The 17 Best Rooftop Bars in Tampa Bay
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Welcome to the high life, where the sky’s the limit and the views are simply unbeatable! If there’s one thing I’ve learned living in Florida, it’s that rooftop bars are where it’s at. There’s just something magical about sipping on a cocktail, feeling the warm breeze, and gazing out at the cityscape or waterfront below.
Lucky for us, Tampa Bay is brimming with rooftop destinations, each offering its own blend of ambiance, libations, and skyline panoramas. So, whether you’re seeking a chic spot for sunset cocktails or a lively hangout with friends, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to the best rooftop bars in Tampa Bay.
Cheers to elevated experiences and unforgettable views!
Best rooftop bars in Tampa
M. Bird at Armature Works
If you need another reason to love Armature Works, M.Bird is it! With views of the Hillsborough River and downtown Tampa, it’s impossible not to enjoy sipping a cocktail or sharing some plates as you look out.
You can find several interesting bites on their menu, such as jerk chicken egg rolls, shrimp Rangoon, and roasted corn tacos (they really cover all of the bases). I love their truffle fries, seared tuna, and hot-fried chicken sliders!
As for drinks, they have such unique cocktails! Billy Ocean Water is my go-to. I rarely order rum cocktails, but this lime and coconut concoction is so beyond delicious (and beautiful!) I can not resist. This spot is one of my favorite bars in Tampa!
This is a great spot especially if you’re here for a Tampa bachelorette party.
Sal y Mar
Sal y Mar is located at the Aloft Hotel in Midtown Tampa and is one of the best rooftop bars in Tampa. When you walk in you feel like you’re being transported to Tulum. The interior design is breathtaking, and oh my gosh just wait until you get to the food and drinks!
The menu showcases fresh, local ingredients and has tapas such as citrus crab cakes, Cajun shrimp corn fritters, and carne asada street tacos to name a few. It’s one of the top restaurants in Midtown.
Beacon
Get ready to elevate your Tampa Bay experience at Beacon, the city’s highest rooftop oasis perched on the 27th floor of the JW Marriott. With sweeping panoramic views of the bustling cityscape and glittering waterfront, this sky-high gem offers more than just stunning views.
Sip on signature cocktails like the Dastardly Devil, featuring a blend of Rosaluna Mezcal, Thai chili Aperol, lime, and a touch of peach and smoked chili bitters. Trust me, the views here are unbeatable, especially when the sun dips below the horizon!
SiX
Another fresh, new addition to the Tampa Bay rooftop scene. And oh my goodness, this one is a goodie! I love all of the rooftops I mentioned, but SiX’s views of the downtown area are so gorgeous and make you sit back and appreciate this place we get to call home.
Let me recommend the Rose-Covered Glasses— it was light and refreshing. They also have an elevated bistro menu if you bring your appetite. Thus far I’ve only enjoyed the cocktails and views, but plan to make a trip back to try out their menu!
If you want to get even closer to the water, check out nearby spots American Social and Jackson’s for waterfront dining in Tampa.
The Tampa EDITION
When it comes to the best rooftop bars in Tampa, Azure and the Pool Bar at The Tampa EDITION are unparalleled. Elevate your experience at Azure, a sophisticated rooftop Greek restaurant boasting fresh coastal-inspired cuisine and breathtaking views of downtown Tampa.
As you venture to the Pool Bar, indulge in a variety of poolside drinks and light bites, all while basking in the Florida sunshine. And don’t miss their signature Garden Margarita – a refreshing and innovative cocktail that quickly became my favorite drink at The Tampa EDITION! These rooftop havens promise unforgettable moments that embody the essence of luxury and leisure.
Pro-tip, go for sunset if you can!
Edge at the Epicurean
The Edge provides great cocktails with a colorful, fun, and modern atmosphere. There is an array of seating options including some cozy couches.
Many of their cocktails have unique components like jalapeño-habanero agave, raspberry-ginger compote, and pomegranate syrup. I love places that provide special cocktails you don’t come across too often.
Some of their interesting cocktails include the Hot Redhead which is Ketel One, raspberry-ginger compote, and lemon, or the Pomegranate Caipirinha which is Leblon Reserva, pomegranate syrup, and lime.
If you’re looking for a nibble, they also offer light bites. Or you can head down to Èlevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar which I’ve heard is absolutely to die for.
The Attic Cafe
Another one of the best rooftop bars in Tampa, The Attic is a space intended to fulfill all of your brunch needs! Delicious breakfast and lunch options, but their fun coffee drink creations are what stole my heart!
This is a place to go during the week with your laptop and just enjoy the city views and fresh air. I had the cookies and cream iced latte which was BOMB, but they are always introducing fun, new coffee concoctions so make sure to ask what they have or check out their Insta!
Also, be on the lookout for any fun events or special menu items they may have going on! Around Valentine’s Day, they had a Valentine’s chocolate-covered strawberry mimosa!! And they’ve had events like “Flowers in the Attic” where they had fun specials and a build-your-own flower bouquet bar!
Rox Rooftop
The highly trendy indoor-outdoor Rox Rooftop Bar, located on Rocky Point Island and known as Tampa Bay’s tallest rooftop bar, offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
This Tampa rooftop bar features a unique cocktail menu full of artistic, and well-created concoctions, all inspired by Tampa’s heritage. The menu also includes a good variety of wines and a smaller selection of nibbles to complement the drinks. There’s something here for everyone!
While they change the drink menu seasonally, I enjoyed the February 28th this spring!
Best rooftop bars in St. Pete
Cane & Barrel
Step into a world of Cuban-inspired flair and flavor at Cane & Barrel. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be transported to the colorful energy of Havana nights, with every detail designed to capture the essence of this vibrant culture.
The interior lounge is a cozy escape that oozes warmth and elegance, with beautiful decor and cozy seating. You also have the option to sip your expertly crafted cocktail on their open-air terrace. And let’s not forget about the food! The Cuban-inspired menu is a delicious journey that you’ll want to savor every bite of.
But what impressed me was the fact that Cane & Barrel also offers an array of mocktails that are just as delicious as their craft cocktails! Whether you’re avoiding alcohol or just looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic option, you won’t be disappointed.
Overall, my experience at Cane & Barrel was nothing short of spectacular. I highly recommend this St. Pete rooftop bar to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable evening on the town.
The Canopy at The Birchwood
Right on Beach Drive and equipped with private cabanas, fire pits, and some of the best frose I’ve ever had! Seriously, it’s my fave. Better yet, if you go on a Wednesday when it’s ladies’ night, they have half off frose 😉 Oh, and did I mention the stunning views of the bay, St. Pete Pier, and North Straub Park?!
Level 11 at the Bellwether Beach Resort
Level 11 is one of my absolute favorite rooftop bars in St. Pete for sunset! You are right on the beach and the views are unbeatable! Go to Spinners (Tampa’s only revolving restaurant) if you’re there at night.
LED lighting sets the mood, and you get to enjoy dinner as the room spins (slowly, so don’t fret about motion sickness) giving you 360-degree views of St. Pete Beach.
Spinners is actually where Remi and I had our second date, and it is a very special place to me. The food and drinks are outstanding. The menu showcases fresh seafood, expertly sourced cuts of beef, and locally grown produce.
It’s especially a great spot for date nights, special occasions, and bachelorette parties!
Pier Tiki
You will love the fun, tropical atmosphere that Pier Tiki offers! This is owned by the same owner as The Canopy, and I’m pretty sure they serve the same delicious frose!
They also have quite a selection of tropical “I’m on vacay” vibe drinks! Tiki glass and all. The St. Pete Pier is stunning, and I recommend checking this spot out if you’re in the area!
Similar to SiX rooftop bar in Tampa, being at Pier Tiki around sunset and looking back at St. Pete’s skyline gave me one of those “wow, we are so lucky to live here” moments. You will not be disappointed by the views of the bay or the beautiful cityscape.
360 Rooftop at Hotel Zamora
Fun stringed lights and artificial greenery set the vibe at this Mediterranean-inspired hotel and rooftop.
You will swoon over the panoramic views of the Gulf provided by this venue. They also have cabanas available on a first-come, first-serve basis to all guests, which I think is great.
Not to mention they have happy hour 7 days a week 4-6 pm which includes $3 seltzers, $5 wine, $6 well drinks, and $5 select apps!
Best rooftop bars in Clearwater and Dunedin
HiFi
Dunedin is one of my favorite day trips from Tampa, and I love this rooftop bar located at the Fenway Hotel! Comfy couch areas for lounging, making it the perfect stop to relax and enjoy a drink while looking out at the Clearwater Harbor. After you’re done at the rooftop bar, head down to HEW Chophouse, one of the best restaurants in Dunedin!
I have fallen in love with Dunedin over the past few years, and I highly recommend exploring this area if you haven’t yet! Hifi Rooftop is just one of the many great gems in Dunedin.
Vantage Rooftop Bar
We experienced Vantage Rooftop Bar during our stay at The Karol Hotel. Along with cocktails they offer tapas, charcuterie, and some desserts. All to be enjoyed while looking out at Tampa off in the distance.
The great thing about Vantage Rooftop Bar is it’s climate-controlled. So this is a rooftop you can hit in the heat of the summer and not get too hot while enjoying your cocktail and views.
The cocktails were very enjoyable. We got the Karol Bliss and Grand Margarita with mezcal instead of tequila. The drinks tasted very fresh, which makes sense since their sour mix and juices are made in-house from scratch!
Bar Tiki
This craft tiki bar is a MUST-STOP if you are on Clearwater Beach! Its marina location makes it the perfect spot to kill some time if you’re waiting to board for one of your Clearwater Beach activities. It’s also one of my must-stop bars for girls’ weekends and Clearwater Beach bachelorette parties!
The drinks here are so fun and well-crafted. After struggling to decide, we let our bartender Savannah create the “pick your poison” which leaves your fate in the bartender on duty’s hands. This drink was one of the most delicious heavenly drinks I’ve had in a while!
We liked it so much, we stayed for another round. If you want to choose your fate, they have mojitos, mai tais, or even a black margarita and spiked Dole whip to choose from!
Bar Tiki also has games like corn hole and Connect 4, and a Hawaiian-inspired food menu if you get hungry.
Jimmy’s on the Edge
Jimmy’s on the Edge gives you views of either the Gulf or the cityscape of Clearwater Beach depending on which way you look out.
Making things even more fun— if you’re there around 9 pm, free Fireball shots are passed around and everyone cheers together!
I’m not much of a Fireball drinker, but you will catch me there sipping on a mango pina colada. If you get hungry they have bites like sandwiches, salads, and bowls to nosh on, but I recommend heading next door to their sister location which is easily one of the best restaurants in Clearwater Beach.
You can also enjoy their fire pit areas and projector where they play music videos or live sporting events.
Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest
Hit up Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest for beautiful views of Pier 60 and a fun sunset celebration that includes free “sunset shots” where everyone cheers together as the sun dips below the horizon!
Because of its location, it’s a very convenient stop if you’re doing a Clearwater Beach day. They have punch buckets, 9 different types of mules, and several fun frozen drinks. Between the tropical cocktails and stunning views of Clearwater, you’re sure to feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re a local!
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best rooftop bars in Tampa Bay! We are lucky to have so many of them in this area. We have it all from beach views to cityscapes, from casual vibe to special evening worthy, and everything in between.
Let me know your favorite rooftop bar in the comments below. And if you check out any of these spots don’t forget to use the hashtag #guidedbydestiny so I can share it on my Insta 🙂
Check out some other Florida posts before you go:
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You really are so lucky to have good weather for rooftop bars all the time! And what a selection. I make it a point to find rooftop bars when I travel so love this guide. Rose sangria sounds yum!
Yes, it’s one of the many perks of living here 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the list and found it helpful!
I have read many of your posts and love how detailed they are! I especially like the fact that you give plenty of advices for each spot so we can pick one or the other based on what type of experience we are looking for. Super interesting and another great job!
Thank you so much, Francesca! That means a lot! 🙂 So happy you enjoyed.
Lots of great options here for rooftop bars thanks!
I’ve never been to Tampa, but I’ll have to check these places out if I ever make it there
I feel like I need more rooftop bars in my life…Sal y Mar sounds amazing!
I would have to agree! Can never have too many rooftop bars 😉