42 Best Cocktail Bars in Tampa

“Ponte does not disappoint! I took my husband there last night for his birthday and from start to finish, it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere is elegant and modern but not ostentatious or garish. The food and drinks were creative, expertly prepared, beautifully presented, and unbelievably delicious. And I cannot say enough about the staff. From Samantha, the hostess; Tyler, the manager; Bill, our server; and Matt, the sous chef; to the young man serving the bread and the multiple other staff who kept our water glasses full, everyone was professional, pleasant, knowledgeable and engaging. Samantha, in particular, handled a very aggressive and arrogant disgruntled man in the most diplomatic and professional manner. And this man was so aggressive that my husband and I almost intervened on Samantha’s behalf. But her diplomacy and professionalism did not waiver. To say she impressed us is an understatement. All in all, this was by far one of the best, if not the best restaurant experiences we have ever had. We will definitely return.“

“Everything was spectacular. Do not hesitate. Reserve now. For starters we had a blue cheese (the Executive Chef's favorite -don't remember the name) and the Wagyu charcuterie board, with the bread basket. The cheese was spectacular. So was the Wagyu, though we preferred the cheese and "fought" for the last smear. The bread came with a Calabrian chili butter and a muffalata style spread which by itself inspires you to return. My son had the charred octopus and said it was nice and tender, though he prefers more char. Ordered the pasta plate for my mother - the right size for her - and she ate everything and kept saying how good it was after every bite- the plate was clean! We had steaks - Delmonico and dry aged strip - they are from Bern's and you can tell. The sauces were the Fresno chili chimichurri (wow!) and the foie gras velouté (classic). Accompaniments were the brussel sprouts salad (game changer - go back for more) and the Mac&cheese with duck fat (had never tasted anything quite like this and it's a plate to remember). Finally, as Bern's sister, Haven can get you Dessert Room reservations and we did it! Baked Alaska for dessert! It was such an unexpected and pleasant evening. A shout out to Gordon, our waiter, simply the best... He is well-known and respected by Bern's staff. Deserves all the praise.“

“2 of us were at dinner for my wife's birthday ... food was top shelf, loved everything. Entrees (Scallops and Sea Bass) were both outstanding and sized correctly. Caesar Salad was large so we chose to split it ... that was a good idea. Shrimp cocktail had two sauces, both excellent, we shared that too. Particularly liked the side of roasted mushrooms. Best part of the whole meal was how well the chef and waiter timed the delivery of drinks, then appetizer, then salad, then entrees, then dessert. We were not rushed. Timing was amazing (Michelin Star quality timing). Waiter (Scott) only cleared the table when both of us were finished with each course. Nothing bothers me more than when waiters clear one of us before the other is finished. Scott was the perfect waiter.“

“The atmosphere and food were amazing.“

“Everything about Timpano was great. Highly recommend the espresso martini (it's creamy). Our server was extremely attentive and caring, she made Mother's Day feel so special for my mom. Highly recommend the meatball appetizer and cacio e Pepe pasta (I added Italian sausage for protein)“

“On my second visit here, we did the Kamayan feast and it was absolutely amazing! From the beautiful presentation to the tasty flavor of all the food, it truly was a feast. My parents, who are originally from the Philippines, were very impressed by the chef's version of the traditional Filipino dishes served in the feast. The GM, Ron Garcia, and our server Breaunna, were so attentive, pleasant to speak to and were big contributors to our dinner being such a wonderful experience. Definitely will be a repeat loyal customer!“

“Exceptional in everything!! Jacoby was our server. He was attentive, personable, informative regarding all aspects of the menu and had an amazing personality!! The food is always amazing and did not disappoint this time either! The hostess was friendly and personable! Thank you for being a classy, family friendly restaurant in Yibor City! We will return and ask to be seated with Jacoby!!“

“Very very good. Excellent service!!! Wings were fantastic“

“Great service and food. Large selection of entrees.“

“the service and food here is always consistent and amazing. I love the live music that was featured tonight. The sweet potato cornbread is my favorite. Derrick is also a great server who made sure we were all well taken care of throughout the night“

“First time eating here. Had Benjamin as our waiter. Noise was a little loud that made us have to talk louder to have a conversation. Not a big deal however it was hard to hear our waiter as he discussed the menu. Apps were great and portions were good, Bacon dates and crab salad. The fried chicken with cinnamon roll was a great alternative version of the salty and sweet chicken and waffles. Definitely recommend it. The fish and chips were good and portions were plentyful. Will definitely be back to try the other items. If we get Benjamin again it will be a bonus. He did a great job steering us to the right meals.“

“Fabulous Feel. Cozy Vibe. Elegant...love Bobby, The Facilitator of Resolution!“

“Absolutely enjoyed my visit. Very subtle environment; every staff member was welcoming and attentive. Wait times are almost non existent. I love it; will be back again“

“The environment was welcoming and the cheese was tasty. Thanks for the great drinks Sean!“

“Awesome vegan options! Everything had so much flavor.“

“Great place to watch your favorite Cowboys game. The staff is super courteous and do an amazing job making sure customers are good. Look forward to many more visits..“

“Great food and amazing service.“

“it was my first time at ro this weekend and it definitely lived up to my expectations. we sat at the bar and our bartender diego was amazing. he made sure we had drinks, food, and routinely checked on us. will definitely go back, the whole staff was very kind.“

“Fun vibe that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. We tried the churro latte which was absolutely delicious. Not too sweet and just the right amount of cinnamon. Great place for coffee or cocktail. We didn’t try any food at this visit but look forward to trying some in the future“

“Good environment good music“

“Bocelli is excellent! I enjoyed a wonderful birthday dinner here ☺️ Great service and delicious Italian food with a twist.“

“What a grown and sexy vibe!! I was celebrating my birthday with my girlfriends and we enjoyed our experience here very much. From the introduction to the history of the punch room to our complimentary punches and the drinks we ordered every thing was impressive. Can't wait to come back again!“

“Server was in the weeds the whole time. Disappeared for long stretches. Brought lukewarm coffee that tasted like it was burnt. splashed water on the table when plunking down the water, I used my napkin to wipe it up but never brought me a clean dry napkin. Water glass had black specks and bit of parsley stuck to outside. Food was excellent, thank god.“

“Great beer !!! Great times !“

“I can’t rate the food, however the cocktails were great and different. A little high on the price but I would recommend. Music was good, although I prefer live music. If you don’t like people smoking next 2 u, this is not your place.“

“We loved it!! Fun outside bar & Nicole the bartender was awesome! very sweet and professional & knows how to make a perfect Old Fashion. And the Fish & Chips were deliciousness... We will defenitely be back!! Looking forward to another Nicole Old Fashion cocktail very soon!“

“Yummy fish nuggets! Friendly staff!“

“We loved this place!! Found it by accident while on vacation and we’re so glad we did. Our server, Taylor, was so nice, and the food was AMAZING!!! We had a boil (2 people) with shrimp, crawfish, crab legs, and sausage and it was only $40. Next time we’re in this area we’re definitely going back.“

“We had a great experience. The chicken sliders with siracha and Cole slaw were delicious. My family also loved the pork belly bao bun sliders and the pizza - plus the onion rings!! everything was exceptionally fresh and delicious.Kid-friendliness: They have a kids menu“

“Small town tourist takes on Tampa. This really made a good impression. Our waitress Danice was fabulous. I will not forget her and her service.The food was also excellent. I got the Julian breakfast. There were a lot of staff working very hard. They wasted no time trying to get things to us quickly. Accommodating, and very friendly.I highly recommend this place to anyone. They also have a kids menu. It’s a hidden, gem if you ask me. And manager, if you are reading this, please put a little extra in everyone’s check. I am very, very happy with my experience here.“

“if you're a fan of dive bars gotta check this one out. Drinks are cheap and atmosphere is great, Nikki is the best, however if you're not a fan of cigarette smoke don't come, you'll definitely go home smelling like an ash tray“

“Great Drinks and Food Friendly Staff“

“The drinks and bartenders do it for me.“

“Josh was an amazing bartender! He made me the best Gimlet ever! Such a great team of guys behind the bar! Kudos!! Awesome experience“

“Good and service were very good for a table of 7. Had a great time!“

“Tried this place out instead of dealing with Ybor and Ritz to see Louijayxx and it was a good time. It's a small room but wasn't overpacked or anything, decent sound system, good lights and lasers, and everyone was pretty chill. Drinks were $10 and water bottles were only $2 which is dope. Lucked out by getting a parking spot when someone was leaving but I have no idea where I would have gone to park if that didn't work out. I think the small parking lot is the only issue with this place.“

“Looking for a place to impress out of town friends-or soak up the sunset by the water (both pool and river)? This! Is! It! My good friends were visiting on business-staying downtown-and wanted to meet up late on a Friday afternoon for drinks. I looked for something walkable from their hotel and this popped up. I drive right by the Aloft every day, on my way to work. Finally... I was going to get inside-but just for a minute. We walked right to the back-to the patio bar by the pool, overlooking the Hillsborough River, with a view of the gorgeous University of Tampa campus and the sunset. It was the perfect place for convo and cocktails. We got there right when it opened at 4pm and could pick our spot. I can't tell you anything about what was available to eat or drink, since my friend sent us to sit and grabbed 2 rounds of beer and wine for us. Likewise, I can't comment on the service. Forgive me-I'll return-do some research-and report back later on those. But I can tell you that's it's a delicious spot to bask in the warm glow of both sun and good company. I was so focused on my friends, I didn't think to check on whether there were stairs down to the Riverwalk, below the bar-but I'll find out on my next visit. And I can tell you it's an easy walk from the Fort Brooke parking garage. (You take your ticket with you and pay at a machine on the first floor when you return) It was clean-not too loud-not too crowded-nobody bothered us. I can't wait to go back and do some more reconnaissance and take photos.! Cheers to good times, good venues and great friends!“

“Mid sized walk-in humidor, full bar + significant wine selection, fat chairs, clean restroom, free parking, lots of TVs. What's not to like? Don't forget to tip generously, especially if you are sitting there enjoying all of the above.“

“Food was hot and fresh, portions were generous. I thought it was a restaurant but it’s a food truck in the corner. Some items weren’t available at the time so it’s best to check before going. This was my first time trying this takeout spot and will come back again. Gentleman who was the only worker was very nice. Prices weren’t bad for the amount of food you get.“

“I really enjoyed EDGE. Another rooftop bar in Tampa with a great view! They have plenty of seating and they don't have any reserved tables so it's first come first serve. We got there around 7:50pm and it wasn't that busy yet so we got seats and drinks were make rather quickly. I had a passion margarita and it had a little kick to it but refreshing at the same time with the mixer they use. It was a very good margarita and went down very nicely. I would absolutely recommend the EDGE for a night out!“

“Circo is fun. We'll be back the next time we're in town. Trendy but not fussy. Great fusion twists on tacos. Thai shrimp and buffalo chicken were our favorites, but the shrimp salad taco was also great. The birria taco -- I don't know what this trend is all about. Too greasy for me.Good cocktails. We had the bourbon margarita and the tequila old fashioned. (Get it?! They switch the liquors! Because they can!) Not cheap, but they're using premium spirits and mixing them well. Service was friendly and attentive on an early Saturday evening. No problem getting a table. One quibble: They charge $8 for chips and salsa, and I get that they don't want to feel bound by being a traditional Mexican restaurant, but I know of Michelin starred Mexican-inspired restaurants that give out free chips, and their purity is not sullied by doing so. The fact is, free chips would have made us thirsty enough to order another $30 worth of cocktails. And even if they're handmade, making chips is neither hard nor expensive.Oh, and the bathrooms are way cool. Be sure to check them out.“