Florida’s craft beer scene is thriving, but what truly sets some bars apart isn’t just the quality of their brews—it’s where you drink them. Imagine sipping a crisp IPA as the sun dips below the ocean horizon or enjoying a rich stout with a panoramic city skyline twinkling in the background. For beer lovers, food bloggers, and travelers alike, the ambiance of a great beer bar can elevate the experience from ordinary to unforgettable.
The Problem? Many craft beer enthusiasts focus solely on the beer list, missing out on venues that pair exceptional brews with breathtaking views.
The Solution? This guide highlights best rooftop and waterfront beer bars Florida, where the scenery is just as impressive as the tap list.
Hook: Why settle for a basic taproom when you can sip a hazy IPA with ocean breezes or skyline views?
What Makes a Great Scenic Beer Bar?
Not all beer bars are created equal, especially when it comes to ambiance. Here’s what sets the best scenic beer bars apart:
1. View Quality
Whether it’s a waterfront sunset, a bustling marina, or a sweeping city skyline, the best beer bars offer more than just a place to drink—they provide a visual feast.
2. Beer Selection
A great view is nothing without great beer. The top spots feature:
- Rotating local craft brews
- Rare and limited-edition releases
- Exclusive collaborations with nearby breweries
3. Ambiance & Atmosphere
The best scenic beer bars strike the right balance between relaxed and vibrant, with:
- Outdoor seating to soak in the views
- Instagram-worthy backdrops for food bloggers
- Live music or themed events to enhance the experience
Best Rooftop Beer Bars with Skyline Views
1. The Henry’s Rooftop – Tampa
View: Stunning panoramic views of downtown Tampa’s skyline.
Beer Highlight: Exclusive rooftop-only collaboration brews with local favorites like Cigar City and Angry Chair.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset happy hour (5-7 PM), when the city lights begin to glow.
Vibe: Modern, upscale yet laid-back, with cozy fire pits and lounge seating.
2. Spruzza at The Alfond Inn – Winter Park
View: Overlooking Park Avenue’s charming boutiques and oak-lined streets.
Beer Highlight: A curated selection of Florida-brewed sours and lagers, perfect for warm evenings.
Pro Tip: Try their rooftop-exclusive “Park Ave Pilsner,” brewed in partnership with nearby Crooked Can Brewery.
3. Level 25 Rooftop Lounge – Fort Lauderdale
View: Ocean and intracoastal waterways stretching for miles.
Beer Highlight: Coastal-inspired brews like mango wheat ale and key lime gose.
Vibe: Chic, lounge-style seating with a Miami-esque feel.
Top Waterfront Bars for Beach & Marina Views
1. The Wharf Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale
View: Direct beach access with waves crashing just steps away.
Beer Highlight: Tropical IPAs and coconut porters that pair perfectly with salty ocean air.
Bonus: Live acoustic music on weekends enhances the laid-back beach vibe.
2. Marina Jack’s – Sarasota
View: A yacht-filled marina with stunning sunset views over Sarasota Bay.
Beer Highlight: Nautical-themed flight paddles featuring local favorites like Calusa Brewing.
Pro Tip: Ask for the “Boat Captain’s Pick”—a bartender’s choice of the freshest local brew.
3. The Sandbar – Anna Maria Island
View: Unobstructed Gulf of Mexico sunsets with toes-in-the-sand seating.
Beer Highlight: Beachy brews like their signature “Sandbar Citrus Ale.”
Why It’s Special: One of the few Florida bars where you can literally drink with your feet in the sand.
Hidden Gems: Off-the-Radar Scenic Spots
1. The Hidden Lantern – St. Augustine
View: A secret rooftop garden with intimate seating and views of the historic district.
Beer Highlight: Rare European imports alongside local St. Augustine Brewery taps.
2. Intracoastal Brewing Company – Fort Pierce
View: Riverside brewery with dockside taps where boaters can pull up and order a pint.
Beer Highlight: Their “Dockside Double IPA” is a must-try.
3. The Sunset Deck at Pier House Resort – Key West
Best-Kept Secret: A tucked-away deck offering one of the best sunset views in the Keys.
Beer Highlight: Key West-inspired brews like “Conch Republic Lager.”
How to Maximize Your Visit
1. Timing is Everything
- Golden Hour (1 hour before sunset): Perfect lighting for photos and cooler temps.
- Weekday Visits: Less crowded than weekends.
2. Seating Tips
- Reserve Ahead: Prime waterfront and rooftop tables book fast.
- Arrive Early: Snag a walk-in spot before the crowds arrive.
3. Beer Pairings to Match the View
- Beach Bars: Citrusy IPAs, coconut stouts, or light lagers.
- City Skyline Views: Bold stouts or barrel-aged ales for a sophisticated sip.
- Marina Vibes: Crisp pilsners or salty goses to complement the sea air.
FAQ
1. What are the best rooftop beer bars in Florida?
Florida boasts several fantastic rooftop beer bars, including The Henry’s RoofTop (Tampa) for skyline views, Level 25 (Fort Lauderdale) for ocean breezes, and Spruzza (Winter Park) for a chic, elevated experience. These spots combine craft beer with stunning backdrops, making them perfect for sunset drinks and Instagram-worthy moments.
2. Which Florida beer bars have the best waterfront views?
For unbeatable waterfront vibes, check out The Wharf (Fort Lauderdale) for beachfront brews, Marina Jack’s (Sarasota) for yacht-filled marina views, and The Sandbar (Anna Maria Island) for toes-in-the-sand drinking. Each offers a unique coastal experience paired with local craft beers.
3. Are there any hidden gem beer bars with great views in Florida?
Yes! The Hidden Lantern (St. Augustine) offers a secret rooftop garden, Intracoastal Brewing (Fort Pierce) lets you sip by the dock, and Sunset Deck at Pier House (Key West) is a secluded sunset paradise. These lesser-known spots provide amazing views without the crowds.
4. What types of beer pair best with waterfront bars?
Waterfront bars call for refreshing, easy-drinking beers like citrusy IPAs, coconut porters, crisp pilsners, or tart goses. These styles complement salty ocean air and warm Florida weather, enhancing the laid-back beach or marina atmosphere.
5. Do these beer bars offer food, or should I eat beforehand?
Most scenic beer bars in Florida serve food, ranging from gourmet bar snacks to full menus. Spots like Marina Jack’s and The Wharf offer seafood-heavy dishes, while rooftop bars often feature shareable small plates. Always check the menu online before visiting.
6. What’s the best time to visit a rooftop beer bar in Florida?
The ideal time is during sunset (golden hour) when temperatures cool and views are most dramatic. Weekdays are less crowded, but weekends often feature live music or special events, which add to the atmosphere.
7. Are these beer bars family-friendly, or are they 21+ only?
Many waterfront beer bars welcome families, especially those with outdoor seating like The Sandbar and Intracoastal Brewing. However, rooftop lounges (like Level 25) may be 21+ after certain hours, so check policies in advance.
8. Do I need reservations for Florida’s top scenic beer bars?
For prime seating (especially rooftop or waterfront tables), reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Some bars, like The Henry’s RoofTop, accept walk-ins but fill up quickly during peak times.
9. Can I find local Florida craft beers at these bars?
Absolutely! Most of these bars prioritize local breweries, such as Cigar City (Tampa), Calusa (Sarasota), and Funky Buddha (Fort Lauderdale). Many even feature exclusive collaborations or limited-edition brews you can’t find elsewhere.
10. What should I bring when visiting a scenic beer bar in Florida?
Essentials include sunglasses, sunscreen (for daytime visits), a light jacket (for breezy rooftops), and a phone/camera for photos. Some waterfront bars are cash-only, so bringing a card and a little cash is wise.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Florida’s craft beer scene isn’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about where you enjoy it. From rooftop lounges with glittering cityscapes to waterfront bars where the ocean meets your pint, these spots prove that ambiance matters just as much as flavor.
Ready to explore beyond the standard taproom? Grab a friend, pick a spot, and toast to the perfect pairing of great beer and unforgettable views.
