Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL

The overall vibe of WHERE you drink is often as important as WHAT you drink. Would you prefer to stretch out beachside with a daytime margarita in hand, or are craft cocktails and nightlife more your speed? (The good news is: you can choose both.)

360° Rooftop Lounge, St. Pete Beach • Posh Mediterranean-inspired lounge furniture helps set the stage for spectacular sunset views at this aptly named bar located at the top of Hotel Zamora (just north of The Don CeSar hotel). Be sure to order some delectable tapas from the hotel’s Castile Restaurant downstairs – they pair well with panoramic views.

Cane & Barrel, St. Pete • There’s a lot of buzz about this brand-new, Cuban-inspired rooftop bar and lounge in the heart of downtown St. Pete. Located atop the AC Hotel by Marriott, Cane & Barrel features an exterior lounge and interior bar that were influenced by vintage wood cigar boxes and the lushness of a Caribbean courtyard. The signature spirit here is rum, which the bar’s menu explores “from the cane to the barrel.”

The Canopy, St. Pete • Treat yourself and your guests like true VIPs on the top floor of The Birchwood Inn. Order a martini if you’re feeling fancy; some bar bites if you’re feeling peckish – but you can’t miss the incredible views of Tampa Bay and the downtown St. Pete waterfront from this venue’s glass railings. The Canopy also features living room-style seating, with private cabanas available for rent.

The Rooftop Bar at the Berkeley Beach Club, Pass-a-Grille • Some of the most memorable sunsets can be experienced at this modern bar on Pass-a-Grille’s captivating Eighth Avenue strip. Elevated “beach cuisine,” including seafood-focused plates and a raw bar, are also on the menu. Seating is limited, so plan on arriving before sunset begins.

Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, Dunedin • Featuring an array of creative cocktails, wines and local craft beers, the Hi-Fi is nestled atop the historic Fenway Hotel, offering jaw-dropping views across the Intracoastal Waterway to Caladesi Island. The bar’s name pays homage to the Fenway being the site of Pinellas County’s first radio station back in the day.

Vantage, Feather Sound • Perched on the 12th floor of the Karol Hotel, this mostly indoor bar offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a small terrace. Guests can see Tampa Bay and the St. Pete skyline as they sip artisan cocktails and nosh on seafood- inspired bites.

Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, Clearwater Beach • This local favorite at the Pier House 60 hotel on the waterfront is an ideal spot to overlook all the Clearwater Beach and Clearwater Marina action. They’ll even throw in a free shot during their nightly sunset celebration.

Level 11, St. Pete Beach • Open daily every evening, this vibrant rooftop venue at the Bellwether Beach Resort serves up shareable plates, refreshing cocktails and glorious views of the beach and Gulf of Mexico. A classy kickoff for any vacation.

Pier Teaki, St. Pete • Don your finest Polynesian- inspired threads and head over to this Tiki-themed lounge overlooking the new St. Pete Pier. The drink menu includes a solid selection of wine and craft beer, but the real draw are the frozen drinks and signature cocktails, which can be enjoyed in souvenir Teaki mugs.

Vista at the Top, Tierra Verde • Possibly Tierra Verde’s best kept secret, this chic open-air lounge is tucked away on the rooftop of a Residence Inn (directly next to a marina). The menu includes tapas-style cuisine, signature cocktails, wine, craft beers and desserts. After a day on the water, this Vista can really hit the spot.

Vue360, Clearwater Beach • The newest rooftop bar on this list, Vue360 at the Courtyard Clearwater Beach Marina features a modern yet laid back tropical vibe. Kick back on a comfy couch and sip on a salt-and-chile-rimmed margarita or smoke- infused old fashioned as you savor the gorgeous sunset on the beach.

Though the staggering number of beach bars in the St. Pete/Clearwater area could fill another magazine issue, let’s dive into a handful of spots that are worth the visit.

Starting on Clearwater Beach, the locals have been hanging out at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar since 1926 for its sunset celebrations and extensive menu. If you’re in the mood for an absolutely killer grouper sandwich, head over to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, the largest of Frenchy’s four establishments in the area. Kick it up a notch or two at Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar & Grill, with its outdoor Tiki-inspired bar and nightclub WAVE for an evening of busting moves.

Head a few miles further south to Jimmy Guana’s in Indian Rocks Beach, where you can dine inside or out on the deck. If you’re in the mood for a classic beach dive bar (and who isn’t?), Mahuffer’s in Indian Shores is filled with character, dollar bills and plenty of laughs.

For some island music and a taste of the tropics, check out Mangos Restaurant & Tiki Bar in the DoubleTree Beach Resort on North Redington Beach. Order a Bahama Mama, a seafood entrée or scrumptious dessert from the sunset menu at Conch Republic.

A couple of miles south in Madeira Beach, Bamboo Beach Bar in John’s Pass is a great place for fish tacos and piña coladas. If you’re in the mood to sip something nonalcoholic in a friendly patio setting, Bula on the Beach serves up kava, kombucha (on draft), coffee and espresso.

Want to dip your toes into the Gulf while enjoying your beverage of choice? Caddy’s Waterfront in Treasure Island is one of the few beachfront bars where it’s actually legal. (Freedom!) You’ll find this local institution a few feet from the shore of Sunset Beach, an easygoing neighborhood just south of Gulf Boulevard. Treasure Island is also home to Crabby’s On the Pass, which is sometimes touted as having the “world’s longest waterfront bar.” We haven’t done the math on that yet, but it’s a great spot to dock a boat, sip on rum runners and enjoy some fish filets.

St. Pete Beach offers a myriad of beach bar options as well, including the casual and colorful Woody’s Waterfront right on the water. Music, mai tais, and sunsets are all the rage at Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, while the retro PCI Beach Bar & Snack Shack is the place to be on the weekends. Meanwhile, Undertow has built up a cult following for decades with its spacious rooftop deck, oversized wooden chairs and wide selection of import and craft beers.

Don’t forget to explore the charms Pass-a-Grille Beach has to offer. Head to Eighth Avenue, where you’ll find the Brass Monkey and Shadrack’s, one of the all-time classic beach bar dives that serves up a wicked bloody mary bar on Sundays. Take in some breathtaking views with your drinks and food at the iconic Hurricane Seafood Restaurant.

The St. Pete/Clearwater area has been known for its craft beer scene for a minute now, but its new wave of wineries and distilleries should not be overlooked.

Award-winning, high-quality spirits are on the menu at St. Petersburg Distillery. Opened in 2014, the distillery focuses on supporting local agriculture and using locally sourced ingredients in their offerings. Their old Florida-inspired bottles and labels are a cool bonus.

Clearwater’s Murielle Winery dates back to a couple decades ago, when its owner broke free from the corporate business world and launched the operation with his wife. Though Florida isn’t exactly known for its grape-friendly climate, Murielle has overcome the challenge with an effective (and time-consuming) fermentation process.

Spirits are slowly and carefully handcrafted and distilled at Cotherman Distilling Co. in Dunedin. Schedule a tour of the distillery, or try their popular, small-batch single malt 727 Vodka in the tasting room.

Eschew the eternal wine-vs.-beer debate by choosing both at Two Lions Winery & Palm Harbor Brewery. Featuring a range of local craft beers and varietals, this winery/brewery/tasting house has something to please every guest. Just don’t knock the Best of the Bay-winning wine slushie if you haven’t tried it.

Originally founded in Poland nearly 20 years ago, St. Pete’s family-operated Kozuba & Sons distillery specializes in handmade small-batch whiskeys, bourbons, vodkas and more. Try something new and distinctly Polish, like their traditional cranberry cordial.

There’s also no shortage of hip wine bars through-out the area. Want to sip pinot noir while nodding your head to the Wu-Tang Clan? Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe in St. Pete is the place. Take your wine to go or sit and relax for a while at local favorite Lolita’s Wine Market, a hybrid wine-and-coffee shop/bar. Head over to Safety Harbor’s cozy Main Street and visit Sips Wine Bar, which offers over 70 wines in a pleasantly low-key atmosphere.

St. Pete/Clearwater is renowned for being home to an incredibly vibrant and friendly LGBTQ+ community. With one of the largest pride events in the U.S. (St Pete Pride), it should come as no surprise that the area is also brimming with gay-friendly bars and nightlife.

St. Pete has the highest concentration of lively spots to visit. Dance club Enigma brings high energy to the EDGE District, with all-day drink specials, live DJs, an insane sound and lighting system, and the “the best drag shows in the universe.” Hit the dance floor inside, or lounge on the patio and catch up with friends. Speaking of dancing, locals also like to cut a rug at the upbeat Cocktail St. Pete. The bar/club won numerous Best of the Bay awards in 2022, including Best LGBTQ+ Bar, Best Happy Hour and Best Drag Event.

If you’re getting the party started at Cocktail, head to its sister speak-easy, The Saint, for the after-party. Dark, sexy and equipped with an arsenal of killer cocktails, this authentic speak-easy can be found behind a red door on a side street in the Grand Central District. Want to hang out in this neighborhood a bit longer? Check out The Garage on Central for exotic drinks, drag shows, dance music nights and, on Thursday evenings, karaoke.

In downtown Clearwater, the low-key Pro Shop Pub, which is touted as “the oldest gay bar in Tampa Bay,” has become a popular hangout due to its warm atmosphere and laid-back regulars. Head north to Dunedin, where Blur Nightclub is the place to keep the vibes high. The club has a fully stocked bar, regular live DJ nights and drag shows every Friday. And if you happen to be in town on the first Tuesday of the month, don’t miss Drag Queen Bingo.

Jazz, rock, blues, funk, hip-hop – what are you in the mood for? Whether you’re a casual listener or a true music head, there’s always thrilling live music radiating good vibes somewhere throughout St. Pete/Clearwater.

There’s never a cover charge at Ruby’s Elixir, a swank retro speak-easy in downtown St. Pete where you can catch a local blues, rock, jazz or funk band on an intimate stage every night. The cocktails are decidedly premium and sophisticated, and the decor features ruby red lighting and pinup art from the 1940s and '50s.

The classic Ringside Café got its name from its previous location, which originally operated as a boxing center. The boxers are long gone, but the many talented national and local rock and blues musicians that play the venue are here to stay. Ringside also has a full liquor bar and many favorite beers on tap.

Though the craft beers served at The Ale & the Witch are mostly American, the overall feel of this taphouse leans more European. This is mostly due to its large outdoor courtyard, where you can catch local live acts regularly. You can even bring your pooch.

Catch a live set on the lively patio at Smuggler’s Island Pub, which rests in the heart of the Palm Harbor Historic District. Shaded by great mossy oak trees, Smuggler’s serves up burgers and pub grub, with a small selection of beers to wash it all down.

If you prefer your music near the water, reggae, rock, acoustic and blues are usually on deck at Ka'Tiki in Treasure Island/Sunset Beach, while Jimmy B’s Beach Bar in St. Pete Beach has a huge open-air patio and two stages for live local bands.

As you can tell, St. Pete/Clearwater is practically overflowing with interesting places to grab a refreshing drink and soak in some pleasant ambience. But what about bars that also tap into and nourish your inner child? We’re talking pure, unadulterated, analog and/or digital, new-and-old- school fun. Game on.

Downtown St. Pete’s indoor-outdoor Park & Rec taps into the competitive spirit with life-size beer pong played with garbage cans, as well as some old-school classics like Skee-Ball, Frogger and arcade basketball. The vivacious bar also offers a concession stand with a snacks menu, wine and beers on draft, and creative cocktails.

Nintendo enthusiasts rejoice: Right Around the Corner in the Grand Central District has Nintendo systems from every era and locally brewed beer poured from game controller taps. In addition to its video game options, the bar also has some classic pinball machines, darts and more.

In addition to brewing its own broad selection of tasty craft beers, 3 Daughters Brewing is also a warehouse full of family-friendly fun. Indoor games include tabletop shuffleboard, pingpong, darts, pinball and foosball, while the outdoor area has cornhole, Connect Four and Jenga.

➋ Trophy Fish, St. Pete
➌ The Urban Stillhouse, St. Pete
➍ Heilman's Beachcomber Restaurant, Clearwater Beach
➎ The Mandarin Hide, St. Pete

➋ Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Clearwater Beach
➌ Coconut Charlie's at Hilton Garden Inn, St. Pete Beach
➍ Caddy's Treasure Island
➎ Jimmy B's Beach Bar, St. Pete Beach

➋ Canopy, The Birchwood, St. Pete
➌ Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, Fenway Hotel, Dunedin
➍ Pier Teaki, St. Pete Pier
➎ The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, Pass-a-Grille

➋ Green Bench Brewing Co., St. Pete
➌ Crooked Thumb Brewery, Safety Harbor
➍ HOB Brewing Co., Dunedin
➎ Pinellas Ale Works, St. Pete

➋ Sips Wine Bar, Safety Harbor
➌ CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, St. Pete
➍ Wine Society, Tarpon Springs
➎ Bella Vino Wine & Cheese Market, Belleair Bluffs

➋ Honeymoon Island Dog Beach
➌ Fort De Soto Dog Beach
➍ OCC Road House & Museum, Clearwater
➎ Troubled Waters Brewing, Safety Harbor

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