20+ Nightlife Spots for Every Vibe in St. Petersburg

Explore these insider picks for every vibe, from dance clubs to cocktail lounges and even a dog bar.


St. Pete is not just known as the Sunshine City... it's also a ton of fun when the sun goes down. Check out these unique nightlife options when planning your next Florida getaway.

Live Music at Ruby's Elixir

A crowd of patrons outside of Ruby's Elixir Bar in downtown St. Pete

Enjoy live music, curated mixology and great conversation at Ruby's Elixir.

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:

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Craft Cocktails at The Mandarin Hide

Group of people sitting at a bar with a bartender pouring drinks. Foreground has a vase full of lilies

With its a Prohibition-era vibe and killer cocktails, Mandarin Hide in Downtown St. Pete is classy and fun all at once.

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.
     
See more top cocktail spots

Dancing at Good Night John Boy

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
     
Discover more nightlife options in St. Pete-Clearwater

LGBTQ+ Clubbing at Enigma

A drag-queen performer at the Enigma night club in St. Pete

Catch a drag show at Enigma Night Club, an LGBTQ+ bar in St. Pete's Edge District.

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


 

See more LGBTQ+ nightlife

Karaoke at LALA

three women having fun in a neon-lit karaoke room at LALA St. Pete

Have a blast with your friends at LALA St. Pete.

If belting out tunes while sipping refreshing drinks and eating tasty food sounds like your kind of fun, head to LALA and rent a karaoke room. You might also consider:

  • CJ's Backstage – karaoke as well as live music most days
  • Good Fortune  a sleek sushi bar, karaoke spot and high-energy dance club rolled into one

 

Fun and Games at Park & Rec

three young people play an arcade game at park

Park & Rec in downtown St. Pete has old-school arcade games as well as giant lawn games.

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: 

See more arcade bars

Doggone Fun Night at Mutts & Martinis

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:

See more pet-friendly dining & drinks

True Hidden Gem at Dirty Laundry

Image of the secret payphone entrance at Dirty Laundry in St. Pete to enter their special speakeasy lounge.

Located in the Grand Central District on Central Ave, Dirty Laundry provides guests a unique payphone entrance to one of the most vibrant lounges in the area. 

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:

Sesh – This brewery/restaurant is housed in an historic (some say haunted) building. Sip a beer, cocktail or mocktail while contemplating possible paranormal activity.

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

 

Dive Bar at The Bends

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

 

See top bars in St. Pete-Clearwater