Guide to Tampa Bay’s Perfect Patios for Date Night

Summer is just around the bend, and you know what that means: time to take advantage of warm nights under the stars. Take your food, drinks and conversation outside with this guide to the best Tampa Bay patios. Where will you go this weekend?

Related: Outdoor Dining Guide: 50+ Places to Eat Outside in Tampa Bay

Ulele

1810 N Highland Ave.
Tampa, FL 33602
ulele.com

Have you ever had a hankering for gator hush puppies? Or maybe a nice chili with wild boar, cranberry beans, duck, venison, and some more gator for good measure? Ulele is the ultimate reward for the eclectic palate. It’s not just about the food, though. Cocktails on Ulele’s patio are perfect for date night.

On Swann

1501 Swann Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
onswann.com

Impress your date with dinner reservations at this trendy eatery specializing in New American cuisine. Located in the hip Hyde Park Village, On Swann’s menu is chock full of seasonal fare and utilizes ingredients from small local companies. There’s also an impressive cocktail menu. Reserve a table at the cozy curbside patio to watch the neighborhood comings and goings while you dine.

Pia’s Trattoria

3054 Beach Blvd S
Gulfport, FL 33707
piastrattoria.com

This Gulfport charmer provides diners with a slice of Italia right here in Florida. The spacious patio is reminiscent of the warm and vibrant trattorias found all over Italy, and the menu comprised of authentic Italian classics enhances the experience. Lose track of time while laughing and planning your next Italian adventure over a plate of pesto pasta and a mixed appetizer platter of Italian meats, cheeses and vegetables. Don’t forget a glass of house wine!

Independent Bar and Café

5016 N Florida Ave.
Tampa, FL 33603
independentbartampa.com

The Independent is a lovely little spot that invokes an intimate feeling of being as “in the know” as any given local. Whether you’re a German tourist looking for a quick brat stop or an indie writer trying to finish a romance novel, you belong here. A dash of comfort food and a delightful beer garden make a dangerously inviting combination—especially when movie nights and low-key local artists whipping out their acoustic guitars are cornerstones of the event calendar.

Sparkman Wharf

615 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
sparkmanwharf.com

The ultimate spot for outdoor lounging, Sparkman Wharf is a waterfront hangout with live music and multiple options for dining, drinking and relaxing. The outdoor Dining Garden is home to seven unique food concepts (housed in repurposed shipping containers) serving everything from tacos to oysters and burgers. Order up and take your feast to one of the outdoor tables, or set up a DIY picnic in the ample green space. There’s also an open-air biergarten serving Florida craft beers on tap. Try it for a low-key first date or fun in the sun with your longtime love.

Columbia Restaurant – Sand Key

1241 Gulf Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33767
columbiarestaurant.com

Ybor City might have the culture and history, but Columbia’s Clearwater location has the views! For traditional Spanish cuisine with the flair that Ybor has always been able to squeeze out of Tampa, this Sand Key spot is unmatched. The patio’s waterfront views are a spectacular accompaniment to the impressive spread.

Frenchy’s Outpost Bar and Grill

466 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, FL 34698
frenchysonline.com/locations/frenchys-outpost/

In Florida, it’s your geographically granted right to kick off your shoes and enjoy the spoils of a full blown tiki bar and live music on the daily. While Frenchy’s is one of the Sunshine State’s most infamous seafood spots, it’d be a shame to pass on the comfortably informal open-air atmosphere due to its notoriety. There are multiple locations, so you can hit the most convenient one, but you won’t want to miss the chance to check this gem off of your bar & grill bucket list.

Armature Works

1910 N Ola Ave
Tampa, FL 33602
armatureworks.com

We know finding a table once you’ve procured your meal can pose a bit of a challenge, but the effort is worth it once you snag the perfect patio seat. With more than a dozen food + drink options within the Seminole Heights Market plus several sit-down concepts, this epic riverfront hangout is perfect for date night whether it’s part of your weekly rotation or the location of your first date. Start by picking up mains from one of our favorite vendors like Empamamas or Ava, then indulge in dessert from Astro Ice Cream Co. FYI: there is a $5 fee for parking on weekends.

More Tampa Bay patios to check out:

Ava
718 S Howard Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
avatampa.com

Oystercatchers
2900 Bayport Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
tampabay.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/oystercatchers-restaurant.html

Bodega Seminole Heights
5901 N Florida Ave
Tampa, FL 33604
eatatbodega.com

The Chattaway
358 22nd Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
thechattaway.com

Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill 
7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway
Tampa, FL 33607
whiskeyjoestampa.com

Red Mesa Cantina
128 3rd St S
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
redmesacantina.com

Kona Grill
4134 W Boy Scout Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33607
konagrill.com/locations/tampa-fl

Café Dufrain
707 Harbour Post Dr.
Tampa, FL 33602
cafedufrain.com

Gaspar’s Grotto
1805 E 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
gasparsgrotto.com

Jimmy B’s Beach Bar
The Beachcomber Beach Resort Hotel
6200 Gulf Blvd.
St Pete Beach, FL 33706
beachcomberflorida.com/jimmy_b_st_pete_beach

Feature image credit: Red Mesa Cantina

Looking for other outdoor activities? Check out Rooftop Bars in Tampa Bay and 25 Outdoor Activities to Try Together Before Summer!