Courtesy of Valentina Cardona | The Crow’s Nest
By Valentina Cardona
As a busy twenty-something-year-old, I barely have time for friends. With the hustle and bustle of life, it is almost impossible to find time to do just about anything.
There is, however, one friend that I always have time for.
He is 75 pounds of muscle and hair, and most certainly the best boy around. Arrow, my two-year-old Collie and Labrador mixed sidekick, burst into my life and instantly became inseparable. We spend all our free time together and always look for exciting ways to bond with one another.
While working at an event in downtown Tampa, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Two Shepherds Tap Room. Conveniently located four minutes from Raymond James Stadium, Two Shepherds prides itself on being the first indoor and outdoor dog park and bar in Tampa.
It is important to be clear that this is not a dog bar. I had initial expectations of this business model being focused on “the dog,” including serving dog-friendly beer or unique dishes for canines. However, this tap room is quite literally “the perfect balance between a dog park and a chill, lowkey bar,” first-time visitor Jacob Woods said.
Two Shepherds features a quaint and cozy indoor bar beside a shockingly clean seated area, separated by a latch gate leading to the indoor dog park. The space is decorated with magnificent paintings and murals of canines by Veronica Steiner and Travis Knight.
Two Shepherds also hosts weekly events, including trivia and bingo nights and special events including Barktoberfest, for anyone over 21 years old to enjoy — dog parent or not.
The selection of craft beers at Two Shepherds is vast, however, don’t expect to find an equally large variety for wine or seltzers.
My bartender recommended the 3 Daughters Brewing Raspberry Lemonade Cider, considering my request for something “not too sweet, just a little refreshing.”
This cider was the perfect balance between fruity and soothing with a little kick at the end. As I sipped on this drink, I realized that I was completely surrounded by happy dogs playing everywhere.
It was heaven.
The outdoor area features a large lawn, small tin pools and a large splash pad for all four-legged friends to enjoy. Parents were able to enjoy picnic tables, comfortable seating and umbrellas while keeping an eye out on their pets. Socialization among both humans and canines was at an all-time high and all play was pleasantly under control.
After spending some time at Two Shepherds, I came to the realization that this place deserves all the hype. Two Shepherds balances the atmosphere of a craft beer bar and a dog park perfectly, where guests can relax and enjoy a night out.
Arrow and I will certainly be back and can’t wait to make memories with our new friends at Two Shepherds Taproom.
Valentina Cardona is a senior digital communications and multimedia journalism major at the St. Petersburg campus.
This article is an exquisite invitation to have the pleasure of investing quality time with friends, humans and canines. The richness of the description of this experience at the bar; in the manner that it is expressed,
Invites all senses and mostly the sense of good companion.
i loved this article!