20+ Nightlife Spots for Every Vibe in St. Petersburg

A moody bar serving up live music nightly (jazz, blues and rock), Ruby's Elixir has no cover and a unique cocktail menu (tip: order the Ruby’s Espresso Martini). 

You can listen to live music every day of your St. Pete getaway (and often during the day, too). Also try:

• Jannus Live – an open-air venue hosting local and national bands
• The Floridian Social – enjoy the Gatsby vibe at this intimate 1920s venue

Check out this upscale craft cocktail bar known for its speakeasy vibe, low lighting and mixologist-crafted drinks. The Mandarin Hide is where the locals go when they want a night out that’s polished but not stuffy. Cocktail lovers can also check out:

• The Urban Stillhouse – try a bourbon flight or order off the extensive cocktail menu
• Bar Mezzo – an intimate spot on bustling Central Ave.

This groovy night spot explains its concept as “Studio 54 meets your grandparent’s funky 1970s basement,” and it lives up to the hype. So, dress the part and dance to disco tunes until the wee hours. Want more dance club options? Consider these spots:

• Opulence – DJ playing everything from pop to hip hop and EDM
• The One Night Stand – because you know you want to ride a mechanical bull on vacation

St. Pete’s most iconic gay club, Enigma delivers drag shows, DJs and a high-energy dance floor with a welcoming vibe. St. Pete-Clearwater is a gay-friendly community, with plenty of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and St. Pete is the center of that warm welcome. Be sure to also check out these LGBTQ+ spots:

• The Ball – craft cocktails, tapas & pop art for ambiance
• COCKTail – neon lights and tons of energy

Packed with arcade games, giant lawn games, and your choice of cocktails, party pouches, draft beer or tallboys, Park & Rec is pure fun. This hot spot also hosts plenty of events. If fun and games is your idea of a great night out, also visit: 

• Ferg’s – famous wings, 90 TVs, plus axe throwing and a virtual sports simulator
• Right Around the Corner Arcade Bar – craft beer and retro arcade games

This one-of-a-kind venue has splash zones for dogs and a shaded bar for humans. Mutts & Martinis is where happy hours meet wagging tails and water features. St. Pete is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the U.S.! Here are some other paw-fect places to check out on your getaway:

• Dog Bar St. Pete – pups play while owners sip
• Pinellas Ale Works – with PAW as its acronym, you can be sure this brewery is dog-friendly

Disguised as a laundromat, Dirty Laundry is a secret bar that requires a password to allow you into a lively Latin-themed party lounge. Love quirky and unusual spots when you go out? Try:

Trolley Pub St. Pete – a BYOB pedal pub you can rent with friends or make new ones

If belting out tunes while sipping refreshing drinks and eating tasty food sounds like your kind of fun, head to CJ's Backstage (karaoke as well as live music most days) or Good Fortune  a sleek sushi bar, karaoke spot and high-energy dance club rolled into one.

Low-lit and gritty in the best way, The Bends is a dive with strong drinks, local DJs and an alt crowd. Come here for throwback vibes and maybe some spontaneous dancing. Bonus: It’s open late (5 p.m. to 3 a.m.) Dive bar fans will also want to check out:

• The Flamingo Sports Bar – where Jack Kerouac hung out in the late 1960s
• Mastry’s – celebrating 90 years