Chelsea Bar Back

Fair pricing, free parking, and a variety of top talent and entertainment. Being that everyone is always welcome, you can count on friendly people and a cool vibe!

You have to give Chelsea an "A" for effort, but it's still got a long way to go. The biggest problem remains it's location (sketchy part of town just a few feet from a homeless shelter). I did not feel safe at all. The second biggest problem: the crowd. This is just personal preference, but the crowd was WAY too old for my taste. Tied for second: the smoke. I mean, it was unusually smokey for how busy it was. Considering its small size, Chelsea should consider making the indoor bar non-smoking. At the very least, the bartenders should save it for a cigarette break or something. I have given Chelsea more than a few chances to win me over. This last time may have been just that: my last.

Not cute.

Well first off let me dispute the 11-19-2010 writer. I have been going there for years and let me tell you at one time yes it was scary. That was then here is now. For the last 15 month's or so chealsea club owners nikki and brunno worked very hard and did something. All other owners ignored the harassment. They got help from city and police and boom they cleaned it up big time. They even went as far as having the most awsome security guard mo, who protects all for it is a night club for be who you are. I go there reg and i even live near the bar. The club is safe and they have cameras installed even going that extra mile and mo is so detailed orient that he walk's the area around the bar to keep those less desired out . Wow i give nikki and bruno a bravo for all they have done. Did you know they are member's of gay ybor as well. When they hear of someone in need they help. Nikki does so much for the gay community. Her bartender Dylan, wow what a sexy, sweet very caring and down to earth person. Many of us who have gotten to know nikki and brunno, feel so much love and are so blessed. In the summer her cook outs on the back patio area are awesome and an excellent way to make new friend's .

This is the perfect neighborhood bar. Inside is a bit smokey, but outside on the patio--it can be pretty nice. People are friendly. The age ranges vary on the times of day. Tends to skew a little more toward guys, but everyone is welcome. The owner, Nikki, is amazing and very friendly. Check it out.

I love going to Chelsea. Nikki and staff ALWAYS has a kind word and big smile when I stop by. I have never experienced any of the issues that are being spoken of here. I am a smoker...so obviously that issue would not concern me very much. Nor have I ever seen any homeless people outside. ( there may be some, but I have never seen them) This place is one of the coolest places to just go and get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Whereas I am hoping they will enlarge the dance floor and performance space soon....That is all that I can think of saying about Chelsea. They treat us good and that matters most to me any day!!

Been To the Chelsea a few times and always had a good time! The Owner Nikki, Bartenders, Karaoke guy Carlos Charlie..ALL Very friendly! I will be back again soon!

I have been going to Chelsea's Lounge Local for 4-5 years Now, and although It has a dark alleyway. I have always thought of it as My second home, Nikki, Brunno, dylan, Security Mo,and the staff are simply the best.They also went the extra mile in security lighting, which make sure you see your car better and Not fall down on your face also. The Homeless never Bother me,and safety wise it's better to walking around there...then the streets of Ybor. i have always loved Karaoke there, and being with all my Friends no matter what age they are....they will always be a second family in my heart.

awesome bartenders who invite you out with them on their days off. awesome owner who stops and says hi to everyone in the bar whenever she is there. there is plenty of parking. it has the best little drag show every saturday. this is by far the best all around hang out bar with something different each night and an ever evolving program of events anywhere in the tampa bay area. oh, and for those that think it is in an "unsafe" location -- i'm from philadelphia and there is NOTHING unsafe about the neighborhood chelsea is in. just because it's not on hipster-gentrification street doesn't mean that people are hiding behind telephone poles waiting to attack you.

i've been going to chelsea nigthclub for over a year and i've never been more impressed.... as soon as you pull up your not hassled for money to park, and the bouncer mahamad is walking the parking lot and watching the door at all times.. he is very friendly and is always making sure customers are safe getting to and from their cars... when you walk in it gets better every time... and there is no cover. chelsea and brunno have done so much to the club.. its simply amazing how kind and personable every staff member is.. its so comfortable being there, after all it is the be who you are bar.. on top of great bartenders and dj's they also have the most amazing shows and events their.. as soon as you walk in you are no longer judged.. great drink specials, showstopping entertainment and unstopable music.. it is a 21 and up venue so it cuts out all the crazy kids form down the street.. but don't get me wrong chelsea is definitely a place to have fun... also if you have the chance to stop by during the day chelsea has a great patio to chill out on, and have a cocktail in the sunlight. (also shaded areas) some may be scared because of the location but fact is i've never been hassled, uncomfortable or unsafe there... i give this venue FIVE heels!!! can't wait to go again.... and for those of you who have never been your missing out on a great time...

Nice bar, great people, phenomenal staff. I did have reservations when I saw where it was on the map, but when you arrive your fears are put to ease. The bar is the bright light of the neighborhood. Anyone having uneasy thoughts about 'safety' would have any fears dashed after seeing Chelsea's security... Mo is a rock! The parking area isn't very big so nothing can happen without Mo knowing about it. The bar doesn't start picking up until after 10pm (before that the music is kind of sad) but then it quickly ratchets up to be an energetic and fun crowd. Ages range across the spectrum as with most places it tends to go younger as it gets later. Much love!

Friendly bartender and the crowd wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it would be, judging from the neighborhood. It smelled wierd and there was too much smoke. The night I went there were a lot of females and older guys. The interior has a strange charm, so I'll probably give it another shot to see if any younger guys show.

The economy is HorRiBlE...Expect to see people that are suffering due to it... I didnt see any panhandlers. I didnt feel uncomfortable at all. I enjoyed myself... The staff was great. The crowd was OUTstanding.. And for a matter of fact: Im headed there now (-:

Hey Chelsea - what ever happened to karaoke on Friday nights with Sasha? He was the best host. I came in recently with a group pumped to sing, but we had to find another spot. I hope you consider bringing it back!

We agree 110% with 11/24/10! The owners and staff have put a lot into making Chelsea a welcome and safe place! Just went for the RuPaul kick off event 01/22/11 and if you haven't been since then you need to go! Even if you have been before and were unsure, the changes are a wonderful surprise! NEW back door by the stage that goes out to an awesome updated patio, fire pit, sound system, etc with a beautiful view of the downtown skyline! Can't wait for spring and summer to have a nice place to sit outside. Updates inside too and we have NEVER had a problem in the parking lot. Chelsea put 3+ solid weeks into updates so go check it out and enjoy the "Be Who You Are Bar"!

This place strikes me as a fixer upper. Cool building, but lousy crowd and way too smokey.