Rooftop views, ocean views, skyline views, Tampa Bay restaurants and bars really do have some top-notch patios. Here you’ll find some of the best spots to perch up, grab a drink and snap some pics for the ‘Gram. 

Jimmy’s On the edge 505 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. (727) 281-3200 Enjoy the views of the Gulf of Mexico to the Intercoastal Waterway at Clearwater’s largest rooftop bar, Jimmy’s on the Edge. The spot has a 24 foot-long fire bar that serves up free Fireball shots everyday at 9 p.m. Photo via Jimmy’s on The Edge
Ember 15015 Madeira Wy, Madeira Beach. (727) 350-7300 Grab a fruity drink and kick back and relax by the pool at Ember located along Madeira Beach. Enjoy fresh seafood favorites and don’t miss out on the daily sunset toast. Photo via Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg/Facebook
Evy’s Terrace Bar 635 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. (727) 281-4829 Evy’s rooftop bar has the perfect view of Clearwater Beach’s white sand while offering hand crafted cocktails, and shareable plates. The menu features an arrangement of boards, flatbreads and cocktail shrimp. Photo via Evy’s Terrace Bar & Bistro/Facebook
Vista at the Top 214 Madonna Blvd., Tierra Verde. (727) 273-7970 Grab a mojito and soak up the views of the docks and the Gulf of Mexico at Vista at the Top. The spot offers a variety of seafood appetizers like tuna tataki and poké. Photo via Vista at the Top/Facebook
Cane & Barrel 104 2nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-610-5427 Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Cane & Barrel is a Cuban-inspired rooftop bar and cocktail lounge. The spot features two different bars, and features bites like a Cubano sandwich and yuca fries. Photo via Cane & Barrel/Facebook
360 Rooftop Bar 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-456-8660 Found along the same scenic landscape as the historic Don Cesar, just two minutes down the road, take in the hotel bar’s stellar view of the Gulf of Mexico while sipping on a tropical Rum Runner. Photo via The Hotel Zamora/Facebook
Sal y Mar 3650 Midtown Dr., Tampa. 813-692-3330 In the midst of Midtown is this rooftop bar with a view of the Tampa skyline you can’t get just anywhere. Latin-inspired tapas and a specialty cocktail menu with items such as the “Sal y Margarita” can be found here. Photo via Sal y Mar/Facebook
Salt Shack on the Bay 5415 W Tyson Ave., Tampa, 813-444-4569 Sorry, but you’re not going to find a better view of the Gandy. Be sure to order the catch of the day “shack style”—baked in a bag with onions, peppers, and Caribbean spices and opened right at your table. Photo via Google Maps
M Bird 1903 Market St., Tampa. 813-296-2702 Up the stairs above Armature Works food hall you’ll find some great views of the Hillsborough River. Stop by for the “Out of Towner” tequila seltzer and shareable hot fried chicken sliders that are too good to pass up. Photo via M. Bird/Facebook
Santo’s Drinkeria 1607 N 22nd St., Ybor City. 813-248-1925 With a view of Ybor City’s historic 7th Avenue, Santo’s—on the rooftop of Casa Santo Stefano—is one of the historic district’s best spots to sip a Manhattan, or grab a bite of authentic Italian from the limited menu on the roof or the full dine-in selection downstairs. Photo via Google Maps
Jimmy’s Crows Nest 101 Coronado Dr., Clearwater Beach, 727-683-0002 Towering high above the trademark Pier 60 in Clearwater, a reptilian mascot welcomes guests with $15 “punch buckets” and mahi mahi fish spread. Photo via Jimmy’s Crows Nest Website
Hula Bay Club 5210 W Tyson Ave., Tampa (813) 837-4852 Nestled along Tampa Bay’s waterfront, Hula Bay offers brunch, crafted cocktails and views that almost make you feel like you’re on a tropical island. The casual menu features everything from sushi, burgers, bowls, and tacos. Photo via Hula Bay Club
Spinners 5250 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-1811 No obstructed views at this iconic revolving restaurant. Patrons can enjoy locally-sourced seafood that makes the ceviche and cedar key clams with a literal 360-view of Gulf Boulevard. Photo via Spinners Website
Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge 1207 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-999-8700 This luxury lounge, located across the street from the iconic Bern’s Steak House, offers a new perspective of S Howard Avenue. Grab a glass from its extensive list of vino with a side of charcuterie. Photo via Photo via Google Maps
American Social 601 S Harbour Island Blvd. No. 107, Tampa, 813-605-3333 Make no mistake, this waterfront hangout has a great nightlife crowd, and the views of the Hillsborough River, downtown Tampa, and the convention center might have something to do with it. Photo via American Social/Instagram
Vantage Rooftop Bar 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater, 727-273-8760 Whether you’re popping in for the night or booking a room at The Karol Hotel for a much-needed staycation, take in the sights of Ulmerton Road with half shell oysters or a gin-mixed lavender lemonade. Photo via Google Maps
Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar and Grill 6100 Gulf Blv.d, St Pete Beach, 727-360-7041 Don’t be surprised if things get rowdy at Charlie’s, the motto promises that all who enter the establishment are about to meet some coco-nutty people. Just a few feet away from St. Pete Beach, so there’s plenty of sandy area to get a little nutty. Photo via Google Maps
The Getaway 13090 Gandy Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, 727-317-5751 Tiki hut bars are in abundance on this list–but are the others approved by Netflix reality stars? This one was featured in the since-canceled “Selling Tampa.” Soak in the sights over coconut shrimp and a mai tai. Photo via The Getaway/Facebook
Rox Rooftop Bar 2545 N Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, 813-281-2545 Share the cityscape with the birds at the tallest rooftop bar overlooking the Courtney Campbell trail. Artistic takes on classic drinks such as an old fashioned engulfed in a smokey box to enhance the flavor and a chakra-cleansed drink known as “No Bad Juju” are a few of the many drink options found there. Photo via Google Maps
Whiskey 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 Maps
Caddy’s Treasure Island 9000 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 727-360-4993 Private cabanas on the side of the underrated Treasure Island will help you soak up the sun in luxury. Cool down with a boozy slush or sit back with an order of Caddy’s Beach Nachos. Photo via Google Maps
Harry’s Beach Bar 5300 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, 727-363-5125 This open-air bar is a casual joint with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. While you’re there, sip on White Sands sangria or Tito’s spiked lemonade. Photo via Google Maps
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill 7 Rockaway St., Clearwater. 727-446-4844 Located smack dab in the tourist-clogged middle of Clearwater Beach, this sandy spot offers Rockaway oysters and $2 beer specials. Photo via Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill Website

Paradise Grille

6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete Beach
St. Pete and Pass-A-Grille beach already have a lot going for them, but add live music and some fish tacos to the mix and there’s no turning down a visit to this oceanic grill. Paradise couldn’t be any closer to the water with tables just steps away from the water. Make sure to wear sunscreen as it doesn’t offer indoor seating. Paradise Grill offers classic American treats and a wide selection of drinks to choose from while enjoying a family beach day.
Photo via Paradise Grille Website
Caretta on the Gulf 500 Mandalay Ave. No. 100, Clearwater, 727-674-4171 End your evening at this award-winning restaurant with a front row sunset view. Plenty of great options here, but you can’t go wrong with the carefully crafted wine-tasting menu. Photo via Sandpearl Resort Website
Pier Teaki 800 2nd Ave. NE 5th Floor, St. Petersburg, 727-513-8325 Perched atop the St. Pete Pier, this tiki-themed hangout comes with top-notch views of St. Pete, as well as tostones-filled beach pails and piña coladas. Photo via Pier Teaki Website
Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin. 727-683-5990 Those with a niche for musical history should make their way to Dunedin’s Fenway Hotel. Craft a symphony for the senses with its Florida sunset views and an order of truffle parm fries with a “Coco-jito” (coconut flavored mojito). Photo via Google Maps
Postcard Inn Beach Bar Walk up from the beach to PCI’s bar, need to toss on extra clothes, your mission is to drink. Usually a younger crowd, jump in a game if beach volleyball or work on your tan during a round of cornhole. 6300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. Photo via Postcard Inn Beach Bar/ Facebook
Six at JW Marriott 510 Water St., Tampa. 813-314-6666 Water Street in downtown Tampa is slowly becoming a hot spot for foodies, but right now Six (stylized, “SIX”) probably has one of the best views. If you like your waterfront views without the heights, head downstairs and across the street to Anchor & Brine. Photo via Google Maps
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant 809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, 727-360-9558 Don’t let the casual ambiance take away from the beachside views of Pass-a-Grille. Come for the sunsets, and don’t pass up the grouper nuggets or Maryland-style crab cakes. Photo via Google Maps
La Cabana 13090 Gandy Blvd. N St. Petersburg. (727) 353-0636 Next to popular beachside spot The Getaway, La Cabana offers scenic views of the waterfront, while serving up a nice selection of whiskeys, cigars and desserts. The open-air concept is the nighttime counterpart of Patrona Coastal Cafe. Photo via Patrona Coffee/Facebook
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille 610 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 857-8118 Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille combines flavors from the Caribbean and Boca Ciega Bay, while offering plenty of views. The spot—located at the St. Pete Pier—offers inside and outside seating. Photo via Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille/Facebook
Luna Lounge at Bulla Gastrobar 930 S Howard Ave., 5th floor, Tampa. (813) 773-8626 Luna Lounge offers panoramic views of downtown Tampa with cozy and intimate vibes. There is a special tapas menu and an extensive drink menu that features beers, made-to-order sangrias, and cocktails. Photo via Luna Lounge/Facebook
Birchwood Canopy 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 896-1080 Take in the views of Straub Park and Beach Drive at Birchwood Canopy, while sipping on one of the signature cocktails. Bar bites like flatbreads, tacos and fried pickles are also featured on the menu. Photo via Birchwood Canopy/Facebook
Level 11 Elevated Rooftop Bar and Grill 5250 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. (800) 448-0901 Located right along St. Pete beach, Level 11 showcases beautiful sunset backdrops, signature drinks and food. The spot has shareable plates like the jalapeno cheddar crab dip, the smoked fish spread and the tropical fruit board. Photo via Level 11 Elevated Rooftop Bar and Grill
Bon Appetit Restaurant and Bar 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin (727) 733-2151 Get a first hand look at the view of St. Joseph’s Sound at Dunedin’s popular Bon Appetit Restaurant and Bar. This upscale spot’s menu includes different selections from filet mignon to smoked salmon. An Aperol spritz at the bar is one of the best cocktail experiences in town. Photo via Bon Appetit/Facebook
Club Prana 1619 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. (813) 241-4139 Dance all night long while listening to reggae and sipping on drinks at Prana. The sky bar overlooks the notorious Ybor City streets while offering two bars including a tropical bar. Photo via Club Prana

Magazine journalism student with an affinity for music writing. Brandalynn has previously written for Glitter Magazine and was the editor-in-chief/contributor of USF's Her Campus chapter.