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Staple Downtown Tampa Bar Permanently Closes Overnight

Author Jen Glorioso

This is a sad day for Downtown Tampa. The staple of the Tampa cocktail scene, Fly Bar, has permanently closed. It’s still unclear why the iconic bar and restaurant has closed it’s doors. The closure seemed to have happened fast and under the radar. According to Creative Loafing, they have been moving furniture out of the restaurant for the past couple of days. You also won’t be able to find their website or social media for an explanation, as they have all been deleted.

Fly Bar originally opened in 2006, and essentially taught Tampa the trends of cocktails. They had hip and trendy drinks on their menu way before it became popular. And they also introduced elevated tapas-style appetizers and small plates before it became a thing. Fly Bar was also known to have some of the best happy hour deals in the Tampa Bay area.

Creative Loafing also points out that Fly Bar had a change of locations back in 2018. When they moved from it’s original location on Franklin St to Kennedy Blvd. If you never got the chance to say goodbye to the staple downtown bar, head to Hotel Bar (not a hotel and not a bar inside a hotel), just across the street from the Downtown Hilton. The owners of Fly Bar still own that spot and you’ll be able to find the same expert craft in their cocktails as you did at Fly Bar.

[Source: Creative Loafing]

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

The Best 7 Margaritas You Can Find In The Tampa Bay Area

Updated February 2024

Ahh margaritas, the perfect drink for any day in Florida. Ever wondered where you can get the best margaritas in Tampa? Pretty much any restaurant you go to will have one on the menu. Because the drink is so universally loved and pretty versatile, they won’t be hard to come by. But where can you find the BEST? Well, we’re here to help you.

The margarita is made up of 3 simple ingredients: tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Some places will opt-in to add simple syrup to make their drink a little more sweeter. It’s also the drinker’s choice if they want a salt or sugar rim on their drink. This is the kind of margarita that you can find basically anywhere. Our list includes the places that take their recipe above and beyond. Whether that means using an infused tequila, playing with different flavors, or serving it uniquely.

We went to Yelp.com to see if our favorites made their list. A few were in the top 10, so we added some of our own personal favorites that Yelp didn’t include. If you find yourself searching for “best margaritas near me,” look no further! Our list also features places on both sides of the bridge. From Seminole Heights and South Tampa to Downtown St. Pete, this is our guide to the best margaritas.

One honorable mention that didn’t make our list is Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar. If you’re ever at International Plaza in Tampa, be sure to try their Jalapeño margarita made with Tanteo Infused Tequila. If you’re not a fan of spicy, try the Black Diamond instead.

Think we missed out on a place? Let us know on social media!

Here are the best 7 margaritas you can find in the Tampa Bay area

  • JOTORO Kitchen + Tequila Bar

    Head to Sparkman Wharf for some great tacos and tequila! JOTORO Kitchen + Tequila Bar has some of the best margaritas in town. The Spicy Watermelon margarita is our favorite, or try the Pretty Boy if you’re feeling fancy. Can’t choose? You can always try their margarita flight.

  • Miguelitos Taqueria Y Tequilas

    Miguelitos Taqueria Y Tequilas is the best place in Tampa for any tequila drink. They are known to serve their tequila on tap so you know it’s going to be that perfect cold temperature.

  • Lona Tampa

    Tampa’s hottest new restaurants is perfect for tequila lovers. The menu, curated by Chef Richard Sandoval and Chef Pablo Salas, showcases a fusion of regional Mexican cuisines, featuring an array of bold and authentic flavors. They offer 207 tequila’s and 40 mezcal options! Be sure to try the Mercado Margarita. It’s made with tanteo jalapeño, lemon, agave, passion fruit, and hibiscus-rosemary foam.

  • Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

    It’s right there in the name. Head to Davis Island for your pick of all kinds of margaritas. They have a whole page on their menu dedicated to just different recipes. Be sure to try the French Margarita or Strawberry Mango & Champagne Margarita made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, strawberry, and mango puree, topped with champagne.

  • Besitos

    Besitos has some of the best Margaritas in the Tampa Bay area. Our favorite is “The Other Woman” made with Altos Reposado Tequila, Citrus fruit Infused Liquor 43, House made Chipotle Syrup, Fresh Squeezed Lime. Served with sugar or Salt Rim. Plus, they have all day happy hour on Monday with $7 margs all day long!

  • Nueva Cantina

    Nueva Cantina in St. Pete is a great spot for affordable margaritas and tacos! On Wednesdays they have $4 house margaritas and $12 pitchers! If you’re a fan of spicy, try the “Caliente Picante” made of Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, fresh lemon sour, jalapeño, and mango purée.

  • M.Bird

    Tampa’s best rooftop bar is the place to go for some amazing craft cocktails. You can get their classic marg with any of these added flavors: Blackberry, Coconut, Passionfruit, Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, or Strawberry. Or venture outside of the box and try their “LA CAZADORA” made of 400 Conejos (mezcal), blackberry mure, Italicus Bergamotto, agave, lime, pineapple, and champagne.

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Author Jen Glorioso
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