A Local’s Guide: The 16 Best St Pete Beach Bars & Nightlife!

Photo of author
By Erin
Last Update:

Our website is supported by our readers. We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. For more details see our disclaimers page.

Looking for the best bars in St Pete Beach? You have come to the right place for the best of the best for a fabulous time.

Read on to avoid the overpriced and over-hyped neon-colored tropical drinks! These days St Pete Beach brims with savvy, classy, and laid-back watering holes to meet their customer base.

Whether you want to dance the night away to some cool beats or you prefer a more relaxing evening with drinks at a beautiful St Pete Beach hotel, everything is possible!

Here you will find an all-inclusive list of only the best beach bars in St Pete Beach, drink specials, and other key details. If you’re also looking to check out downtown Saint Petersburg bars, you’ll want to click here.

🌴 Read Next: 14 Best Hotels in St Pete Beach Florida + Expert Tips

ett divider

St Pete Beach History & Interesting Facts

Bongos Beach Bar St Pete Beach, FL.  Walking path goes directly onto the beach view at Bongos.
Photo from Bongos Beach Bar St Pete Beach, FL

St Pete Beach is nestled in Pinellas County, a peninsula completely surrounded by water. It’s famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal blue water, and laid-back atmosphere.

In fact, St Pete Beach has been ranked the #1 Best Beach in the US by TripAdvisor in 2021! It has been repeatedly recognized nationally as well as internationally as a top beach destination with so many exciting things to do!

On top of this, St Pete Beach is known for fun times and is a favorite destination for Spring Break and holiday getaways. Find out more about the best bars in St Pete Beach from a local!

 

Rooftop Bar St Pete

Hotel Zamora 360 Rooftop Bar - Rooftop Bar in St Pete - photo taken at event at Rooftop 360, showing party champagne event.
Hotel Zamora 360 Rooftop Lounge – St Pete Beach Bars

360 Rooftop Lounge

For a comfy rooftop lounge experience, head over to 360 Rooftop Lounge in Hotel Zamora! This 360 Rooftop bar takes up the entire roof space which gives guests plenty of space. With oversized lounge sectionals and comfy seating with cabanas, you could literally sit here for hours.

Guests can experience a chic atmosphere with a range of craft cocktails and carefully selected wines. 360 Rooftop offers delightfully elevated bar bites that add to the ambiance.

Check out their calendar of events for seasonal celebrations and holiday fun! We love to visit this location on New Year or holidays with fireworks. You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the celebrations in Tampa Bay.

  • Address: 3701 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
  • Website: 360 Rooftop Bar

Read Next: 25 Exciting Things to Do in St Pete Beach FL

Level 11 Rooftop Lounge

Spectacular views from Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge.  Photo shows outdoor seating and tables with Gulf of Mexi o views. level 11 rooftop bar photos
Spectacular panoramic views from Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge

From signature cold drinks to incredible waterfront views, Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the place to be on St. Pete Beach.

This buzzing bar scene boasts incredible views of white sand and water, immediately sending you to a zen state. It has truly one of the best waterfront views you will find in all of Tampa Bay.

Bellwether Resort

Located in the Bellwether Resort (previously Grand Plaza Hotel) on St Pete Beach, this is our favorite elevated or rooftop bar experience on the beach.

We love it because there are so many things to do at one location with Bongos Beach Bar downstairs and Spinners Rooftop Grille on the 12th floor. You could literally spend your whole vacation at just one resort.

Spinners Rooftop Grille’s name truly captures it, eating at the very top of the hotel on a moving platform that gives you 360-degree views. Spinners is indoors and Level 11 Elevated Bar & Lounge is one floor below on the outside rim with comfortable seating and two bars with panoramic sunset views.

Level 11 has live entertainment during peak times with a DJ and dance floor.

  • Address: 5250 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
  • Hours: Open daily from 5 pm to 12 am
  • Website: Bellwether Beach Resort

Lively Party Bar Atmosphere

Beach bars in St Pete Beach at sunset  - cocktails in St Pete by the water.
Best Beach bars in St Pete Beach Enjoy cocktails in St Pete with live music

Jimmy B’s Beach Bar

Jimmy B’s Beach Bar has been voted “Best Florida Beach Bar” in 2011, 2012, 2014-2017. It was also a Top Florida Beach Bar in 2013 and 2018-2019. This award-winning bar has won even more awards – we totally lost count!

Located at the beach in the Beachcomber Hotel, Jimmy B’s Beach Bar offers live music and entertainment 7 days a week. This ideal location features indoor and outdoor bars, a large bandstand, plenty of comfortable seating, and a beach volleyball court. We love that it has a rustic feel, but keeps a tropical paradise vibe.

Even as a local, you feel like you’re on a vacation getaway when you visit Jimmy B’s at the Beachcomber.

Put on your dancing shoes (aka sandals) and come check out some of the best live entertainment from local bands!

Postcard Inn Beach Bar & Snack Shack – PCI St Pete

Post Card Inn is known for having one of of the most well known saint petersburg bars on the beach.  Showing the entrance.
PCI St Pete in St Pete Beach

Postcard Inn (PCI St Pete) is often considered the poster child for fun at St Pete Beach bars. This retro surfer-chic hotel is a popular place, especially for Spring Break!

The beachfront oasis helps you discover good times while enjoying views of the coastline. Watch the sunset while enjoying a cocktail or a bikini-friendly dinner.

PCI St Pete has 2 bars, beach volleyball courts, cornhole boards, and a large pool, in addition to the beach. In our opinion, it is the place to be for a beach party or if you’re looking to meet people.

Postcard Inn assures everyone has a good time with live music and DJs on the weekend to add to the laid-back good-time vibe.

  • Address: 6300 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL
  • Hours: Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm; Friday & Saturday from 10 am to 12 am
  • Website: Postcard Inn (PCI St Pete)

Undertow Beach Bar

Undertow Beach Bar opened in 1990 and has been popular ever since for locals and visitors alike. Located on the beach just north of the Don CeSar, it has multiple TVs, volleyball, pool tables, and a game room, while serving pub grub.

Undertow Beach Bar is an ideal spot to watch a game while being served by beautiful bartenders. Parking can be a challenge with parking spots reserved for those with membership only. It is best to Uber or walk if you are staying at a nearby hotel.

  • Address: 3850 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, Florida 33706
  • Phone: (727) 368-9000

🌴 Read Next: St Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach – Which is Best for You?


Fancy Bars in St Pete Beach

Outdoor Seating at Rowe Bar - The Don CeSar - World Class Resort - see the fire pit and beach view!
Outdoor Seating at Rowe Bar The Don CeSar, Bars St Pete Beach World Class Resort

The Don Cesar – Bars St Pete Beach

Looking for a relaxed but upscale bar experience? Nothing quite says luxury than cocktails at the Pink Palace on St Pete Beach.

The Rowe Bar

The Rowe Bar is a great spot for a cozy date night or group gathering. Grab a hand-crafted cocktail or craft beer and kick back on the expansive deck stretching out over the sand dunes.

Enjoy the comfortable fire pit seating with gorgeous beach and pool views. We prefer this bar when we are looking for a more romantic evening by the fire, but it’s also great for large groups and families.

The Lobby Bar

The Lobby Bar inside The Don CeSar is what you would expect, gorgeous! While the indoor/outdoor Rowe Bar tends to be more relaxed with people in their swimsuits, the Lobby Bar is the more sophisticated experience.

For classy cocktails in St Pete, you would want to visit the Lobby Bar.

  • Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL
  • Website: The Don CeSar

Bars on the Water in St Pete Beach

Gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico and bar seating
Paradise Grille in Pass-a-Grille Beach – Favorite Bars in St Pete Beach

Paradise Grille – Pass-a-Grille Beach

If you are going to one of the public beaches in St Pete Beach, you’ll likely run across Paradise Grille. They have two locations in Upham Beach Park and Pass-a-Grille Beach.

This is one of our absolute favorite spots for a super casual drink while watching the sunset at the beach. In both locations, you truly can’t beat the view!

You can easily park in the metered parking and then walk over for a seat on the picnic benches or beach chairs. We prefer Pass-a-Grille Beach for its quaint atmosphere, and shops and restaurants are just across the street.

A Pass-a-Grille local tradition is the nightly ringing of the bell that celebrates peace, relationships, and more. Jim LeBlanc or designee is out there every night to keep this tradition alive.

Keep in mind, that they don’t serve liquor and also close a half-hour after sunset. They have a variety of beer and wine and liquor alternative beverages. Paradise Grille also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has live music!

  • Address: 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach FL 33706
  • Phone: (727) 954-8957
  • Website: Paradise Grille

Read Next: 12 Best Beaches Near New Port Richey, Florida You’ll Love

Bongos Beach Bar

Bongos Beach Bar St Pete Beach FL has seating right between the palm trees and in the sandy beach.
Bongos Beach Bar is on the beach level of the hotel and has an open-air tiki bar vibe.

Bongos Beach Bar is truly your beachfront paradise with weddings often occurring a few feet away on the sandy beach. They usually have live music 7 days a week, and it’s just a fun place to chill. You can come here for food and drinks for all 3 meals, but our favorite time is at sunset.

Spend the day by the beach playing cornhole, giant Jenga, and listening to live music! Bongos Beach Bar is located in the Bellwether Resort on St Pete Beach.

  • Other Info: Live Music Daily from 1 pm to 10 pm
  • Address: 5250 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706  
  • Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 12 am; Friday and Saturday 8 am – 1 am
  • Website: Bongos Beach Bar

Salty’s Tiki Bar & Beach Lounge

If you are staying at Tradewinds Island Resort or at a nearby hotel, you will want to check out Salty’s Tiki Bar & Beach Lounge! This bar on the water provides daily live music and entertainment along with lighter fare. While it is still a beach bar, it tends to have a more polished feel.

Here you can play tiki toss and sit on the comfortable lounge sofas by the fire. Enjoy the tropical flavors, especially the daiquiris! Drinks tend to be pricier, but you are also at one of the premier resorts on St Pete Beach.

Pro Tip: There have been changes to their parking for non-guests (charging a $25 fee). You may want to verify costs before parking at The Tradewinds Resort.

Chris’ Beachside Bar

Get cheap cold drinks and play beach volleyball at the charming tiki bar on the Gulf of Mexico! Chris’ Beach Bar is a local favorite and is considered a hidden gem on St Pete Beach. Don’t be surprised if Chris assists you with your order and makes you feel welcome.

Beer is ice cold and Chris’s wine-based family recipe Bloody Mary is super yummy! Leave all your worries and stresses at home, meet old friends or make new ones at Chris’ Beachside Bar.


Favorite Old School Bars

Shadracks Bar in Pass-a-grille Beach - St Pete Beach Bars - mural outside is a long-standing image located in the alley.
Shadracks Bar in Pass-a-grille Beach – St Pete Beach Bars

Shadracks

Shadracks is one of our favorite dive bars in St Pete Beach. We love its old-school charm and convenient location! The jukebox tends to frequent country or classic rock songs in a dark, cave-like atmosphere.

If you like reasonably priced ice cold beer, a game of pool or darts, and good conversation with the locals, Shadrack’s is definitely worth a visit. Located in the heart of downtown Pass-a-Grille, it is in a perfect location for drinks and then enjoying some of the area’s finest restaurants. They also are known for delicious Bloody Marys.

  • Other Info: Regular weekly specials from 12 pm – 7:30 pm
  • Address: 114 8th Ave, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12 pm to 3 am; Sunday 12 pm to 12 am

Read Next: Get Your CocoAddiction Fix in St Pete Beach FL

Woody’s Waterfront Cafe & Beach Bar

Woody’s Waterfront Café & Beach Bar is a casual bar and restaurant offering a stunning view of Blind Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. It has been a rustic, local icon since 1945.

Woody’s offers traditional fish sandwiches, seafood dishes, and is most known for its wings. It offers an extensive selection of beer wines and mixed beverages as well as frozen beverages. And remember to enjoy the live entertainment too!

Pro Tip: Plan to bring cash with you when visiting Woody’s Waterfront. They are a cash-only establishment with an ATM on-site.

Swigwam Beach Bar

Swigwam Beach Bar is located in the Corey Avenue Shopping District. This old-school bar offers cold beer and tropical cocktails at budget-friendly prices! Come here for your dive bar feel with pool tables and multiple TVs to add to the fun.

Swigwam Beach Bar attracts more of a local mature customer base that prefers to avoid the touristy spots. No food is offered here, but they have plenty of takeout menus (and multiple restaurants on Corey Avenue).

  • Happy Hour & Specials: EVERY Night is Ladies Night, $1, $2, & $3 drinks! Happy hour on drafts and wells Monday – Friday.
  • Address: 336 Corey Ave, St Pete Beach, FL
  • Phone: (727) 363-7944
  • Website: Swigwam Beach Bar

Best St Pete Beach Wine Bar

Wine Bar in St Pete Beach
Wine Bar in St Pete Beach

Sip St Pete Beach

If you love wine tasting, this is your place! Sip St Pete Beach has been a wonderful addition to the local scene. You’ll find a great selection of wines and even some beers here.

Here you can try a variety of wines or choose your favorite. You prepay for a card that inserts into a machine that pours your wine! You choose the wine size between 1.5 oz, 3 oz, and 6 oz pours.

You can see the prices for each wine/pour up front, and the balance left on your card. They also have beer and seltzer by the can/bottle and food selections as well.

  • More info: Daily Happy Hour from 4 pm-6 pm!
  • Address: 6710 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
  • Hours: Closed on Tuesdays
  • Phone: (727) 289-1456

St Pete Beach Breweries & Taphouse

beer toast - st pete beach bars
Breweries in St Pete Beach

Mastry’s Brewing Co & Kitchen

Great local brewery close to the beach in a repurposed gas station! Multiple comfortable seating areas indoors and outdoors with a food truck on site.

Mastry’s Brewing Co. was founded in 2014 as a brewpub operating out of a family-owned restaurant. In 2016, they opened in St Pete Beach as the first craft brewery and tasting room on St Pete Beach. They are most known for their award-winning Hefeweizen beer.

Category 36 Taphouse & Kitchen

Category 36 Taphouse is a favorite spot for a variety of outstanding beers. Here you will find 36 beers on tap (just like the name!).

  • Other info: Happy Hour is Tuesday – Friday from 11 am – 6 pm
  • Address: 7430 Gulf Blvd Street, Pete Beach, FL 33706
  • Website: Category 36 Taphouse & Kitchen

🌴 Read Next: 25 Exciting Things to Do in St Pete Beach

Final Thoughts on the Best Bars in St Pete Beach

There are plenty of excellent choices for bars in St Pete Beach, Florida. Whether you’re looking for a tiki bar, some live music, or just relaxing with views of the Gulf you’ll find it at one of these St Pete bars.

So you can thoroughly enjoy your time, make sure to read next about the best places to stay in St Pete Beach ideal for a weekend getaway.

Did You Find This Post Helpful? Share It!

If so, I would love to hear about your St Pete Beach bars experience! You can follow me on Instagram, tag your images to @erinstraveltips, and hashtag #erinstraveltips. I look forward to seeing you there!

Related St Petersburg Articles

Photo of author
Authored By: Erin
Welcome to Erin’s Travel Tips, a Florida Travel Website. I specialize in unique family travel destinations, outdoor getaways in Florida and beyond! I’m a proud Floridian who loves a good cup of coffee, boating, and of course, traveling with my family to some of the most interesting places in the world.

7 thoughts on “A Local’s Guide: The 16 Best St Pete Beach Bars & Nightlife!”

  1. The rooftop bars in St. Pete’s look like great places to
    go. I love being outside enjoying a few drinks with friends.

    Reply
  2. I visited St. Pete”s once years ago and I loved it. I would love to go back one day. I’m much to old for the party scene now, so Don Cesar would be my bar of choice.

    Reply

Leave a Comment