Celebrate Tampa For 813 Day With These Local Specials

This Saturday, August 13 is our ode to Tampa. It's the calendar day that matches the Greater Tampa Bay area code: 8-1-3. Sparkman Wharf is leading the 813 Day celebrations with some awesome $8.13 specials and more!

Like Gasparilla, 813 Day is an excuse to party all day long, minus the pirate costumes and boat parade. Even local Tampa businesses are participating in Tampa's special day. On top of the celebrations happening this year, Sparkman Wharf is incorporating the popular TAMPA sign to raise funds for the local non-profit Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. 

The TAMPA sign has become an iconic photo op. This year Sparkman Wharf place chalkboards over the sign with the prompt "I love Tampa Because..." and is allowing anyone to write their own personal message on why Tampa is the best city. Sparkman Wharf will donate $5 (up to $1,000) for every photo taken in front of the Sparkman Wharf TAMPA sign and posted on social media from August 8 – August 13. The famous TAMPA sign is decorated in "813's" to mark the occasion. To enter:

Head to Sparkman Wharf for all the 813 Day festivities. The party is going to kick off with live music by local bands from 3-5 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.. A variety of $8.13 specials are being offered from various Sparkman Wharf retailers. Here's what you can get:

The party doesn't stop at Sparkman Wharf, other 813 Day celebrations happening around Downtown as well. Splitsville will offer bowling specials throughout the week leading up to National Bowling Day on August 13. Head to Tampa hot spot American Social one (1) free drink and all-you-can-eat pretzel bites, sliders, and spinach and artichoke dip for $15. Park & Rec Tampa is capping off 813 Day with drink specials including, $8 Ketel One, Don Julio, Captain Morgan, Crown drinks, and $4 Jai Alai drafts on 8/13 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

What's the best recipe for a perfect date night? Good company, great cocktails, delicious food and gorgeous views. There are plenty of upscale restaurants in Tampa Bay that are definitely worth trying, but rooftop bars are taking over our city and for good reason. What's a better way to end a romantic evening with one of Florida's iconic sunsets over the bay area? Whether you're trying to impress your significant other or just trying to treat yourself, take in the breathtaking city views or beach sunsets at these rooftop bars. Be aware that some of these spots are known for upscale dining, so don't try to walk in after a day at the beach.

Because the amazing views expand all over the bay, we arranged our list in two categories: Tampa rooftop bars and St. Pete/Clearwater rooftop bars. This way you can plan you perfect date night without having to travel all around town.

Did your favorite make the list?

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1.) SiX at JW Marriott
SiX is one of the newest editions to downtown Tampa. Experience an elevated bistro on the sixth floor of the all-new JW Marriott Tampa. You can find intoxicating views of downtown Tampa while enjoying a lovely outdoor ambiance and chef-crafted specialties. It sounds super fancy, but the dress code on the website says casual wear is okay.

2.) M.Bird at Armature Works
Armature Works has quickly become a favorite Tampa hot spot since opening in 2018. The newest edition to the food hall is the rooftop bar M.Bird, which offers waterfront views of Tampa’s ever-growing cityscape. Rain or shine, you can enjoy M.Bird's strong and fruity cocktails under their covered patio. Head there on a Friday night and dance the night away with a dj set starting at 9 p.m.

3.) Sal Y Mar
Located in the quickly developing Midtown Tampa, Sal Y Mar features fine dining Latin cuisine, 4,900 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, and 360-degree views of the Tampa, Westshore, and St. Petersburg skylines. Head up to the 7th floor of the Dual branded Aloft and  Element hotel to take in the newest Tampa edition. Note that this spot requires a smart casual or business casual dress code. No street wear or sportswear permitted.

4.) Luna Lounge at Bulla
Set in the heart of the trendy Soho and Hyde Park neighborhood, Bulla Gastrobar Tampa has an electrifying atmosphere and is a great addition to Tampa's restaurants. Head there for brunch, lunch, happy hour or dinner. Located on the fifth level of the Morrison building in Tampa’s south Howard corridor.

5.) Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge 
Across from the iconic Bern's restaurants is The Epicurean Hotel, head to the top floor to experience the Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge. Indulge in crafted cocktails using the freshest fruits, herbs and spices and small plates that feature a European twist. Open till 1 a.m. on the weekends, this is a perfect spot to take your date for a night cap while enjoying the vibrant mood.

1.) The Canopy at the Birchwood
When we think of rooftop bars in St. Pete the iconic Canopy is the first that comes to mind. Known for their signature Frosé and private canopy areas, this is the perfect spot to relax on a summer day. Note they do not allow reservations for the rooftop and all seating is first come-first served.

2.) Pier Teaki
One of St. Pete's newest additions. Perched high above Tampa on the new and improved St. Pete Pier is Pier Teaki, an upscale tiki bar with panoramic views of the bay. Seriously, it is highly recommended that you catch a sunset here at least once!

3.) Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge
From signature cocktails to stunning sunset views, Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the place to be on St. Pete Beach. Jump into a vacation state of mind at this rooftop bar with gorgeous views of the Gulf Of Mexico. Located on the 11th floor of the Bellwether Beach Resort (formerly the Grand Plaza Hotel) in St. Pete Beach. Also, be aware that Level 11 does not accept reservations. Above the open-air rooftop bar you also find Spinners Rooftop Grille, the only revolving restaurant in the Tampa Bay area.

4.) Vantage Rooftop Bar
Chill out in a climate-controlled rooftop retreat and unwind in style. This rooftop hideaway features artisan cocktails, local craft beers and tapas to share. Located on the 12th floor of the Karol Hotel in Clearwater beach.

5.) Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar
Located at the iconic Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, this rooftop Dunedin bar brings cocktails to new heights. Hi-Fi is a mix of modern resort vibes with a Florida twist. It's the best spot to catch a post-beach drink and watch the sunset.

6.) Rusty Lyon
If you like bourbon and bar bites, this is the spot for you. Opened in Fall 2018, Rusty Lyon is located right in downtown Dunedin. This is by far the most casual rooftop spot you can find in the city. Although it's not known for the best sunset views, you should still stop in for $3 happy hour deals or check out their weekly specials.