Frozen piña coladas, blackened grouper sandwiches, and mai tais are on the horizon.
Tiki bars are a Florida staple, and here in Tampa Bay we have quite a few, offering everything from sunset views, specialty cocktails and plenty of thatched roofs.
Whether you already have a go-to spot or looking to find your own, here are a few essential Tampa Bay tiki bars you should be drinking at this weekend.
The Getaway
13090 Gandy Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, 727-317-5751
Featured on Netflix’s hit series, “Selling Tampa,” The Getaway is one of Tampa Bay’s most all-encompassing tiki bar experiences. The Key West-inspired waterside restaurant is accessible via both car and boat and is immersed amidst Weedon Island’s natural mangroves and wildlife for a true Floridian feel. Getway’s menu signatures include bahamian conch fritters, yuca fries, ahi tuna poke and crispy lobster tacos, Photo via The Getaway/FacebookWhiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill
7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. 813-281-0770
This beach bar’s Tampa location offers another sandy vibes and heaps of tropical themed drinks and entrees, like “Jammin’ Jerk Chicken” and rum-filled “Gator Juice”.
Photo via Google MapsPier Teaki
200 Second Ave. NE 5th Floor, St. Petersburg, 727-513-8325
Sitting atop the new St. Pete Pier, this modern tiki bar offers possibly the best skyline view of downtown St. Petersburg. The rooftop bar serves signature and frozen cocktails, draft beers, wine and rum along with a selection of classic bar bites. All guests must be over the age of 21 after 8 p.m.Photo via Pier Teaki/websiteBahi Hut
4675 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-355-5141
First opened in 1954, Bahi Hut is a piece of Floridian history and claims to be the oldest tiki lounge in the entire state. The hut’s interior design is full-blown Hawaiian, featuring giant tiki totem pole heads and statues, bamboo chairs, native art, neon lights and more. The cocktail lounge serves longtime favorite drinks like the Bahi Aloha, 1944 Mai Tai and the fiery Volcano Bowl.
Photo via Bahi Hut/websiteBamboo Beach Bar & Grill
13025 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, 727-398-5401
Known as the “Boo” by locals and annual snowbirds, this John’s Pass tiki spot is one of the oldest bars still standing along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Enjoy live music and daily drink specials while munching on menu favorites like the smoked fish spread, coconut shrimp seafood basket, Bamboo burger and eggplant fries.
Photo via Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill/FacebookTiki Docks River Bar & Grill
10704 Palmetto St., Riverview, 813-683-8454
Fueled by sun, fun and rum, this Polynesian-themed restaurant is an exciting tropical escape for all that enter through its doors. Its menu offers appetizers like newly-added spice seared ahi taku, flavorful entrees like kalua pig roast tacos and homemade desserts like banana bread ice cream sandwiches. Tiki Docks also has a second location near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg.
Photo via Tiki Docks Bar & Grill/FacebookTwisted Tiki
340 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, 727-914-8881
Located on St. Pete Beach’s historic Corey Avenue, Twisted Tiki is another lively Polynesian bar and grill that proudly serves happy hour specials “all day, every day.” Food options include loaded tots, creamy crab dip, build-your-own burgers, teriyaki-stuffed pineapples. With performances from local bands, trivia night, art night and more, there’s something going on at this vibrantally-spirited spot almost every night.
Photo via Twisted Tiki/FacebookKa’Tiki
8803 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-360-2272
Ka’Tiki, built in 1982, is one of Treasure Island’s oldest and most popular tiki decks thanks to its classic beach bites, 7-days-a-week live music, pub-style game room and laid back locals. The prices are hard to beat too, including $3 cheeseburgers, $2 drafts and $2.50 bloody marys. Must be 21 years of age to enter.
Photo via Ka’Tiki/websiteCruisin’ Tikis
Tampa Bay, 727-477-8454
Cruisin’ through Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater, these six-person tiki boats are a ton of fun. Grab your buddies, hop on one of these floating adventures and drink ‘til the sun goes down. Whether you’re a saltwater local or a visiting tourist, the tiki boat’s scenic views of Tampa Bay are an experience all can appreciate. BYOB!Photo via Cruisin’ Tikis Tampa Bay/websiteHarbor Master Tiki Grille
5000 92nd St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-256-3383
Home to a fresh fish menu, 24 taps and public boat access, this St. Pete waterfront tiki bar is one of the locals’ go-to spots. Favorites off the menu include the smoked fish spread, fried banana peppers, ginger lime Island Time shrimp and jumbo beef hotdogs. Expect live local music, competitive games of corn hole and good ole’ time.
Photo via Harbor Master Tiki Grille/FacebookCaddy’s Bradenton
801 Riverside Dr. E, Bradenton, 941-708-3777
Caddy’s Bradenton is a tropical oasis located on the Manatee River featuring boat docks, two large tiki huts, cabana rentals, a sand volleyball court, lawn games and an outdoor stage. And that doesn’t even mention their Tampa Bay-famous food, including classic dishes like the blackened grouper sandwich, fried calamari, drizzled shrimp tacos and crab cake BLT.
Photo via Caddy’s Bradenton/FacebookSalty’s Tiki Bar & Beach Lounge at TradeWinds
5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 800-249-1667
This beachside tiki bar sits out back of St. Pete Beach’s famous TradeWinds Island Resort and offers comfortable lounge sofas, communal fire tables, all-day menus, Tiki Toss, daily music performances and sunset drink specials. Extending from the pool deck to the white-sand beach, Salty’s has plenty of spots to kick back, relax and sip on something cold.
Photo via TradeWinds Resort/websiteGreen Iguana Bar & Grill
4029 S West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-837-1234
With thatched bamboo roofs, dark wood tables, two bar swings and iguanas rocking Hawaiian shirts, it’s no wonder why this reptilian-inspired tiki bar is one of the locals’ favorite old-school spots. Enjoy some mango margaritas, crab rangoon, baja burgers, fish-n-chips and more off the menu.
Photo via Green Iguana Bar & Grill/FacebookSandbar at Opal Sands
430 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-450-0380
Just a short walk from the south end of Clearwater Beach, Sandbar offers cold and colorful drinks for those looking to combat the hot weather. Along with picturesque views, this tiki bar serves fresh Florida cuisine like beer-battered grouper, smoked fish dip and island crab sandwiches.
Photo via Sandbar at Opal Sands/FacebookJack Willie’s Bar, Grill & Tiki
1013 St. Petersburg Dr. W, Oldsmar, 813-749-7932
Located at the tip of Old Tampa Bay, this watering hole is fun for the whole family, thanks to entertainment like trivia nights, live music, corn hole, jenga and ring toss. Specialties like Jack’s wings, gator sausage hoagie and fried po-boy’s will have you coming back in no time.
Photo via Jack Willie’s Bar Grill & Tiki/FacebookIkki Woo Woo’s Tiki Bar at Thunderbird
10700 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-367-1961
Attached to the oldest hotel in Treasure Island, Ikki Woo Woo is the place to be for Thunderbird guests and TI locals. After cooking at the beach all day, swing by this tiki beachside bar for some tropical beverages and frozen cocktails.
Photo via Thunderbird/websiteMangos Restaurant & Tiki Bar at DoubleTree
17120 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach, 727-319-4000
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico’s clear waters and beautiful sunsets, the Mangos’ tiki huts are one of the best spots to sip on a cold drink and chat with some buddies. The extensive menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options and speciality drinks and buckets.
Photo via Hilton/websiteThe Honu Restaurant & Tiki Bar
516 Grant St., Dunedin, 727-333-7777
Honu, which means “turtle” in Hawaiian, serves authentic Polynesian cuisine plus original spins on the classic Hawaiian dishes. This contemporary restaurant and tiki bar is an immersive experience into a tropical world full of quality food and good vibes. You might have to make multiple trips to try all the extravagant dishes like Musbi, Humuhumu fish plate and Furikake salmon.
Photo via The Honu Restaurant/website Credit: Photo via The Honu RestaurantThe Kokonut Hut
900 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, 941-778-1919
Surrounded by Anna Maria Island’s award-winning views, The Kokonut is a true tiki beach bar. Dancing in the sand is encouraged and humans and dogs alike are welcome. Kokonut’s signature Frosty Factory Boozy Slushies come in all kinds of flavors, including Mango-Tango, Dirty Banana and Hurricane.
Photo via Google MapsBurnt Ends
1101 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-443-7227
After catching a Rays’ game at the Trop, walk over to this tiki bar that sits on top of the restaurant Dr. BBQ. With your aerial view of downtown St. Pete, snack on some bar bites like pulled pork Hawaiian sliders and Polynesian pineapple while sipping rum-infused speciality drinks like Jungle Bird, Blue Hawaii and Mr. Bali Hai.
Photo via Burnt Ends Tiki Bar/Facebook
