The Top 10 Best Bars in St. Pete You'll Want to Visit Tonight

by Pablo Koch-Schick May 5, 2022

Looking for the top 10 best bars in St Pete to turn a regular night into something unforgettable? Whether you're bar hopping along Central Ave, craving craft cocktails with a view of the bay, or need a dog bar to hang with your furry best friend, this sunny Florida city has it all.

From shrimp cocktails to punch bowls, live music to arcade games, there’s no shortage of flavor, fun, flair, and even sports bars. So grab your crew and get ready to explore some of the best bars the Tampa Bay area has to offer.

Here are our top best bars you should visit in this beautiful city:

1. The Ale and Witch – A Craft Beer Wonderland with Soul

Tucked into a cozy courtyard in the heart of downtown St. Pete, The Ale and the Witch is the kind of bar that has built a cult following without even trying. This beloved Pete Bar isn’t just a stop, it’s a ritual for locals, craft beer fans, music lovers, and anyone who enjoys sipping something hoppy under the stars.

With 32 American craft brews on tap, no imports, just a dedication to the best of what the country brews, this bar curates its beer list like a gallery curates art. From sours to stouts, IPAs to saisons, the variety is jaw-dropping, and the great selection rotates often. They even offer a weekly cask, so regulars never run out of something new to try.

But beer isn’t the only reason people keep coming back multiple times. The Ale and the Witch doubles as a dog bar, welcoming furry friends in the large, open-air courtyard. Water bowls are provided, the vibe is relaxed, and the regulars often know each other's pups by name. It’s an easygoing, casual spot where nobody’s in a rush, and every conversation feels like it might turn into a new friendship.

And yes, while there's no food served on-site, you won’t go hungry. The surrounding restaurants and vendors offer an array of options, from ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches to saucy pasta dishes, savory chicken bites, and flaky sweet pastries. The bar even encourages you to grab something nearby and bring it back. It’s a real community feel, laid-back, unpretentious, and full of soul.

Live music? Absolutely. Most nights feature local musicians who set up in the courtyard, delivering everything from blues to bluegrass, rock to funk. It’s not a club. It’s not a concert. It’s that magical middle ground where you can hang, and the music flows effortlessly alongside your beer.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s beer-forward but never snobby. Welcoming without being try-hard. And it’s the kind of place where you’ll sit down for one drink and find yourself hours later, laughing with strangers and wondering how you didn’t know about this place sooner. Bonus points: it’s super dog-friendly, just like these Dog-Friendly Beaches in St. Petersburg, so you and your pup can enjoy the full coastal experience before or after your brew.

Must Try: Pair a citrus-forward IPA with a grilled cheese from the shop next door. Add a side of sweet chili chips, kick back under the string lights, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, perfect St. Pete evening.

2. MacDinton's Irish Pub – The OG St. Pete Party Starter

If you're looking for a bar that blends Irish charm, unbeatable energy, and a full-on fun night every time you go, MacDinton’s Irish Pub is your spot. A longtime favorite in the downtown St. Pete scene, MacDinton’s hits all the sweet spots for locals, tourists, and even the occasional party-crashing leprechaun.

It’s a classic sports bar with a Celtic twist, one of those great bars where the moment you walk in, you know it’s going to be a good time. Whether you’re pregaming for a night of bar hopping or kicking off your Friday happy hour with coworkers, MacDinton’s serves up the kind of buzz that’s equal parts beer, music, and good vibes.

Their drink specials are legendary, especially during their famous happy hour events every week. You’ll find Guinness and Harp flowing alongside domestic drafts and specialty craft cocktails, and the bartenders are quick with a pour and quicker with a joke. If you’re in town for a game, this is also one of the best sports bars in the Tampa Bay area. TVs line the walls, and the crowd is loud, loyal, and loving every second.

Hungry? MacDinton’s has you covered. Their hearty menu leans into traditional pub fare, with thick-cut fries, loaded cheese curds, and some of the best chicken bites and pasta dishes downtown. But the real MVP? The Irish Nachos are crispy potatoes smothered in cheddar, scallions, sour cream, and bacon. Grab a plate, share with your table, and prepare for silence (because everyone’s busy eating).

When the sun sets, the vibe shifts in the best way. The patio lights up with groups ready to dance, laugh, and toast to the night ahead. DJs and live music acts keep the energy high, and it’s not unusual to see a spontaneous dance-off or two under the string lights. Planning a rowdy birthday bash or a pre-wedding crawl downtown ? MacDinton’s is also a killer stop for a bachelorette party or birthday night out.

Why You’ll Love It: This isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s an experience. A bar where every night feels like a celebration, where the regulars become your friends, and where someone’s always down for “just one more.”

Location Tip: Right off Central Ave, with plenty of nearby street parking if you’re lucky!

3. Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Views, Vibes, and Vacation Feels

Perched atop the Bellwether Resort on St. Pete Beach, Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the kind of place that makes you glad you dressed up. Sleek, stylish, and surrounded by panoramic Gulf views, this rooftop hotspot captures everything we love about sipping under the stars with sand still on our feet.

By day, it’s a breezy oasis. Think light lounge music, iced wine, and fresh Florida seafood. Don’t skip the shrimp cocktail, which comes piled high on crushed ice with a zesty house-made cocktail sauce. As the sun begins to set, the energy shifts into full-on glamour. Craft cocktails take center stage, with bartenders shaking and stirring everything from blackberry mojitos to spicy cucumber margaritas. The lighting dims, the crowd buzzes with conversation, and the sky does what it does best: put on a show.

Whether you’re starting your bachelorette party, planning a romantic date night, or simply looking for that perfect golden hour drink menu, Level 11 delivers every single time. The vibe is upscale but never uptight, ideal for both vacationers and locals looking to play tourist in their own town.

Perfect Spot: Grab a corner lounge seat just before sunset for unbeatable views of both the Gulf and downtown lights. Then sit back, snap a few photos, and toast to one of St. Pete’s favorite places to watch the day fade.

4. The Canopy – Sky-High Sips & Chic Lounging

Atop the charming Birchwood Hotel on Beach Drive, the Canopy Rooftop Lounge is the definition of rooftop luxury with laid-back coastal charm. Offering sweeping views of downtown St. Pete, Tampa Bay, and palm-lined city streets, it’s an elevated escape for anyone craving good drinks, gorgeous ambiance, and golden hour perfection.

The layout is a dream, with private cabanas, flickering fire pits, and plush seating that’s just begging for a selfie. And the decor? Modern tropical, with string lights, curated greenery, and chill beats that tie it all together.

But what really makes The Canopy stand out is its craft cocktail program. From lavender lemonade gin fusions to blood orange whiskey sours, every drink is beautiful, balanced, and totally social media-worthy. Pair your drink with upscale bites like cheese boards, flatbreads, and the ever-popular shrimp cocktail, served elegantly on a pedestal dish with all the fixings. There’s also a rotating list of seasonal items that keep things fresh, flavorful, and far from basic.

Insider Tip: Want the best seat in the house? Get there early on a Friday to avoid the wait and grab a cabana or couch before they fill up. This is a top pick for birthdays, bar hopping launch points, or just sipping in style under the stars.

5. The One Night Stand – Mechanical Bulls & Country Vibes

Saddle up, partner. The One Night Stand is the rowdiest, most ridiculous, and most ridiculously fun country bar in downtown St. Pete. This isn’t your polished cocktail lounge; it’s boots, beer, and belly laughs served up with a heavy pour and a whole lot of yeehaw.

This Pete bar leans hard into the Western theme with barn wood accents, neon signage, and yes, a full-blown mechanical bull named Mustache. Whether you're trying to ride it for glory or just cheering on your friends between shots, it’s the kind of bar where fun nights are guaranteed and dignity is optional.

The liquor bar is stacked, the crowd is young and ready to party, and the music ranges from classic country to line-dancing anthems and even a little honky-tonk remix. Thursdays and Fridays are especially lit, and you can expect everything from themed nights to spontaneous dance-offs.

As for the drink specials? Think whiskey, tequila, and all the spiked lemonades your boots can handle. There’s even a small menu of bar snacks like chicken bites and sliders to soak up the good decisions you’re definitely making.

Best Move: Wear your boots, bring your crew, and grab a round of Fireball before hopping on the bull. This is the spot for a rowdy bachelorette party stop or to kick off a legendary night of bar hopping through St. Pete.

6. 360° Rooftop – Where Sunset Meets Sophistication

If you're after breathtaking vistas with your beverage, 360° Rooftop at Hotel Zamora on St. Pete Beach is where you need to be. This elevated escape delivers you, guess it, 360-degree views of the beach, the bay, the city skyline, and the glowing Gulf horizon.

Perfectly suited for sunset sips, late-night lounging, and special occasion toasts, this rooftop bar pairs its stunning surroundings with cozy fire pits, soft lounge seating, and a drink menu that leans light, tropical, and refreshingly bold. Think lychee martinis, sparkling sangria, and fruit-forward mojitos.

Their punch bowls are made to share (and photograph), and while the food is light bread and cheese boards, sliders, and tapas, it’s beautifully plated and perfect for nibbling between Instagram sessions. The crowd is a mix of dressed-up locals and hotel guests, creating a chill but refined vibe that’s easy to love.

It’s one of those favorite places you’ll return to again and again, not just for the view, but for the sense of escape it offers without ever leaving the Tampa Bay area. Whether you’re here for pre-dinner cocktails, a romantic sunset selfie, or a quiet night under the stars, 360° Rooftop delivers relaxation and glamor in equal measure.

Best For: Sunset group pics, tropical cocktails with a view, and relaxing after a day on the water or a Reel Coquina sunset dolphin cruise.

7. Ruby's Elixir – Where Music and Martinis Collide

Dark, moody, and endlessly cool, Ruby’s Elixir is a downtown St. Pete institution for those who take their live music and their liquor bars seriously. From the outside, it might not scream showstopper, but step inside and you’re greeted by smooth jazz, dim lighting, and an atmosphere so rich you can practically hear the vinyl spinning.

Seven nights a week, Ruby’s features some of the best live acts in the city, think blues, funk, soul, and jazz that makes the walls vibrate and your heart skip a beat. It’s not background music here, it’s the main event. The crowd tends to be a savvy mix of music lovers, creative types, and cocktail connoisseurs, all there for the same reason: the vibe.

And speaking of cocktails, this place knows its way around a shaker. The craft cocktails are elevated but unfussy, using fresh herbs, unique bitters, and house-made mixers. You’ll find everything from classic old-fashioned drinks to spicy palomas, all crafted with the precision of a jazz solo.

The liquor bar features a massive selection of premium spirits, especially bourbons and whiskeys, making it a haven for anyone who appreciates a slow sip and a smooth pour. And if cigars are your thing, the walk-in humidor is an added bonus; you can grab a stogie and enjoy it on their covered outdoor patio.

Perfect Pairing: A bold bourbon neat, a front-row seat near the band, and a friend who also believes that the best nights are the ones where you don’t check your phone.

Looking to keep the groove going? Head next door to the iconic Floridian Social Club, where the vibes expand into big-band swing, burlesque, and high-energy late-night shows. The two venues Floridian Social Club and Ruby's Elixir make an unbeatable back-to-back for a night full of rhythm, soul, and seriously good drinks.

Whether you’re bar hopping or posting up for the entire evening, Ruby’s Elixir is one of those great bars that offers a true experience where the music moves you, the drinks impress you, and the crowd always feels just right.

8. Rum Runners – Ocean Views & Open-Air Vibes

If the thought of sipping a beer just steps from the surf sounds like your idea of heaven, then Rum Runners is your paradise. Nestled right on St. Pete Beach, this open-air beach bar and restaurant delivers breezy island vibes, a chill crowd, and a drink menu that screams vacation mode.

Their bartenders are known for tropical cocktails, think frozen daiquiris, piña coladas, and oversized punch bowls made for sharing with your sunburnt squad. Hungry? Their menu offers everything from fresh seafood to hearty pasta dishes, plus brunch bites and flaky breakfast pastries in the morning. Whether you’re dropping in after a Reel Coquina fishing charter or winding down from a long day of beach lounging, Rum Runners brings that laid-back Florida energy like no other.

The open-air setup is perfect for people-watching, and the sound of live music floating in the background seals the deal. It’s not uncommon to stay for one drink and end up closing the place down.

Why we love it: Incredible views, great drinks, and an awesome place to unwind post-fishing trip or bar hopping around Pete Beach.

9. Mandarin Hide – Elevated Cocktails with a Downtown Edge

If you're into serious mixology and a speakeasy vibe with a local twist, then Mandarin Hide should be at the top of your St. Pete bucket list. Located on Central Ave in the heart of downtown, this cocktail den has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for over a decade and for good reason.

Mandarin Hide is all about the craft cocktail. Their bartenders are artists behind the bar, serving up both signature and classic concoctions with house-made bitters, seasonal infusions, and precision pours. The drink menu is sophisticated but approachable, perfect whether you want to sip a smoked old-fashioned, a floral gin fizz, or one of their rotating seasonal specials.

The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between moody and modern. Think exposed brick walls, vintage lighting, a buzzing bar, and cozy corners for conversation. It’s the kind of place where first dates turn into long nights, and where locals come to feel like insiders. You won’t find food on the menu here, but that’s part of the plan. Mandarin Hide is a bar-first experience, and it pairs beautifully with a pre- or post-dinner stop at one of the city’s top eateries.

And if you’re bar-hopping nearby, don’t miss Dirty Laundry, a hidden laundromat-themed bar just a few blocks away that transforms from casual daytime café to Latin-inspired speakeasy after dark. Between Dirty Laundry and Mandrin Hide, you’ve got the perfect mix of mystery and mixology to keep your night going strong.

Looking for the perfect dinner pairing? Check out our blog on the Best Restaurants in St. Pete for nearby foodie favorites you can hit before or after drinks. From coastal cuisine to vegan tapas, downtown has something delicious for every palate.

Why It Works: It’s not loud, it’s not flashy, it’s smart, stylish, and deeply satisfying. Ideal for a solo nightcap, a sophisticated meet-up, or the start of a refined bar-hopping crawl through the Tampa Bay area.

10. Saigon Blonde – Tropical Escapism with a Retro Twist

If Wes Anderson opened a bar in the jungle, it would look something like Saigon Blonde. This funky hideaway on Central Ave is where vintage Vietnam aesthetics meet tiki lounge charm, and it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences in downtown St. Pete.

Step inside and you’re instantly transported. The decor is a full sensory trip, with bamboo ceilings, velvet couches, palm print everything, glowing red lighting, and kitschy memorabilia that somehow work perfectly. It’s quirky, moody, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Their drink menu? A wild ride. Expect herbaceous, citrusy, and tropical-forward craft cocktails with names like “Agent Orange” or “The Jungle Girl.” Bonus: They serve CBD-infused cocktails if you're looking to unwind a bit deeper. For group hangs or a celebratory bachelorette party, order one of their signature punch bowls served in oversized tiki mugs or ceramic skulls.

While food options are light, you’ll usually find small bites or collab nights with pop-up chefs, perfect to grab a snack between sips. And yes, there’s often live music, a rotating DJ lineup, or eclectic beats that keep the energy at “stay for one more drink” levels.

Why You'll Love It: It's one of those favorite places where every corner offers a surprise, from the bar’s incredible tropical ambiance to the legendary mirror selfie bathroom.

Insider tip: It fills up fast on the weekends. Get there early, or prepare to wait, though honestly, it’s worth every minute.

Enjoy the best bars in St. Petersburg, Florida!

There are a lot of great beach bars in St. Petersburg, Florida, and each one offers something unique. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy some live music or just want to relax with a delicious meal and a view of the beach, there's definitely a perfect bar for you. Come on down to St. Petersburg and check out some of the best bars on the beach! You won't be disappointed. Thanks for reading! We hope this was helpful. Cheers!

From Rooftops to Reefs — Reel in the Real St. Pete

After a night of rooftop views, tiki bars, and unforgettable cocktails, why not balance things out with a salty breeze and the splash of dolphin tails? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing dolphin cruise, an adventurous day of deep-sea fishing, or just a beautiful way to experience the Tampa Bay area from the water, Reel Coquina Fishing Charters is the perfect follow-up to your night out.

Their experienced captains will guide you through calm Gulf waters, reel-ready fishing spots, or scenic sunset routes, no experience necessary. Bring your crew, bring your cooler, and get ready to swap bar stools for boat decks.

Questions? Ready to reserve your spot? Visit the Contact Page to get started. Trips book fast, especially in peak season.

Make your next trip to St. Pete complete with the kind of adventure only Reel Coquina can deliver. Because after you’ve tasted the best of the city, it’s time to see it from the sea.