The 20 best Tampa Bay bars and restaurants for ‘golden hour’ cocktails

Golden hour, that magical time right before sunset that makes even a half-eaten grouper sandwich look ethereal. A beachfront, a cocktail, your new Tinder profile picture—it all just looks better when showered in golden sunshine.

Whether you're trying to upgrade your Instagram, flex on an ex, or enjoy a night out with your crew or all of the above, here are some of Tampa Bay's best spots to enjoy a golden hour cocktail.

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Salt Shack On The Bay

5415 W Tyson Ave., Tampa, 813-444-4569
Enjoy great drinks, great food and great vibes all with a waterfront view bound to take your sunset pics to another level at Salt Shack On The Bay. With a beverage list almost as big as its food menu, Salt Shack features a lineup of classic drinks, caribbean-style cocktails, frozen libations and more, right near the emerging Westshore Marina District.
Photo via Salt Shack On The Bay/Facebook

M. Bird

1903 Market St., Tampa, 813-296-2702
Allow M. Bird’s ”tropical mod-deco” aesthetic, vibrant cocktails and rooftop sunset views do the work for your next Instagram photoshoot. Pose with the bright blue “Billy Ocean Water”on the rocks cocktail in that golden hour light or let the phone eat first with shareables like the jerk chicken egg rolls and entrees like the sesame-seared tuna.
Photo via M. Bird/Facebook

Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar

453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, 727-683-5990
Take in the sunset and enjoy a nightcap atop Dunedin’s historic Fenway Hotel at the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar. Off the beaten path but right next to the Dunedin Channel, Hi-Fi provides a more chill night without any compromise of good drinks and amazing sights.
Photo via Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar/Facebook

Jimmy B’s Beach Bar

6200 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-367-1902
Trying to go full Florida mode? Jimmy B’s is a must. Part of the Beachcomber Resort on St. Pete Beach, Jimmy B’s brings sand, sea breezes, beachy booze, live music and sunsets to the table for that immaculate Florida vibe.
Photo via Jimmy B’s Beach Bar/Facebook

Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest

101 Coronado Dr., Clearwater Beach, 727-683-0002
A free shot at sunset? In this economy? Run, don’t walk, to Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest in Clearwater Beach. Located on the 10th floor of a building overlookingPier 60, enjoy a 270-degree view of the sunset over one of the nation’s best beaches while sipping on classic cocktails like a bloody mary, piña colada or rum runner.
Photo via Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest/Facebook