From speakeasies where a password is always required, to laundromats that are actually great watering holes, and no-frills lounges that are way off the beaten path, here are a few hidden gems in the Tampa Bay area.

Ciro’s Tampa 2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-251-0022 This classic cocktail bar is located inside the historic Bayshore Royal Building and requires a password to get in. It specializes in unique and unexpected drink concoctions that elevate the exclusive-feeling experience. Photo via Ciro’s/Facebook
Dirty Laundry 1742 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-493-0040 You better pick up the phone when it rings in this ordinary-looking laundromat. A voice will tell you a code to punch into the washing machine, unveiling a vibrant indoor space and a relaxing outdoor patio. Credit: Photo via Dirty Laundry/Website
CW’s Gin Joint 633 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-816-1446 As a throwback to a time when “style and gentility” persisted, Carolyn Wilson (CW) created a space with a fine range of cocktails and food suited for sophisticated palates. Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Website
Lee’s Grocery 2210 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 813-374-0179 Originally built in 1884 as a local grocery store that catered to the local community of migrant workers, Lee’s four-year-old makeover means the joint now offers stone baked pizza, arguably the best wings in the Heights and craft beer, plus package sales available for takeout only. Photo via Lee’s Grocery/Facebook
In Between Days 2340 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, no reservations You won’t have to knock when you arrive at Florida’s first Tokyo-style listening bar with its own sound hi-fidelity system and signature food, drinks and even craft sake. Credit: Photo by Skyler June via inbetweendays.co/Instagram
Grand Cathedral 2201 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-296-2977 Fine food, drinks and an immense selection of cigars brings this live music venue to life at the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Credit: Ray Roa
The Sunset Room 204 E Henderson Ave., Tampa, 813-358-8483 Located above the old Hall on Franklin site, the Sunset Room is Black-owned and operated by Full Moon Branding, which throws weekly parties for sophisticated folks in a lounge-like setting. Expect a full bar, bottle service, small plates and live music. Photo via Full Moon Branding/Instagram
Floridian Social Club 687 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-322-4600 Get transported to the “Roaring 20s” when jazz bands and flappers were at their peak in this downtown St. Petersburg location. Don’t be afraid to put on a bedazzled dress and a cloche hat to relive those golden days alongside live music and entertainment. Photo via Floridian Social Club/Facebook
Mandarin Heights 5901 N Florida Ave, Tampa Self-proclaimed as “stewards of the cocktail culture,” this Seminole Heights bar creates a new menu every Tuesday to explore and find drinks tailored to every guest’s preferences. Photo via Mandarin Heights/Facebook
Club 201 at The Detroit 201 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-873-6427 The Victorian-era and steampunk-inspired bar offers craft cocktails, beer and tapas at one of St. Petersburg’s oldest buildings. Photo via Club 201 at The Detroit/Facebook
SpookEasy Lounge 1823 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-857-5125 In this alcohol-free setting you can enjoy botanical teas, kava, and coffee only if you’re able to get through the secret passage. Halloween is celebrated year round with “spooky story nights” every Tuesday. Photo via SpookEasy Lounge/Facebook
M. Bird Armature Works, 1903 Market St., Tampa, 813-296-2702 The art deco-inspired rooftop bar at Amature Works invites guests to refresh with their curated cocktails and a view. Photo via M. Bird/Facebook
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar 1611 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-898-8628 With authentic recipes, the private Mexican Speakeasy 1900 vault room showcases the Día de los Muertos celebration from Mexican culture for special occasions, private dining and bottle service only. Photo via Catrinas Taco and Tequila Bar/Facebook
The Hangar 540 1st St. SE., St. Petersburg, 727-823-7767 Attention, airplanes flying low. Enjoy a meal with a view of the Albert Whitted Airport in this restaurant and flight lounge that combines classic American dishes and modern creations. Go there on Monday nights when the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association stages one of the region’s best jazz jams. Photo via The Hangar/Facebook
Copa 1047 Central Ave St. Petersburg, 727-623-9199 Located at the heart of the Edge District, a mix of Latin American, Caribbean and Mediterranean food can be enjoyed to the sounds of Afro-Latin music alongside a full liquor bar, wines, beer, cocktails and hookah. Photo via Copa/Facebook
DeSanto 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226 Above Red Mesa Cantina lies this rooftop bar with an exclusive view of downtown St. Petersburg. It has a trendy bar and cozy lounge area, serves cold plates only and has tequila for days. Photo via DeSanto/Website
Best Mac ‘n’ Cheese Gigglewaters Finalists: Golden Dinosaurs, The Dunedin Smokehouse Credit: Photo via Gigglewaters
The Lounge by Meat Market 1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-280-1113 This sophisticated “after-dinner experience” is catered towards those who enjoy the finest things in life. You and your party will have a private cocktail waitress and a plush private pod. Photo via The Lounge by Meat Market/Instagram
Lolita’s Wine Market 16 18th St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-505-0503 This wine and coffee shop allows you to create your own charcuterie boards and serves Spanish and Mediterranean inspired tapas plus affordable wines. Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market/Website Credit: Lolita’s Wine Market/Website
Ruby’s Elixir 15 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg, (727) 898-2442 Jazz, blues, funk and rock live music plays seven days a week, cover-free. Photo via Ruby’s Elixir/Website
The Saint 49 24th St. N, St. Petersburg,727-258-7626 Do you dare go in? Located on the ground floor of the historic Mari-Jean Hotel, the speakeasy’s red light setting entices a confession of your darkest sins while drinking one of their signature “7 Deadly sins” cocktails. Photo via The Saint/Facebook
The Tavern at Bayboro 120 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-821-1418 This local pub, tucked away at the USF St. Petersburg campus is a hangout spot for college students and guests that want to enjoy daily food specials and local craft beers with some of the best prices in town. Photo via The Tavern at Bayboro/Facebook
The Beer Shed 11222 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview, 813-671-1885 This waterfront bar is a little off the beaten path, but considered one of the oldest drinking establishments in the Tampa Bay area. It offers ice cold beer, wine and home-style cooked food and has live music on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday plus karaoke on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights. Photo via The Beer Shed/Facebook
VFW Post 424 105 W Broad St., Tampa, 813-237-3183 By buzzing in and signing your name in the guest book you’ll gain access to this small and smoky location with some of the cheapest drinks in town. It features touch screen “gaming,” a stage for live music and karaoke on Fridays. Photo via VFW Post 424/Facebook

Sofía García Vargas, born in Colombia, South America and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, is a journalism student at the University of South Florida and Editor-in-Chief of The Crow’s Nest, USF...