With temps finally starting to drop, it’s finally patio season in Tampa Bay. But not all bar and restaurant patios were created equal. From rooftop views to waterfront vistas, here are a few of the best patios in Tampa Bay right now.

360 Rooftop Bar 3701 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach, FL 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 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. Photo via 360 Rooftop Bar/Facebook
Ulele 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 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. 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
Hilton Tampa Downtown 211 N. Tampa St., Tampa, FL Remodeled back in 2017, the Hilton Tampa Downtown rooftop pool and bar is a great place to go for views and chews. Although it might be scary for some, the pool is right by the edge of the rooftop along with the heated pool, there’s a little fire pit next to some of their couches, bar seating, and lawn chairs to relax in, as well. Photo via Hilton Tampa Downtown/Facebook
Whiskey Joe’s 7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL Located right off of Courtney Campbell Causeway, Whiskey Joe’s is a solid fish shack serving beers, tacos, and burger, among other things, and it is not only on the water, it’s literally over it. Photo via Whiskey Joe’s/Facebook
Rick’s on the River 2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL Rick’s on the River is a marina, bar and grill. So, you can pull up to the restaurant either by car or float through on your boat. Rick’s also offers live music and fresh oysters. Photo via Rick’s on the River/Facebook
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill 7 Rockaway St, Clearwater, FL Rockaway Grill is Frenchy’s largest venue, offering open, beachfront dining right off of the Gulf of Mexico. Along with the killer sunset views, Frenchy’s include a fresh selection of seafood and beers along with daily live music. Photo via frenchysonline.com
Big Ray’s Fish Camp 6116 Interbay Blvd. Tampa, FL Sitting almost directly between the Hillsborough River and the Garrison Channel, Big Ray’s Fish Camp recently moved into The Sail Plaza, which has 360 seating and a clear view of the water and boat dock. To go along with the seaside theme, Big Ray’s offers an array of fresh seafood cuisine and a selection of drinks. Photo via The Sail/Facebook
M. Bird 1903 Market Street, Tampa, FL Perched at the top of Armature Works, M. Bird offers customers 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.” Get it? It’s pricey as expected, but come on, it’s Armature Works. Plus, kids aren’t allowed. Photo via M Bird/Facebook
Fenway Hotel Rooftop 453 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin, FL 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 spot’s Hi-Top Bar now serves choice cocktails with a great view. Photo via www.fenwayhotel.com
Stone’s Throw 304 W 7th Ave, Tampa, FL Staying open as late as 12 a.m. Stone’s Throw offers bar seating along the Riverwalk and a fenced in patio overlooking the Hillsborough river. Stone’s is an ideal spot for anyone wanting a killer view while taking down some fresh oysters, margaritas or whatever else you can sink your teeth into. Photo via Stone’s Throw/Facebook
Bongo Beach Bar & Grill 5250 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL Bongo Beach Bar and Grill offers a large menu and drink specials that’ll sure go nice with the sunsets and good company. The restaurant is placed right on top of the sand so just make sure that you are dressed appropriately because sand will be getting everywhere. Photo via www.grandplazaflorida.com
EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge 1903 Market Street, Tampa, FL Resting elegantly on the top of the Epicurean Hotel, EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge 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, that you might (definitely) fall asleep in. Photo via EDGE Rooftop Bar/Facebook
Bon Appetit 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL 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 bonappetitrestaurant.com
Salt Shack on the Bay 5415 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL Overlook old Tampa Bay as you eat your fresh seasonal seafood and drink a few cocktails––but you might have to fight for a table, especially at sunset. Salt Shack on the Bay offers a Caribbean inspired menu, the freshest seafood, and an absolutely unbeatable gulf view. Photo via Salt Shack on the Bay/Facebook
Caretta on the Gulf 500 Mandalay Ave. Clearwater Beach, FL As Clearwater’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Caretta on the Gulf has an amazing view of the Gulf of Mexico, along with fresh cuisine that varies depending on what’s in season. The outside dining area over looks the beach while being shaded by huge brown umbrellas, that way customers can enjoy that beach feeling without all the sweating and sand. Photo via Caretta on the Gulf/Facebook
The Canopy 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 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 www.thebirchwood.com
Red Mesa Cantina 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 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
Anchor and Brine 505 Water St. Tampa, FL Recently opened under Tampa Marriott Water Street, Anchor and Brine is a fancy little restaurant that overlooks the Riverwalk. So, while you’re watching people fumble around on scooters, you can also enjoy some shrimp and oysters. Photo via Google Maps
Don CeSar 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL It’s a 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 doncesar.com
Élevage Restaurant 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 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 at 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 Élevage/Facebook
The Getaway 13090 Gandy Blvd N. St. Petersburg, FL The Getaway is serious destination spot conveintley located almost directly between St. Pete and Tampa. The beach-side wateringhole combines tiki aesthetic with fresh seafood cuisine. You’ll probably see a dolphin here. Photo via The Getaway/Facebook
Brio’s Tuscan Grill 2223 N. West Shore Blvd. Tampa, FL Brio’s all-Italian menu is made up of popular meals such as their classic pastas and seafood. Not only does Brio’s have a large selection of food but they also pride themselves on how they present themselves, the restaurant looks and feels similar to an actual Tuskan country villa with views of International Plaza, as well as an additional rooftop patio that allows guests to condescendingly look down on others. Photo via Google Maps
W XYZ Bar Aloft, 100 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL W XYZ Bar sits on the top of the Aloft Hotel in downtown Tampa. 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. They also have a stacked menu of fancy bar food that will accompany your four beers in the best way possible. Photo via www.marriott.com