Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Tori Pines
St. Petersburg, Florida is a fun city with a lot going on. It’s known for its art, seafood, sports and sunny weather. But this beautiful city is also filled with nightlife and so many great spots to enjoy once the sun goes down.
I lived in St. Pete for many years and had the opportunity to explore these bars myself, searching for the best bars in town! So here’s the list of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL that you won’t want to miss on your next trip to The Sunshine City. They’re my favorites and I’m sure they’ll be yours too.
Exploring Florida? Be sure to read through all of my Florida articles. I lived in the state (specifically St. Pete) for many years and love all of the unique destinations around the sunshine state. There’s also tons of great restaurants in St. Pete that you should check out!
This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!
Map of the Best Bars in St. Petersburg, FL
Table of Contents
The Best Bars in St. Petersburg, FL – Bars on the Water
Let’s face it, a bar is immediately better if it’s sitting on the water. Here are my favorite spots on the water in St. Pete!
1. Pier Teaki
Address: 800 2nd Ave NE 5th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Monday-Friday: 11am to 11pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 11pm
Price: $$
Website: pierteaki.com
Pier Teaki is arguably the best bar in St. Petersburg, FL. It’s located on the 4th and top floor of the building that sits at the end of the brand new 3,000 foot pier. It’s a tiki bar theme from the decor to the drinks and food they serve.
There’s a parking lot at the base of the pier, or lots of street parking around the waterfront area. Park down there and then make your stroll along the pier enjoying everything else it has to offer. There’s art, a market, museum, a beach, several restaurants, bike rentals and more. Plus, you’ll get some of the best views of the water and downtown St. Pete from here. Sunsets are gorgeous, so plan to get here with time to spare.
Once you get to the end of the pier, head to the fourth floor for Pier Teaki. The bar is super laid back, filled with tables and lounge seating, all with incredible views. If you’re here during Spring or Summer, or on a weekend, it’s likely going to be busy. So, getting here well before sunset is definitely ideal.
It’s open to all ages until 8pm, when it changes over to 21+. They offer a large food menu including fish tacos, chicken bites, pork potstickers and other island-inspired dishes. The bar menu is large, but the frozen cocktails are definitely the star. I mean come on, it’s a tiki bar after all! (They also make a mean virgin daquiri if you happen to be on your babymoon in Florida!)
Between the water views, the location right in downtown, and the upscale while still laid back feel, this is one of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL.
2. Birchwood Canopy
Address: 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4pm to 2am
Friday: 1pm to 2am
Saturday: 11am to 2am
Sunday: 11am to 12am
Price: $$
Website: thebirchwood.com
Just across the street from the new pier in downtown St. Pete sits the Birchwood Hotel. A gorgeous and charming boutique hotel, the Birchwood is a great place to stay, dine and drink! The hotel offers a fine dining restaurant on the first floor called Birch & Vine, but the best and more casual spot sits on the rooftop, their bar called the Canopy.
It sits a block back from the bay, but since the bar is on the roof it still offers great views of the water. It is filled with comfortable lounge seating and even has private cabanas that can be rented. Perfect for a birthday bash or bachelorette party!
This bar is definitely the most upscale of the waterfront bar options and is super close to everything downtown. It’s the perfect spot to have dinner first along Beach Drive and then head here for drinks afterwards. For a perfect evening try Ceviche for dinner before you make your way here!
The Canopy offers a large “Bar Bites” menu filled with things like flatbreads, burgers, tacos, shrimp cocktail and more. And if you visit on the weekend for brunch you’ll find a small but delicious brunch menu! The bar menu focuses on craft cocktails, but offers a great variety of wine and beer as well. Keep in mind, this bar is 21+ from 4pm on.
3. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Another bar located in the heart of the waterfront area is Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Now, this spot is definitely more of a restaurant with a bar, but deserves being on the list for its amazing ratings. Local Italian shop Mazzaros has held the #1 spot on TripAdvisor until Doc Ford’s came to town in 2020. It took the #1 spot almost immediately and has stayed there comfortably ever since.
The bar sits about mid-way down the new St. Pete Pier, and is a very casual and relaxed spot. It is right on the water so it can get chilly even in the Florida heat, so make sure you bring a jacket!
Like I said, it’s a full restaurant so they have a huge menu focusing on casual seafood dishes. Their bar menu features a huge list of signature cocktails including several rum drinks and variations of the mojito.
This is the spot if you want a casual atmosphere, beautiful views, great drinks and amazing food! Also, it’s open to all ages all day long.
4. The Getaway
Head north along the water and you’ll find the Getaway. This bar and restaurant sits right on the bay near the Gandy bridge that takes you into Tampa. It’s super casual and you’ll sit with your toes in the sand as you enjoy a drink, away from the busy downtown.
The Getaway offers laid back, beachy vibes, live music, tropical drinks and seafood dishes. They offer a full menu, but the prices are pretty steep for a relaxed beachy bar, so just be prepared to pay a little extra. But you can’t go wrong by ordering the Firecracker Shrimp! The drink menu is pretty typical including tropical cocktails, beer and wine.
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The Best Bars in St. Petersburg, FL – Speakeasies
It’s no secret, speakeasies are so much fun and give an added element to the bar experience. More and more have popped up in the area over the last few years; some are easy to find and are talked about often while others are still as hidden as intended. Here’s some great ones that I know of in St. Pete, but I won’t ruin the fun and tell you how to get in! These speakeasies are definitely some of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL.
5. Dirty Laundry
Laundromat on the outside, upscale bar on the inside. Dirty Laundry is exactly what you would expect out of a speakeasy. From the outside you would have no idea it was a bar. Pop in the front and there’s some fake washers and dryers, and a little cafe with a counter. Hang out here for coffee, pastries and a small cafe style menu. But, figure out how to get into the speakeasy next door and you’re in for a treat!
The bar itself is nice, decorated well and has a great, upscale cocktail menu. Food is served inside the speakeasy as well, and they even have brunch and live music! It’s a win win! Talk about a perfect place to hang out for a girls trip or bachelorette party! They do have a dress code, so just be sure to review that before you head out.
6. The Saint
Another great speakeasy in town is The Saint, a hidden bar with some of the most intricate details. It’s themed around the idea of sinners and saints, with a dark space and black and red décor. The space is really unique and fun, but slightly creepy too so be prepared! It’s small and intimate, and is nice to not be in an overcrowded bar.
The drink menu is comprised of the “Seven Deadly Sins”, with one high-quality specialty cocktail designed after each sin. All include beautiful presentations and are delicious. There’s of course many other cocktails, beer and an adequate wine menu.
They offer happy hour Tuesday through Friday from five to seven for drink specials. They also have a small food menu with delicious appetizers like charcuterie, shrimp skewers and hummus. And the dessert menu includes a few “spiked sweets”.
As of 2022, they accept reservations and it is definitely necessary on weekends. The wait can get long, so make a reservation or get there early!
7. Bodega on Central
The third and final speakeasy is at Bodega on Central. If you know anything about St. Pete, you know Bodega but you likely know it for its famous Cuban sandwiches. They’re by far the best in town.
But you probably didn’t know about the hidden bar in the back of the building. It’s just a hidden door with no sign, you’ll feel like you’re walking into the kitchen or something, but nope, it’s a cute little speakeasy instead!
The bar is classy and small, but nothing incredibly special. There’s no theme or special password to get in, but it is a great place for a casual and high quality drink. It’s small and quiet so would be great for a first date, or to catch up with an old friend.
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The Best Bars in St. Petersburg, FL – Live Music Bars
Sometimes you just want more of an experience than just grabbing a drink. Whether you’re celebrating something, enjoying a bachelorette weekend, or just looking for somewhere to hear live music for the evening, you’ll love all of the live music at these bars in downtown St. Petersburg. They’re fun and unique, and some of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL.
8. Floridian Social Club
You just need to see the Floridian Social Club from the outside to understand why this makes the top of the list for live music and is one of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL. One pass by this place and you’ll be dying to go in and check it out.
It’s located right on Central Avenue, and is close to everything in town. The outside screams 1920’s Jazz Club, and that’s basically what it is. Yes, it’s an upscale bar but its real focus is the music.
The Floridian Social Club is a small music venue that features mostly jazz bands and local musicians. There’s a cover charge, or ticket, to enter, and you can also reserve tables for an added fee.
They don’t serve food but have beautiful cocktails being crafted for you behind the bar. While there’s no dress code, you’ll definitely want to wear something nice to fit in with the beautiful décor and twenties vibes.
9. Ruby’s Elixir
It’s simple, Ruby’s Elixir is on every local’s list of favorite places in town. The bar is popular for a reason! They offer live music every night and there’s never a cover charge. So, head here for a drink and jams before dinner, after dinner, or well into the night as they stay open until 3am every morning.
You’ll find mostly Jazz music here with a variety of blues, funk and rock mixed in. The bar menu is large, but they don’t serve beer. So be prepared to drink a beautifully crafted cocktail or glass of wine instead.
They’ve got a cigar bar, and a great vibe, but the real treat is the live music! So visit Ruby’s Elixir sometime soon to hear live music in St. Pete.
10.Jannus Live
A huge outdoor music venue and bar in St. Pete is Jannus Live, located just steps from the waterfront, and tucked back in a cute courtyard. There’s live music here almost every night of the week, with a wide variety of genres.
The bar menu is nothing special here, as you are coming mainly for the show. Each show does require a ticket, and oftentimes they sell out, so consider buying tickets at least a week in advance.
The shows are rain or shine so check the weather before you make your plans! The venue is a lot of fun, but can get pretty crowded, and is standing room only.
11. Mandarin Hide
One of the more mid-tier options for a bar with live music is Mandarin Hide. You’ll find a classy atmosphere, upscale cocktails and live music throughout the week. Their focus is the bar and not the music, but that doesn’t mean the music isn’t amazing!
Small local bands perform several nights a week here. You can grab a really delicious drink, listen to some nice music and spend the evening with friends. It’s low-key and doesn’t charge a cover!
The Best Bars in St. Petersburg, FL – Wine Bars
Alright I must admit, I have gotten to the age where wine bars are by far my favorite type of bar. Something about the delicious varieties of wine, huge amounts of bread and cheese, dressing up a little nicer, and spending a LOT less energy. Face it, hitting up a busy bar can be exhausting. Sitting at a wine bar drinking a big glass of red and munching on meats and cheeses? That’s the opposite of exhausting. Check out these gems for some of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL.
12. Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria
Sitting right on Central Ave is one of the newest wine bars in town, and should be the first one on your list. It’s upstairs, tucked away from the busy street below. You’ll head here for a romantic evening of wine and incredible dishes to pair with it.
Opened in 2021, the Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria is owned by the former GM and sommelier of Annata, a dearly missed spot on Beach Drive. The restaurant was an absolute gem filled with incredible wine and an Italian menu. But don’t worry, everything wonderful about that place is carried over to Sauvignon with owner Chris Ciarcia.
Visit Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria for a huge variety of wines from all over the world, and a large dinner menu complete with charcuterie, appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, main courses and a variety of homemade desserts. They also serve a Saturday lunch and Sunday Brunch, but that’s not their specialty so I recommend visiting for dinner instead.
The drinks and food are so incredible, fresh, unique and authentic, you’ll wonder why you bother going anywhere else for a nice dinner out. It’s by far one of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL.
TIP: Head here for happy hour, Tuesday through Sunday from 4-6pm for half-price glasses of wine!
13. Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro
Much more casual than the first option, Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro has a great selection of wine and small bites with affordable prices and zero stuffiness that you’re probably used to at a wine bar. The bar sits just steps from the new St. Pete Pier, so it’s easy to get to and perfect for a night of bar hopping.
The food menu is kept simple with things that pair great with a glass of wine (or two!). You’ll find charcuterie, salads, garlic knots, fondue and more.
Make sure to check out their event calendar as they often have great tasting events and other unique experiences!
14. Lolita’s Wine Market
Lolita’s Wine Market has been around for many years, serving St. Pete some of the best wines and delicious snacks to pair with them. The shop is located a little further from central St. Pete than the rest, but is still in Downtown and easy to get to.
The food menu is huge! So come prepared to eat lots of gourmet finger foods alongside your glass of wine. There’s a massive variety of cheeses and meats along with salads and other small plates as well.
It’s a great small business to support in St. Pete, and once you visit once you’ll find yourself wanting to return again and again. It’s the best casual spot for a nice glass of wine and yummy snacks.
15. Allelo
The brand-new wine bar in St. Pete is the eagerly-awaited, Allelo. It’s located right on Beach drive in the center of the action in the building that used to be Annata and Alto Mare. The restaurants were sold, closed for renovations and finally reopened two years later in September of 2022.
The restaurant was said to be inspired by the former tenents, but once the reopen happened it’s clear there’s a very new take on the restaurant. There’s a beautiful new bar and large wine cellar, and the drinks are great. The food has taken a more mediterranean spin instead of the former strictly Italian vibes of Annata.
It’s obvious, I adored Annata, it was by far my favorite place in town. So no matter what they did with the place it would be hard for me to love. While the food may be delicious, the menu is small, too eclectic and a little more expensive than it should be. It’s a great place to check out, and definitely one of the hottest new places in town, but I recommend checking out Sauvignon first.
The Best Bars in St. Petersburg, FL – Casual Bars
Sometimes you just need something casual and laid back. Here’s the best casual bars in St. Petersburg, FL, all with something super unique.
16. The Dog Bar
The name says it all, it’s a bar that is made especially for you to bring your dogs to! Cold drinks and sweet pups? What’s better than that?! That’s why the Dog Bar is one of the best bars in St. Petersburg, FL.
The whole place is outdoors with plenty of covered shady areas to hang. Your dogs can run and play with new friends, or hang out with you and enjoy the doggy menu. You’ll also love the human food menu and drink menu with simple bites and sips.
Dogs must have a membership with annual, 10 day and 1 day pass options. This includes providing proof of current vaccines, rabies shots and the pup must be spayed or neutered. It’s a little bit of work to make happen, but totally worth it to keep your furry friend safe!
17. Oak & Stone
Oak & Stone is made for beer lovers. With a massive wall of self-serve beer, just tap your wristband on the beer you want to try and pour away! Try just a sip or a full glass of your favorite; this bar allows you to try them all! And for non-beer lovers, they have a few select cider options as well (that’s my jam!).
They have a great food menu to enjoy while you drink, including a ton of yummy pizzas and other handhelds. The food is much better than a typical sports bar, so definitely plan to eat and drink at this great St. Pete Bar!
18. Park & Rec
It’s always a wild night at Park & Rec as this bar is typically filled with a young crowd. But it’s definitely worth checking out if you love to stay entertained during a night drinking. Park & Rec offers tons of fun lawn games to compete with your friends including giant Jenga and giant beer pong among others.
The drinks are what you’d expect from a sports bar, so don’t expect anything fancy. Just some inexpensive drinks and a fun night out in St. Pete!
19. Ferg’s
Possibly the best known bar in town, Ferg’s is a typical sports bar with cheap drinks, many TVs and a rowdy atmosphere. There’s nothing super special about this place, but it is a go-to if you’re looking to have a fun time, meet new people and watch the game with a beer in your hand.
It’s also located directly next door to Tropicana Field, so it’s a great place to grab a drink before or after the game if you want to watch the Tampa Bay Rays play some baseball.
There’s so many more bars in St. Pete, as it is a very busy, young and rowdy city in Florida. With so many bars to choose from, start with some of these and you’ll be guaranteed to have an awesome night out on the town.
Please drink responsibly, do not drink and drive and do not overindulge.
