THINGS TO DO VisitSPC.com/Bars RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER 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. PARK & REC 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. BARCADES 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. LIVE MUSIC Jazz, rock, blues, funk, hip-hop – what are you in the mood for? Whether you’re a casual listener or a 106 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES
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