Next Level Brands, the team behind popular local spots like Boulon Brasserie, Forbici Modern Italian, and Union New American, will debut a new “open-air cocktail bar” at The Sundial in downtown St. Petersburg next week.
Located at 155 Second Ave. N., Drift Bar will celebrate its official grand opening at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, with complimentary bites and music from DJ Fresh.
“Drift Bar brings the Sundial courtyard back to life with the easygoing feel of a beach bar, a curated cocktail list and thoughtful small plates,” said Jeff Gigante, co-founder of Next Level Brands in a statement. “It’s where you meet before dinner, catch a game or hear some live music. And if you’re out downtown, it’s a great place to finish the night with one more drink. With the waterfront a short walk away and a breeze through the courtyard, it feels like St. Pete at its most relaxed. We can’t wait to share it.”
Next Level tapped Alex Rosenbleeth to lead the bar program, which centers around topical fruit and citrus-based cocktails, link the “Pink Flamingo,” with features Condesa Gin, lychee, lemon and grapefruit soda, and the “Drift Sour,” made with Sarti, Dutch Barn vodka, guava, lemon and lime.
Chef Jacob Rios, who’s also leading the company’s efforts at the yet-to-open Mexican concept Matilde, will helm the kitchen, which offers up classic bar bites like wings, sliders and smoked fish dip.
The 150-seat space will offer a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.,and feature live music every Thursday through Saturday, with Sundays dedicated to football.
Expected operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.
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This article appears in Nov. 12 – 18, 2026.
