The Brass Tap

Bar, Beer-to-go

2000 Piazza Ave
Ste 110
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 33543-5427
United States

(813) 991-4343 | map
brasstapbeerbar.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.21
Reviews:
11
Ratings:
15
pDev:
12.59%
View: Place Reviews
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Photo of clayrock81
Reviewed by clayrock81 from Florida

3.85/5  rDev -8.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75
Place is BYOF and allows dogs on patio even though has kitchen so that's a nice plus. It's in a shopping mall district and can get a little dingy but the people are cool and laid-back (aka "old", as one kid told me). They have a large selection of on-tap and bottled beers, with the prices being a little high and the selection not going to wow you but it's a good place if you're in the area (especially if you're forced to go shopping for a bit) and want to catch a game (especially the Bolts or Bucs).
Jul 25, 2022
 
Rated: 3.64 by tjcamm from Oregon

Feb 08, 2016
 
Rated: 4.52 by AaronK01 from Florida

Nov 29, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by tsmitche from Florida

Feb 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Choooobee from Florida

Oct 26, 2013
Photo of SaCkErZ9
Reviewed by SaCkErZ9 from South Carolina

3.83/5  rDev -9%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.25
I only have two complaints about this place. Both are mostly inexcusable, so I docked the service criteria score.

The atmosphere is pretty sweet. Although it was 90+ degrees outside in the middle of goddamn August, they had all the doors and windows open. I was inside so the effects of the heat were mostly diminished, but I wonder about the energy cost for this place. There was outdoor and indoor seating, but when all the doors are open, everything becomes outdoor seating.

The bartender herself was good at her job and seemed to know the menu. The menu, however, was completely faked up, and I attribute that to the staff. She gave me a meny from two months ago. So of course, the first three beers I ordered, they "were out of". WTF? She then realized I had an old menu. However, two of the beers I ordered were actually on the chalkboard, which is supposed to be the most up-to-date listing of available beers.

My second complaint is with the pricing. I love that they put the price of each beer and abv% on the menu. However, when the serving size is omitted, all of that information is useless. I can get a 5.5% beer for $6 or I can get an 8.5% beer for $5.5. Obviously the abv difference would explain a price difference, but when beers are close in abv yet miles apart in price, it leaves me confused. Information is the key to success and proper decision making, but lack of info, even a tiny bit, leads to chaos and anarchy and war (JK). Please put the serving size on your menus if you are giving the ABV and price as well.

Very nice selection but nothing I would pull a quick U-turn for. Prices were a little high, in my opinion. $6 for a standard beer seems a bit steep. But I am a cheap skate.
Aug 14, 2013
Photo of joshodonn
Reviewed by joshodonn from Florida

4.88/5  rDev +15.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
It's been a while since anyone has reviewed the Brass Tap so I figured it's only appropriate that I make my first review of a bar here on BA that of my favorite place to enjoy great beer, the Brass Tap...

I have been somewhat of a regular at the Brass Tap for almost two years now. I drive by the place every day on my way home from work, so it's only natural that I stop in on a regular basis for a delicious brew.

The staff is top notch. They are all super friendly and beer-knowledgeable for the most part. The GM is a great guy and knows more about beer than anyone I've ever met. I've not spoken of a single beer that he hasn't tried or at least knew about.

The beer selection is the best in the immediate area and for Tampa as a whole it is in the top 5 for sure. This bar has about 40 beers on tap and they are constantly rotating their draft selections. Tonight I had a delicious Lagunitas WTF. Their bottle selection is also very diverse.

They do not serve food, however Grillsmith is located next door and they have a server that comes through and will bring you food. There are also several other restaurants in the mall that will deliver.

All-in-all, the Brass Tap is a great beer bar that is a must-visit if you are in the New Tampa / Wesley Chapel area.
Mar 30, 2012
Photo of TheCheatSeat
Reviewed by TheCheatSeat from Florida

4.8/5  rDev +14%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I'm going to come right out and say it. I love the Brass Tap. If it weren't for my wonderful back porch, it would be my favorite place to hang out and have a beer. Well, on second thought, my back porch doesn't have hundreds of different beers to choose from. So yeah, the Brass Tap IS my favorite place to have a beer.

My first experience at the Tap occurred almost a year ago. The wife and I were at the Wiregrass mall doing some shopping and were really hungry. We saw this new place and thought we'd try it. As I looked through what I thought was a food menu, I realized that there was only beer and wine available. We left in search of food. Flash forward to March of this year. Wife takes me to the mall during March Madness. She can tell that I don't want to go stand around in Express while she tries on half the store, so she tells me to wait at the Brass Tap and watch some basketball. About an hour (and four beers) later, she finds her slightly drunk husband perched outside on the patio about to order another one.

Since that wonderful visit the wife and I have spent many a day and night sitting out on the patio people watching and drinking great beer from all around the world. Best of all, we've made friends along the way. See, The Brass Tap to me is kind of like my back porch away from home. I feel comfortable. I feel happy. And what makes a better drinking environment than that?

The Tap has plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied too. You can play darts in the back, watch one of about 20 televisions, or experience some great live music. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night The Brass Tap features great local bands and singers. I really enjoy live music, especially good live music, and I've never been disappointed there. Perhaps my favorite night though is Tuesday. Starting around 9:30 The Tap offers karaoke until the wee hours of the morning. Let's face it, drunken people singing is usually great, even when it's terrible. I've been known to get up and sing a few tunes myself. I fall into the terrible category but at least I realize it.

Oh yes...The beer! With over 40 beers on tap, a list that changes quite frequently, and hundreds of other beers in bottles, you can go there and never have to drink the same beer twice. Sometimes I find it fun to go on a tour of a particular country while there - although I usually end up just living in Belgium. For non-beer drinkers they also have a nice selection of wines and if you are the type to bring your kids to a bar, they'll even rustle up some sodas. You can also purchase cigars there as well to accompany your drinks.

I mentioned before that on my first trip there I was disappointed to not find any food on the menu. Fortunately the two restaurants that bookend The Brass Tap offer to go service, usually going as far as having waiters come over to take orders and deliver. This comes in handy for someone like myself, who seems to really like the 8% alcohol and above beers.

What really sets The Brass Tap apart is the staff. We have been fortunate enough to get to know many of the girls that serve there and every one of them is always knowledgeable, friendly, and pretty easy on the eyes too. Even when the waitresses we love move on to new things the management seems pretty capable of finding the right kind of people to work there.

So, in case you couldn't already tell, The Brass Tap is my favorite bar. If I could I'd go every day. This blog would get pretty boring though if I never went anywhere else. Still, this is always a must at least once or twice a week. Sometimes more. In fact, just writing about it has perked up my taste buds for a nice cold Chimay. Before I hop in the car, I'll leave you with this. Remember the show Cheers? Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. And if you're like me, then that's usually a bar. The Brass Tap is my "Cheers" bar. Come in sometime. I'll be sure to scream "Norm!" at you.
Oct 28, 2010
Photo of RomaniIteDomum
Reviewed by RomaniIteDomum from Florida

4.14/5  rDev -1.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Living less than a mile from here I can probably describe the place with my eyes closed. I also know when not to go so I can best avoid crowds that may detract from my drinking enjoyment. Extra points for being the perfect oasis during holiday shopping season.

The quality of the highly knowledgeable servers and bartenders is quite high even when the place is packed. How they do it is beyond me.

The beer selection is among the best in the area. They have a knack for getting the best tap offerings in Tampa along with an extensive bottle selection. It is also pleasant to note that beer of the BMC (and Corona, etc.) are bottle only. No precious taps are wasted. The prices are a bit rough in the bottle department, but they do a discount for a mixed 6 pack.
Jul 13, 2010
Photo of bhalter8
Reviewed by bhalter8 from Georgia

3.94/5  rDev -6.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Came into Tampa, and timed it to make it to a Cigar City Brewing event here, or at least I thought I did. The Brass Tap would do well to put directions on their website, as Garmin has no idea where it is and google maps will drop you off at a Smith Road, which is a gravel road in a new suburban development. Once found, The Brass Tap is located in the middle of a nice looking, if cookie cutterish, shopping development in what appears to be the suburban growth of North Tampa. A very nice looking bar, very classy woodwork, and well maintained tap list on the chalkboard. This place is also very big. I have to knock it on atmosphere, but I guess this is just my personal taste, because a lot of beer destinations in Tampa seem to be more "party place" and less friendly beer bar. As the night wore on, that was definitely the case at The Brass Tap. I heard differing opinions around the tables, but when I was seated at the bar, I must commend our bartender "Paige," incredibly nice, and very attentive to my wife and I. She had a decent background of beer knowledge, but really made the visit great due to her welcoming nature and attention to us, even when the crowds grew. Whoever does the beer selections here should also be commended, while they carry some BMC for the previously mentioned "party" crowd, the rest of the beer list, and especially tap list, is amazing. Two beers (outside of the stellar CCB brews) that stood out were Stone's Sublimely Self Righteous and Brooklyn's Intensified Coffee stout on tap, good work! As is the case with lots of these places in Tampa, no food due to smoking, but you can order in from elsewhere. Excellent beer list, and worth a visit... if you can find it.
May 30, 2009
Photo of WynnO
Reviewed by WynnO from Florida

4.33/5  rDev +2.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
I went two days in a row---on a Friday night (my first time) and Saturday afternoon. If you are young & don't mind crowds, weekend nights are for you. Expect slow service though because this place was swamped! If you are wanting to enjoy their beer, I would advise a slower time, such as the Saturday afternoon I went.

Some negative reviews are present mentioning the bad service. They must have improved because I thought the service on Saturday was above average. The two gals that waited on me knew enough to answer basic questions, and they had their favorites for anyone needing a place to begin.

The highlights of my visit were (all these are on tap):
Youngs Chocolate (my favorite chocolate beer)
Chimay Trippel
Saxo blonde
Delirium
Guiness 250! (first one I've seen)
St Bernardus
Gulden Draak

They have no food, however on Saturday this was no problem---the restaurant next door came by served food. Their service was actually good.

I will definitely visit this place again---I hope it's successful. It is dreadfully hard to find good beer places in this area (that is changing though).
May 13, 2009
Photo of tpd975
Reviewed by tpd975 from Florida

4.14/5  rDev -1.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Have been enough times that I feel as though I can give this one a fair review.

This place is a real gem in what for the most part is a beer wasteland. It's in a mall which I think is actually a good thing. It is well appointed with nice wood. They have both indoor and outdoor seating if people watching is your thing.

They do not serve food but several area locations will deliver it to the Brass Tap for you, one of which is GrillSmith Yum!

The service is very good, at the bar or at a table the bartender or server is there when your drink is empty. They have a good selection with a major focus on craft beer. They have 40 or so taps which serve the full Cigar City lineup which I appreicate along with numerous other gems. There is probably 300 or so bottles as well. I have heard they are going to get rid of a bottle cooler and add even more taps, which would be a great thing. With 300 bottles I am sure there is some stuff you can get rid of to bring on more good fresh on tap offerings.

Prices as a tick high, but I have the feeling that has to do with the mall location. It can't be cheap. It is easy access off the interstate, you can eat here, and if craft beer is not the wifes thing send her shopping.

I like the place. It is one I will visit time and time again. Gotta give props to Ryan (Gillard on BA) as well. He knows his beer and does his best to try to get all the good stuff on tap.
May 01, 2009
Photo of UptownKevin
Reviewed by UptownKevin from Florida

4.39/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 5
With forty great beers on tap, nearly 300 in bottles and a great open air atmosphere, The Brass Tap is poised to be one of the better beer drinking establishments in the northern suburbs of Tampa.

The Brass Tap is located in the outdoor Shops at Wiregrass mall, only a couple of miles from the intersection of I-75 and I-275, on Bruce B. Downs and 56. In an area with very few drinking establishments, this was a beer oasis in the middle of a suburbia dessert. The beers on tap cover just about any taste and style, from oatmeal stout, to pale ale and dark brown ales. If you can't find what you like on tap, then the bottle selection likely covers it. With the high ceilings, long bar and giant chalkboard, it reminds me of the atmosphere of a west coast beer bar.

The biggest two drawbacks are the service and the crowd. A couple of the bartenders really know their beer, but the majority of the waitstaff are pretty clueless. But let's face it, how many bars do you frequent where the waitstaff is REALLY knowledgeable? I hate to completely fault them for that. As far as the crowd, it's Wesley Chapel and the suburbia crowd (ok, so I live in Wesley Chapel too...). Not necessarily the most beer savvy, but weren't we all at that point at one time or another?

Bottom line, The Brass Tap has moved into a great location and is providing a much needed service to the area by serving great beers at a tolerable price point.
Apr 15, 2009
Photo of Rudemeister
Reviewed by Rudemeister from Florida

4.41/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I stopped in the first time today and I was very pleased with my experience. It started as a "liquid" lunch and the place was fairly empty at noon. They don't serve food but you can get some from the restaurant next door (which I did) or bring your own. The barkeeper was very knowledgeable about the beers on tap (she professed to having tried ALL 40 of them). I tried one of their 4 glass samplers and she made a nice suggestion as I had my mind made up on 3 of them. I finished my lunch and beer flight, then I ordered a post- lunch pint (Irish Ale as dessert, yummy). Happy hours, right now, are from noon to 7:00 PM ($1.00 off drafts). A sampler of four beers and a draft was $14.00 (plus tax & tip) which is about average here in Tampa. My neighbor lady was open about not being a beer "connoisseur", but the barkeeper, I thought, made some nice suggestions for a her and her male friend (this was their second time there). They appear to rotate their tap beer, so I'll be interested to see what's available at my next visit. They do have an extensive bottled beer menu (hundreds) that vary in considerably in price.
Jan 23, 2009
Photo of nick76
Reviewed by nick76 from Florida

2.83/5  rDev -32.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 2.5 | service: 1.5 | selection: 4
Let me start off by saying that I have gone twice to this establishment once when they first opened and once a few weeks later. I usually cut some slack to a place that just opens when it comes to the knowledge and training of staff but my experience here has no equal. When you arrive there are 4 or maybe 5 waitresses holding the doors I guess it's like eye candy to get you inside. I am thinking OK maybe they are just uber staffed because the place is packed. I sit down and I didn't have to wait long at all before someone greeted me asked me if I had been there before, I said no, and I was told someone would be right with me I didn't know why she couldn't serve me but OK maybe she is a door holder and knows nothing about beer. However that person left and a few minutes later someone else came to my table. I am thinking OK now I will get to order something and they are just busy. I start asking questions about the beers and if they have anything special that is not on the menu I get ... silence... the waitress knows zip. Also no one bothered to tell me anything about the place even after they asked me if I had been there before. I had been to World of Beer so I just figured it out for myself when I got hungry I started looking for a menu at a local place in the mall. Once I finally order I want maybe 20 minutes could be more for my beer. I was stupid from this point on because I ordered another and waited an eternity. I guess I was thirsty. And the best part is when I thought I could trust the waitress to give me the right price for my beers, nope she told me a $6 beer was $10 and didn't ofter to bring me change. Maybe she just wanted a big tip but lying about the price of the beer... There is no way I am giving an $8 tip for two beers. I hope she was just mistaken about the prices. The way I found out was from looking at the menu after I went back a second time... I was upset and I still have a bad taste in my mouth. The beers are over priced as well. It's a nice looking place and I want to like it but they have some problems.
Nov 27, 2008
The Brass Tap in Wesley Chapel, FL
Place rating: 4.21 out of 5 with 15 ratings