TAMPA -- I like to drink! Sure, I'm low on money, but I still like to have my frosty beverage. I do what I can to satisfy my lager appetite. Don't need food. Don't need a car. Just give me a comfy bar stool and my daily diet of wheat and barley and I'm good to go. But finding places with cheap drinks and even cheaper entertainment can be tough. Everything is upscale these days, and getting my drink on has become quite the challenge. But Poor Boy is a survivor. I'm out there hitting the streets, finding ways to do what I do best…and that's drink. It's time to take you along on my weekly adventure and point you in the direction of nightlife, the affordable way.

This week, I decided to venture into downtown Tampa. Poor Boy has to stay close to the big cities, because finding a ride is much easier. Besides, there is quite a selection of low cost watering holes around these towns. I came across a little bar on Morgan St. called Gilligan's. No, not the TV show. I can't afford a TV. Anyway, Gilligan's offers 99-cent drafts. No joke! I'm walking up Morgan St. from the Times Forum and see the green neon sign almost a mile away. Then I see a sign right there in the window, practically calling my name. Saying, "Poor boy, we have great drink specials" (say this slow for more dramatic effect).

So I go in, step up to the bar and order. Folks, I'm talking good beer here. I grab myself a Killians and proceed to chat with some of the locals. Gillian's is open for lunch and dinner and has drink specials all day long. I'm told they will even have a complimentary Irish buffet on St. Patty's Day. Can't beat that! Good beer and free food! The joint isn't too big, but has a nice sports bar theme going on. The location is great, literally two blocks north of the hockey arena. I can chill at the bar, watch the Lightning game, and for about $10, enjoy affordable beverages all night long. When I've spent all my money, I can either walk to some of the other establishments around downtown, or start talking some U of Tampa students into buying me drinks. So my night in Tampa has ended. My belly is full and I'm happy. I've started this adventure with a cool little pub and an even smaller bar tab. For more information on Gilligan's, call them at 813-301-9050.