This lively downtown St Petersburg night club, located on the second floor of the popular Yard of Ale features three balconies, laser lights, video screens and lots of energy. Hip-Hop, Electronic, Techno, Mash-up, Pop/Top 40 tunes typically draw patrons onto the vibrant dance floor into the wee hours. Open Thursday - Saturday 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. nightly specials are offered. The focus on Fridays and Saturdays is electronic dance and house music. A special VIP area promises a reprieve from the crowd and is an excellent option if you yearn for a little "elbow room." It's one of the most popular dance venues in town.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's one of the area's best nightclubs and draws locals and visitors alike.
Michelle's expert tip: On Fridays, they run a $100 bottle special on Stoli, the first bottle only.
Three Irishmen got together and a nighttime sensation was born! You don't have to be Irish to go to MacDinton's Pub, but you'll feel right at home if you are. You'll find DJs, live bands and some solo acts seven nights a week in this lively pub. Good Irish grub, with a twist, and drink specialties every night are a bonus. A huge stage showcases entertainers, while an ample dance floor beckons. Located in downtown St. Petersburg, in the same complex as Jannus Live, it's fun year-round, but celebrating St. Patrick's Day here is a "must."
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's a good place to have fun, and live a true Irish experience, if only for a few hours.
Michelle's expert tip: Specials are featured every night!
Clearwater's popular Shepard's Beach Resort is the scene of this popular nightspot one of the few dance clubs in the area. You can boogey into the late night with topnotch live bands and versatile DJs, exclusive VIP booths and two bustling levels all with a sweeping view of the Gulf. A dazzling lightshow and state-of-the-art sound system add to the allure. Bartenders and staff are super attentive. While you're there, check out Shepard's Tiki Bar for frosty drinks, non-stop music and dancing. It's the perfect complement to the Wave and adds a fun dimension to the "party" experience.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's a favorite and one of the few beach dance clubs in the area.
Michelle's expert tip: While you're there, check out the Tiki Bar for yet more fun.
What started as the Havana Room (where patrons could enjoy cigars from the area's large selection) in the late 1990s, has morphed into a vintage lounge, known to locals simply as "Ruby's," one of the few venues in the area showcasing live music seven days a week. The vibe is retro with a feeling of 40s and 50s chic with classic drinks such as the Old Fashioned and dim lighting paving the way for top-notch jazz, blues and soul with an occasional appearance by an eclectic band. Many patrons appreciate the added draw of being able to access the cigar bar while they're there.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's a throw-back to the past with warm memories, good music and a great atmosphere.
Michelle's expert tip: Don't be surprised to find some cigar-smoking patrons while you're there. It did start, after all as a cigar bar!
Tucked beneath the popular Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant in downtown St Petersburg and opened in 2016, Ché is one of the newest addition to the city's "hot" nightspots. The underground lounge highlights live music and local bands with a definite Latin flair five nights per week. Dimly lit by the soft glow of hanging red lights, the new club showcases Flamenco dancing and Spanish guitar music along with a full roster of designer cocktails, craft beers and other refreshing drinks. The cocktail menu is a sensation and boasts a variety of Latin favorites while highlighting both history with a tropical flair. The vibe here is sophisticated and chic.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's the newest kid on the block and the vibe is definitely "Old World"
Michelle's expert tip: For a new take on an old favorite, try the Old Cuban, a re-imagined mojito made with five-year-old Brugal Anejo rum.
Touted as "the only country bar" in downtown St Petersburg, One Night Stand is indeed a novelty - as is their motto: "The best one-night stand you'll ever have." The mechanical bull named "Moustache" is sure to give you the ride of your life, while the music will get your country soul stirring and the group-line dancing will let you kick up your cowboy boots with a definite Western flair. After all, where else in St Pete would you find a place like this? Even if you're not a true fan of country music, One Night Stand offers a diverse and entertaining option for a night out.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's definitely unique, the drinks are varied and the price is right.
Michelle's expert tip: You should try out a ride on the mechanical bull. The bull "attendant" will be sure to adjust it to your riding level.
Since 2012 this classy "dive" bar dishes up a hip, laid-back vibe which enhances the already pleasing touches such as upscale cocktail choices, craft beers and guaranteed music, both live and DJ hosted. Patrons rave about the "underground entertainment," which is culled from around the world adding yet one more reason to go and kick up your heels when you happen to be in the "Burg." It's small, lending credence to the adage that "all good things come in small packages." Service is good, the staff is friendly and the music and drinks flow till 3 a.m. Just think of it as a raucous good time!
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's known as a "hidden gem" and bartenders make a "mean cocktail."
Michelle's expert tip: Be sure to try their delicious seasonal and specialty drinks.
Located in downtown Dunedin, his popular nightclub has been drawing party-goers for the past decade. Tucked into a building with a long history of bars and nightclubs, this is a show bar offering myriad entertainment options with indoor or outdoor seating. You'll find a host of activities such as Drag queen bingo, burlesque shows and karaoke along with a great mix of live music and more. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. for happy hour, they close at 2 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on weekends, allowing plenty of time to party. The rich drink menu features an ample slate of cocktails, sure to quench every thirst.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's a lively place offering a mix of entertainment, live music and a host of creative cocktails.
Michelle's expert tip: For added fun, be sure to check out their weekly drag show on Friday nights.
Drawing its name from its former status as an amateur boxing center in downtown St Pete, Ringside Café is tucked into a historic 1912 building. Today this American classic dishes up eclectic blues-rock, funk, reggae and pop music drawn from the Bay Area and beyond all from the perch of a large stage. The unusual décor showcases simple pleasures with boxing photos lining the walls and a large two-level space where you can kick back, grab a drink and a snack, or simply dance the night away. Bartenders are friendly and drinks are reasonable and tasty.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Location, location, location. Where else can you swing to musical favorites in such a historic setting!
Michelle's expert tip: Friday and Saturday nights draw the big crowds and sometimes there's a small cover charge, but there are great nightly drink specials and happy hour runs until 8 p.m. daily.
One of the newest premier night clubs to open in the Tampa Bay area, this high energy Las Vegas-style club and event space opened in April 2017 with a luxurious vibe along with high-quality audio and high-end bottle service. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. it is open for private events during the week. VIP hosts, who happen to be trained mixologists will tempt you with a variety of craft cocktails such as the Post Melone, made with tequila, watermelon, lime, agave, cilantro and a blend of lemon vodka, coconut rum, coconut water and lime. Choose between the VIP bottle menu or ask to have your bottle of specially created craft cocktails. They throw the best party on both sides of the Bay so be sure not to miss it.
Recommended for Dance Clubs because: It's one of the "hottest" spots in town, and is the best party on both sides of the Bay.
Michelle's expert tip: For something more "toned down," choose from a selection of frozen drinks served from the innovative frozen drink machine sitting behind the bar.