Nightlife

Even well after the sun goes down, St. Pete-Clearwater’s lively spirit won’t quit. Whether your ideal night on the town involves belting out your favorite karaoke tunes, dancing the night away or sampling flights of craft brews, you’ll find a great nightlife scene here in the Tampa Bay area.

Watch Our Nightlife Videos

Check out the fun on Central Ave. in St. Pete after dark, see a local speakeasy, and learn about the craft brewery scene.

Sophisticated Cocktails

Perhaps a dressed-up night out is what you’re feeling. In that case, head to downtown St. Pete, where there are many stylish nightlife options. Upscale Beach Drive has a string of chic bars, including Tryst Gastrolounge, Flute & Dram and Stillwaters Tavern. Nearby on Central Ave., the vintage attire-clad bartenders at Mandarin Hide sling expertly made craft cocktails in a setting reminiscent of a stylish speakeasy.

up on the roof

Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurants

Looking to elevate your cocktail hour? These rooftop bars throughout St. Pete-Clearwater will (literally) do just that. Head to any of these hot-spots to enjoy a drink or two with panoramic views…

Where to Have Drinks with a View

A Night Out With Live Music

A string of late-night spots make downtown St. Pete the place for a night on the town. Ruby’s Elixir is a beloved spot that features great live music (usually jazz) in an intimate setting. Steps away on Central Ave., other notables include Five Bucks Drinkery and the Crafty Squirrel. And just around the corner, you'll find Jannus Live, the courtyard venue that hosts national touring acts.

See the best places to listen to live music

Beachy Dance Clubs

They may be laid-back, but America's Best Beaches have tons of spots where you can dance the night away – in the sand, if you want to. In Treasure Island’s Sunset Beach area, Ka’Tiki is a beacon for denizens of the local music scene (though touring bands show up as well). With its multiple stages and expansive deck space, Jimmy B’s frequently hosts lively bands that are sure to get you out on the dance floor.

In Clearwater Beach, nightlife seekers will want to head to Shepherd’s Tiki Bar, which has nightly entertainment well into the night, including live bands and DJs.

See Our Best Beach Bars Story

Popular Watering Holes & Dive Bars

There are quite a few spots in St. Pete/Clearwater that have become local treasures over the years, each for their own reason. Flanagan’s Irish Pub in Dunedin is renowned for its St. Paddy’s Day festivities. If it’s a classic beachside dive bar experience you seek, head to Shadrack’s on Historic Eighth Avenue in Pass-a-Grille Beach for some cheap beer and a few rounds of pool. A friendly dive with a nautical theme, Shipwreck Bar in Clearwater Beach serves up strong drinks into the wee hours. In St. Pete Beach, Swigwam is a good spot to grab a nightcap if you happen to be out after midnight. And at O’Maddy’s in Gulfport, there’s karaoke every night (need we say more?).

Then there are the St. Pete dive bars. Long before the food and drink scene became a thing in St. Pete, the city had its beloved dives, each with its own style. First, there's The Bends, which bills itself as a “classy dive” and caters to a younger crowd with an ever-changing menu featuring mind-bending craft cocktails and a stage that hosts local and touring indie bands as well as DJs. Not far is the Emerald Lounge, a dimly lit punk/indie venue where everyone has a story. And of course, one can’t utter the phrase “St. Pete dive bar” without mentioning Mastry’s, a hallowed Central Ave. institution dating back to the 1930s.

See more great places to grab a drink

Nightspots for Craft Beer Lovers

St. Pete/Clearwater is a hub for craft beer; dozens of breweries make up what we call the Gulp Coast. While most craft breweries tend to close a bit earlier in the evening, there are some that cater to a (somewhat) later crowd, such as Cage Brewing in St. Pete’s Grand Central District.

See more local breweries

Top LGBTQ+ Nightlife Spots

It’s no secret that St. Pete-Clearwater is welcoming to everyone, something you’ll see reflected in bars and clubs throughout the area where the rainbow flag is on display year-round. But there are also some spots revered as social hubs for the LGBTQ community, locals and visitors alike. Clearwater’s Pro-Shop Pub is the oldest – not only does it have one of the region’s oldest happy hours, there’s even a plaque outside commemorating its 1976 founding. In the Edge District of St. Pete, you’ll find Enigma, with its clubby ambience inside and its laid-back sidewalk seating out front. You won’t want to miss The Garage, either, a no-frills bar known for its happy hour and karaoke. Cocktail in the Grand Central District, is one of the newer LGBTQ+ hotspots.

See More LGBTQ+ Content