From vibrant elixirs and edible garnishes to blends of fresh juices, scratch-made syrups and a touch of finesse, Tampa Bay boasts some of the finest cocktails and mixed drinks. Here’s our roundup of the top bars and venues to grab a drink in 2025.
Anchor and Brine
505 Water St., Tampa | (813) 204-6388
Savor the picturesque waterfront views at Anchor and Brine, where luxury is elevated with expertly crafted cocktails. The menu features an array of spirits, botanicals and tonics, alongside a curated selection of bubbly, red, white and rosé wines. Standout offerings include martinis like La Uva, made with fresh lime and grape, refreshing daiquiris such as the Floridita bursting with key lime, and a variety of vibrant spritzes. Each pairs perfectly with Anchor and Brine’s brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert menus. They’re also best enjoyed on the inviting, pet-friendly patio.
Beacon Tampa Rooftop Lounge
510 Water St., Tampa | (813) 314-6605
What better way to enjoy the stunning rooftop views of downtown Tampa than with a drink in hand? At Beacon, expertly curated bites are perfectly complemented by a stellar lineup of cocktails crafted by Master Mixologist Michael Raines. Classic favorites like margaritas, Old Fashioneds, sangria and negronis shine alongside signature creations such as Among the Clouds, featuring lemon, pineapple and basil-infused agave, or the Dastardly Devil, with Thai chili Aperol and smoked chili bitters. For an elevated experience, indulge in one of the exclusive tableside presentations.
Watervüe Grille
700 Harbour Post Drive, Tampa | (813) 642-7980
Enjoy a waterside view with a drink in hand at Watervue Grille, where the atmosphere pairs beautifully with a curated selection of handpicked wines from around the globe. Happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., features a full bar serving fresh, handcrafted cocktails like the Lotus, made with hibiscus-infused Cimarron Blanco, La Verde with fresh jalapeños, and Mr. Gage’s Cosmo—a secret recipe. These drinks are expertly crafted to complement the menu’s diverse flavors. Local craft beer taps further enhance the experience with a regional touch.
Alter Ego
1050 Water St., Tampa | (813) 221-9193
Known for its choose-your-own espresso martini experience, Alter Ego features an expansive drink menu with zero-proof cocktails, wines by the glass, champagne bottles and altered classics with seasonal twists. Happy Hour, offered Tuesday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., includes a curated selection of mixed drinks, shots and bites. The everyday menu also highlights an impressive lineup of brandy, whiskey, rum, vodka, juniper, amari and agave-based drinks. Enhance your experience by pairing your beverage with a snack like the caviar service or polenta cakes.
Lost & Found
2420 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | (727) 289-4204
Lost & Found, a ’70s- and ’80s-inspired cocktail lounge, has become a beloved fixture in St. Petersburg’s Central District. Classic drinks from those decades are reimagined with creative twists and eye-catching details, such as the Zombie, appearing in a vibrant hue and complete with a fire element, or the Marlboro Man with mezcal, amaretto and Borghetti. Alongside their signature cocktails, the menu also includes wine, bubbles, bottled and canned beverages and a rotating seasonal frozen drink. However, the true stars of the show are the expertly crafted cocktails.
Rome + Fig
317 N. Rome Ave., Tampa | (813) 253-3353
Rome + Fig, a local family-owned and operated establishment, features chef-inspired seasonal menus and a cocktail list that creatively combines classic techniques with modern trends. Drink specials are available throughout the week, including Happy Hour twice a day, half-priced bottles on Wine Wednesday and the return of “The Fig After Dark” on Thursdays with a live DJ. But the real showstopper is the Espresso Martini Tree—a beautifully decorated flight of four handcrafted espresso martinis that change with the seasons.
Predalina
1001 E. Cumberland Ave., Tampa | (813) 344-3442
Located on Water Street near Tampa’s waterfront, Predalina entices guests with a Mediterranean menu, a monthly tasting series, wine pairings and a daily happy hour featuring select drinks and bites. Its impressive cocktail menu, extensive wine-by-the-glass offerings and seating options—including a luxurious bar and an outdoor patio set to undergo a remarkable renovation next year—ensure guests return time and again.
Clubhouse Bourbon Bar
1211 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg | (727) 289-8219
Tucked inside 1st Ave Liquors, hidden behind an unassuming wall, lies a bourbon lover’s paradise. Clubhouse Bourbon Bar, created by Marcia Wells, offers St. Petersburg residents a local destination for bourbon-tasting events, bottle shares, and cocktail-making classes. The bar boasts a collection of hundreds of North American bourbon and whiskey bottles, available at market price pours. Guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, including classics like whiskey sours and old fashioneds, made with fresh-pressed juices and house-made syrups, alongside inventive signature drinks like the S.A.B., featuring cold brew, salted caramel and chocolate bitters.
Sparrow
1234 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | (727) 677-3000
Perched atop the new Moxy hotel in downtown St. Petersburg, Sparrow brings the charm of its Fort Lauderdale origins to the Bay. With ambitions of ranking among the world’s top 50 bars, Sparrow takes pride in a scratch-made approach—every fresh juice and elixir is crafted in-house by its expert bartending team. The menu offers something for everyone, from bubbles and wine to tableside cocktails served in teapots, colorful twists on the classics, adventurous flavor profiles featuring daring ingredients, and even a selection of mocktails. Each drink pairs perfectly with the Japanese-American fusion menu, creating an unforgettable rooftop experience.
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