Striking new beer and wine bar, Sky Puppy, debuts in Ybor

Sky Puppy celebrated its grand opening on September 13, marking the occasion with 13 craft beers, 13 tap handles, and 13 brewing vessels, fittingly located at 1313 East 8th Ave. in historic Ybor. The interior was crafted by Leonard Construction Company, while the bat-themed decor was the vision of Florida artist Copper Tritcheller. Her unique sculptures are displayed throughout the space, and even the beer taps are bronze casts of bats.

For owners Matthew McKinnon and Danielle Vergnaud-McKinnon, the location holds deep personal significance. Previously the site of New World Brewery, 1313 East 8th Ave. is where they had their first date and where Matthew later proposed. When the building became available, Danielle told That’s So Tampa, “This is the space; this is where we have to do it.”

Florida artist casts bronze bats for the decor

The century-old brick wall was preserved, soaring up to the high ceilings and giving the intimate space an impressive grandeur. Sleek benches, custom booths, and a small bar-top with a standing area provide comfortable seating for 45 guests at the front. Leonard Construction Company carefully salvaged the original brick from the facade, incorporating it as the gateway into the brewhouse, where Matthew expertly brews his collection of lagers, pilsners, stouts, sours, and IPAs—13 in total. For those seeking variety, a selection of natural wines is also available.

Adding to the ambiance, sculptures of bats created by Florida artist Copper Tritcheller adorn the space. Behind the bar, each tap handle is a bronze cast of a bat in a dramatic pose. A giant bat stands guard by the door, a cluster hovers near the standing area, and another perches above the brewhouse entrance.

Tritcheller’s fascination with bats stems from her time studying at a foundry in Thailand, where she formed a close bond with other women. Bats regularly hung around the temples, and as night fell, they would dart into the twilight. Inspired by these moments, Tritcheller began casting sculptures of bats—her “sky puppies.”

“I hope we can add to the Ybor community…”

Matthew and Danielle began developing Sky Puppy as soon as COVID restrictions lifted. Though the project took years to complete, the result is a thoughtfully crafted, striking, and unique bar, from its customer service and beer selection to its interior design and sculpted bats.

“I hope we can contribute to the Ybor community and elevate the craft beer experience in the area,” says Danielle. “The craft beer industry is the best to be a part of—we receive a lot of support.”

Sky Puppy might just be my new favorite spot in Ybor.