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The Best Speakeasies in Tampa, FL

CW’s Gin Joint
Ciro’s
The Catacombs
The Saint
Dirty Laundry
Mandarin Heights
Bar Chica
In Between Days
bartender at cw gin join in tampa fl
CW’s Gin Joint
bar interior at ciros in Tampa fl
Ciro’s
wall interior at the catacombs in tampa
The Catacombs
interior at the saint in tampa fl
The Saint
interior at dirty laundry in tampa fl
Dirty Laundry
cocktail from Mandarin heights in Tampa fl
Mandarin Heights
bar interior at bar chica in Tampa fl
Bar Chica
bar shot at in between days in tampa fl
In Between Days

While the need to keep things secret because of prohibition no longer applies these days, that doesn’t mean that vibes and 100-year-old traditions of Speakeasies have fallen out of fashion. In fact, they’ve been having quite the revival. There’s something different about a “hidden” bar or cocktails lounge that has an air of mystery and exclusivity. During prohibition, Tampa and it’s surrounding areas were home to dozens of speakeasies and similar establishments. That may not be the case now, but the ones that are here offer up a different kind of experience that will transport you to a different time and place. So let’s use that secret knock on the door and dive into the best speakeasies in Tampa.

 

bartender at cw gin join in tampa fl
Photo credit: Cwginjoint.com

CW’s Gin Joint

633 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 816-1446

From the tuxedoed doorman to the elegant room adorned with comfy sofas and booths lit by chandeliers, CW’s Gin Joint certainly nails it when it comes to the experience. Unlike the original speakeasies, you won’t need a password to get in but that doesn’t make the place feel any less exclusive. The craft cocktail menu is phenomenal and the food is just as good. Once you step foot into CW’s you’ll quickly understand why it has become one of the cornerstones of Downtown Tampa’s cocktail scene.

 

bar interior at ciros in Tampa fl
Photo credit: Facebook.com

Ciro’s

2109 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-0022

Ciro’s is exactly what you would expect from a modern speakeasy, and that’s a good thing. You’ll find it hiding out in the historic Bayshore Royal Building and you need a password to get in. It’s not the biggest place in the world so getting a reservation for a private booth is definitely the move. When it comes to the drinks, Ciro’s mixologists do not disappoint. They use traditional techniques to make every deliciously original elixir as well as classic favorites. The food menu is just as satiating as the cocktails and ensures that you’ll have a delightfully mysterious speakeasy experience. 

wall interior at the catacombs in tampa
Photo credit: Facebook.com

The Catacombs

1909 North 15th Street, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 857-5125

Located beneath the most haunted kava bar in the world, SpookEasy Lounge, The Catacombs serves up frightfully delicious cocktails such as the “Vampires Kiss” and the “Mind Eraser.” The menu is subject to change so you’ll always be in for a different experience every time you brave the doors of this lair. They also serve breakfast all day, and that includes all night since they’re open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. If you want a frightfully spooky vibe and theme then this is the place for you. 

 

interior at the saint in tampa fl
Photo credit: Facebook.com

The Saint

49 24th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 258-7626

The Saint welcomes all sinners and invites them to indulge in their desires. Located on an unassuming side street just off the busy Grand Central District, this spot has one of the most unique atmospheres you can find anywhere. You can’t come without indulging in one of their seven deadly sins cocktails, each of which features a generous two ounce pour. You’ll need to know the “confession” to get by the “priest” who dutifully watches the entrance. Reservations are recommend as it can quickly fill up, although they make sure to reserve 50% of the space for walk-ins. The Saint is the definition of a vibe and an experience. Are you ready to embrace your sins and desires?

 

interior at dirty laundry in tampa fl
Photo credit: Yelp.com

Dirty Laundry

1742 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 493-0040

A laundromat, a secret door, and a telephone with a secret code are all things you’ll experience before entering Dirty Laundry. Once you get past the unassuming facade you’ll find yourself transported to the heart of Havana. Since it’s a cafe during the day the food is tasty but the cocktails and vibes once the sun goes down whisk you away to a different place. It can get busy on the weekends but for those who love a bit of Latin flair and dancing, Dirty Laundry is the place for you.

 

cocktail from Mandarin heights in Tampa fl
Photo credit: Facebook.com

Mandarin Heights

5901 North Florida Avenue, #6603, Tampa, FL 33604

While not technically a speakeasy, Mandarin Heights certainly delivers a speakeasy vibe. No password is required here but that doesn’t make the experience any less exclusive. They see themselves as the stewards of cocktail culture and as such you can always find something new and tasty on the menu. Mandarin Heights serves as the laboratory for new and innovative cocktails as well as the theatre that comes with how they’re served. You should also check out their sister bar Mandarin Hide which crafts a new menu every Tuesday for their guests to enjoy. 

 

bar interior at bar chica in Tampa fl
Photo credit: Stpeterising.com

Bar Chica

1180 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
(727) 623-0942

Bodega is a tasty spot to get Latin and Cuban food, what’s interesting is that little secret door in the back. That door leads you into Bar Chica. The vibe here is just as Cuban as the food being served in Bodega. The food menu offers up tasty bites that don’t appear on the main menu of the restaurant that fronts this hidden gem. The cocktails are all delicious but Bar Chica flexes its creative and delicious muscles when it comes to it’s rum drinks. While you don’t need a password it may take a keen eye and a bit of help to find the secret entrance. The only online presence Bar Chica has is it’s Instagram account so make sure to check that for their hours before heading over.

 

bar shot at in between days in tampa fl
Photo credit: Inbetweendays.com

In Between Days

2340 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

In Between Days tagline of “It’s not Tokyo, but it’s close…” doesn’t even begin to describe this fascinating and delightful speakeasy. Inspired by the listening bars of Tokyo, In Between Days is lit by oil lanterns and serves its sake cold. You can dine on oysters served in the classic French style too. The rest of the menu is constantly changing. What makes In Between Days unique is that it doesn’t feel the need to hype itself up in any way. In fact when you get there you may think you’re in the wrong place. There’s no sign or logo but if you know, you know and that’s the point. Every detail has been painstakingly thought through so that your experience is as memorable as possible. And trust, every time you go, it will be.

 

For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Tampa page, here