Rooftop destinations will never go out of style. I mean, what's not to like? You've got a breeze going, a drink in your hand, food that's just an order away — oh, and that view. That's why we're proposing a challenge to anyone who reads this: See how many of these Tampa Bay hangouts above the ground — there's even a coffee shop — you can cross off your summer wish list.
360° Rooftop A cool, chic place to watch the sunset over cold drinks (everything from craft cocktails to domestic beer) and small bites. This Best of the Bay-winning lounge on the fifth floor of the Mediterranean-inspired Kimpton Hotel Zamora, which looks more like a palace than a hotel, provides panoramic views of the water's edge. Patrons can even tailor the rooftop experience to their moods, choosing to relax on either the low-key Intracoastal Waterway half of 360° or its spacious Gulf of Mexico side. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 855-926-6721, thehotelzamora.com.
The Attic You've probably been to a rooftop bar. But what about a coffee shop? In the heart of downtown Tampa, the Attic blends both bar and cafe on the fourth floor of a historic 100-year-old building, spotlighting breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as specialty coffee, tea and Florida craft beer. Go for the atmosphere and stay for the view. 500 E. Kennedy Blvd. #400, Tampa, 813-226-1003, atticcafe.net.
The Canopy Part of Beach Drive's Birchwood, this casual-chic rooftop lounge with an upper-level kitchen pours a lineup of signature cocktails, brews and wines by the glass. Guests can pair their drinks with a seasonal food menu, featuring sandwiches, flatbreads and starters, while taking in views of the downtown St. Pete waterfront and skyline. In his 2013 review of the Canopy, CL Food Critic Jon Palmer Claridge said: "It's only five stories up, but it sure seems close to heaven." 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-896-1080, thebirchwood.com.
Del Frisco's Grille You probably wouldn't expect to find a rooftop bar at an American restaurant chain (I definitely didn't), but Del Frisco's Tampa has one. A more casual take on its upscale steakhouse sibling, the bar and grill's energetic setting above the ground, offering beer, cocktails and wine, is decked out in burnt orange and dark browns that set the tone for a swanky evening. 4138 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-878-6890, delfriscosgrille.com.
EDGE Social Drinkery Specializing in carefully constructed cocktails and an extensive spirits selection, another BOTB-winning (and recently upgraded) offering that overlooks the cityscape. The Epicurean Hotel's rooftop bar also carries local beer and wine, alongside new small plates like short rib quesadillas and duck confit lettuce wraps. 1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-999-8731, edgesocialdrinkery.com.
Fly Bar & Restaurant The upstairs deck of this eclectic and popular hotspot is billed as "a haven for relaxation," and it totally is. With a hefty beer and wine list, plus signature and featured cocktails, you'll want to make a night of Fly's cozy rooftop long after the sun sets over downtown Tampa. 1202 N. Franklin St, Tampa, 813-275-5000, flybarandrestaurant.com.
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant A waterfront landmark in historic Pass-A-Grille with twin bars on its third-level rooftop. Happy hour runs from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday up top (a drink by the name of Colossal Margarita is a signature), and there's also a menu of casual beach eats on hand if the munchies take over. This destination is fit for locals and out-of-towners looking for daytime or after-hours merriment. 809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-9558, thehurricane.com.
Level 11 The Grand Plaza Hotel's answer to a sophisticated rooftop hangout. Those familiar with the 12th-level rotating restaurant Spinners should explore a floor below, where Level 11's globally influenced small plates and not-to-be-missed beach views can be found. Complement your laid-back stay with a lineup of mixed drinks, locally made suds and a featured wine of the week. 5250 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-1811, grandplazaflorida.com.
The Refinery You'll want to grab a table at the esteemed Tampa Bay restaurant's rooftop patio. Whether you're there for a local beer, glass of wine or to fulfill a crippling craving for well-thought-out plates and burgers, the open-air deck serves as an intimate Florida-style setting, especially for couples doing date night in Seminole Heights. 5137 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-237-2000, thetamparefinery.com.