If you’re one of those that think that the city of St. Petersburg is Florida’s waiting room, then I’m sorry to let you know, but you require a serious reality check. While no less than three decades ago, those living in the Tampa region regarded its smaller neighboring city as “God’s waiting room”, things have changed in this Florida coastal town.
While less than half an hour away from the city of Tampa, Florida, literally across the bridge from it, St. Petersburg, also known as St. Pete, is rewriting its own story. From derelict areas and vast numbers of retirees, St. Petersburg now has a thriving art and nightlife scene that gives Tampa a run for its money. This resulted from young professionals and entrepreneurs who built the city’s businesses brick by brick that reinvented the city’s downtown area into a very appealing walkable neighborhood. With younger generations flocking here once they decided that St. Petersburg, Florida, was a good fit for them, cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs started popping up. Nowadays, you’ll find a vivacious city indeed, not only during the weekends as locally owned recreational businesses are packed during the weekdays as well. St. Pete’s the new kid on the block, and everyone’s trying to get a piece of it.
For all of you looking to pull an all-nighter clubbing or bar hopping in St. Petersburg, we took a look at the selection of bars, dance clubs, and nightclubs. You won’t find it hard to have a great time in the city, but booking a table in advance might be a good idea.
You won’t have a problem finding great watering holes in St. Petersburg, Florida. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a spot to watch the game or the location for the best St. Paddy’s Day festivities, there are more than enough options to choose from.
Located on Central Avenue North, The Mandarin Hide motto “Pouring our spirits to raise yours” tells you all you need to know about the place. Their impressive cocktail menu and wide selection of craft beers and tasty wines are crowd-pleasers. Try their Prohibition Era cocktails like the Sidecar, Tito’s Blind Pig, or the blue-tinted Aviation for a good laugh. However, if nothing on their menu grabs your attention, signature concoctions are easy to whip up by the bar’s bartenders. Live music or DJ playlists increase the bar’s appeal most nights, so stopping here before you hit the clubs will fit perfectly with the night’s groove.
If you’ve ever wondered what an adult playground looks like, stop by Park & Rec when you have the chance. Aside from the vast collection of alcoholic beverages, at the intersection between Pinellas Trail and 4th Street, you’ll be offered snacks, pizzas, salads, wings, and “hand-held” topped off to balance your inebriated state. I mean, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible combination of sports bar and arcade games of the venue. From Mortal Combat to air hockey and the latest baseball match, you’ll have access to a series of games to play or watch with your best friends over a couple of drinks and snacks. If you’re part of a competitive group of friends, organize a date and time for the ultimate giant beer pong game. The losers pay the whole tab.
Once you’re ready and warmed up enough to hit the clubs, you’ll need to figure out which one to start with. Pertaining to minority groups or not, you’ll find the most welcoming and friendly spaces to enjoy your nightlife in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Ruby’s Elixir retro-chic vibe went through a few rebrandings in the past, like “Central Cigar” in the late 1990s and “The Havana Room”. Now, the metamorphosis of the venue gave it a vintage lounge vibe that locals simply refer to as “Ruby’s”. In this cocktail venue located at the intersection between 3rd Street and Central Avenue, you’ll find great live music showcasing every day of the week. This retro peppered venue is a favorite among locals, giving way to that 30s and 50s chic vibe. Their long list of specialty cocktails and classic drinks keeps the crowds coming, while the dim lighting allows the atmosphere to flood the space in the rhythms of blues, jazz, and soul. Every now and then, an eclectic band will shake up the usual style of this hip spot. One thing to know about this place, however. If you see some cigar-smoking patrons, don’t be alarmed. It is what started the story of this local, after all, in the late 1990s as a cigar bar.
The biggest parties in St. Petersburg, Florida, take place at The Estate. With world-class DJs, incredible VIP bottle services, and entertainment experiences that rival those of the best nightclubs in the world, The Estate doesn’t leave any rocks unturned or glasses empty. Get ready to have some of the best nights in your life, whether you’re enjoying a night out with the girls or having a boy’s night out. Get the whole group together and turn up the volume because you won’t be going home anytime soon. By far the best nightclub in the Tampa Bay area, the venue can also be rented as a boutique event space for customizable experiences that cater to the needs of their patrons. The VIP experience will transform your night out into the best event of your life, whether it is a special event like a Bachelorette Party, a Birthday, or simply a night out with friends. The VIP hosts will make it a night to remember with full access to Cooper SHacker’s over 700 portfolio of different spirits.
Your nightlife is only bound to get better and better if you have the opportunity to experience what the St. Petersburg club scene has to offer. It would be best to stop by some of the fantastic restaurants in St. Petersburg, Florida before you go club-hopping, so your body doesn’t hate you in the morning. Responsible drinking shouldn’t go out the window but having fun is what we all want from the club scene in the city’s we visit. But hey, you can move here and experience the city’s lively nightlife by contacting real estate agents in St. Petersburg FL. Why only have access to the best nightlife in the Tampa Bay region only for a few days when you could get access to it all the time.