Tampa – A Drink with a View

Rooftop bars became popular in the 1920s and 1930s when hotels like the Powhatan in Washington, DC, and the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City added rooftop gardens that offered dinner, music, dancing, and drinks. Set high above the heat and noise of the city, rooftop bars provided a delightful escape for locals and tourists alike. 

Spanning Tampa Bay from downtown to the beach, a number of rooftop bars are a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the view – whether it is of downtown, the beach, or a magnificent sunset. No longer contained to the rooftops of hotels, Tampa Bay options include evening delights at the new St. Pete Pier, Armature Works, or Topgolf. 

A rooftop nightcap is wonderful way to wind down while on holiday. 

Pier Teaki

As one of the newest rooftop additions to Tampa Bay, Pier Teaki is an historic tiki bar with a twist. Pier Teaki’s rooftop location provides sweeping views of Saint Petersburg skyline and Tampa Bay. The menu includes a broad selection of draft and bottled beer, wine, and signature cocktails served in tiki-themed glasses. The Bar Bites go beyond the normal small plate fare and include tuna bowls, empanadas, tacos, burgers, and Beach Pails – Pier Teaki’s fun take on a serving of crisps or chips paired with a pina colada dipping sauce or tostones with a mango dipping sauce. 

The rooftop offers bar seating as well as comfortable patio-style furniture. Teaki Huts for groups of 6 to 8 are available for rent and are a perfect way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. 

Pier Teaki is a popular destination on weekends and becomes 21 and up after 8pm. 

Photo credit to pierteaki.com

M.Bird

Perched atop Armature Works, M.Bird offers an art deco-inspired lounge complete with water-front views of downtown Tampa. Following a day exploring the Tampa Bay, take time to sit back, sip on tropical-inspired cocktails, and nibble on shareable small plates. 

Set above a popular food hall and situated along the Hillsborough River, M.Bird is a 21 and up bar open 7 days a week. Sharable plates range in options from fondue to sliders and nachos to eggrolls. Desserts and craft cocktails round out the menu and provide delicious options for all. 

Brunch is served alfresco on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 4pm. And make sure to stop by in the late afternoon on the weekend for live music. 

Table reservations are available on Friday and Saturday nights at mbirdtampa.com. 

Photo credit to mbirdtampa.com

Hurricane Watch Roof-Top Deck

The Hurricane draws from its historical roots as a casual beach bar on St. Pete Beach. More than 40 years later, the Hurricane has expanded to be a two-story seafood restaurant and rooftop bar. Owned and operated by the Falkenstein family since 1977, they still serve family favorites such as Mom’s 1945 Crab Cake Melt. Open daily for lunch and dinner, they are famous for offering a different menu on each floor of the establishment. 

Boasting an unobstructed 360° view of Pass-A-Grille Beach and St. Pete Beach, Hurricane Watch Roof-Top Deck is the perfect setting for watching boats, beachgoers, and nightly sunsets. Nightly live entertainment amid tropical colors, comfortable seating, and hideaway nooks, is a popular laid-back destination. 

Photo credit to www.therooftopguide.com

Tropico Rooftop Cantina

Located on the roof of the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, the Tropico Rooftop Cantina is an immersive rooftop experience. This tropical oasis serves craft cocktails and Latin-inspired dishes featuring local ingredients. 

Quick Bites offer a delightful way to explore all the menu has to offer. With grilled fresh oysters, street corn, mini empanadas, and shrimp ceviche everyone will find a favourite. If you are looking for a full meal, Tropico Rooftop Cantina also serves salads, tacos, sandwiches, and desserts. Happy hour specials are offered daily, along with non-alcoholic libations and local cocktail treats aptly named Golden Tiki Punch and the Prickly Pear Paloma. 

Think of it as a holiday from your holiday and spend the afternoon away from the beachgoers and sightseers. Up above the sand and seagulls you can begin with lunch and end with sunset views perfectly paired with the peach-colored hotel, sugar sand beaches, and tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  

The Tropico Rooftop Cantina welcomes well-behaved children and offers a Kids’ Menu. 

Photo credit to usarestaurants.info

Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar

Located on the roof of the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar is inspired by the Fenway speakeasy originally located in the building’s basement. Claiming that they bring cocktails to new heights, Hi-Fi makes and serves libations aptly named Southern Sipper, Summer Rhapsody, Tropical Tune, and the Fenway Sunset. 

Handhelds (sandwiches and burgers), salads, shareables, and snacks complete the menu offerings. Paired with nightly live jazz and postcard-perfect sunset views, the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar is a perfect choice for a holiday date night. 

The Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar is open nightly and is limited to guests 21 and up. 

Photo credit to marrymetampabay.com

Topgolf Rooftop Terrace

If an afternoon at the driving range is more your speed, the Topgolf Rooftop Terrace provides a way to relax with views of downtown Tampa. The terrace is set with comfortable seating, firepits, and a stage for live entertainment on select nights. 

Topgolf blends sport with technology and entertainment. Topgolf offers climate-controlled hitting bays that include HDTVs and golf clubs. Fun for the golf pro and novice alike, Topgolf has microchipped balls that allow for automatic scoring and game options. Beginners can choose an Angry Birds theme or the signature Topgolf game where players score points for hitting any target. Intermediate and advanced options revolve around challenges or the chance to virtually play an iconic course from around the globe. 

The Topgolf Rooftop Terrace allows guests to order from the full dining menu while enjoying beer, wine, and spirits. Named after the sport, Golfbags are drinks served to parties of two or more and are served in a take-home souvenir cup. 

Reservations for one of the 102 bays at Topgolf in Tampa can be made at topgolf.com. 

Photo credit to www.therooftopguide.com