Silver Bar Premium Lager Beer Flat Top Can

Tampa's Classic Silver Bar Can

The Silver Bar Premium Lager Beer flat top can is a recognized artifact of Florida's mid-century regional brewing landscape. Produced by the historic Southern Brewing Company at its downtown facility on East Zack Street in Tampa, Florida, the Silver Bar label represents an era when local breweries held a strong presence across the Southeast.

Brewery Background

Southern Brewing Company opened in 1934 following the repeal of Prohibition. The downtown Tampa facility was notable for its street-level architecture featuring large glass viewing windows, which allowed passersby to watch brewing operations directly from the sidewalk. In its peak years, the brewery turned out tens of thousands of barrels annually, with Silver Bar serving as its flagship brand across regional taverns. In 1956, Detroit-based International Breweries Inc. (IBI) acquired the plant, continuing production until mounting pressure from national brewing giants expanding into Florida led to the brewery's closure in 1963.

Design and Known Variations

The can features bold mid-century typography and classic Silver Bar graphic elements. Collectors track several variations produced during the brand's production history. Variations exist with different background color treatments—such as metallic finishes and set colorways—as well as distinct can-maker signatures from companies like American Can Company and Crown Cork & Seal. Some cans also feature specialty vanity lids stamped with Florida or Silver Bar branding.

Because independent regional breweries in the South largely vanished due to mid-century market consolidation, Silver Bar containers serve as significant historical records of Florida's commercial brewing past.