Tampa Bay bars are constantly serving Instagram-worthy views alongside craft cocktails, locally-brewed beer, choice wines and spirits. Whether they deliver panoramic sights of the Gulf, the Tampa city skyline, or downtown St. Petersburg, here are the best places to get a craft cocktail with a view.
Bulla Gastrobar
930 S. Howard Ave., Tampa
If youโre scouring SoHo for a place to drink, you might miss this somewhat hidden rooftop bar. Bulla offers views of South Tampa while sipping on sangria and devouring a massive platter of paella.
Photo via Bulla Gastrobar/Google MapsJackonโs Bistro
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa.
Jacksonโs Bistro is known for its waterfront view of downtown Tampa just as much as itโs known for a stellar selection of wine and spirits. Its signature drinks include the Gasparilla-inspired margarita, passion fruit colada, and the Dark Nโ Stormy, which is a combination of dark rum, ginger beer and lime juice. Get there early to snag the highly-coveted patio seating.
Photo via Jacksonโs Bistro/FacebookM. Bird
1903 Market St., Tampa.
Perched on the second-floor rooftop of Armature Works, one of the most appealing offerings at the rooftop bar is the fact that itโs 21 and up. Thatโs right, no kids allowed. Grab a drink and lounge in the tropical, mod deco-style bar with views overlooking the Hillsborough River.
Photo via M. Bird/FacebookEdge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa
Resting elegantly on the top of the Epicurean Hotel, Edge Rooftop Bar (stylized โEDGEโ) focuses on cocktails with the freshest ingredients around. Their signature cocktails, wine, and beer are meant to be enjoyed on their huge lounge chairs surrounding the bar, which you might (definitely) fall asleep in.
Photo viaThe Canopy
340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg.
One of the only rooftop bars in St. Petersburg, The Canopy, on top of the Birchwood Hotel, gives you an amazing birdโs eye view of downtown St. Pete, so you can observe the madness of DTSP without being in it. Grab an $11 blood orange margarita, and enjoy your night of people watching.
Photo via The Canopy/FacebookAnchor and Brine
505 Water St., Tampa.
Anchor and Brine The indoor-outdoor restaurant runs from the lobby of Tampa Marriott Water Street to the outdoor patio, which, by the way, is laced with waterfront views. Opt for bar seating or grab a booth closer to the water.
Photo via Anchor and Brine/FacebookThe Getaway
13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St. Petersburg
The Getaway is a serious destination spot conveniently located almost directly between St. Pete and Tampa. The beach-side wateringhole combines tiki aesthetics with fresh seafood cuisine. Youโll probably see a dolphin, or a few Snowbirds here.
Photo via The Getaway/Facebook360 Rooftop Bar
Hotel Zamora, 3701 Gulf Blvd. no. 101, St. Pete Beach
360 Rooftop Bar Want a panoramic view of the Gulf while you enjoy your booze? Then 360 Rooftop Bar on St. Pete Beach is the spot for you. If youโre feeling extra lush, rent a rooftop cabana. Weโll cut to the chaseโโhappy hour is every day from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.โ and itโs totally worth navigating through the crowds of snowbirds.
Photo via Castile Restaurant/FacebookCalypso Queen
25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater
You wonโt miss this massive, triple-decked, rainbow-colored boat docked in the Clearwater Beach Marina. Take a day or evening cruise on the Calypso Queen, and enjoy a large buffet spread equipped with wine, beer, and spirits. The captain also gives a narration of the history and environment of the Clearwater coast, but you might be focusing too much on the rum punch and tropical cocktails to pay attention.
Photo via Calypso Queen/FacebookCaretta on the Gulf
1738, 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater.
As Clearwaterโs only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Caretta on the Gulf has an amazing view of the Gulf of Mexico, along with fresh cuisine that varies depending on what’s in season. The outside dining area overlooks the beach and is shaded by huge umbrellas, creating the most comfortable setting to drink its upscale wine and craft cocktails.
Photo via Caretta on the Gulf/FacebookDesanto
128 3rd St. S. (second floor), St. Petersburg
Ever wondered what was going on above Red Mesa Cantina? Itโs a โhidden” bar, that hosts DJs, serves small plates and drinks from its a full bar all while giving you access to people watching from above or a view of downtown St. Pete.
Photo viaLoft WXYZ
100 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
The bar sits on the top of the Aloft Hotel in downtown Tampa (yes, we like rooftop bars.) There are pool tables and a fireplace inside of its sleek bar, and an outdoor patio if you want to enjoy your drinks with a view of the Hillsborough River. WXYZ also has a stacked menu of fancy bar food to accompany your four beers in the best way possible.
Photo via Aloft Tampa Downtown Hotel/FacebookHi-Fi Rooftop Bar
453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin.
A Best of the Bay winner for โBest Sunset Views with Drink in Hand,โ The Fenway Hotelโs Hi-Fi rooftop bar, is where you can have a cocktail while watching the sun disappear behind the water.
Photo via Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar/FacebookRox
2545 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa
Tampa Bay’s tallest rooftop bar is at The Current Hotel and serving 360-degree views of Old Tampa Bay. The No Bad Juju cocktail is a hat tip to Tampa’s rich Cuban culture, and it involves burning sage to cleanse any bad energy from guests while they sip. Talk about all-inclusive.
Photo via Rox Rooftop Bar/WebsiteSalt Shack on the Bay
5415 W. Tyson Ave., Tampa.
The outdoor concept, with table and bar seating, with picnic tables stationed in the sand along the waterfront. There are two bars on-site, and a “shipwrecked” boat for some prime photo ops, as if the waterfront views aren’t enough.
Photo via Salt Shack on the Bay/FacebookThe Rowe Bar
Don Cesar, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.
Itโs no brainer that this massive pink palace on St. Pete beach has a beautiful everything, but itโs beachfront Rowe Bar has both an elegant view of the hotel and the relaxing view of the Gulf. Rowe bar offers tons of beach-themed craft cocktails that you can drink on the Donโs private beach.
Photo via The Rowe Bar/FacebookStoneโs Throw
304 W. 7th Ave., Tampa.
The riverside casual outdoor cocktail joint with a slew of pours including โIโm Sick of These Dolphinsโ or โZรฉ Crazy Eyesโ constructed of Campari, pineapple, cucumber or fresh basil.
Photo via Stoneโs Throw/Facebook