Rooftop bars have only recently become a thing in Tampa Bay as the city begins building upward. There are certainly much more bars on the way, but here are a few spots where you can enjoy a great sunset or look up at the moon and enjoy the Florida warmth. Prices vary by location and they usually get packed around sunset so plan ahead.
EDGE Rooftop at Epicurean Hotel: One of the first rooftop bars to open in Tampa, EDGE is no frills, but still quite a great experience and has had a great cocktail program over the years. It’s a great way to enjoy the sunset before heading to Bern’s Steak House, Harry Waugh dessert room, or Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club up the street. 1207 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606. 813) 999-8700
Luna Lounge: Located in South Tampa above Bulla Gastrobar, this is one of my favorite rooftops that recently opened. They have an awesome happy hour and also serve tapas until a certain hour as well as a variety of cocktails and sangrias. People definitely go here to be seen and to party before hitting the rest of SoHo. 930 South Howard Avenue 5th floor, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 773-8626
Sal Y Mar at Aloft Midtown: This is one of the newest rooftop bars in Tampa. It’s lowkey still, but it definitely won’t stay that way. Located in Midtown Tampa, one of Tampa’s most ambitious projects underway. Drinks are a bit pricey, but the view is stellar and the has no roof so it’s great for star-gazing. Sal Y Mar is the restaurant concept attached and its focus is Spanish food and tapas. 3650 Midtown Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. (813) 692-3330
Rox Rooftop Bar at The Current Hotel: If you’re looking for ocean views, Rox Rooftop at The Current Hotel is a lovely bar. It has great views of the Gulf of Mexico and is not far from restaurants in the area including Bahama Breeze, AQUA, Whiskey Joe’s, and WTR. I have primarily been there for bartender industry events that have been stellar. Definitely give it a look. 2545 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607.
The Canopy at Birchwood: One of my favorite roofs in Downtown St. Pete. The Birchwood Hotel is already stellar, but The Canopy especially in the colder months is a great experience. I love the fire pits and the drinks are solid, but so is the food. It gets very busy and the cabanas are reservation-only so plan ahead. 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 896-1080.
Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar at Fenway: This is a somewhat new bar in Dunedin. This area of Pinellas is known for wonderful sunsets and Hi-Fi is no different. The hotel was once home to a speakeasy. Guests can enjoy views of Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands. Drinks include the Tropical Heatwave, The Dizzy, Fenway Daiquiri, and the Mary Pickford Mojito. 453 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin, FL 34698. (727) 683-5990
360 Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Zamora: St. Pete Beach is filled with plenty of great bars and hotels, but the 360 Rooftop Lounge at Zamora is truly stellar and offers both a view of the beach on the front and the McPherson Bayou on the back. The hotel itself has a Spanish and Mediterrean vibe to it, an ode to Florida’s Spanish history. Plus – it’s a short walk to the beach if you want to go get your feet wet. 3701 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. (727) 456-8660.
Enjoy!
Carlos Eats 