A Local’s Guide: 19 BEST Downtown St. Pete Bars
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Downtown St. Pete is hands down my favorite place to go out in the Tampa Bay Area. There are just so many fun bar options, all within walking distance of each other! You have speakeasies, craft cocktail lounges, sports bars, whiskey-focused bars, wine bars— I mean seriously, you name it, downtown St. Pete has it! And don’t even get me started on the awesome restaurants and breweries the area has as well.
Alright, look, it’s a long list, but where you go is going to depend on what you’re looking for! If you’re planning a bachelorette party check out my full guide St. Pete bach guide here!
Best Downtown St. Pete Bars with Craft Cocktails
1. Tequila Daisy
Tequila Daisy is a downtown St. Pete bar that any tequila or mezcal fan is going to love. They’ve got over 500 spirits to choose from, and the whole vibe feels like a classy nod to the history of tequila—hence the name, inspired by the classic “Daisy” cocktail that came before the Margarita.
The drinks are top-tier, and the ambiance is the perfect mix of stylish and laid-back. As a mezcal lover, I already know I’ll be back here a lot. We tried the Nectar of the Gods and Melon Mezcal, and both were so good!
2. Copper Shaker
If you like to kick off your night with a solid craft cocktail, Copper Shaker is the place to start. The atmosphere is laid-back and moody, but still fun, and the bartenders really know what they’re doing. I love the Last Summer and Bee Sneeze, but if nothing on the menu stands out, just tell them what you like, and they’ll make something custom for you!
3. Club 201
Tucked inside the historic Detroit building, Club 201 has a cool Victorian Steampunk vibe that makes it feel like a hidden speakeasy! The cocktails are top-notch, but the real fun is in their “Club Shooters”—the chocolate-covered pretzel shot is a must-try!
They’ve even got a to-go window, so you can grab a drink on the fly if you’re bar-hopping. But if you have time to stick around, I’d definitely recommend it—between the cocktails and live music (every single day!), it’s a great spot to soak up the atmosphere.
4. Saigon Blonde
This 60s-inspired tiki bar is one of the most unique bars in St. Pete! The decor at Saigon Blonde is next-level with tiki totems, bamboo ceilings, and vintage Vietnam War propaganda posters.
The cocktails are just as creative, with fun presentations and even a couple of CBD-infused options. My favorite used to be The Keith (RIP), but now I’m all about the Depart at Dawn.
The music here is always a vibe, and it’s definitely a good place to be day or night!
5. Mandarin Hide
Espresso martini lovers, this is your spot. Mandarin Hide is known for serving up some of the best in town! Even if that’s not your thing, the bartenders will craft something just for you.
With over 450 spirits and a huge bourbon, whiskey, and scotch selection, you’re in good hands. And if you’re celebrating a birthday, bring your crew—you’ll get a free bottle of champagne with a sparkler!
On the weekends they have a DJ out back bringing the vibes up even more.
Their sister location is Mandarin Heights in Seminole Heights and it’s one of the best bars in Tampa with a totally different vibe!
Best Downtown St. Pete Bars for Dancing
6. Good Night John Boy
Good Night John Boy is a 70s-themed nightclub that feels like stepping straight into a disco fever dream. Think glittering disco balls, funky patterns, and a dance floor made for grooving to classic throwbacks.
This place is all about embracing nostalgia while keeping the energy high with a modern twist. This is one of the best bars in St. Pete to dance the night away at!
Not to pick favorites, but this might just be my go-to in St. Pete. They had me at the disco ball and colorful dance floor. I love stopping by during the day, but if you’re planning to go on a weekend night, just know the line gets long—though the vibes are always worth it!
7. Crafty Squirrel
Crafty Squirrel is great for catching the game—but it’s also where the party’s at! With DJs spinning on the weekends, bottle service options, and daily specials, it’s an easy go-to for a fun night out in downtown St. Pete.
8. The Estate
If you’re craving a high-energy club night, The Estate is where you want to be. Between the VIP booths, insane EDM mixes, and light shows, it’s basically a mini music festival every weekend. And if you see me out there on the dance floor here… no, you didn’t. 😉
9. Concrete Jungle
This basement lounge brings a little Tulum-inspired jungle vibe to downtown St. Pete. Concrete Jungle is one of the few basement bars in Florida, which already makes it unique, but the moody atmosphere and good drinks make it even better.
By day, it’s a restaurant (with weekend brunch!), but at night, the jungle basement turns into a solid spot to dance and sip cocktails. Closed Monday-Wednesday, so plan accordingly!
10. Lost & Found
Lost & Found is a cozy, retro bar that feels like stepping straight into the ‘70s and ‘80s, with vintage furniture, old-school decor, and nostalgic touches everywhere you look! They often have a fun DJ spinning, plus live music on Fridays and Saturdays, so the energy is always on point.
The Pornstar Martini is my go-to here, but no matter what you order, this place just has a way of making you want to stay awhile. They also have a patio, perfect for day drinking vibes or cooling off after dancing the night away.
It seems like there are a lot of retro bars in St. Pete popping up recently, and honestly, I’m not mad about it at all!
Best Downtown St. Pete Bars for a Unique Experience
11. Pour Judgement
Pour Judgement is Tampa Bay’s first craft shot bar, and they didn’t hold back—giving you 269 shots to choose from! Flipping through their giant shot book is half the fun, but if you want a solid recommendation, the Nerds Rope is my go-to.
They even have some wild options like the S’mores shot, complete with a torched marshmallow on top. This is one of those St. Pete bars I always make a pitstop at when I’m going out with friends, even if it is just for a quick shot!
12. The Dog Bar
The name says it all—dogs and drinks, what more could you need? Seriously, the Dog Bar is a serotonin factory. You don’t have to be a dog owner to hang here, but fair warning: calling over random dogs in hopes they’ll play with you may expose you as a dog-less guest.
No shame, though—you just made 37 new furry friends. And yes, they even have “rufferies” to keep things in check.
13. Floridian Social Club
I absolutely love the Floridian Social Club! It’s got that old-school theatre charm with a modern edge, making it one of the most stunning venues in town. Expect everything from jazz and cover bands to aerial performances.
And the craft cocktails? They do a great job tying in the history of St. Pete and the building itself. They are always having fun events going on, so be sure to keep up with their calendar!
14. Dirty Laundry
Okay, this St. Pete speakeasy is making me regret picking favorites because Dirty Laundry is one of those spots I always have to bring friends to or spend a night out at!
By day, it looks like a cute laundromat serving coffee and pastries, but at night, just pick up the payphone—you’ll get instructions on how to enter. Inside, it’s a Havana-inspired cocktail lounge with neon signs, live music or a DJ, and some killer Cuban-themed drinks. Plus, there’s a huge outdoor patio, making it one of the most spacious speakeasies I’ve ever been to!
15. One Night Stand
At some point in the night, the only logical next step is riding a mechanical bull—enter One Night Stand. This place used to be a regular stop on my downtown St. Pete nights out, and honestly, it’s still a blast. It’s one of the few country bars in town, so expect country music, bar games, and Mustache Rides (which is what they named their bull, in case you were wondering).
16. The Canopy
The Canopy is Downtown St. Pete’s very own rooftop bar, and it doesn’t disappoint! Sitting right on Beach Drive, you get waterfront views, private cabanas, fire pits, and hands down some of the best frosé I’ve ever had.
If you’re out on a Wednesday, ladies’ night means half-off frosé—just saying. There’s something about seeing the city from up here that always puts me in a good mood!
Best Downtown St. Pete Bars with Games and Fun
17. Park and Rec
Games, drinks, and a great DJ—what more do you need? Park and Rec’s motto is “Youth has no age,” and you definitely feel that here. Inside, you’ll find arcade games like Guitar Hero and DDR, while outside, you’ve got cornhole, Jenga, foosball, giant pong, and more.
It gets busy on the weekends, but they’ve got bars throughout, so you usually don’t have to wait too long for a drink. Also, if you’re in the mood to dance, this is another solid choice.
18. Ferg’s
Ferg’s isn’t just a bar—it takes up nearly two city blocks! With 11 different areas, a backyard that can fit 3,000 people, and over 90 TVs, this is the place to catch a game. They’ve got live music, a dog park, pool, darts, axe throwing—basically, there’s always something going on.
Ferg’s isn’t necessarily the first place I’m heading on a weekend night out, but if you’re pregaming a Rays game, this is the move. There’s even a tunnel under 1st Avenue South that takes you straight to the Trop!
19. No Vacancy
No Vacancy gives straight-up vacation vibes. It’s got a tropical-meets-old-Miami feel, and I love their fun cocktails and punch bowls. Their happy hour (Monday–Friday, 4-7 PM) has $4 drafts, wine, and bubbles, plus $5 wells.
I can never leave without getting the Under the Sea Nachos! They’re $6 during happy hour, and I promise they’re worth it. Oh, and they have games like Giant Connect 4 if you need a little entertainment while you sip.
Are you ready to experience the best bars in downtown St. Pete?!
St. Pete’s nightlife scene has something for every mood, whether you’re looking for craft cocktails, dancing, or discovering hidden gems in speakeasies. From retro-inspired bars to lively dance floors, I know you’ll find the perfect spot to make your night out in St. Pete unforgettable!
I hope this guide helped you, and be sure to let me know in the comments which of these St. Pete bars you’re most excited to check out!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
Fun things to do in Downtown St. Pete
Best restaurants in Downtown St. Pete
OMG! I want to try them all! I especially liked the fact that almost every place can create a custom drink! I am a bit fussy when it comes to pick drinks and it is definitely a big thumb up for me! I have been to Florida before, never in St Pete, but after reading this I Will definitely plan something!
Oh my gosh, yes!! St. Pete is so awesome I really think you’ll love it. And I feel you on the fussy haha, that’s part of the reason I enjoy these places so much too 🙂
I love speakeasies too and The Saint looks like the perfect destination – especially this time of year! Definitely saving this list for my next trip to St. Pete!
Love this local guide to the best bars in St. Pete, Florida. Breaking them down by categories is especially helpful and valuable.
So many great bar options in St. Pete! The cocktails look delicious and the atmosphere at these bars look like fun too!
So many great looking drinks! I think it would be really hard to choose.
It looks like there are some great bars to hit up in this area! I love the names of a couple of them, they made me laugh.
Great piece! So many awesome places to visit. The Canopy and Ferg’s are my two favorites when I’m down that way.
Valuable post
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed 🙂