The 20 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Tampa, FL
Throughout even the coldest months of the year, Tampa, Florida boasts an average high temperature of over 70 degrees. Because of this, there are plenty of outdoor dining options in the city, particularly in the rooftop department. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or have a few cocktails after work, there’s a lot to pick from in the Big Guava.
Out of all of the rooftop dining and bar options in Tampa, there are several that stand out. Whether you live there or find yourself in Tampa for work or vacation, there are certain ones you must check out. Here is our list of the 20 best rooftop restaurants Tampa has to offer:
1. EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge (1207 S. Howard Ave. – Tampa, FL 33606)
Located atop the Epicurean hotel in Tampa, EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge has a great view of the city, live music, and outstanding cocktails. Patrons note how exceptionally delicious and expertly made the Passion Margarita and Spicy Margarita are. They also offer small plates like their shrimp lettuce wrap, marinated olives, and Foie Gras Mousse served with berry jam and sourdough toast.
2. M.Bird (1903 Market St. – Tampa, FL 33602)
You’ll find this next rooftop joint in the Heights Public Market of Tampa, where you can enjoy the river walk and a nice view of Tampa. M.Bird features live music and DJs from Thursday to Sunday, giving partygoers an excellent taste of the Tampa nightlife. They have a plentiful food menu, serving dishes like their rooftop mac and cheese, beef short ribs, jerk chicken egg rolls, and even serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays. Patrons also rave about their rum bar.
3. Rox Rooftop Bar (2545 N. Rocky Point Dr. – Tampa, FL 33607)
Rox Rooftop Bar is located atop the waterside CURRENT Hotel. The sleek, relaxing atmosphere and view are unbeatable. Rox offers scratch cocktails like their Campfire old fashioned made with 100 proof Old Forester, vanilla bean macaron syrup, Ancho Reyes, Infused Tres Amigo bitters, angostura bitters, and toasted marshmallow. They offer small plates as well, serving up their customer favorite Huli Huli chicken wings, crab cake sliders, and scallop and shrimp ceviche.
4. Sal Y Mar (3650 Midtown Dr. – Tampa, FL 33607)
Sal Y Mar is located in Tampa’s Midtown area, featuring bright oceanic decor and a fresh rooftop atmosphere. Their specialty is fresh seafood with a Mexican influence, with popular dishes like shrimp and grits, shrimp tostones, seven-layer poke, and Camarónes Y Semola. Visitors have given high marks for the bartenders and their attentive service, as well as the drinks. They masterfully whip up old fashions, mojitos, and their Sal Y Margarita made with Milagro silver tequila, fresh lime, and jalapeño.
5. Luna Lounge (930 S. Howard Ave. – Tampa, FL 33606)
This cozy rooftop bar is located above the Bulla Gastrobar in Tampa. The lounge itself has a small food menu of Hors D’oeuvres like Gambas Al Ajillo, chorizo-stuffed dates, and Montaditos, with the restaurant below serving a wider variety of dishes. Their cocktail menu is simple and features the Bougie Palmer made with Tito’s Vodka, lemon, and peach oolong lavender syrup. As well as their Spanish Old Fashioned made with Old Forester bourbon, chocolate bitters, Lustau East India Solera, simple syrup, and orange peel. You can choose from their selection of wines and sangria, too.
6. The Skyye Bar and Grille (4200 George J. Bean Pkwy. – Tampa, FL 33607)
Located at the Tampa Airport Marriott, The Skyye Bar and Grille is a great way to spend time in the city and enjoy the exciting views. The relaxing poolside rooftop gives you a taste of the fresh and breezy Floridian atmosphere. They serve a fine selection of beers, wines, and locally inspired cocktails like the Local Appletini, Tampa Bay Sunset, and the Florida Blue Mojito. The Skyee Bar has simple bar food like buffalo wings, nachos, and a sit-down hotel breakfast as well.
7. Rooftop 220 (220 W. 7th Ave. – Tampa, FL 33602)
Located on W. 7th Ave in Tampa, Rooftop 220 is a stunningly gorgeous and popular destination for private parties, weddings, and small events. Guests can’t say enough about the breathtaking riverside and city views, along with the incredible staff. Full-service catering is provided by the nearby Armature Works, giving guests many different options like BBQ, Asian cuisine, and Mexican cuisine. Bartenders gain a lot of praise from patrons, enjoying drinks like their Old Fashioned.
8. The Attic On Kennedy (500 E. Kennedy Blvd. #400 – Tampa, FL 33602)
Located by Hyde Park, The Attic On Kennedy is a hip coffee shop and bar with balcony seating available for fresh air and fresh views of the city. They specialize in breakfast and brunch dishes such as their ever-so-popular huevos rancheros, chicken and waffles, corned beef hash, and breakfast Cuban. You can pair your meal with some of their bottomless mimosas, Cafe con Leche, cortado, or craft beer.
9. Casa Santo Stefano (1607 N. 22nd St. – Tampa, FL 33605)
Casa Santo Stefano is a lovely Sicilian restaurant on N. 22nd St. in Tampa, adorned with a terrace for luxury views of Tampa while you dine. They’re known for their fabulous Italian fare like their Arancini, Calamari Fritti, Spaghetti Con Polpette, and their scrumptious tiramisu and cannolis for a sweet end to your meal. Vegan options are available for those with differing palates, or food sensitivities. You can wash it down with their fine selection of spirits, liqueurs, or Italian coffee.
10. Bulla Gastrobar (930 S. Howard Ave. – Tampa, FL 33606)
Previously mentioned on the list, Bulla Gastrobar sits underneath the Luna Lounge where you can enjoy the tropical views and fresh air while, or after dining on fare from the restaurant’s kitchen. Bulla features made-to-order sangria and cocktails like the Smoke and Mirrors made with Pelotón Mezcal, pomegranate, jalapeño, agave nectar, and lime juice. Also, their guest favorite, Lemongrass Collins, is made with Beefeater 24 gin, St. Elder, lemongrass syrup, and cucumber. They serve fresh seafood dishes with Spanish influence. Patrons love their Patatas Bravas, Paella Mixta, Salmon Carpaccio, and Coconut Flan.
11. Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar (1207 S. Howard Ave. – Tampa, FL 33606)
Located in the Epicurean Hotel, Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar serves upscale American classics below their rooftop bar. Their Aged Rohan Duck Breast, Grass Fed Filet Mignon, Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs, and Eggs Benedict are among the most beloved dishes served. Classic and fun cocktails are offered at the restaurant and rooftop bar. Enjoy a tasty Montenegroni made with Bombay, Campari, Aperol, Dolin Sweet, and Montenegro or a Garden Gimlet made with Bombay, cucumber, basil, sage, lime, and Bitter truth celery.
12. The Canopy Rooftop at the Birchwood (340 Beach Dr. NE – St. Petersburg, FL 33701)
With cabanas available for rental, The Canopy offers some of the best views in Tampa while also serving up some world-class drinks. Open until at least midnight every day, The Canopy is the perfect place to grab an evening drink from its long menu that includes the Strawberry Regatta, Birchwood Old Fashioned, and Watermelon Suga. The Canopy also offers food, with its brunch menu being a local favorite thanks to the breakfast flatbreads, pecan sticky buns, and signature breakfast.
13. W XYZ Lounge (100 W. Kennedy Blvd. – Tampa, FL 33606)
Located at the Aloft Tampa Downtown, the W XYZ Lounge is one of those places that you have to catch at the right time. The bar is only open Thursday through Friday at 5 pm, with closing time at 11 pm on Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. There are often private parties at W XYZ, though when it’s open to the public is able to serve up some tasty drinks. With cocktails and incredibly friendly service, you can unwind during your visit to Tampa and watch the boats come in on the river.
14. Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar (453 Edgewater Dr. – Dunedin, FL 34698)
At the Hotel Fenway is the Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, which is one of the most elegant dining experiences in the Tampa area, located in nearby Dunedin. Open in the afternoon each day, Hi-Fi has a dozen signature cocktails including the Fenway Sunset and Purple Rain, as well as plenty of wine and beer options. As for their food, Hi-Fi has easy-to-make bar items, including salads, wraps, and flatbreads.
15. Driftlight (510 Water St. – Tampa, FL 33602)
Getting a rooftop breakfast experience can be difficult, but you can find it at Driftlight, which opens at 6:30 am every day. Though they are closed for lunch, Driftlight reopens for dinner except for on Sundays and Mondays while the lounge is open from 11 am until midnight every day. There’s plenty to pick from on each menu, so try to make your way there for both breakfast and dinner if you can.
16. Pier Teaki (800 2nd Ave NE – St. Petersburg, FL 33701)
While many of the rooftop locations listed are only open for dinner (and brunch on the weekends), Pier Teaki is open almost all day. Open at 11 am for lunch (and 10 am on the weekends), Pier Teaki is the top-rated tiki bar in the Tampa area, though it’s updated for a more modern look. This bar has plenty of great food to offer, including fish tacos, flatbreads, and cocktail shrimp. As for their drinks, Pier Teaki has all of the margaritas and daiquiris you’d come to expect.
17. Topgolf Tampa Bay (10690 Palm River Rd. – Tampa, FL 33619)
Topgolf isn’t one of your traditional rooftop restaurants or bars. This unique venue which has a handful of locations around the United States combines a more modern version of the golf driving range with world-class dining and cocktails. Topgolf’s most famous dishes are Asian sesame wings and farmhouse flatbreads. Their cocktails are also flavorful and fun. Some are served in a glass resembling a golf bag and filled with vodka, grenadine, Sprite, cherry, and lime.
18. Skybox Rooftop Bar in Wesley Chapel (2867 Lajuana Blvd. – Wesley Chapel, FL 33543)
There are plenty of options for finer dining in the Tampa rooftop scene, but only a handful of sports bars. Among them is the Skybox Rooftop Bar. This bar is found in nearby Wesley Chapel at the Residence Inn by Marriott. The Skybox is a great place to watch the Lightning, Buccaneers or Rays play. All while offering traditional sports bar food including wraps, kettle chips, and more. As well as plenty of drinks to choose from.
19. Azure at the Tampa Edition Hotel (500 Channelside Dr. – Tampa, FL 33602)
If you’re looking for a very fine dining experience, head to the Tampa Edition Hotel where Azure overlooks the city. At Azure, the head chef is John Fraser, who has earned a Michelin star in his prestigious career. The food has received high praise, as well as the ambiance. Diners can expect to spend $50 to $100 at Azure per person, which is a bit less than most would expect from a Michelin star-winning chef.
20.SiX (510 Water St. – Tampa, FL 33602)
At the J.W. Marriott Tampa, you can make your way to the sixth floor for a casual dining and bar experience at the aptly named Six. Open every day from 11 am until 11 pm, there’s a menu for both lunch and dinner, as well as a poolside menu for children’s meals and lighter fares. The atmosphere here is relaxing, and the servers have been praised by diners for being attentive and friendly.
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