25 lounges, speakeasies and hidden bars in Tampa Bay, and how to find them all

From speakeasies where a password is always required, to laundromats that are actually great watering holes, and no-frills lounges that are way off the beaten path, here are a few hidden gems in the Tampa Bay area.
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Ciro’s Tampa
2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-251-0022
This classic cocktail bar is located inside the historic Bayshore Royal Building and requires a password to get in. It specializes in unique and unexpected drink concoctions that elevate the exclusive-feeling experience.
Photo via Ciro’s/Facebook

Ciro’s Tampa

2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-251-0022
This classic cocktail bar is located inside the historic Bayshore Royal Building and requires a password to get in. It specializes in unique and unexpected drink concoctions that elevate the exclusive-feeling experience.
Photo via Ciro’s/Facebook
Dirty Laundry
1742 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-493-0040
You better pick up the phone when it rings in this ordinary-looking laundromat. A voice will tell you a code to punch into the washing machine, unveiling a vibrant indoor space and a relaxing outdoor patio.
Photo via Dirty Laundry/Website

Dirty Laundry

1742 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-493-0040
You better pick up the phone when it rings in this ordinary-looking laundromat. A voice will tell you a code to punch into the washing machine, unveiling a vibrant indoor space and a relaxing outdoor patio.
CW’s Gin Joint
633 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-816-1446
As a throwback to a time when “style and gentility” persisted, Carolyn Wilson (CW) created a space with a fine range of cocktails and food suited for sophisticated palates.
Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Website

CW’s Gin Joint

633 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-816-1446
As a throwback to a time when “style and gentility” persisted, Carolyn Wilson (CW) created a space with a fine range of cocktails and food suited for sophisticated palates.
Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Website
Lee’s Grocery
2210 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 813-374-0179
Originally built in 1884 as a local grocery store that catered to the local community of migrant workers, Lee’s four-year-old makeover means the joint now offers stone baked pizza, arguably the best wings in the Heights and craft beer, plus package sales available for takeout only.
Photo via Lee’s Grocery/Facebook

Lee’s Grocery

2210 N. Central Ave., Tampa, 813-374-0179
Originally built in 1884 as a local grocery store that catered to the local community of migrant workers, Lee’s four-year-old makeover means the joint now offers stone baked pizza, arguably the best wings in the Heights and craft beer, plus package sales available for takeout only.
Photo via Lee’s Grocery/Facebook
In Between Days
2340 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, no reservations
You won’t have to knock when you arrive at Florida’s first Tokyo-style listening bar with its own sound hi-fidelity system and signature food, drinks and even craft sake.
Photo by Skyler June via inbetweendays.co/Instagram

In Between Days

2340 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, no reservations
You won’t have to knock when you arrive at Florida’s first Tokyo-style listening bar with its own sound hi-fidelity system and signature food, drinks and even craft sake.
Grand Cathedral
2201 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-296-2977
Fine food, drinks and an immense selection of cigars brings this live music venue to life at the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
Photo by Ray Roa

Grand Cathedral

2201 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-296-2977
Fine food, drinks and an immense selection of cigars brings this live music venue to life at the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
The Sunset Room
204 E Henderson Ave., Tampa, 813-358-8483
Located above the old Hall on Franklin site, the Sunset Room is Black-owned and operated by Full Moon Branding, which throws weekly parties for sophisticated folks in a lounge-like setting. Expect a full bar, bottle service, small plates and live music.  
Photo via Full Moon Branding/Instagram

The Sunset Room

204 E Henderson Ave., Tampa, 813-358-8483
Located above the old Hall on Franklin site, the Sunset Room is Black-owned and operated by Full Moon Branding, which throws weekly parties for sophisticated folks in a lounge-like setting. Expect a full bar, bottle service, small plates and live music.
Photo via Full Moon Branding/Instagram
Floridian Social Club
687 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-322-4600
Get transported to the “Roaring 20s” when jazz bands and flappers were at their peak in this downtown St. Petersburg location. Don’t be afraid to put on a bedazzled dress and a cloche hat to relive those golden days alongside live music and entertainment. 
Photo via Floridian Social Club/Facebook

Floridian Social Club

687 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-322-4600
Get transported to the “Roaring 20s” when jazz bands and flappers were at their peak in this downtown St. Petersburg location. Don’t be afraid to put on a bedazzled dress and a cloche hat to relive those golden days alongside live music and entertainment.
Photo via Floridian Social Club/Facebook
Mandarin Heights
5901 N Florida Ave, Tampa
Self-proclaimed as “stewards of the cocktail culture,” this Seminole Heights bar creates a new menu every Tuesday to explore and find drinks tailored to every guest's preferences.
Photo via Mandarin Heights/Facebook

Mandarin Heights

5901 N Florida Ave, Tampa
Self-proclaimed as “stewards of the cocktail culture,” this Seminole Heights bar creates a new menu every Tuesday to explore and find drinks tailored to every guest's preferences.
Photo via Mandarin Heights/Facebook
Club 201 at The Detroit
201 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-873-6427
The Victorian-era and steampunk-inspired bar offers craft cocktails, beer and tapas at one of St. Petersburg’s oldest buildings.
Photo via Club 201 at The Detroit/Facebook

Club 201 at The Detroit

201 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-873-6427
The Victorian-era and steampunk-inspired bar offers craft cocktails, beer and tapas at one of St. Petersburg’s oldest buildings.
Photo via Club 201 at The Detroit/Facebook
SpookEasy Lounge
1823 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-857-5125
In this alcohol-free setting you can enjoy botanical teas, kava, and coffee only if you’re able to get through the secret passage. Halloween is celebrated year round with “spooky story nights” every Tuesday.
Photo via SpookEasy Lounge/Facebook

SpookEasy Lounge

1823 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-857-5125
In this alcohol-free setting you can enjoy botanical teas, kava, and coffee only if you’re able to get through the secret passage. Halloween is celebrated year round with “spooky story nights” every Tuesday.
Photo via SpookEasy Lounge/Facebook
M. Bird
Armature Works, 1903 Market St., Tampa, 813-296-2702
The art deco-inspired rooftop bar at Amature Works invites guests to refresh with their curated cocktails and a view. 
Photo via M. Bird/Facebook

M. Bird

Armature Works, 1903 Market St., Tampa, 813-296-2702
The art deco-inspired rooftop bar at Amature Works invites guests to refresh with their curated cocktails and a view.
Photo via M. Bird/Facebook
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar
1611 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-898-8628
With authentic recipes, the private Mexican Speakeasy 1900 vault room showcases the Día de los Muertos celebration from Mexican culture for special occasions, private dining and bottle service only. 
Photo via Catrinas Taco and Tequila Bar/Facebook

Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar

1611 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-898-8628
With authentic recipes, the private Mexican Speakeasy 1900 vault room showcases the Día de los Muertos celebration from Mexican culture for special occasions, private dining and bottle service only.
Photo via Catrinas Taco and Tequila Bar/Facebook
The Hangar
540 1st St. SE., St. Petersburg, 727-823-7767
Attention, airplanes flying low. Enjoy a meal with a view of the Albert Whitted Airport in this restaurant and flight lounge that combines classic American dishes and modern creations. Go there on Monday nights when the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association stages one of the region’s best jazz jams.
Photo via The Hangar/Facebook

The Hangar

540 1st St. SE., St. Petersburg, 727-823-7767
Attention, airplanes flying low. Enjoy a meal with a view of the Albert Whitted Airport in this restaurant and flight lounge that combines classic American dishes and modern creations. Go there on Monday nights when the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association stages one of the region’s best jazz jams.
Photo via The Hangar/Facebook
Copa
1047 Central Ave St. Petersburg, 727-623-9199
Located at the heart of the Edge District, a mix of Latin American, Caribbean and Mediterranean food can be enjoyed to the sounds of Afro-Latin music alongside a full liquor bar, wines, beer, cocktails and hookah.
Photo via Copa/Facebook

Copa

1047 Central Ave St. Petersburg, 727-623-9199
Located at the heart of the Edge District, a mix of Latin American, Caribbean and Mediterranean food can be enjoyed to the sounds of Afro-Latin music alongside a full liquor bar, wines, beer, cocktails and hookah.
Photo via Copa/Facebook
DeSanto
128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226
Above Red Mesa Cantina lies this rooftop bar with an exclusive view of downtown St. Petersburg. It has a trendy bar and cozy lounge area, serves cold plates only and has tequila for days.
Photo via DeSanto/Website

DeSanto

128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226
Above Red Mesa Cantina lies this rooftop bar with an exclusive view of downtown St. Petersburg. It has a trendy bar and cozy lounge area, serves cold plates only and has tequila for days.
Photo via DeSanto/Website
25 lounges, speakeasies and hidden bars in Tampa Bay, and how to find them all
Gigglewaters
737 Main St., Safety Harbor, 727-669-7077
The funny-named speakeasy offers over-the-top food combinations and a solid cocktail selection. Additionally, it has an intimate screening room where classic flicks play for guests’ entertainment. 
Photo via Gigglewaters/Facebook

Gigglewaters

737 Main St., Safety Harbor, 727-669-7077
The funny-named speakeasy offers over-the-top food combinations and a solid cocktail selection. Additionally, it has an intimate screening room where classic flicks play for guests’ entertainment.
Photo via Gigglewaters/Facebook
The Lounge by Meat Market
1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-280-1113
This sophisticated “after-dinner experience” is catered towards those who enjoy the finest things in life. You and your party will have a private cocktail waitress and a plush private pod.
Photo via The Lounge by Meat Market/Instagram

The Lounge by Meat Market

1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-280-1113
This sophisticated “after-dinner experience” is catered towards those who enjoy the finest things in life. You and your party will have a private cocktail waitress and a plush private pod.
Photo via The Lounge by Meat Market/Instagram
Lolita’s Wine Market
16 18th St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-505-0503
This wine and coffee shop allows you to create your own charcuterie boards and serves Spanish and Mediterranean inspired tapas plus affordable wines. 
Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market/Website

Lolita’s Wine Market

16 18th St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-505-0503
This wine and coffee shop allows you to create your own charcuterie boards and serves Spanish and Mediterranean inspired tapas plus affordable wines.
Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market/Website
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