<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>When you live in a pirate town, or visit it, you expect to find some tropical drinks. Thankfully the Tampa – St. Pete area is full of tropical hideaway bars, many with tiki-inspired vibes and sunset views. Although there are countless beach bars, only a select few can be dubbed a tiki bar, or tropical bar.
Here are my picks for the best tropically-inspired and tiki bars in Tampa Bay and St. Pete.
Updated March 2024 by Meghan Roth.
Tiki-Inspired and Authentic Tiki Bars in Tampa Bay
- Don the Beachcomber
- Pier Teaki
- The Getaway in St. Pete
- Saigon Blonde
- Tiki Docks Bar and Grill
- Twisted Tiki
- Bahi Hut
Below are the best authentic tiki bars in the Tampa Bay area. And keep reading for a list of tropical beach bars in the area too.
Don the Beachcomber
15015 Madeira Way, Suite 100, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Don the Beachcomber is back! The Original Tiki Bar is open on the first floor of the Cambria Hotel in Madeira Beach, FL with authentic tiki cocktails and Polynesian-inspired dishes.
In 1934, Donn Beach opened his first bar and restaurant in Hollywood, California, and named it “Don the Beachcomber.” This establishment would become the epicenter of Tiki culture, introducing Americans to exotic cocktails and a romanticized vision of the South Seas.
23 Restaurants has worked tirelessly to bring this iconic restaurant back to the tiki world in a way that honors the past, feels relevant to current tiki enthusiasts, and ensures the continuation of Donn Beach’s legacy for years to come.
Pier Teaki
800 2nd Ave NE 5th Floor, St. Pete
Located on the rooftop of the St. Pete Pier, Pier Teaki has garnered significant buzz, and rightfully so. This tiki bar offers a modern spin on classic tiki fare and cocktails, further enhanced by the breathtaking rooftop views of the water and the St. Pete skyline.
As you might imagine, this spot is in high demand on the weekends. Important note, this bar is 21+ only after 8pm.
The Getaway
13090 Gandy Blvd., St Pete
Located right at the head of the Gandy Bridge and next to Weedon Island Preserve is a tropical getaway that offers all you’d expect from a tiki bar! They have tropical drinks and cocktails and a full menu along with a stunning view of the mangroves and the bay. You can join the restaurant by land in your car, or by sea in a boat.
The Getaway also made an appearance in the Netflix show ‘Selling Tampa’ so you know it’s the place to see and be seen!
Saigon Blonde
265 Central Ave, St. Pete
If you relish themed environments, you must visit Saigon Blonde (pictured in featured image). There are multiple spaces in this venue, not all of them exclusively tiki or tropical-themed, but the exotic nature of it all is intoxicating. Captivating lighting and art make this space special. The eclectic cocktail menu is full of color. Check out happy hour every weekday from 4-7pm.
Pro Tip: Visit on Tiki Tuesday when Mai Tai drinks are only $6!
Tiki Docks Bar and Grill
10708 Palmetto St., Riverview
3769 50th Ave S, St. Pete
Tiki Docks has two locations, one in Riverview and the other in the Skyway area of St. Pete. Both locations are prime examples of a tiki-inspired tropical bar. While not true tiki bars, they take inspiration from tiki culture and blend it beautifully with the modern, tropical feel of a laid-back beach bar.
The menu is packed with beachside favorites like fish tacos and fish spread. While the cocktails aren’t authentic tiki drinks, they are perfect on a hot summer day.
The Ship’s Hold
37 4th St N, St. Pete
Billed as a nautical-themed neighborhood pub, The Ship’s Hold is cozy and fun! The theme and details will envelop you and your date — you may even be tempted to start talking like a pirate. Located immediately adjacent to The Galley in Downtown St. Pete, The Ship’s Hold boasts “the largest portfolio of fine rums & Amari throughout Central Florida”.
Stop by for happy hour and daily specials for a budget-friendly date night without skipping on the tiki bar fun.
Twisted Tiki
340 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach
Tiki lovers will love Twisted Tiki, even though its décor is a bit more Hawaiian beach party than authentic tiki bar. The drink menu is approachable and affordable, with souvenir tiki mugs available, of course. Check out their daily specials and live music on the weekends.
Sticky Ribs and Hawaiian Pizza Flatbread are some of the highlights of the food menu. They also host fun events like Art Night, Taco Tuesdays, Paint Night, and Trivia Night.
Image credit: Twisted Tiki
Bahi Hut
4675 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Tiki culture fans are still mourning the loss of The Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale, which was Florida’s longest operating tiki bar and restaurant. However, Bahi Hut carries the torch of historic tiki establishments as the oldest tiki lounge in Florida. Having opened in 1954, this charming and authentic tiki bar boasts “Legenday Mai Tai’s” so good there’s a limit of 2 per person!
The attention to detail and homage to its history make for a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere. This incredible tiki bar is part of the Golden Host Resort hotel on North Tamiami Trail; consider making a staycation out of it! You’ll have a hard time leaving anyway, thanks to the strong tiki cocktails poured here.
Don’t miss the happy hour from 3-6pm Monday – Friday and live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tropical Bars and Beach Bars in Tampa Bay
If pure tropical vibes are what you’re after, pull up a chair. These tropical beach bars in the Tampa Bay area will quench your thirst.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille
610 2nd Ave NE., St. Pete
Doc Ford’s collection of tropical eateries arrived at the St. Pete Pier last year and has been going strong ever since. The exterior itself is modern and doesn’t immediately evoke a tropical feeling. But, the menu and extensive list of rum drinks will immediately whisk you away.
They’re known for their signature mojitos which are a must-try. Live music is offered every night starting at 6pm (earlier on the weekends). Reservations are recommended.
Trophy Fish
2060 Central Ave, St. Pete
5901 N Florida Ave., Tampa
If the two of you love seafood, you’ve got to put Trophy Fish on your list. The culinary team here is fully dedicated to providing the freshest fish. The cocktails here are creative and classic. Tiki staples like the Dark and Stormy are available, while other drinks have creative twists, like the Pistachio Mai Tai.
Besides being a great place for a tropical date, consider setting a reminder to come back during the holidays when they add lots of festive drinks and quirky tropical holiday décor.
No Vacancy
937 Central Ave, St. Pete
This tropical bar in St. Pete is the perfect example of bringing tiki and tropical culture up-to-date. Inspired by roadside tropical motels, No Vacancy ushers in a new era of tropical-inspired bars in an urban space.
The food menu is full of seafood and classy bar bites, with tongue-in-cheek names. And there are boozy cocktails galore, including fish bowls for two and punch bowls for groups.
Bongos Beach Bar and Grille
5250 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach
Located at the Bellweather Beach Resort, Bongos is a beach bar with lots of tropical twists. The majority of the tables at Bongo’s are on the sand, so wear flip flops so you can get your feet nice and sandy. Bongos hosts Happy Hour every Monday – Thursday from 4 – 6pm, and boasts live music every day of the week.
St. Pete locals can get 20% Off on the second Saturday of every month from noon – 5pm when you join their mailing list and follow them on Facebook.
Historic Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant is a historic building full of tropical charm. There are two rooftop bars that are absolutely perfect for watching the sunset (get there early). Even if you can’t grab a spot at the rooftop bars, there is outdoor dining and a bar on the first floor, and a charming dining room on the second floor.
The menu varies a little depending on where you dine, but you can’t go wrong with either option.
RELATED: Boozy Beach Bars in St. Pete
The Reef on Madeira Beach
14705 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach
Bright and cheery, it is hard to pass up The Reef on Maderia Beach. You can start the day with breakfast. Or, unwind in the afternoon or evening with one of the bar’s many tropical drinks. The Key Lime Pie drink and the Ooh Mau Mau are just a few highlights from the drink menu. This is the perfect place to bring the family (or dog!) with plenty of bar games to entertain.
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota
Wanna start your day in a tropical way? O’Leary’s is open for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. Wiggle your toes in the sand as you sit at one of the many picnic-style tables. Palm trees and multiple thatched roof bars make O’Leary’s feel like an island village. There is nothing authentically tiki about O’Leary’s, but it serves up serious tropical vibes. Live entertainment is offered daily.
Tips for Visiting Tropical and Tiki Bars in the Tampa Bay Area
Plan ahead. Spring Break and Summer are very busy seasons, especially for vacationers. Many tropical bars fill up fast. Between parking and seats, it can be tough getting a spot.
Getting to the bar right when it opens helps, but if you’d rather save sipping on your libations for later in the day, or into the evening, double-check parking and reservation options. If you’re able, using a ride-share or taxi service can help with parking, and help make sure you get home safely.
If you get to your destination and it is tough to find a seat, see if you can grab a drink to go and stroll around together. With such relaxing tropical vibes, it’s easy to just go with the flow.
Want EVEN MORE Tiki?
If you want to totally immerse yourself in tiki and need a quick getaway, check out these 7 Unique Airbnb in Orlando: Rentals to Spark Romance, featuring Tahiti Gil’s Mananui AirBnB (designed by Typhoon Tommy)!
Feature image credit: Saigon Blonde