Are you looking to explore some new, gothic haunts this fall? Then I’ve got you covered! Here in the Tampa Bay area we have 4 spooky and sinister bars that can fit whatever vibe you are looking for. Whether you’re looking for a classy vampire wine bar, dark and moody nightclub, or a lounge with non-alcoholic options, there’s something for every haunted soul to explore.

Dracula’s Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro

A favorite haunt of mine, Dracula’s Legacy is a locally-owned wine bar with locations in both St. Petersburg and Tampa, with the latter having opened up earlier this year.

Dracula’s Legacy offers a variety of wines from around the world, with an emphasis on traditional Romanian wines. My go-to order is almost always their Romanian Wine Flight, which includes a glass of their Feteasca Negara (red), Feteasca Regala (white), and a glass of rosé. These wines come from grape varieties native to the Republic of Moldova and Romania, and I’ve seen them please both wine connoisseurs and wine newbies alike!

As someone who loves all things vampire-related (thanks Buffy!) stepping into this Dracula themed bar makes me feel right at home with its floor to ceiling vampire decor. Bats and dark chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and you can check out their vampire hunting kit or sit upon Dracula’s dark throne for a photo op.

Another special feature of Dracula’s is its VIP program, which for a one-time fee of $100, gives customers their very own customizable Dracula’s Legacy wine glass that lives on their hanging wine rack, as well as a nice discount.

They have happy hour everyday from 4-6pm, and offer special wine tastings throughout the year. Dracula’s also shares a courtyard with The Ale and the Witch, where on Friday and Saturday nights you can catch live music.

Location: 111 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Hours: 

Monday – Thursday 4pm – 11pm

Friday – Saturday 2pm – 1am

Sunday – 2pm – 10pm

The Castle

The Castle is definitely one of the more unique spots in Tampa Bay, and has been an Ybor City staple since 1992. When it first opened its doors, The Castle aimed to provide a space for those who identified with the goth subculture to hangout. Now, it is a multilevel bar and nightclub that serves all sorts of dark delights. 

When I first walked through its doors, my inner emo kid squealed with joy, as the decor does NOT disappoint. Candelabras and rich, spooky paintings line the walls, chains are hanging from the ceilings, and everywhere you look just screams haunted castle. 

The Main Hall and Dungeon are where you’ll go to get your dancing on, while the Saloon, Tower, and courtyard provide more intimate settings to get a drink and escape the crowds. If you’re really looking for something different, they also host themed events such as Castle Cosplay Night and the Steampunk Ball, as well as the occasional cabaret and 80’s video nights. 

Enter if you dare…

Location: 9th Ave & 16th St. Ybor City, FL 

Hours: Friday-Saturday 10:30 pm – 3:00 am

Cover: $10 for 21+ and $12 for 18-20

SpookEasy Lounge

The SpookEasy Lounge is a newer spot in Ybor City that has quickly found a place in the hearts of locals. Located right down the street from The Castle, they offer a more relaxed space for people looking to hangout for a spell or two. Self-described as “the most haunted kava and botanical tea bar in the world” the SpookEasy Lounge offers a gothic atmosphere full of fun, spooky vibes. It is decorated like a classic horror film brought to life, and offers both food and drinks, including specialities such as The Vampire’s Kiss cocktail and Bone Daddy Burger.

The upstairs lounge is a non-alcoholic space, serving only kava, coffee, and botanical teas, but for those of you looking to imbibe spirits of the liquid variety, you can head to The Catacombs bar downstairs.

You can catch one of their Haunted Cabaret shows or participate in Scary-Karaoke, or if you’re up for an adventure, sign up for one of their ghost tours!

Location: 1909 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday 11am – 1am

Friday-Saturday 11am – 3am

Sesh

Now this last place is more restaurant than bar, but as St. Pete’s very own haunted brewery, I had to include it! 

Before this building became what we now know as Sesh, it was originally a family home. Numerous restaurants have filled the historic building since then, and a number of urban legends have taken root. Rumors of suspicious shadows, conversations being heard in empty rooms, and mysterious lip prints appearing on a mirror, are just a few of the reported sightings from both restaurant employees and locals alike. 

The eerie reputation of this building was even enough to draw the attention of local paranormal investigators, Spirits of St. Petersburg, who investigated the building during the pandemic. They used different devices to pick up any unexplainable energy, voices and movement, and came to the conclusion that there are multiple entities in the space. But don’t let that scare you off! Most of the spirits you will see here are of the liquid variety, and the team at Sesh has rolled out a number of specials just in time for spooky season! Check them out below:

SPINE-TINGLING COCKTAILS

• Basic Warlock – a pumpkin spice old fashioned
• Ghosted
• The Evil Eye
• Nightmare on 4th Street
• Vampire Kisses

MONSTROUS FOODS

• “Bat” Wings
• Spider Web
• Ghost Gang
• Cauldron Ramen with hot Cheeto-battered chicken

_{All images are from Sesh}

Location: 2221 4th St North St Petersburg, FL 33704

Hours: Hours vary throughout the week. Please check their website for the most up to date times. 

Have you been to any of these spooky bars in Tampa Bay? Let me know in the comments below!