The Distillery Tavern

A pretty nice place in Bradenton to get hammered relatively cheap.

Many friends of mine like/​love this place a lot. Some continue to go there over and over again. It’s definitely spacious with 2 bars/​sides. One side where the bands play and the other with the gaming/​pool tables and jukebox. I’ve been here too many times due to my aforementioned friends and thank god for them as company/​fun providers along with the alcohol. It is just a tired local place and I have seen only one good band there during my long tenure living in Bradenton. The 80’s and 90’s nites are lame and the crowd is old and/​or not really all that cool. From what I recall, and have heard about many times, towards the end of the night some drunk girl inevitable gets partially naked for a nice ‘classy’ show. A pointless endeavor IMO unless you’re up on a stage getting paid good money to do so. I was very surprised when I went there a couple of times before I moved to MI and had to pay a ludicrous $ 5 cover versus the old $ 3 one (and I have no problem paying upwards of a $ 10 cover to get into a very good or fun establishment). They should pay ME to walk in there.

A real low-​class neighborhood bar. The bartenders are friendly and will remember your name. Don’t worry about getting dressed-​up to go here– it is far from Bradenton’s finest. A t-​shirt & ripped jeans will suffice. If you can look past the stuffy smoky atmosphere, you’re bound to have a good time. Drinks are cheap and made well. There is usually live-​entertainment (though often it is a repeat band with the same setlist every week). Pool tables in the side room, and darts. Ladies, go on Thursday for $ 1 drinks! Oh, and they make AMAZING Asian Ice Picks for only $ 4! ($ 20 minimum on cards, so bring cash if you’re not planning to drink a lot.)