Tampa Bay actually has plenty of rooftop bars, but not all of them are paired with a scenic view. Here are a few of our favorite local watering holes that offer plenty of booze and plenty of views. After all, if you’re going to go a bar right now, it might as well be one that’s outside, and perched as high as possible. Also, please adhere to local coronavirus restrictions and wear a mask.
Ember Rooftop Lounge at Cambria Hotel
15015 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach
The newbie is located within the just-opened five-story Cambria Hotel at the Madeira Beach Marina. Ember is pouring up wine by the glass and bottle, draft and bottled brews, and mixing up tropical cocktails named after local hotspots and beaches. The food and drink menu ranges from $10-$18 per dish.
Photo via Ember Rooftop Lounge at Cambria HotelSal y Mar
3650 Midtown Dr., Tampa
Located on top of the dual-branded Aloft and Element Hotel in Midtown Tampa, the Tulum-inspired spot—with inside and outside seating and 360-views of Tampa Bay—has a tapas heavy menu includes cajun shrimp corn fritters, chipotle-charred chicken, and, most importantly, a mason jar cheesecake.
Photo via Sal y MarSIX at JW Marriott
510 Water St., Tampa
Overlooking the hotel’s gorgeous rooftop pool and bay views, SIX creates an IG-worthy backdrop for visitors and hotel guests. Open for lunch and dinner reservations, the menu is an eclectic mix of chef crafted specialties from cocktails to hearty entrees.
Photo via EDGE’s website Credit: Photo via SIX at JW MarriottSanto’s Drinkeria at Casa Santo Stefano
1607 N 22nd St., Ybor City
Located on top of Casa Santo Stefano, this concept from the Columbia Restaurant family has coffee and express, six specialty cocktails, and extensive wine list, small plates, sandwiches and desserts.
Photo via Santo’s Drinkeria at Casa Santo StefanoEDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa
The Epicurean Hotel’s rooftop bar lets patrons snack on small plates and sip classic cocktails with a view overlooking Tampa. The bar also books local DJs to play Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Photo via EDGE’s websiteEvy’s Terrace Bar & Bistro
635 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach
Located on the sixth floor of the Clearwater Beach Hampton Inn, Evy’s gives visitors a view of Clearwater Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re feeling hungry, the bistro offers appetizers with their boozy sips.
Photo via Evy’s Terrace Bar & Bistro FacebookJimmy’s Crow’s Nest
101 Coronado Drive, Clearwater Beach
Located on the 10th floor of Pier House 60, Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest won the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Bestie Awards for Best Rooftop Bar. The bar’s happy hour runs from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Photo via Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest Facebook360 Rooftop Bar at Hotel Zamora
3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
Visitors can rent cabanas on the roof of the Spanish-inspired Hotel Zamora. The bar overlooks the intracoastal waterway and the happy hour runs nightly from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Photo via The Hotel Zamora’s websiteM.Bird
1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
Perched on top of Armature Works, M. Bird offers an extensive rum menu and small plates with a view of Tampa. If rum isn’t your thing, the bar also offers various cocktails and wines. Although the bar is on a roof, smokers aren’t able to ruin their longs at M.Bird.
Photo via Armature Works’ websiteRox Rooftop Bar
2545 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa
You don’t need to be a Marriott guest to visit their rooftop bar. Rox’s cocktail program and wine list are curated by the owners of Lucky Elephant Winery ? Milbert “Cha” Roman and Kim Baily ? and include smokey old fashioneds and a Mexican Coffee cocktail.
Photo via RoxArmani’s Lounge
2900 Bayport Dr., Tampa
If you the floor-to-ceiling windows at Armani’s aren’t open enough for you, visitors at Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay’s rooftop restaurant are able to dine on Armani’s patio. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and serves Italian favorites like ricotta gnocchi and veal picatta.
Photo via Armani’s Lounge’s websiteHi-Fi Rooftop Bar
453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin
Fenway Hotel’s claim to fame is that the building once housed Pinellas county’s first radio station. Although the building no longer sends out radio waves, you can still get a jazz-inspired cocktail at the hotel’s rooftop bar. If you’re feeling hungry, Hi-Fi offers salads and appetizers with their view of Caladesi and Honeymoon islands.
Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s FacebookThe Canopy
340 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg
The Canopy faces Straub Park and Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg. Cabanas and an air-conditioned bar offer visitors a break from Floridian sunshine. Alternatively, the rooftop bar has fireplaces and couch seating for the cooler months. The bar’s happy hour runs from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Photo via The Canopy’s websiteJimmy’s on the Edge
505 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach
Jimmy’s rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of Clearwater Beach. The bar serves complimentary shots of Fireball every night at 9 p.m. and hosts a dance party on the second and fourth Friday of each month.
Photo via Jimmy’s on the Edge’s websiteVantage Rooftop Bar
2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater
Vantage Rooftop Bar lets guests munch on deviled crab croquettes and black bean hummus from 12 stories up. The bar’s cocktail list includes a “rooftop mai tai” and a mezcal margarita. The climate-controlled rooftop also offers a range of local to international brews.
C/O TO THE KAROL HOTELDeSanto Rooftop Bar
128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg
Sitting atop Red Mesa Cantina, DeSanto allows visitors sip tequila and mezcal with a view of downtown St. Pete. Although the bar offers other cocktails, it specializes in margaritas. Patrons are able to choose from eight different margarita variations, or add $3 to their choice of tequila to add lime and agave.
Photo via DeSanto’s FacebookHurricane Seafood Restaurant
809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach
Visitors are able to catch a 360-degree view of Pass-A-Grille at the bar’s “Hurricane Watch Roof-Top.” The bar’s happy hour runs from noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you’re feeling hungry, you can also grab an appetizer, sandwich or dessert at the rooftop bar.
Photo via hurricane’s FacebookTopgolf Tampa
10690 Palm River Rd., Tampa
If you’re not entirely fond of beach or skyline views, you can hit microchipped golf balls off a roof at Topgolf. You can grab a bite to eat or sip cocktails between swings, too. If you’re 16 or younger, this slideshow wasn’t really meant for you, but you’ll need to bring an adult with you to Topgolf.
Photo via Topgolf’s FacebookThe Attic Cafè
500 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 400, Tampa
The Attic sits on top of a 100-year-old building that once housed the auditorium of the nextdoor Masonic Lodge. The bar’s balcony seating lets patrons enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a view of Tampa’s city hall. The cafè also has kombucha on tap.
Photo via The Attic Cafè’s websiteUlele
1810 N. Highland Ave., Tampa
Named after princess Ulele, and located near Ulele Spring, the Native American-inspired menu includes lots of seafood and alligator hush puppies. The Tampa Heights restaurant has a retractable awning on its rooftop that allows visitors to choose whether they want to tan while they eat.
Photo via Ulele’s Facebook
