bar

Take 2 Lounge

By Jessica Brady, tbt* Staff Writer
Published October 12, 2007

Vitals: 14416 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa (813) 963-0578. Sunday through Thursday, Noon to midnight. Friday and Saturday, Noon to 2 a.m. Credit cards accepted. www.tampapitchershow.net .

The spot: If you're tired of your living room and want to watch the football game or play Nintendo Wii in another living room with a full bar and comfy couches, then Take 2 Lounge is the place. Attached to the Tampa Pitcher Show, a restaurant and movie theater in Carrollwood, the lounge radiates a '50s feel with Hollywood stars. On the back wall a huge mural honors all the classic movies from The Godfather to Batman. Two flat screen TVs are mounted above the bar and a much larger one is hung above a fake fireplace. Sleek black and red couches face the fireplace and TV and make for an at-home feeling. The lounge is extremely clean and the surround sound is crisp.

Added bonus: Since the Take 2 Lounge is attached to the Tampa Pitcher Show, it's a two-for-one deal. If you want to catch a flick before heading to the bar to watch Monday Night Football, you can. Simply walk through the door that connects the lounge to the theater. Or simply wine and dine as you watch a movie. Movies are featured for one to two weeks and all showings start at 6:15 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and younger, provided you purchase at least one food or drink item.

Prime location: Take 2 Lounge is right off Dale Mabry Highway between Fletcher Avenue and Bearss Avenue. There is ample parking.

The crowd: All ages are welcome at the lounge, but it is more of a bar than a family joint. Everyone was friendly and the staff made it a point to make us feel welcome. It definitely has Cheers potential - a place where every body knows your name. The attire is simple, whatever you feel like wearing.

Juice: Stocked with a full liquor bar, not to mention beer and wine, there's no drink that can't be made. Drink specials vary by the night - Sunday is Game Day, Wednesday Ladies Night and Thursday is Hospitality night - just to name a few.

Music: Although Take 2 Lounge has a great sound system, music isn't played Sunday through Tuesday, since the speakers are dedicated to football games and Nintendo Wii tournaments. Every other night, there is a mix of tunes playing, and on Friday and Saturday, live music is performed.

Grub: Open for lunch and dinner, the menu is simple. A mixture of pizzas and wings to salads and sandwiches. Mondays are dedicated to 25-cent wings, and they are delicious, served with plenty of celery and blue cheese. No need to ask for extra. The fries were hot and crispy, just the way I like them. Prices start at $4.

[Last modified October 10, 2007, 17:14:01]