Tampa is known for its beautiful waterways, championship winning sports teams, and the impressive food scene. But when you just want a drink with friends or a cocktail hour after work head to one of these Tampa area bars and cocktail lounges. The bartenders and mixologists at these locales are mixing up more than a simple vodka cranberry or sugary frozen concoction.
Drinking a well balanced cocktail in a stylish bar that exudes speakeasy vibes is on the top of our list of places to experience. CW’s Gin Joint is just that, with its downtown Tampa location. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling as bow-tie clad bartenders make drinks using unique syrups and flavor combinations.
Drink this: Brown Derby
Craft beer has seen a huge uptick in the past few years and one place that’s doing it well is Cigar City Brewing. The Tampa brewery is known for its lively atmosphere where you can commit to a pint of beer or try more of the offerings with a beer flight.
Drink this: Maduro Brown Ale
EDGE is located inside the Epicurean Hotel, but you don’t have to be a guest to have a drink here. The cocktail lounge is known for handcrafted cocktails, sharable small plates and great views of the city. Lounge at one of the many couches or gather with friends around a high-top table.
Drink this: Garden Gimlet
Sonder Social Club is Downtown Dunedin's first craft cocktail bar, with a menu that divides cocktails by shaken, stirred, swizzled and non-alcoholic. For the late night crowd, the bar is open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Drink this: Gold Coast
The Whiskey Exchange is a unique bar that is themed after the stock market. In fact, just like the NASDAQ or S&P 500 work, drink prices at the bar will go up and down throughout the day depending on how popular or unpopular it is at any given time. The more people that are buying a certain drink means the price goes up, if a drink isn’t popular the price goes down.
Drink this: Smoked Old Fashioned
Pour Judgement is St. Pete’s first craft shot bar, with hundreds of hand-crafted shots on the menu. Here you can try everything from the typical tequila or gin to more specialty liquors like sake and limoncello.
Drink this: Vanilla Wafer
Rox Rooftop is Tampa’s tallest rooftop bar and sits atop The Current Hotel. The bar serves just about everything from local craft beer and wine to delightful cocktails. The bar has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, but with a view like the one offered here the only real option is outside.
Drink this: The Lotus
Blind Goat Food and Drink Co. harkens back to the days of prohibition when cocktails and bars were meant for locals who were in-the-know. While you won’t need a password to get in, you will be welcomed like an old friend with strong drinks and a comfortable atmosphere.
Drink this: Goat Punch
If you’re looking for a classic cocktail bar you’re going to want to head to Ciros. The bar focuses on the actual mixology using traditional and historic techniques to ensure all cocktails are perfectly blended. At Ciro’s you can take a seat at the bar to watch the masters in action or rent a booth for you and your friends for a big night out.
Drink this: Safe Word
Hub Bar has been a Tampa must for over 70 years. The dive bar is known for its graffiti covered wood paneling and loud jukebox playing songs from eras long gone. Locals love the strong drinks that are often paired with the words “Hub Pour” indicating the strength of a drink.
Drink this: Local Beer
