St. Petersburg is quickly becoming known as one of the hippest areas of the country, having finally shed its previous gently mocking mantle of "God's Waiting Room." Now home to a plethora of some of the best bars and restaurants in Florida, no place is more happening than the bustling and hip new neighborhood. Here are some of the best bars in Downtown St. Pete as well as the most fun places to get loose in this vibrant and welcoming neighborhood - so gather your gang and head out tonight!
MacDinton's St Pete
Already a Bay Area legend with its Tampa sister establishment, MacDinton's on 1st Avenue North has something for everyone. Featuring the convivial Irish pub atmosphere and hospitality you expect with a fresh, modern twist, MacDinton's boasts an innovative menu of both traditional Irish fare and new gastropub favorites. MacDinton's is also THE place to enjoy a full schedule of European premier league games, as well as all your favorite national sportsball events.
Yard of Ale
Also on 1st Avenue North, The Yard is ready to quench all of your thirsts with over 20 craft and import beers on tap, 75 bottled beers from around the world, and a full liquor bar. This unpretentious brewhouse has a happening happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Taco Tuesdays, and pizza and trivia night on Thursdays. Of course, no visit to this fine establishment is complete without their signature 3-foot tall glass of ice cold and refreshing draft beer!
The Mandarin Hide
Since 2010, the Mandarin Hide has been a fixture of the Central Avenue scene. This "cocktail lodge and social sanctuary" has one of the area's largest spirit selections, as well as a huge selection of craft beers and a carefully curated wine cellar. Mandarin Hide is open for your enjoyment Tuesdays through Sundays with tantalizing specials like $5 for handcrafted Moscow Mules and ultra-fancy Test Kitchen cocktails for $6, all from one of the best cocktail bars in Downtown St. Pete!
The Canopy
Located atop the glamorous Birchwood Hotel on Beach Drive, The Canopy is a rooftop wonderland featuring private cabanas, beautiful stone fire pits, living room seating, and breathtaking views of the St. Pete waterfront. This hidden oasis nestled four stories above Beach Drive offers delectable appetizers, flatbreads, and artisanal cocktails utilizing only the best local and seasonal ingredients.
Tryst Gastro Lounge
Also on Beach Drive, Tryst is conveniently right across the street from the world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts and offers up its own signature culinary masterpieces and adult libations. Tryst's dedication to farm-to-table freshness translates to an exquisitely crafted menu and an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the stellar Pink Sunshine - a tasty concoction with Prickly Pear vodka and St. Germaine elderflower liqueur, garnished with a treat of candied ginger.
Copper Shaker
This craft cocktail house and kitchen situated in the heart of downtown on 1st Avenue North. Offering an eclectic menu of high-end tapas with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients paired with lovingly created cocktails and beers, One of the best bars in Downtown St. Pete no matter your choice, Copper Shaker is a refreshingly unique gathering spot with a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere.
Room 901
If you're looking for the perfect intimate setting for date night or just to catch up with close friends, Room 901 in downtown's EDGE District is exactly what you need. There are no televisions and the bar encourages conversation over checking your email. Already famous for their whiskey flights, Room 901 also satisfies with artisanal meat and cheese plates, craft beers, and the tastiest whiskey sours south of Manhattan.
Park & Rec
Get your A game(s) on at Park & Rec, an innovative mix of sports bar, arcade, and live music venue. Enjoy video games, old-school favorites like Ski-ball, and the big game - and beat your snack attack with a fresh take on the traditional bar food menu, offering enticing items such as the Fancy AF Grilled Cheese, served with tomato bisque, and the Adult Lunch Box that includes a fun party beverage and a real keepsake box.
Caddy's (Downtown)
Feel like you're right on the beach in the heart of downtown St. Pete at Caddy's on Central. This laid-back urban beach bar has specials galore - and an extra happy Happy Hour, lasting from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Caddy's menu features your favorite waterfront food, such as grouper nuggets, fish tacos, wings, and sliders, served in generous portions by their friendly and gregarious staff.
Ceviche
This decadent tapas restaurant serves the best northern Spanish cuisine that's the perfect size for sharing with a few of your loved ones - along with fresh sangria lovingly served tableside in handcrafted porcelain pitchers. Ceviche has an extensive wine selection, along with a delectable dessert menu that offers coffee drinks, cordials, and traditional Spanish treats like flan, tres leches, and churros.
Five Bucks Drinkery
Looking for a memorable night without breaking your party budget? Check out Five Bucks Drinkery on Central Avenue, and marvel at the fact that most of their menu really is only $5! The Drinkery has a full liquor bar, plenty of specials, and a vast menu including some of the best burgers in St. Pete.
Red Mesa Cantina
Serving modern Mexican fare with a decidedly St. Pete twist, this taqueria and tequila bar has a gorgeous outdoor courtyard where diners can enjoy a festive atmosphere, traditional folk art, and a stunning fountain. Be sure to check out the Lucha Bar, an intimate yet full-service oasis serving handcrafted cocktails and top-shelf tequilas with a nod to Mexican professional wrestling.
The Moon Under Water
Overlooking beautiful North Straub Park, this charming pub serves up the best of England right here in St. Pete. The pub derives its fabulous name from a practice in the 17th century of serving bar patrons in glass-bottomed tankards to avoid entrapment by the dreaded naval pressgangs. Nowadays, the name conjures an extensive menu of upscale British cuisine fused with the flavors of India and the Middle East - and the pub also features an unbelievable array of draft beers and single malt Scotch whiskeys.
The Ale and the Witch
Situated in a cozy nook on 2nd Ave N.E., the Ale and the Witch boasts a huge, constantly evolving menu of the best in small batch American craft beers. This pub's Twitter feed provides the latest updates on what's on tap, so relax on the welcoming outdoor patio while enjoying local musicians, no cover, and tasty yet affordable brews from one of Downtown St. Pete's best bars.
Stillwater's Tavern
A modern American tavern nestled on Beach Drive, Stillwater's menu features locally-produced vegetables and seafood and a full liquor bar with an impressive array of bespoke cocktails, such as the incredibly refreshing #84, always on tap - housemade botanical gin, ginger beer, and essence of cucumber - or the decadent #31, a tasty concoction of Absolut vodka, fresh blackberry, Thai basil, lime juice, sweetened with agave nectar.
Mastry's Bar & Grill
A beloved longtime favorite of St. Pete's local scene, Mastry's is a no-nonsense neighborhood bar where you'll find stiff but inexpensive drinks, great service, and a taste of Old Florida at one of St. Pete's oldest drinking establishments. Known for the dive bar atmosphere, Mastry's provides an affordable yet solid good time to all who enter.
Downtown St. Pete has so much to offer that we can't possibly list them all in one article, so be sure to check 727area regularly for all of the latest news on where to have the best time with your loved ones!
