Whether it’s on the rooftop of a five star hotel overlooking the Gulf, sandwiched in-between other businesses in downtown St. Petersburg, or part of  an elegant restaurant, everybody deserves to drink in a beautiful bar every once in a while. Because you can’t go to dive bars all of the time. So here are a few bars all over the Tampa Bay area that will definitely make you feel fancy.

360 Rooftop Bar 3701 Gulf Blvd. #101, St. Pete Beach, FL 33604, (727) 456-8660 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 you’re feeling extra lush, rent a rooftop cabana. We’ll cut to the chase––Happy hour is every day from 5pm-7pm. Photo via 360 Rooftop Bar/Facebook
Bon Appetit 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698, (727) 733-2151 Bon Appetit seriously delivers that waterfront dining atmosphere that perfectly pairs with their elevated, seafood-oriented menu. A gem of Dunedin, this spot is perfect if you want to drink some cocktails over a stunning view of the Gulf. Photo via Bon Appetit/Facebook
Buya Ramen 911 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705, (727) 202-7010 Buya Ramen sits on downtown St. Petersburg’s Central Ave , a culinary hub of Pinellas County. Their Ramen pairs perfectly with sake, or any of the beer and liquor options that Buya offers. Their dim, sleek atmosphere, with walls adorned with Japanese art earned them a spot on this list. Photo via Buya Ramen/Facebook
The C House 6005 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, (813) 488-4813 The three C’s––Charcuterie, Champagne, and Cheesecake. The C House could easily add another C for “chic” as this bar and restaurant has a rustic, truly welcoming interior. Their happy hour is 4pm-6pm, Monday through Friday–we know you were dying to know. Photo via JON PALMER CLARIDGE
Ciro’s Speakeasy 12109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, 813-251-0022 Located inside the historic Bayshore Royal Building on the corner of Howard Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard, Ciro’s is a hidden gem in Tampa Bay. A Speakeasy type of establishment, the password to get into Ciro’s changes daily. Photo via Ciros/Facebook
CW Gin Joint 633 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 816-1446 This dim, but elegant bar is adorned with chandeliers and showcases an entire wall of top shelf liquors, doing its motto “Where style and grace have an attitude,” absolute justice. Make sure you make a reservation, this place fills up quick. Photo via CW Gin Joint/Facebook
Don CeSar 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, (727) 360-1881 It’s no brainer that this massive pink palace on St. Pete beach has a beautiful everything, including three bars––an elegant lobby bar, Rowe Bar, and the beachfront Beachcomber bar. Each of these bars offers a step into the lavish life of the Don CeSar. Grab a cocktail and relax on their private beach. Photo via Don CeSar/Facebook
EDGE Rooftop Bar 1903 Market Street, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 296-2702 Resting elegantly on the top of the Epicurean Hotel, EDGE Rooftop Bar focuses on cocktails with the freshest ingredients around. Their signature cocktails, wine, and beer is meant to be enjoyed on their huge lounge chairs surrounding the bar, thay you might (definitely) fall asleep in. Photo via Epicurean/Facebook
Élevage Restaurant 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 999-8726 You can choose to grab a drink at the EDGE Rooftop bar during your time at SoHo’s Epicurean Hotel, or you can order drinks a their restaurant, Élevage. This elegant, modern eatery reflects the modern and creative menu, accompanied by the same fresh cocktails and extensive beer and wine offerings as EDGE. Photo via Epicureanhotel.com
Fenway Hotel Rooftop 453 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin, FL 34698, (727)-683-5991 You don’t have to book a room at The Fenway Hotel to experience their larger-than-life rooftop bar looking over the prized Honeymoon and Caladesi islands. Originally home to the Boston public radio station WGHB in 1925, the Fenway Hotel’s Hi-Top Bar now serves choice cocktails with a great view. Photo via Fenway Hotel/Facebook
Hotel Bar 200 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 533-2650 Yes, it’s literally called Hotel Bar, and it’s a gem of downtown Tampa. It encompasses all of the qualities of your typical hotel bar, the ornate ceilings, chandeliers, dim lighting, and experienced bartenders that will whip you up any craft cocktails you can name. Photo via hotelbartampa.com
The Library 600 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 3370, (727) 369-9969 As soon as you walk into the Library, it feels like your IQ immediately increases a few points. Formally known as the Peabody, this restaurant, cafe, and bar has dramatically high ceilings, ceiling-to-floor shelves filled with books, and comfortable reading chairs––with an elevated menu to match its intellectual ambiance. Photo via The Library/Facebook
Mandarin Hide 231 Central Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (727) 440-9231 One of the many small bars jammed in downtown St. Petersburg, slightly hidden because it has no sign, Mandarin Hide has a winding cocktail list, with some drinks you definitely never heard of. And if it’s your birthday you get a free bottle of champagne. Photo via Mandarin Hide/Facebook
M Bird 1903 Market Street, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 296-2702 Perched at the top of Armature Works offers the M Bird customer an amazing view of the Hillsborough River, a view to go along with their extensive cocktail and small plate menu of course. They even feature a locally themed cocktail named “I left my wallet at La Segunda.” It’s pricey as expected, but come on, it’s Armature Works. Photo via Alexandria Jones
Mole Y Abuela Rooftop 1202 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 370-1000 With a Spanish inspired menu and a popular happy hour (3pm-5pm Monday through Friday, 3pm-6pm on weekends) Mole Y Abuela is a great addition to downtown Tampa’s bustling culinary scene. But let’s be honest, their stellar rooftop view makes it stand out among its counterparts. Photo via Mole Y Abuela/Facebook
Oxford Exchange 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606,(813) 253-0222 Oxford Exchange is aesthetically pleasing all over, from its bookstore, to its restaurant, to its bar and cafe. You can grab a drink inside in their elegant cafe and lounge area, or sit at a table in their sunroom-like patio area, complete with a fountain and tons of foliage. Not your typical bar setting, Oxford Exchange has an extensive beer, wine, and liquor list as well as a peaceful, relaxing ambiance. Photo via Oxford Exchange/Facebook
Saigon Blonde 265 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (727) 827-7577 One of the many bars packed in downtown St. Pete, Saigon Blonde is darker, cooler, and simply more alluring than your typical tiki bar, with decor and cocktails inspired by U.S military history. And we’re not sure why there’s a white woman on a logo for a Vietnamense inspired bar either. Photo via Saigon Blonde/Facebook
Spinner’s Bistro 5250 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, (727) 360-1811 The only spinning restaurant in the Tampa Bay area, Spinners Revolving Bistro sits on the top of the infamous Grand Plaza Hotel. Get a 360 degree view of St. Pete Beach while you enjoy dinner and craft cocktails. Talk about a memorable dining experience. Photo via grandplazaflorida.com
Tryst Bistro Lounge 240 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (727) 821-4567 Tryst Gastro Lounge is one of the many bars jammed packed in downtown St. Petersburg, it’s sleek hotel lobby characteristics and absolutely extensive liquor, wine, and beer list makes it a definite stop on your DTSP bar crawl. The inside is adorned with large, brown leather couches and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, or you can opt to take your drinks outside to their charming patio area. Photo via Tryst Bistro Lounge/Facebook
Ulele 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, (813) 999-4952 Consistently one of Tampa’s highest rated restaurants, there’s no doubt that Ulele also offers a beautiful setting to drink a few glasses of wine in. You can drink inside in their dim and sleek dining area, or opt to eat outside––it’s especially charming when they have a fire burning. Photo via Ulele/Facebook
Vintage Small Bites and Wine Bar 2914 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, 727) 289-5523 In the heart of Gulfport, lies the charming restaurant that is Vintage small bites and wine bar. Known for its stellar live music every weekend, and creative pairings of food and wine. Photo via Vintage Small Bites and Wine Bar/Facebook
Whiskey Cake 2223 N Westshore Blvd B207, Tampa, FL 33607, (813) 535-9955 Whiskey Cake’s main goal is to use local, seasonal ingredients in their food, desserts, and cocktails, and that means their menu does not disappoint. With a liquor and cocktail menu that’s just as big as the culinary menu, Whiskey Cake is the total package. Not to mention its rustic, cozy atmosphere. Photo via JON PALMER CLARIDGE
W XYZ Bar Aloft, 100 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 898-8000 W XYZ Bar sitting on the top of the Aloft Hotel in downtown Tampa (yes, we like rooftop bars) . There’s pool tables and a fireplace inside of their sleek bar, and an outdoor patio if you want to enjoy your drinks with a view of downtown Tampa. They also have a stacked menu of fancy bar food that will accompany your four beers in the best way possible. Photo via marriott.com
Red Mesa Cantina 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226 This stately brick giant features a tiled patio dining area complete with a bar, water features and sculptures, all fenced in and shrouded by bamboo to keep the outside world at bay. Red Mesa serves Mexican cuisine inspired by the traditions and methods of Latin and Caribbean cooking. Photo via Red Mesa Cantina/Facebook
The Canopy 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, (727) 896-1080 One of the only rooftop bars in St. Petersburg, The Canopy, on top of the Birchwood Hotel, gives you an amazing birds 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/Facebook