When you live in a pirate town, or visit it, you expect to find some tropical drinks. Thankfully, the Tampa to 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.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Here are my picks for the best tropically-inspired and tiki bars in Tampa Bay and St. Pete.
Tiki-Inspired and Authentic Tiki Bars in Tampa Bay
- Morgan's Cove
- Tiki Docks
- Pier Teaki
- Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar
- The Getaway in St. Pete
- Saigon Blonde
- 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.
Morgan's Cove
- Location: 210 N Morgan St, Tampa, FL 33602
Step into the world of pirates with ARRGH-mazing speakeasy, Morgan’s Cove. Nestled in downtown Tampa near Yeoman’s Cask, you’ll find yourself entranced by the bar’s cozy atmosphere and unique décor!
Tiki purists might argue that Morgan's Cove is not officially a tiki bar since it is not tiki-themed, but anyone who enjoys exotic, moody vibes will feel right at home here.
Tiki Docks
- Locations: Riverview, St. Pete, and Port Orange (Daytona Beach area)
Tiki Docks just keeps getting better. Tampa Bay is home to the first Tiki Docks locations of Riverview and St. Pete, and now those Florida tiki vibes have arrived on the East Coast with a location in Port Orange – not far from Daytona Beach.
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.
While Tiki Docks is not true vintage tiki, it does bring modern tiki and beachy vibes – fitting for the Florida lifestyle.
Pier Teaki
- Location: 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 8 p.m.
Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar
- Location: 516 Grant Street, Dunedin, FL 34698
Head to Dunedin to reach the shores of Hawaii, or at least a wonderfully Hawaiin-themed restaurant and bar. This cozy restaurant has small intimate dining rooms, a sprawling outdoor dining area, and an adults-only tiki bar in the back.
Vintage tiki music wafts over the air while Hawaiian classics dominate the menu. Sip on a variety of tiki drinks of varying strength, or stay refreshed with an impressive array of mocktails.
Be sure to walk around the entire space inside and out to see all the tiki decor and details!
The Getaway
- Location: 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
- Location: 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 there various specials on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
Pro Tip: Visit on Tiki Tuesday when Mai Tai drinks are only $7!
The Ship's Hold
- Location: 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
- Location: 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 live music, Taco Tuesdays, and Trivia Night.
Bahi Hut
- Location: 4675 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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 Tais” 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!
Don't miss the happy hour from 1 p.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 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
- Location: 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 6 p.m. (earlier on the weekends). Reservations are recommended.
Trophy Fish
- Locations: 2060 Central Ave., St. Pete and 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.
Historic Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
- Location: 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
- Location: 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.
This is the perfect place to bring the family (or dog!) with plenty of bar games to entertain.
O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill
- Location: 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