Unique Tampa Bay Speakeasies for a Special Night Out

Speakeasies are hidden bars that usually require a password to get into. During the original days of prohibition, drinks were often served in teacups to mask the alcohol in case they got caught. Today, Tampa Bay speakeasies preserve the allure of these clandestine watering holes, but with modern comforts and immersive themed.

While you don't need to worry about being sneaky, there are several speakeasies in the Tampa Bay area (and yes, some do require a password!).

MORE IDEAS – If you'd rather have your date out in the open, head to one of these Awesome Rooftop Bars in Tampa Bay.

Now, let's step back in time and check out the best speakeasies in Tampa Bay.

Morgan's Cove

210 N Morgan Street, Tampa

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Friday: 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m.-11 p.m.

“Look for the wooden door and red light” are eight little words that evoke secrets and temptation. The description provided by Morgan's Cove immediately creates a mood, this is indeed a speakeasy.

The city of Tampa uniquely connects to the golden age of piracy, which has been celebrated annually since 1904 through the Gasparilla Celebration. While José Gaspar is the celebration's namesake, many other famous pirates sailed the seas from the 1650s to the 1850s.

One such pirate was Henry Morgan, who spent most of his life in the Caribbean Islands. He seized Spanish ships and invaded Spanish colonies in Jamaica, Cuba, and Venezuela. In recognition of his service, King Charles II knighted him in 1674.

This seaside pirate tavern may seem like a childlike themed venue, but it is reserved for adults 21+. Delicious cocktails and a moody setting await. Best of all the decor, lighting, and details are top-notch. Its perfect for an impressive night out that can only be experienced in a pirate town like Tampa.

How to find it: Located right next to Yeoman’s, you can find Morgan's Cove by its big door with rich wood and a red light hanging above. See the photo below so to make it easy on yourself. Soon you'll be inside an immersive pirate-themed speakeasy!

Dirty Laundry

1742 Central Ave, St. Petersburg 

Hours:
Monday-Wednesday: Closed
Thursday-Friday: 5 p.m.-3 a.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m.-3 a.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

Located in the Grand Central District of Downtown St Pete, Dirty Laundry is a café with a laundromat-themed ambiance by day (Sunday-Saturday). But by night, enter through a secret door and you’ll find yourself in a funky speakeasy with a Cuban flair (open Thursday-Sunday).

To enter, pick up the payphone, and an automated voice will greet you and give you a code to type in. Once you get the code right, one of the washing machines turns into a door, giving you access to the speakeasy.

Their classic cocktail bar serves up pitchers to share, frozen mojitos, mules, and plenty of unique flavors to add a little spice. The cocktail list plays on the Cuban theme, with drinks named Havana Mule, Copa De Oro, and “Made” En Havana.

Fuel your night with something from the food menu filled with Cuban-style tapas. 

Madame Fortune's Dessert + HiFi Parlor

1930 E. 7th Ave, Tampa

Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

From the owners of the popular 7th + Grove comes Madame Fortune's Dessert + HiFi Parlor. Located through a secret door at Ybor's Roast Deli + Bakery, patrons can step back in time to a place that connects Tampa's history to the present.

Madame Fortune is named in honor of Fortune Taylor, a former slave who became a landowner in Tampa in the 1890s and gave permission for a bridge on her land to connect east and west Tampa (which is known today as Laurel Street Bridge).

To make your way into the speakeasy, try using the phrase “Find your fortune.” From there, you'll be transported back in time to a place filled with cocktails and Caribbean-influenced food like their Creamy Jerk Rasta Pasta and Sweet Potato Cornbread.

THE BALL

49 24th Street North, St. Petersburg
Perfectly poised behind a discrete, unassuming entryway along a side street in the Grand Central District of St. Pete, you'll find The Ball.

The Ball invites guests to embody the icons who paved the way over carefully curated cocktails like the Jackie O, Rupaul, Freddie, and more. They also have a few NA beverages for those who are the evening's designated driver.

You can also indulge in one of their delicious tapas like Popcorn Chicken Bites, Candied Bacon, Truffle Fries, or some of the Sweet Tooth tapas!

Bar Chica

1180 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
Located tucked behind Bodega in St. Pete is Bar Chica. The dark ambiance with pops of teal and green makes you feel like you've gone back in time.  Their food menu has a Latin flair, and their signature cocktail menu includes hand-crafted cocktails such as Lemongrass-Infused Caipirinha and an Oaxaca Old-Fashioned.

Spookeasy Lounge

1909 N. 15th St, Tampa

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 3 p.m.-1 a.m.
Friday: 3 p.m.-1 a.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-3 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

Press the right spine on the shelf of the bookcase located on the second floor of the Stone Soup Company in Ybor and discover Tampa's spookiest speakeasy featuring non-alcoholic beverages. They serve plenty of non-alcoholic drinks like botanical teas, kava, specialty coffees, beer, and wine. Their list of botanical teas are for ages 21+, and Kava is limited to ages 18+

While you're sipping on Poison Apple, Skullada, or a Zombie Cold Brew, you can also order off their food menu. They offer lunch and dinner with frightening fare. Try the Bone Daddy Burger, Wicked Wings, and Butchered Right Charcuterie Plate if you dare.

Those looking for spirits can head downstairs to their sister lounge, The Catacombs. There, you can try concoctions such as Love Potion, Vampire's Kiss, and Mind Eraser.

Pangea Alchemy Lab

1564 Main Street, Sarasota

Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Friday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Head down to Sarasota to find this speakeasy with a European-style twist. Using modern techniques and fresh ingredients, their mixologists are always coming up with unique twists on classic cocktails like the Blue Mule, the Cat Daddy Flip, and Nostalgia Brews like Sour Patch Kids, and Boozy Cereal Bowls. They also offer munchies like Cauliflower Tempura, Grilled Octopus, and more!

CW's Gin Joint

633 N. Franklin Street, Tampa

Hours:
Tuesday-Wednesday: 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Thursday: 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sunday: 5 p.m.-11 p.m.

CW's is a true throwback to a time when fine spirits were savored in a casual atmosphere. Named for its proprietor and designer, Carolyn Wilson, this vintage inspired hot spot features a delectable menu and an array of libations.

Their classic drink menu includes familiar cocktails such as Gin & Tonic, Old Fashioned, and French 75. Their menu of custom crafted cocktails is filled with items with names like Purple Rain, Queen Bee, Paloma, and Sesame Street.

You can also nosh on plates like their Truffle Purple Potatoes, Angeled Eggs, Shrimp and Grits, or Duck Confit.

Mandarin Heights

5901 N. Florida Ave., Tampa

Hours:
Wednesday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Friday: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Saturday: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m.-12 a.m.

Go back in time to this midcentury cocktail bar located in the heart of Seminole Heights. Dubbed the “cocktail laboratory,” Mandarin Heights has an array of drinks from classic cocktails to unique new ones. Make sure to follow them on Instagram so you can be in the know for new menu drops.

They even have seasonal drinks like summertime Cosmo Crush, the Pumpkin Espresso Martini. Head over on Wednesday for Whisky Wednesdays, where you can enjoy a $6 old-fashioned while listening to live jazz from 5 p.m. to close.

Speaking of Instagram, make sure to snap a pic in their famous bathtub for that perfect photo op.

Mandarin Hide

231 Central Ave N., St. Petersburg

Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 5 p.m.-3 a.m.
Friday: 4 p.m.-3 a.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 12 p.m.-3 a.m.

Mandarin Hide is the sister bar to Mandarin Heights. Though they carry craft beer and wine, their handcrafted cocktails are the star of the show. Their motto is “Pouring our spirits to raise yours.”

Each week on Test Kitchen Tuesdays, they roll out a new menu of unique cocktails to try. Drink aficionados who want to take it a step further and learn how to create their own can even enroll in the Cocktail Conservatory.

In Between Days

2340 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg

Hours:
Wednesday-Thursday: 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Inspired by the underground bars of Tokyo, In Between Days is a dimly lit cozy little house adorned with 1972 Klipsch Cornwalls and a diverse vinyl collection.

What gives this place its speakeasy vibe is that there are no signs or logos—you truly need to know where to go. Their menu includes craft sake, wines, cocktails, and a rotating food menu. Because of its size, reservations are highly recommended and can be made for parties of two to four guests.

Jekyll

1500 W. Swann Ave., Tampa

Hours:
Wednesday: 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

Jekyll is literary-themed bar located in Hyde Park. All the drinks on the menu are named in honor of short stories. What makes this bar a true speakeasy is how you enter. You'll enter through Sesame, a bagel shop. When your “order” is ready, you'll be escorted to Jekyll.

Favorite drinks include Virtue's Vice and Metamorphosis. Feeling fancy? Order the old-fashioned adorned with a gold leaf ice cube. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Star Trolley

260 1st Ave. South. St. Petersburg
Go back to the roaring '20s at this super unique speakeasy on wheels. This converted trolley car gives off 1920s vibes both inside and out. But don't let the size fool you—it can easily seat 30 guests. Equipped with a bar and lounge, this traveling speakeasy requires reservations and even offers special tours. It's the perfect experience for a party, wedding, or special occasion.

Room 27

453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin
This hidden speakeasy is nestled within HEW Parlor & Chophouse at the Fenway Hotel. Named in honor of the year the Fenway opened its doors, this new hot spot allows you to step back in time to the Prohibition era with themed cocktails and 1920s ambiance. Open on select nights with reservations and password is required for entry.

Featured Image Credit: CW's Gin Joint

Looking for more unique bars to visit? Check out Tropical and Authentic Tiki Bars for Unforgettable Date Nights and Wine Bars Tampa: The Best Wine Bars in Tampa.