2026-08-25 08:44:28

From breezy beach bars to elevated cocktail lounges, St. Pete-Clearwater delivers an exciting bar scene that’s as varied as it is easygoing.
Keep it casual with a drink by the water or dress things up with skyline views and an exquisite craft cocktail — either way, you won’t have to look far to find your spot.
BEST BEACH BAR

FRENCHY'S ROCKAWAY, CLEARWATER BEACH
➋ Jimmy B's, St. Pete Beach
➌ Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar, Clearwater Beach
➍ Caddy's Treasure Island
➎ Paradise Grille, Pass-a-Grille

BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS

GIGGLEWATERS, SAFETY HARBOR
➋ Bar Mezzo, St. Pete
➌ Heilman's Beachcomber Restaurant, Clearwater Beach
➍ The Urban Stillhouse, St. Pete
➎ Sonder Social Club, Dunedin

BEST ROOFTOP BAR

JIMMY'S CROW'S NEST, PIER HOUSE 60, CLEARWATER BEACH
➋ Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, Fenway Hotel, Dunedin
➌ Birchwood Canopy, St. Pete
➍ The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, Pass-a-Grille
➎ Pier Teaki, St. Pete Pier


ROOFTOP BARS
Take things up a level, literally. St. Pete-Clearwater’s rooftop bars pair coastal breezes with sweeping views, from the Gulf to the Intracoastal Waterway and downtown skylines.
AZURA SUNDOWN ROOFTOP & LOUNGE • St. Pete Beach • Set atop The Hotel Zamora (just north of The Don CeSar hotel), this Mediterranean-inspired lounge pairs craft cocktails with gorgeous sunset views over the Intracoastal. Come for the scenery, stay for the seaside-inspired cuisine at Azura Coastal Kitchen & Bar downstairs.

THE CANOPY • St. Pete • Perched on the top floor of The Birchwood hotel, this rooftop favorite features spectacular views of Tampa Bay and the downtown St. Pete waterfront, plush seating, craft cocktails, and private cabanas for a VIP-worthy night out.
THE DEEP END • Clearwater Beach • Located on the 11th floor of the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, this upscale spot blends coastal cocktails, fresh Peruvian-inspired bites and front-row Gulf sunsets.

HI-FI ROOFTOP BAR • Dunedin • With a nod to the historic Fenway Hotel’s radio-era past, the Hi-Fi offers an array of creative cocktails, wines and local craft beers, along with jaw-dropping views across the Intracoastal Waterway to Caladesi Island.
JIMMY’S CROW’S NEST • Clearwater Beach • Located on the roof of the Pier House 60 hotel, this longtime favorite offers sweeping views of Clearwater Beach, the marina and the Gulf. Time your visit for sunset, when the nightly ritual includes a celebratory shot to mark the moment.
MARINA CANTINA • Clearwater Beach • Overlooking Clearwater Beach Marina, this Mexican fusion cantina pairs fresh, boat-totable seafood with hand-crafted margaritas and sangria. Unbeatable sunset views and delectable tacos — what else could you possibly want?
PIER TEAKI • St. Pete • Throw on your funkiest Polynesian-inspired outfit and head over to this Tiki-themed lounge overlooking the St. Pete Pier. The drink menu leans into tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and playful presentation — souvenir mugs included.

SIELO ROOFTOP POOL BAR • Clearwater Beach • Resting above The Hiatus hotel, this breezy rooftop pool terrace and bar serves handcrafted cocktails and Caribbean-inspired dishes with panoramic views.
SPARROW • St. Pete • Take in dazzling views of downtown St. Pete from this stylish venue on the seventh-floor rooftop of Moxy St. Pete. Sparrow mixes creative cocktails with an Asian-inspired menu and a sleek, energetic vibe above the city’s EDGE District.
VISTA AT THE TOP • Tierra Verde • Hidden away on the rooftop of a Residence Inn next to a marina, this chic open-air lounge delivers a relaxed setting for signature cocktails, wine and small plates after a day on the water.

BEACH BARS
Nothing says vacation quite like a drink by the sand. From funky dives to lively beachfront hangouts, St. Pete-Clearwater’s beach bars serve up cold drinks, live music and unbeatable sunset views — often just steps from the water.
BAMBOO BEACH BAR • Madeira Beach • A longtime John’s Pass staple known for fish tacos, frozen drinks and live music in a laid-back, come-as-you-are setting.
THE BRASS MONKEY • Pass-a-Grille Beach • This casual Pass-a-Grille sports bar serves up cold drinks and one of the best second-floor balcony views of the Gulf.
CADDY’S WATERFRONT • Treasure Island • One of the few places where you can legally sip with your toes in the sand, Caddy’s delivers classic beach bar vibes just steps from Sunset Beach.
COCONUT CHARLIE’S BEACH BAR & GRILL • St. Pete Beach • Located at the Hilton Garden Inn, this beachside hangout mixes frozen cocktails, live music and Gulf views with hammock seating for peak relaxation.
THE CONCH REPUBLIC GRILL • North Redington Beach • Tucked away between Indian Shores and Madeira Beach, this Key West-style bar pairs tropical cocktails with fresh seafood, delicious desserts and a breezy, coastal atmosphere.
FRENCHY’S ROCKAWAY GRILL • Clearwater Beach • A Clearwater Beach icon right on the sand, serving up strong drinks, live local bands and a must-try grouper sandwich.
HURRICANE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT • Pass-a-Grille Beach • Spread across multiple levels and five different dining rooms, this longtime Pass-a-Grille staple offers standout sunset views and plenty of spaces to grab a drink above the beach.
JIMMY GUANA’S • Indian Rocks Beach • This indoor-outdoor bar brings live music, tropical drinks and a fun, casual crowd to the Holiday Inn & Suites Harbourside.
KA’TIKI • Treasure Island • A classic beach Tiki bar with a loyal following, known for frequent live music (from local bands to national acts) and its famously affordable cheeseburgers.
SHADRACK’S • Pass-a-Grille Beach • A no-frills staple along Pass-a-Grille’s Eighth Avenue, this classic beach bar dive is all about cold drinks, salty air and easygoing charm. Stop in on Sunday for their buildyour- own Bloody Mary bar and settle into the laid-back rhythm of the beach.
SHEPHARD’S TIKI BEACH BAR & GRILL • Clearwater Beach • Looking for a high-energy experience? This bustling beachfront venue combines an outdoor Tiki-inspired bar with a trendy nightclub, WAVE.
SLOPPY JOE’S ON THE BEACH • Treasure Island • Mere steps away from the sand, this casual Treasure Island favorite is ideal for unwinding at sunset with a drink in hand. Dig into conch fritters or Key lime pie, catch some live music and take a quick dip in the Gulf.
UNDERTOW BEACH BAR • St. Pete Beach • A quintessential local spot with a decades-long cult following, featuring a spacious rooftop deck, oversized chairs and a wide beer selection.

WINE BARS & DISTILLERIES
If you’re in the mood to slow things down, the area’s wine bars and distilleries offer a more refined pace. Expect curated pours, small-batch spirits and relaxed spaces that invite you to linger.
BELLA VINO WINE & CHEESE MARKET • Belleair Bluffs • This European- style wine bar offers curated pours alongside charcuterie, cheeses, flatbreads and espresso in an intimate setting.
BOOK + BOTTLE • St. Pete • Cozy up with a glass and a book at this downtown gem that combines a hip wine bar with a bookstore, inviting you to browse, sip and settle in.
COPA • St. Pete • This EDGE District wine and cocktail lounge strikes the perfect balance for wine and beer lovers alike, with wine-based cocktails, globally inspired small plates and an upbeat city vibe.
COTHERMAN DISTILLING CO. • Dunedin • This small-batch distillery crafts spirits with precision. Try the small-batch single malt 727 Vodka in the tasting room.
HAWTHORNE BOTTLE SHOPPE • St. Pete • Sip Malbec with a side of Wu-Tang at this chic gem in the Grand Central District, where curated wines meet hip-hop vibes and a lively, social crowd.
LOLITA’S WINE MARKET • St. Pete • A relaxed wine bar-meets-coffeehouse that encourages lingering over a glass in a comfortable, neighborhood setting.
SIPS WINE BAR • Safety Harbor • A Main Street staple with more than 70 wines and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
ST. PETERSBURG DISTILLERY • St. Pete • A pioneer in local craft spirits, producing award-winning vodka, rum and whiskey with a focus on Florida-sourced ingredients.
WINE SOCIETY • Tarpon Springs • “Sip, savor, unwind” sets the tone at this downtown Tarpon Springs hot spot. Enjoy a curated selection of wines, craft beers and shareable tapas while taking in live music and special events that keep the scene lively.

IMMERSIVE BARS
Looking for something beyond the standard night out? These immersive bars pair creative themes, hidden entrances and transportive atmospheres to turn a simple drink into an experience.
DIRTY LAUNDRY • St. Pete • Hidden behind a laundromat façade, this speakeasy-style bar reveals a lively club scene. Just find the pay phone under the neon “Talk Dirty to Me” sign and see what happens next.
DRACULA’S LEGACY • St. Pete • There’s no blood in this Gothic-themed wine bar and bistro (or is there?), but there are over 100 wines to select from as you absorb the spooky, kitschy theming dedicated to the iconic Bram Stoker character.
GOOD NIGHT JOHN BOY • St. Pete • “Saturday Night Fever” meets Grandma’s basement in this full-on 1970s throwback with disco balls, neon lights and a packed dance floor that keeps the party going.
LOST & FOUND • St. Pete • This retro cocktail bar channels vintage living room vibes, complete with eclectic décor and well-crafted drinks.

LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY BARS
St. Pete-Clearwater’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife scene is anchored by a welcoming LGBTQ+ community. From high-energy dance floors to easygoing hangouts, LGBTQ+ friendly bars are everywhere you turn.
THE BALL • St. Pete • This intimate lounge in the Grand Central District offers craft cocktails and shareable bites, leaning all the way into its glittery, disco-inspired vibe: Think mirror balls, a pink-lit bar and walls lined with pop culture icons.
BLUR NIGHTCLUB • Dunedin • Venture north to this Dunedin club to keep the vibes soaring with DJ-driven nights, drag performances and a fully loaded bar.
COCKTAIL ST. PETE • St. Pete • Located in the Grand Central District’s Mari Jean Hotel, this wild local favorite is known for stiff drinks, playful vibes and poolside access to The Wet Spot, its neighboring pool bar and day club.
ENIGMA • St. Pete • Pump up the volume at this EDGE District dance club featuring live DJs, drag shows and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting setup.
THE GARAGE ON CENTRAL • St. Pete • A Grand Central District favorite offering unique cocktails, drag shows, karaoke nights and an anything-but-quiet atmosphere.
PRO SHOP PUB • Clearwater • If you’re in the mood to calm things down a notch, head over to downtown Clearwater to hang out in one of Tampa Bay’s longest-operating gay bars.

BEST HAPPY HOUR

NOBLE CRUST, ST. PETE
➋ The Dunedin Smokehouse, Dunedin
➌ Seaweed Steaks, Seafood & Sushi, Belleair Bluffs
➍ Stormrunners Tavern, Gulfport
➎ Sauvignon Wine Locker American Trattoria, St. Pete

BEST SPORTS BAR

FERG'S SPORTS BAR & GRILL, ST. PETE
➋ Eddie's Bar & Grill
➌ Dead Bob's Bar, St. Pete
➍ Original Hooters, Clearwater Beach
➎ Guilty Sea Sports Pub, Indian Rocks Beach

BEST LATE NIGHT SPOT

MAHUFFER'S, INDIAN SHORES
➋ Wave Nightclub at Shephard's, Clearwater Beach
➌ The Shipwreck, Clearwater Beach
➍ Good Night John Boy, St. Pete
➎ Blur Nightclub, Dunedin
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