25 hidden bars in Tampa Bay, and how to find them all

Some of these watering holes are just off the beaten path, some are tucked away in basements and alleys, and some you pretty much have to be completely lost to stumble in for a drink. But regardless, here are a few of our favorite hidden bars in the Tampa Bay area that you might not know about, but should.

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Ciro’s
2109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL
Beware, you need a password to get into this hidden bar. This speakeasy can only be accessed via password where you'll be escorted to your "private" seating area complete with a curtain to keep things intimate.
Photo via Ciro’s/Instagram

Ciro’s

2109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL
Beware, you need a password to get into this hidden bar. This speakeasy can only be accessed via password where you'll be escorted to your "private" seating area complete with a curtain to keep things intimate.

Photo via Ciro’s/Instagram
Spookeasy
1919 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
This hidden gem is the world's only haunted Kava Kava and botanical tea speakeasy lounge. The bar hosts ”spooky story nights” on Tuesdays to keep Halloween going all year long 
Photo via Spookeasy/Facebook

Spookeasy

1919 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
This hidden gem is the world's only haunted Kava Kava and botanical tea speakeasy lounge. The bar hosts ”spooky story nights” on Tuesdays to keep Halloween going all year long

Photo via Spookeasy/Facebook
Mandarin Heights
1919 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
Tucked inside Bodega's Seminole Heights location, Madarin Heights offers up the Instagrammable tub that the 'Burg location is known for. 
Photo via Mandarin Heights/Instagram

Mandarin Heights

1919 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL
Tucked inside Bodega's Seminole Heights location, Madarin Heights offers up the Instagrammable tub that the 'Burg location is known for.

Photo via Mandarin Heights/Instagram
Chattaway
358 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
The Chattaway is in the cut, and you probably have to be lost to stumble across this place.This 1930’s-themed eatery is most famous for their burgers and their outdoor patio that features live music most days. You can also be served “British Afternoon Tea” by “Lady Chattaway” herself for $35 per person. 
Photo via Google Maps

Chattaway

358 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
The Chattaway is in the cut, and you probably have to be lost to stumble across this place.This 1930’s-themed eatery is most famous for their burgers and their outdoor patio that features live music most days. You can also be served “British Afternoon Tea” by “Lady Chattaway” herself for $35 per person.

Photo via Google Maps
Ichicoro Ane
260 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
In the basement of Station House you’ll find this Japanese restaurant, offering ramen and cocktails. They also have sake for those interested in broadening their alcohol horizons. 
Photo via Ichicoro Ane/Instagram

Ichicoro Ane

260 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
In the basement of Station House you’ll find this Japanese restaurant, offering ramen and cocktails. They also have sake for those interested in broadening their alcohol horizons.

Photo via Ichicoro Ane/Instagram
Remedy
400 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL
The riverfront bar offers artisan flatbreads in addition to their craft cocktails and can commonly be overlooked in the chaos of downtown Tampa.
Photo via Remedy/remedytampa.com

Remedy

400 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL
The riverfront bar offers artisan flatbreads in addition to their craft cocktails and can commonly be overlooked in the chaos of downtown Tampa.

Photo via Remedy/remedytampa.com
CW’s Gin Joint
633 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL
Located in downtown Tampa, the bar entrance looks like the ground floor to an office building, but don't let the outside fool you. This joint is open late to get your romantic night cap sessions in complete with mood lighting.
Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Facebook

CW’s Gin Joint

633 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL
Located in downtown Tampa, the bar entrance looks like the ground floor to an office building, but don't let the outside fool you. This joint is open late to get your romantic night cap sessions in complete with mood lighting.

Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Facebook
Lee’s Grocery
2210 N. Central Ave, Tampa, FL
Pizza and craft brews are what Lee’s specializes in. The bar doubles as a grocery (in case you couldn’t tell by the name), so you can even take a case of craft beer home with you. 
Photo via Lee’s Grocery/Facebook

Lee’s Grocery

2210 N. Central Ave, Tampa, FL
Pizza and craft brews are what Lee’s specializes in. The bar doubles as a grocery (in case you couldn’t tell by the name), so you can even take a case of craft beer home with you.

Photo via Lee’s Grocery/Facebook
Hotel Bar
200 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL
Off of Tampa Street, you would miss this place if you weren't looking for it. Wedged between a few storefronts, the bar features drinks from hotels around the world, hosting happy hour on weekdays from 4-6 p.m. 
Photo via Hotel Bar/hotelbartampa.com/

Hotel Bar

200 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL
Off of Tampa Street, you would miss this place if you weren't looking for it. Wedged between a few storefronts, the bar features drinks from hotels around the world, hosting happy hour on weekdays from 4-6 p.m.

Photo via Hotel Bar/hotelbartampa.com/
Hops & Props
335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL
Slide inside the St. Petersburg Museum of History, Hops & Props has 26 craft beers on tap that you can enjoy for $1 off during their happy hour weekdays from 5-7 p.m. They’re also dog-friendly, if you want to bring your furry friends. 
Photo via Hops & Props/Facebook

Hops & Props

335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL
Slide inside the St. Petersburg Museum of History, Hops & Props has 26 craft beers on tap that you can enjoy for $1 off during their happy hour weekdays from 5-7 p.m. They’re also dog-friendly, if you want to bring your furry friends.

Photo via Hops & Props/Facebook
The bier boutique
465 7th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL
Originally located in Key West, bier boutique packed their bags and moved into a renovated car garage and opened their doors this past year. The menu features craft beer and Midwestern food, and they even use “eco-friendly packaging.”
Photo via The bier boutique/Facebook

The bier boutique

465 7th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL
Originally located in Key West, bier boutique packed their bags and moved into a renovated car garage and opened their doors this past year. The menu features craft beer and Midwestern food, and they even use “eco-friendly packaging.”

Photo via The bier boutique/Facebook
Tiny Tap Tavern
2105 W Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL
Formerly a gas station, this place has been the Tiny Tap Tavern since 1951, with pool tables and TV’s that contribute to a relaxed atmosphere. And, as its name might suggest, the place is so small and covered in overgrown bushes that you might miss it if you don't know what you're looking for. 
Photo via Google Maps

Tiny Tap Tavern

2105 W Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL
Formerly a gas station, this place has been the Tiny Tap Tavern since 1951, with pool tables and TV’s that contribute to a relaxed atmosphere. And, as its name might suggest, the place is so small and covered in overgrown bushes that you might miss it if you don't know what you're looking for.

Photo via Google Maps
Bon Appetit
148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL
The waterfront bar attached to the restaurant Bon Appetit features live entertainment Thursday through Sunday and a happy hour that goes from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Although this bar is a hit for Dunedin residents, its a hidden gem for the rest of Tampa Bay.
Photo via Bon Appetit/Facebook

Bon Appetit

148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL
The waterfront bar attached to the restaurant Bon Appetit features live entertainment Thursday through Sunday and a happy hour that goes from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Although this bar is a hit for Dunedin residents, its a hidden gem for the rest of Tampa Bay.

Photo via Bon Appetit/Facebook
Hi-Fi at The Fenway Hotel
453 Edgewater Dr, Dunedin, FL
This hotel previously hosted a speakeasy located in the basement, now, after serious renovations, The Fenway hosts a rooftop bar boasting magical waterfront views. Their cocktail menu features a drink called “Cool Cat,” which might be worth a try while watching the sunset. 
Photo via Hi-Fi/fenwayhotel.com/hi-firooftop-bar

Hi-Fi at The Fenway Hotel

453 Edgewater Dr, Dunedin, FL
This hotel previously hosted a speakeasy located in the basement, now, after serious renovations, The Fenway hosts a rooftop bar boasting magical waterfront views. Their cocktail menu features a drink called “Cool Cat,” which might be worth a try while watching the sunset.

Photo via Hi-Fi/fenwayhotel.com/hi-firooftop-bar
TASTE
513 South Florida Avenue Tampa, FL
In need of a quiet drink in bustling downtown Tampa? TASTE gives you an escape with its bar tucked inside of the Hilton Hotel focusing on exclusively Tampa ingredients and drinks, as their beer list has almost all locally brewed beers. 
Photo via Taste/tastedowntowntampa.com

TASTE

513 South Florida Avenue Tampa, FL
In need of a quiet drink in bustling downtown Tampa? TASTE gives you an escape with its bar tucked inside of the Hilton Hotel focusing on exclusively Tampa ingredients and drinks, as their beer list has almost all locally brewed beers.

Photo via Taste/tastedowntowntampa.com
Desanto
128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, FL
Ever wondered what was going on above Red Mesa Cantina? Its another "hidden" bar at the restaurant which hosts a DJ and more small plates to munch on. 
Photo via Desanto/Facebook

Desanto

128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, FL
Ever wondered what was going on above Red Mesa Cantina? Its another "hidden" bar at the restaurant which hosts a DJ and more small plates to munch on.

Photo via Desanto/Facebook
Mole Y Abuela
1202 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL
Offering up some of the best views of downtown Tampa, this rooftop bar is a local favorite. You can go up there and, as Ab-Soul once said, “kill a bottle of tequila.”
Photo via Mole Y Abuela/Facebook

Mole Y Abuela

1202 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL
Offering up some of the best views of downtown Tampa, this rooftop bar is a local favorite. You can go up there and, as Ab-Soul once said, “kill a bottle of tequila.”

Photo via Mole Y Abuela/Facebook
The Tavern at Bayboro
120 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
Located right next to USF St. Pete, this small bar is easy to miss and often has live music and open mics 7-10 p.m. on Wednesdays. They also have specials on beer and seltzers on Saturdays for college football season. 
Photo via Google Maps

The Tavern at Bayboro

120 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
Located right next to USF St. Pete, this small bar is easy to miss and often has live music and open mics 7-10 p.m. on Wednesdays. They also have specials on beer and seltzers on Saturdays for college football season.

Photo via Google Maps
Bulla Gastrobar
930 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL
Another hidden rooftop bar, Bulla offers up views of South Tampa while you can sip on sangria and devour a massive platter of paella. 
Photo via Bulla Gastrobar/Facebook

Bulla Gastrobar

930 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL
Another hidden rooftop bar, Bulla offers up views of South Tampa while you can sip on sangria and devour a massive platter of paella.

Photo via Bulla Gastrobar/Facebook
The Beer Shed
11222 Casa Loma Dr, Riverview, FL
Located on the Alafia River, this bar is worth the trip so you can get in a little tipsy action on the low. 
Photo via Google Maps

The Beer Shed

11222 Casa Loma Dr, Riverview, FL
Located on the Alafia River, this bar is worth the trip so you can get in a little tipsy action on the low.

Photo via Google Maps
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