Brian Nagele
If you’re hanging out in Tampa, you’ll want to make the most of your waterfront surroundings by getting a drink with a fantastic view.
Luckily, I know all the best rooftop bars in Tampa. Enjoy Mai Tais, daiquiris, or more creative cocktails with an ocean breeze.
All you need to do is travel a few stories up.
If you want a superb drinking spot with a view, check out my list of the best rooftop bars in Tampa, Florida below!
EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-999-8700
The rooftop of the Epicurean Hotel is a fabulous place for a laid-back drink or two.
The EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge feels like a more social version of your backyard patio, with beautiful unobstructed views.
There’s bar seating and comfy couches which give the place a homey feel.
This is Florida, so if you only try one cocktail, it ought to be a tropical one.
EDGE’s Epic Mai Tai is made with an Epicurean spiced rum blend, Pierre Ferrand dry curacao, Gozio amaretto, lime, aqua faba, Angostura, and Peychaud’s bitters.
The EDGE also offers some small bites, making it a perfect pre-dinner happy hour spot.
Order some rosemary chili almonds as an appetizer with your cocktail.
M.Bird
1903 Market St, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-296-2702
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M. Bird is an upscale cocktail spot located right on the Hillsborough River.
Here, you’ll get stunning river and city views in an art deco-inspired setting.
M. Bird has classy cocktails and delicious shareable plates.
Travel here for a light bite or party into the night.
They’re known for their delicious tropical cocktails. Try the Billy Ocean Water if you’re a fan of lime and coconut.
Hungry? The spicy garlic shrimp is amazing.
Sunset is a popular time to visit M. Bird since you can see the sunset over the river. Make sure you get there early for a good seat!
Pier Teaki
800 2nd Ave NE 5th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-513-8325
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Pier Teaki is one of the best waterfront bar and dining experiences you can find.
The venue is located on a pier that juts out into Tampa Bay.
This place has an elevated pub-on-the-water vibe ideal for family or friend groups.
The menu has creative bar food like fish tacos and burgers, and they have a lengthy list of signature cocktails to go with it.
When you’re there for dinner, try the Your Way Grouper Sandwich.
If Rum’s your drink, then you should order the Pier Teaki Rum Runner. It’s fruity and high proof—the perfect start to a fun night.
Sal Y Mar
3650 Midtown Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-692-3330
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Sal Y Mar is the place to go for a chic evening out. A nice thing about this establishment is that it has indoor and outdoor bar spaces.
Both have fantastic views. If you need a fancy spot for dinner and drinks (in any weather) this is the place for you.
They have a small but excellent dinner menu. If you’re hungry, Chef Johnathan Rodriguez prepares a fantastic paella.
For drinks, I recommend going during happy hour which is every day from 4–6 pm.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the drink menu, but their classic margarita stands out.
You should know that Sal Y Mar has a dress code: “smart casual, business casual, and dress to impress.”
Birchwood Canopy
340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-896-1080
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On top of the swanky Birchwood Hotel, you’ll find the equally upscale Birchwood Canopy.
Located in downtown St. Petersburg, this bar has clear views of Tampa Bay, Straub Park, Beach Drive, and the downtown St. Petersburg skyline.
They have cozy seating reminiscent of a living room, shared fire pits for that chilly ocean breeze, and private cabanas.
The ambiance changes based on when you’re there.
During the day, it’s fairly laid-back. You can grab a quick bite and drink at decent prices.
At night, it has more of a high-end lounge atmosphere. Every Wednesday is ladies’ night at the Canopy, where ladies get half off rosé from 7-10 pm.
In addition to signature cocktails, the Canopy has a long wine and beer list and delicious bar food.
The smoked brisket flatbed is a favorite.
360 Rooftop
3701 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Phone: 727-456-8660
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360 Rooftop is on top of the Hotel Zamora. It’s located out on Long Key and has endless views of the Gulf of Mexico.
This is another perfectly instagrammable sunset spot, so be sure you get there early. 360 is a very relaxing place.
Have a cocktail and enjoy the perfect view from your lounge chair or couch.
Try a rum punch and some crispy chickpeas before heading out to your dinner spot.
360 is only open until 9 pm during the week and 11 pm on weekends.
They dub themselves “the best happy hour on the beach”—and they’re not wrong.
If you go any day between 4–6 pm, you’ll find select beers, house wines, and well drinks at lower prices.
Bulla Gastrobar
930 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-773-8626
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You can find Bulla in the Historic Hyde Park North neighborhood, surrounded by other trendy food and drink places.
It’s the place to be. Bulla Gastrobar is perfect for a laid-back and fun Spanish dining experience.
They have brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, and it’s difficult to pick between them.
If you want the most out of your experience, I suggest heading to Bulla for a late lunch.
They offer a “pick two” deal for a promotional price.
For an appetizer, I’d recommend the tasty Andalusian Gazpacho followed by the decadent Half Cubano Ibérico Sandwich, but there are no bad choices.
When you’re finished, head upstairs to Luna Lounge for rooftop happy hour cocktails (happy hour ends at 7 pm). The sangria is a must-try.
Jimmys Crows Nest
101 Coronado Dr, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Phone: 727-683-0002
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The 10th-floor location of Jimmy’s Crows Nest gives you some of the best views in all of Tampa.
From the Clearwater Beach location, you can see a white sand beach, the vibrant waters of the Gulf of Mexico, award-winning Pier 60, and the emerald colors of the Clearwater Marina.
Jimmy’s is a laid-back hangout spot.
They know they have a great view and invite all visitors to share it by offering a free shot for their sunset celebration every night.
Their drink menu is lengthy. If you’re a Moscow mule fan, you can drink your way around the globe with their cute “mules from around the world” list.
They also have traditional tropical drinks like strawberry daiquiris and Palomas.
Soak up the alcohol with yummy bar fares like wings, pizza, burgers, or sandwiches.
Rox Rooftop Bar
2545 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
Rox Rooftop Bar is a peaceful spot that overlooks Old Tampa Bay.
It doesn’t seem to get too rowdy and it’s a perfect spot to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends or family.
You can get your usual drink of choice, as they have an extensive spirits menu—there are so many kinds of whiskey, vodka, agave, and more to try.
Rox also has some cool signature cocktails.
If you’re so inclined, the Gummy Bear is a fun and sweet tequila drink.
Snack on their impressive charcuterie board while you take in the views.
Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar
453 Edgewater Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698
Phone: 727-683-5990
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Head over to Dunedin to experience the Hi-Fi rooftop bar (atop the Fenway Hotel).
Look over the tips of palm trees for gorgeous Gulf views.
Arrive early to snag one of their plush love seats, or take in the sunset from the semi-covered bar seating.
You’ll feel like you’re on vacation no matter what time you’re there. Hi-Fi has creative craft cocktails and an impressive local beer list.
The food list is small but mighty—try the schnitzel sandwich if you want something savory.
The truffle parmesan fries are perfect for snacking.
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
809 Gulf Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Phone: 727-360-9558
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The cheery paint job of Hurricane Seafood Restaurant shows off the festive feel of this seafront spot.
It’s located in the heart of the Pass-A-Grille historical district along the Gulf.
The lower floors house the popular seafood restaurant and the twin rooftop bars give spectacular ocean views.
For food, you must try their always-fresh seafood options. The Fresh Grouper Sandwich and Mom’s 1945 Crab Cake are both winners.
For drinks, the Hurricane’s signature Organic Partida Margarita is perfect to sip while watching the waves.
Level 11 Rooftop Bar
5250 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Phone: 800-448-0901
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Level 11 is perched atop the Grand Plaza Hotel with both city and water views to die for. This is the place to go for your pre-dinner cocktail and appetizer.
It’s upscale but not too upscale—if you’ve showered off from your day at the beach you’ll be good to go.
The rooftop offers some sharing plates and sweets, making it a good after-dinner spot too.
Order yourself a classic Aviation while sharing their delightful mixed berry shortcake for a sophisticated dessert experience.
Here’s some important information: they do not take reservations.
Sunset is definitely the most popular time, so if you want a good seat arrive at least an hour early; they open at 4 pm.
SiX
510 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-314-6666
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SiX is conveniently located in downtown Tampa on the sixth floor of the new JW Mariott. This indoor-outdoor bistro is perfect for a relaxing meal at any time of day.
They’re open from 11 am to 11 pm. I went on an especially hot day, so the indoor air-conditioned option was perfect.
I recommend going here for lunch. SiX is in the middle of everything, so it’s the perfect place to stop and refuel before going about your day.
The lunch menu is a bit limited, mostly sandwiches, but the shrimp salad roll I had was so tasty.
Eating my food with the city and channel views made it a pleasant oasis on a busy day.
Topgolf
10690 Palm River Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 813-298-1811
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Are you looking for a fun group activity in Tampa? Then Topgolf is the place to visit.
This massive sports venue has high-tech driving ranges, a lively lounge for food and drinks, and all-weather play options.
Their food options are based on group pricing. Topgolf is the ideal spot for a friend group as there is something for everyone.
When I went, those who didn’t want to play had a great time munching on guac and beer while watching our game.
Whether you’re taking in the view from the rooftop golfing range or chilling in the indoor party spaces, Topgolf makes a fun day or night out.
Vantage Rooftop Bar
The rooftop of The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762
Phone: 727-273-8760
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Located on the 12th floor of the Karol Hotel, Vantage has views for days. When you’re in the Feather Sound area, Vantage is a must-try.
Go early evening for stunning city and bay views or see the lights of the city twinkle after dark.
The Vantage is open until midnight on weekends (weekdays until 10 pm).
I was there about an hour to close, and it wasn’t full, but it wasn’t dead either, so it’s a terrific spot for a quiet nightcap.
Vantage’s signature cocktail, the Karol Bliss, is a refreshing vodka and elderflower concoction.
My friend and I split the smoked fish dip, which was pleasantly spicy and went perfectly with our drinks.
