jukebox has seen more action then any of the patrons. New World was hosting a Jobsite Theater fundraiser, so we were knockin' 'em back to show our appreciation. I decided to kick off my heels and demonstrate the proper Riverdance technique to the room. In one graceful, Michael Flatley motion, I twirled across the tile, fell on the corner of the juke box and managed to bruise my coccyx. I couldn't sit down without wincing for weeks, except when sitting on a bar stool, oddly enough. That was the same juke that was fed a beer directly into the dollar slot by one infamous Ybor enabler. Now it only plays drinking songs."

--Dena Cousins, 26, actor

"New World has developed its own niche socially as well as musically. It's a haven from the rampant capitalism in Ybor City."

-- Will Quinlan, 39, singer and guitarist for the Diviners (former front man for long-established Tampa act Pagan Saints)

"Why I love going to New World? Out of habit. ... Just kidding. Really, it's just so relaxed. GREAT beer options, always knowing I'll see a familiar face. Some of my best memories in Tampa somehow revolve around New World, one way or another."

-- Scott Imrich, 33, Hub manager and WMNF FM-88.5 DJ

"I always come here. New World has the best people, best shows and best competition in foosball. Of course, it still has its flaws - there's no Slayer in the jukebox."

-- Jason Young, 28, businessman

"There is no place I would rather play. The environment is conducive for a laid back atmosphere. Sure, there is no fancy equipment awaiting your arrival, but playing for an intimate crowd on a wooden patio inundated with plants, strange lighting and genuine character enhances the experience."

-- Laura Poinsette, 26, singer and keyboardist for Isobella

[Last modified April 18, 2005, 11:12:07]

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