The Best Rooftop Bars in Tampa Bay for Date Night

Nothing says romance like watching the sunset over the downtown skyline or the water. Tampa Bay has some amazing restaurants, but it’s nice to switch up the view every once in a while, and soak in one of the rooftop bars in Tampa, especially since we’re blessed with amazing outdoor weather most of the year.

Since Tampa Bay is huge, we’ve divided up our list of scenic rooftop bars into two sections: Tampa’s best rooftop bars and St. Pete/Clearwater’s best rooftop bars to help you find one near you or your destination for the night. Cheers! Also, since Orlando is just a hop skip and jump away, we’ve compiled a list of the best rooftop bars in Orlando, too!

Updated April 2024 by Brie Gorecki

The BEST Rooftop Bars in Tampa

Beacon at JW Marriott in Downtown Tampa

510 Water Street, Tampa

Beacon is Tampa’s highest (and second highest in Florida) public rooftop cocktail and dining destination at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and Tampa’s waterfront along with a menu of small bites and handcrafted cocktails.

Beacon rooftop bar view — Beacon Rooftop Bar Sign – image by Brie Gorecki

SIX at JW Marriott in Downtown Tampa

510 Water Street, Tampa

Soak in the views of downtown Tampa and Water Street from the 6th floor of the JW Marriott. They offer lunch and dinner, and of course, cocktails. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to experience SIX. Valet is available if you’d rather not try to find parking on your own.

Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge at The Tampa Edition

500 Channelside Dr., Tampa

This South Tampa spot mixes seating with open-air lounge spots and a large terrace offering views of Tampa’s skyline. The views aren’t the only scenery, though. There are tons of cool art installations scattered around making for the perfect Instagram pic.

EDGE offers both drinks and small bites. Open nightly from Wednesday to Saturday, EDGE is the perfect place or an after work drink or cozy date night.

AZURE AT THE TAMPA EDITION DOWNTOWN TAMPA

500 Channelside Dr., Tampa

Just down the street from the JW you’ll find the Tampa EDITION, which features a rooftop pool with an adjacent bar and restaurant – Azure. Sip on fresh, unique cocktails under a gorgeous canopy of foliage while taking in views of downtown Tampa.

Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar in Tampa’s Midtown

3650 Midtown Dr., Tampa

Midtown Tampa is a sprawling development combining residential, retail, dining and entertainment into one walkable hub locals will love. Highlights include multiple restaurants, a central green space hosts concerts and events, and an Aloft & Element dual-branded hotel home to Tampa’s newest rooftop bar.

Sal Y Mar features Latin cuisine, 4,900 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, and 360-degree city views of downtown Tampa and St. Pete. The space includes an open terrace, sophisticated and earthy coastal decor, hanging hammock chairs and more. The rooftop lounge concept is inspired by the Riviera Maya town of Tulum.

M.BIRD ROOFTOP BAR AT ARMATURE WORKS

1903 N. Market St., Tampa

Take in the spectacular skyline views of downtown Tampa as you venture to the rooftop of Armature Works to M.Bird. Treat yourself to craft cocktails and small bites while you enjoy the view.

Rain or shine, M.Bird has a covered patio to keep the party going. If you want more to eat, head downstairs where a plethora of options from multiple vendors await. Friday nights are especially fun, when a live DJ provides entertainment beginning at 9pm.

M. Bird rooftop bar in Tampa Bay — Image credit: M. Bird

Luna Lounge Bulla Gastrobar Rooftop

930 South Howard Ave., Tampa

Find another restaurant and rooftop bar pairing in SoHo at Bulla Gastrobar’s Luna Lounge. With a great happy hour daily from 3-7 pm and a huge tapas menu, Bulla is a great place to hang out or for a date.

The rooftop lounge, aka Luna Lounge, is located on the fifth floor of the building. Take in beautiful views of downtown Tampa while sharing a huge pitcher of sangria.

Topgolf Tampa Bay Rooftop Terrace Bar in Tampa

10690 Palm River Rd., Tampa

For a fun night out, check out Topgolf Tampa’s Rooftop Terrace Bar. There is a beautifully lit bar on the rooftop complete with seating, fire pits and a stage. You can order from the full menu of delicious eats and enjoy live music on the roof on select nights. This is the perfect stop after a few hours of golf with friends in one of the temperature-controlled bays.

Casa Santa Stefano

1607 N. 22nd St., Tampa

Opened by the same family famous for Columbia Restaurant, Casa Santa Stefano brings a great rooftop vibe to historic Ybor City. Former home to a macaroni factory, Casa Santa Stefano has a beautiful downstairs restaurant, but head upstairs and you’ll find Santo’s Drinkeria Rooftop Bar.

Take in the sunset over Ybor City while sipping cocktails and dining on Sicilian-style snacks.

Skybox Rooftop Bar in Wesley Chapel

2867 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel

This is one of the newest rooftop bars to join our growing list. You’ll find this rooftop bar on top of the new Residence Inn in Wesley Chapel. It offers beautiful views of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex and Pasco County. The menu includes small bites and a wide assortment of drinks for you to sip on as you watch the colors of the sky change as the sun sets.

Casa Cami

Casa Cami just opened in March 2024 the 10th floor of The Current Hotel on Rocky Point. This new rooftop restaurant and bar offers Mexican-inspired cuisine and breathtaking panoramic views of Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater.

The new hotspot offers indoor and outdoor seating with brunch on Sundays and Saturdays. It can get pretty packed, so we recommend making a reservation.

The BEST Rooftop Bars in St. Pete/Clearwater

CANE & BARREL

110 2nd St. N, St. Petersburg

Located on the roof of the AC Hotel St. Pete, you’ll find Cane & Barrel in the heart of downtown. The rooftop bar/cocktail lounge features Cuban-inspired cocktails and bites. You can even order a Table Side Punch Bowl for $35. The design firm behind this luxurious space is the same as the one behind Sal Y Mar in Midtown Tampa.

Pier Teaki at the St. Pete Pier

800 2nd Ave. NE, 5th Floor, St. Petersburg

Teak is a top pick for date night dinners. Located at the St. Pete Pier at The Point on the third floor, the bright and colorful upscale restaurant features scenic views of the water and Downtown St. Pete in an urban oasis setting. After dinner, head upstairs to the rooftop tiki bar, Pier Teaki, for a tropical nightcap.

Pier Teaki Best Rooftop Bars in Tampa Bay — Pier Teaki in St. Pete. Photo Credit: Jeremy Scott Photography

DeSanto Rooftop Bar in St. Pete

128 3rd St. S, St. Petersburg

Located atop the Red Mesa Cantina in St. Pete lies DeSanto Rooftop Bar. Enjoy a beautiful setting on the roof with stunning westward views alongside delicious craft cocktails, beer, and wine as you take in the beauty that St. Pete has to offer. Tip: DeSanto Rooftop Bar is open weekends only as long as it hasn’t been rented out for an event.

The Canopy Rooftop at the Birchwood in St. Pete

340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg

The Canopy at the Birchwood is open day and night on the roof of the Birchwood Inn, providing cabanas, fire pits and an outdoor living room feel. They serve small bites, flatbreads, sandwiches and signature cocktails. However, if you desire a wider selection of menu offerings, you can dine downstairs at the Birch and Vine restaurant.

During the day visitors are treated to gorgeous views of Bay Street and Tampa Bay. At night the rooftop transforms into a happening place to see and be seen. Tip: visit during happy hour weekdays from 4-7pm for drink deals.

Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar in Dunedin

453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin

Located above the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin is the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar. Inspired by the original Fenway speakeasy which was located in the building’s basement, the modern establishment now rests high above its surroundings with breathtaking views and sunsets. Enjoy delectable small bites as you sip on perfectly curated craft cocktails.

There’s typically live jazz which makes for the perfect date night ambiance.

Jimmy’s On the Edge in Clearwater Beach

505 S. Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater

You’ll find Jimmy’s On the Edge on the 10th floor of the Edge Hotel in Clearwater Beach. You’ll also find views of the Gulf of Mexico here, so arrive before sunset.

The bar touts itself as the largest rooftop bar in Clearwater Beach at 2,500 square feet. In addition to the cocktails, beer and wine list, there is also a menu featuring appetizers and full lunch and dinner if you prefer to stay in one spot for the night.

Tropico Rooftop Cantina in Clearwater Beach

301 S. Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach

The Tropico Rooftop Cantina on top of the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach boasts spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico. Try the Ocean Margarita — a twist on the classic with blue Curacao and pineapple juice. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner.

Hurricane Watch Rooftop Deck in Pass-A-Grille

809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach

This fun outdoor deck has 360 degree views of Pass-A-Grille and St. Pete Beach. The claim to fame of this well-known rooftop hotspot is the unimpeded views of daily sunsets, not to mention a menu full of casual beach food and tasty fresh seafood. After the sun has gone down get ready to enjoy live entertainment.

If you prefer a laid back, come as you are atmosphere, this is the place for you.

Gulf Primeval at The Berkeley Beach Club Rooftop Bar in Pass-A-Grille

109 8th Ave, St. Pete Beach

Soak in the views of Pass-A-Grille and maybe catch a sunset with views of the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay. They offer classic cocktails along with specially craft cocktails and wine list to suit everyone’s tastes. The cuisine is delicious too, so definitely stay for dinner under the stars.

The menu is seafood-heavy, with an entire section dedicated to boutique oysters.

Vantage Rooftop Bar in St. Pete

2675 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater

The Karol Hotel in the St.Pete/Clearwater area boasts a beautiful rooftop bar. While most rooftop bars are best enjoyed in the evening and cooler months, Vantage is climate-controlled and comfortable year-round. This rooftop roost is located on the hotel’s 12th floor and overlooks Old Tampa Bay, offering scenic views of the Tampa skyline.

Menu highlights include an assortment of local craft beers and bright craft cocktails like the Lavender Lemonade made with gin and an extra tasty Rooftop Mai Tai with locally-made pineapple rum.

360 Rooftop in St. Pete Beach

3701 Gulf Blvd, St. Petersburg

The name says it all and boy does 360 Rooftop deliver with its 360 degree views of St. Pete Beach and the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll find it perched hat the very top of Hotel Zamora. As you sit back and relax, sip on one of their craft cocktails and watch the sun put on a show in the evening.

There are also cabanas for your group, but they’re first come, first served. Happy hour is also offered 7 days a week from 4pm-6pm.

Level 11 Rooftop Lounge in St. Pete Beach

5250 Gulf Blvd, St. Petersburg

It just doesn’t get much more romantic than this wraparound outdoor terrace that offers you a front row seat to watch the sunset over the Gulf. Located on the 11th floor of the Bellwether Beach Resort (formerly the Grand Plaza Hotel) in St. Pete Beach. This rooftop bar boasts a vibrant space with commanding views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The drink menu includes beachy concoctions with a sophisticated twist, like Magic Margaritas, alongside an assortment of shareable plates and small bites. Staying overnight in the area? This bar is less than a 5-minute walk from multiple nearby hotels we love including Postcard Inn On The Beach and TradeWinds Island Grand Resort.

Level 11 Rooftop Lounge — Image credit: Grand Plaza Hotel

Ember Lounge Rooftop Bar in Madeira Beach

15015 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach

Feeling beachy? Besides Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach Marina’s convenient location near John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach Town Center, this 125-room property also features a stunning, open-air rooftop bar with beachfront views. We’re thinking this would be the perfect pitstop after a beach day to sip on a cocktail while watching the sun set over the Gulf.

The menu includes an assortment of tasty light bites (think sliders, mini wonton tacos, scallops, flatbreads and more) plus signature cocktails named after local landmarks like Sunken Gardens (vodka, lime, cucumber, basil, celery bitters, club soda) and Johns Pass (bourbon, early grey simple strip, aromatic and cherry bitters).

Vue 360 at Courtyard Clearwater Beach

455 E. Shore Dr., Clearwater

The name pretty much sums up this addition to our list of Best Rooftop Bars in Tampa Bay! Vue 360 offers just that–a full view of Clearwater Beach and the intercostal waterways so you know the sunsets will be spectacular. You’ll find Vue 360 at the top of the Courtyard Clearwater Beach.