The best bars & nightlife in Bradenton

49 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 49 places · showing the latest additions first

Mandarin Heights treats cocktails like a craft and a little bit of theatre, mixing timeless classics with inventive sips in a mid-century…

5901 N Florida Ave #6603 (Tampa)

Mandarin Heights treats cocktails like a craft and a little bit of theatre, mixing timeless classics with inventive sips in a mid-century modern lounge with upbeat music and a unique vibe. They even roll out a fresh menu every Tuesday, so your go-to could change weekly.

From the Wesley Chapel newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Skip the same-old slice this week and let The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar remind you why Sarasota loves thin, scratch-made pies and edgy…

543 S Pineapple Ave (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Jul 28

Skip the same-old slice this week and let The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar remind you why Sarasota loves thin, scratch-made pies and edgy Italian-fusion from Executive Chef Alberto Colin.

From the Sarasota newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Bad Monkey

Nightlife

Bad Monkey is the military-tinged sports bar locals claim as home base, with 20 TVs blasting every matchup, a laid-back patio, and a menu…

1717 E 7th Ave (Tampa) · ✓ checked Jul 31

Bad Monkey is the military-tinged sports bar locals claim as home base, with 20 TVs blasting every matchup, a laid-back patio, and a menu built for impulse orders like burgers, tenders, and mozz sticks. Bring the crew this week, grab a cold one, and actually watch the game.

From the Riverview newsletter, August 3, 2026

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French-owned and right in Downtown St. Pete, Exquisite Bistro pours a handpicked lineup of 75+ bottles from around the world alongside…

397 5th St S (St. Petersburg) · ✓ checked Jul 28

French-owned and right in Downtown St. Pete, Exquisite Bistro pours a handpicked lineup of 75+ bottles from around the world alongside gourmet charcuterie boards, elevated small plates, and artisanal flatbreads made for sharing. Keep an eye on their weekly tastings and pairings...

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Brick walls, trad Irish vibes, and live music that actually slaps. McCabe's Irish Pub is the kind of neighborhood hang where the pints are…

302 Old Main St

Brick walls, trad Irish vibes, and live music that actually slaps. McCabe's Irish Pub is the kind of neighborhood hang where the pints are cold, the Bloody Marys have bite, and bar games plus game-day screens turn an ordinary weeknight into a you-shoulda-been-there situation.

From the Bradenton newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Pint-sized bar & grill offering burgers & sandwiches alongside many tap beers, plus outdoor seating.

1752 Central Ave (St. Petersburg)

Pint-sized bar & grill offering burgers & sandwiches alongside many tap beers, plus outdoor seating.

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Chill outpost in a historic building features bands & DJs in a cozy space with a trendy bar scene.

1490 Main St (Sarasota)

Chill outpost in a historic building features bands & DJs in a cozy space with a trendy bar scene.

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Casual eatery for burgers and tacos in a space with board games, plus a wide beer selection brewed on the premises.

7220 Central Ave (St. Petersburg)

Casual eatery for burgers and tacos in a space with board games, plus a wide beer selection brewed on the premises.

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Locally-owned wine bar offering a sizable list, plus tasting & pairing events in a cozy ambiance.

111 2nd Ave NE Ste 102 (St. Petersburg)

Locally-owned wine bar offering a sizable list, plus tasting & pairing events in a cozy ambiance.

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Bistro and wine bar featuring a compact menu of pizza and tacos, plus an extensive wine list.

1419 5th St (Sarasota)

Bistro and wine bar featuring a compact menu of pizza and tacos, plus an extensive wine list.

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Relaxed distillery, rum bar with in-house-made spirits and pirate-themed tasting areas for bottles and cocktails.

2102 E 4th Ave (Tampa)

Relaxed distillery, rum bar with in-house-made spirits and pirate-themed tasting areas for bottles and cocktails.

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Homey, brick-walled pub offering specialty craft beer, TV sports & a weekly dog-friendly happy hour.

406 12th St W

Homey, brick-walled pub offering specialty craft beer, TV sports & a weekly dog-friendly happy hour.

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Joyland

Nightlife

Country-western hot spot & bar featuring DJs & weekend live music, plus line-dancing lessons.

8333 N Lockwood Ridge Rd (Sarasota)

Country-western hot spot & bar featuring DJs & weekend live music, plus line-dancing lessons.

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Red Barn Bar

Nightlife

Relaxed bar, often open for late nights and early mornings, featuring pool and darts.

2058 Bee Ridge Rd (Sarasota)

Relaxed bar, often open for late nights and early mornings, featuring pool and darts.

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Irish chow, live music & sports draw crowds at this convivial pub with an outdoor patio.

405 S Howard Ave (Tampa)

Irish chow, live music & sports draw crowds at this convivial pub with an outdoor patio.

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GROVE

Nightlife

A menu of contemporary American dishes with seasonal ingredients in a stylish restaurant & bar.

10670 Boardwalk Loop (Lakewood Ranch)

A menu of contemporary American dishes with seasonal ingredients in a stylish restaurant & bar.

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Cozy, white-walled locale featuring regional & boutique wines, plus beer, cheeses & light snacks.

5138 Ocean Blvd Ste c (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Aug 5

Cozy, white-walled locale featuring regional & boutique wines, plus beer, cheeses & light snacks.

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Trendy bar with disco balls and a dance floor, specializing in 1970s-1980s hits.

16 2nd St N (St. Petersburg)

Trendy bar with disco balls and a dance floor, specializing in 1970s-1980s hits.

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Wine shop offering a range of bottles and glasses plus weekly themed events and live music.

1057 Water St (Tampa)

Wine shop offering a range of bottles and glasses plus weekly themed events and live music.

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Striking watering hole turning out urbane American classics in fashionable surroundings.

427 12th St W

Striking watering hole turning out urbane American classics in fashionable surroundings.

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Wines, craft beers, small plates & desserts are served at this classy spot with outdoor tables.

1600 E 7th Ave (Tampa)

Wines, craft beers, small plates & desserts are served at this classy spot with outdoor tables.

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Relaxed wine bar supplying Spanish and Portuguese bottles to buy or drink on-site, plus charcuterie boards.

14610 N Dale Mabry Hwy (Tampa)

Relaxed wine bar supplying Spanish and Portuguese bottles to buy or drink on-site, plus charcuterie boards.

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Drift-In AMI

Nightlife

No-frills, long-running bar for ice-cold cocktails, live music and karaoke, plus bingo nights.

120 Bridge St (Bradenton Beach)

No-frills, long-running bar for ice-cold cocktails, live music and karaoke, plus bingo nights.

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Hotel Bar

Nightlife

Watering hole with an old-school, cosmopolitan feel offering craft cocktails & artful bar bites.

200 N Tampa St (Tampa)

Watering hole with an old-school, cosmopolitan feel offering craft cocktails & artful bar bites.

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Trendy venue with cozy atmosphere featuring self-serve wine taps and charcuterie boards.

3100 3rd Ave N (St. Petersburg)

Trendy venue with cozy atmosphere featuring self-serve wine taps and charcuterie boards.

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This casual, mid-size showroom features stand-up comedians & serves bar bites & drinks.

1923 Ringling Blvd (Sarasota)

This casual, mid-size showroom features stand-up comedians & serves bar bites & drinks.

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Stand-up venue featuring local comics and guest appearances.

1745 1st Ave S (St. Petersburg)

Stand-up venue featuring local comics and guest appearances.

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Laid-back bar with vintage decor offering craft cocktails and live music such as jazz.

436 12th St W

Laid-back bar with vintage decor offering craft cocktails and live music such as jazz.

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Friendly, laid-back local eatery offering seafood classics & steaks plus beers & live music.

10104 Cortez Rd W

Friendly, laid-back local eatery offering seafood classics & steaks plus beers & live music.

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Flashy eatery & bar offering tapas, flatbreads & elaborate burgers amid mood lighting & TV screens.

610 S Armenia Ave (Tampa)

Flashy eatery & bar offering tapas, flatbreads & elaborate burgers amid mood lighting & TV screens.

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Wine bar with charcuterie, flatbread, and other snacks, plus cocktails.

811 N Tampa St (Tampa)

Wine bar with charcuterie, flatbread, and other snacks, plus cocktails.

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Laid-back eatery dishing up burgers, wings, fries and other American grub, plus beer, wine and cocktails.

4808 14th St W

Laid-back eatery dishing up burgers, wings, fries and other American grub, plus beer, wine and cocktails.

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Engine No. 9

Nightlife

Chill American haunt featuring creative burgers, hot dogs & lots of craft beer, plus sports on TV.

56 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N (St. Petersburg)

Chill American haunt featuring creative burgers, hot dogs & lots of craft beer, plus sports on TV.

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Euro-inspired lounge with a speakeasy vibe crafting unique cocktails to go with casual bar bites.

1564 Main St (Sarasota)

Euro-inspired lounge with a speakeasy vibe crafting unique cocktails to go with casual bar bites.

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Contemporary American cuisine with international flavors served alongside wines in a trendy setting.

3130 Fruitville Commons Blvd (Sarasota)

Contemporary American cuisine with international flavors served alongside wines in a trendy setting.

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The Hub Bar

Nightlife

Laid-back 1940s-vintage bar attracts a diverse clientele with strong drinks & an acclaimed jukebox.

719 N Franklin St (Tampa)

Laid-back 1940s-vintage bar attracts a diverse clientele with strong drinks & an acclaimed jukebox.

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Brewster’s

Nightlife

20 beer taps including many local brews plus elevated bar fare in a comfy space with sports on TVs.

1454 Main St (Sarasota)

20 beer taps including many local brews plus elevated bar fare in a comfy space with sports on TVs.

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Bar serving craft cocktails, beer & snacks on a hip hotel rooftop with couches & skyline views.

1207 S Howard Ave (Tampa)

Bar serving craft cocktails, beer & snacks on a hip hotel rooftop with couches & skyline views.

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Shamrock Pub

Nightlife

Guinness, Irish cider & American craft beers in a cozy bar with music & a red telephone booth.

2257 Ringling Blvd (Sarasota)

Guinness, Irish cider & American craft beers in a cozy bar with music & a red telephone booth.

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Wine-by-the-glass or -bottle spot with a relaxing atmosphere featuring self-service pours, beer on tap and live music.

11724 N Dale Mabry Hwy (Tampa)

Wine-by-the-glass or -bottle spot with a relaxing atmosphere featuring self-service pours, beer on tap and live music.

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Sleek wine bar serving cheese & cured meats, flatbreads & small plates in sleek digs with a garden.

2506 S MacDill Ave (Tampa)

Sleek wine bar serving cheese & cured meats, flatbreads & small plates in sleek digs with a garden.

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Semi-upscale chain for classic Italian fare served family-style in a relaxed, polished space.

203 Westshore Plaza (Tampa)

Semi-upscale chain for classic Italian fare served family-style in a relaxed, polished space.

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Jekyll

Nightlife

Trendy bar in Hyde Park Village whipping up White Rabbits and other cocktails, plus eats.

705 S Oregon Ave (Tampa)

Trendy bar in Hyde Park Village whipping up White Rabbits and other cocktails, plus eats.

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Hattricks

Nightlife

Set in a historic building, this hockey-themed sports bar joins comfort food, beer & game-watching.

107 S Franklin St (Tampa)

Set in a historic building, this hockey-themed sports bar joins comfort food, beer & game-watching.

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Cozy wine bar featuring a rotating list of high-end wines by the glass, plus snacks.

3225 S MacDill Ave #125 (Tampa)

Cozy wine bar featuring a rotating list of high-end wines by the glass, plus snacks.

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Laid-back bar known for friendly service and karaoke, plus beer and cocktails.

320 12th St W

Laid-back bar known for friendly service and karaoke, plus beer and cocktails.

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Small-batch brewery and taproom with games and activities, plus regular food trucks.

1215 Mango Ave (Sarasota)

Small-batch brewery and taproom with games and activities, plus regular food trucks.

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Old-school watering hole with local craft brews & handmade pizza, plus TVs, games & outdoor seating.

450 12th St W

Old-school watering hole with local craft brews & handmade pizza, plus TVs, games & outdoor seating.

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Casual wine bar and shop showcasing over 400 varieties alongside monthly tastings of wines by the glass.

8111 Lakewood Main St j105 (Lakewood Ranch)

Casual wine bar and shop showcasing over 400 varieties alongside monthly tastings of wines by the glass.

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