<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Rooftop bars have become increasingly popular over the last few years. They serve as the perfect backdrop for a romantic date night, group night out, or place to take in the city views or sunset.
JW Marriott Tampa on Water Street set the bar high (no pun intended) last year with Beacon, the highest rooftop bar in Tampa. Located on the 27th floor of the hotel, Beacon delivers everything you could want in a rooftop bar and more.
The views at Beacon are some of the best in Tampa Bay. It’s become one of our favorite places to go for a date day or night or for a post or pre-event drink after checking out a Lightning game or concert at Amalie Arena.
What to Expect at Beacon Rooftop Bar
Beacon is not only the highest in Tampa, but the second highest rooftop bar in the state of Florida. The bar boasts unparalleled views of downtown Tampa, with seating both inside and outside.
Their menu, created by Chef Roy Bryant, provides a selection of eclectic small bites, charcuterie, and delectable desserts. The drink menu offers the basics – beer, wine, and an assortment of liquor, along with not-so-basic hand-crafted cocktails made by their award-winning mixologists.
The View and Atmosphere
When you step onto the 27th floor, you’re greeted by a palate of greens and blues, giving off a cool, yet elegant vibe. The decor is very mid-century-meets-modern with a retro inspired bar area in the middle of the room surrounded by seating areas with lush couches, barrel chairs, and coffee tables.
Two-top tables line one wall with floor-to-ceiling windows that show off views overlooking Amalie Arena, Harbor Island, and the Riverwalk. On the other side, glass-sliding doors lead you out to their sprawling patio area.
For a more intimate setting, there is a smaller room tucked away toward the back decorated in cozy, warm tones of yellows and browns with windows boasting views of the hotel’s sister property, Tampa Marriott Water Street.
Beacon’s patio is sprawling with lush, green plants, including the bar’s very own herb garden. There is an array of seating areas, from casual wicker chairs, couches, and hanging swing egg chairs. While the ambiance is more than enticing, it’s the views that are the center of the whole experience.
Being set as high up as it is, views expand as far as the eye can see. From up there, you’ll be able to take in all the details of the city and watch the cruise ships sail by during the day. At night, the bright lights of the city provide an elegant ambiance with stunning views of Tampa’s ever-growing skyline.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Beacon features unique items created with both seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Some of their standout items include the Pomme Pave – crispy potato topped with creme fraiche, chives, fresh black truffle, and caviar, the Medjadool dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in crispy prosciutto along with pesto and balsamic, and the Sweet & Spicy Brussels with chili, hoisin, peanuts, and bonito flakes.
The Charcuterie is another fan favorite and is served in a unique way. Instead of a traditional board, it’s presented in a two-tier birdcage and includes an array of savory artisanal cheeses, meats, olives, almonds, tapenades, and thin, crispy grilled bread slices.
The dessert menu provides the perfect accompaniments to top off your night with sweets such as the Meyer Lemon Tiramisu, a light, custard-like spin on the traditional dessert, and the Dulce Creme Caramel, which features banana ice cream, roasted banana coulis, and a chocolate almond croustillant.
Of course, what would be a rooftop bar without a perfect lineup of craft cocktails?
Beacon’s cocktail menu is divided into sections: Whimsical (try the Sage Before Beauty made with wheatly vodka, giffard lichee-li, blackberry, sage, lemon, and pink peppercorn simple syrup) and Nostalgic (we love the Wishing Well made with rose gin, vodka, Liquor 43, raspberry, and lemon). To flow with the retro vibe, drinks are served in vintage-inspired glasses.
Location and Parking Information
Beacon is located on the top floor of the JW Marriott at:
510 Water Street
Tampa, FL 33602
Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Thursday: 5:00 pm -12:00 am
Friday-Saturday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sunday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The hotel offers valet parking or you can park in the Pam Iorio Garage located just outside the hotel.
Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are suggested and can be made here.
All images provided by Brie Gorecki.
Looking for more date night ideas in Tampa Bay? Check out 40+ Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Month: Events and MORE