PHOTOS Beacon is Tampa’s tallest rooftop bar, and the views are breathtaking

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (510 Water St) just announced the upcoming grand opening of Beacon, a rooftop lounge that will elevate Tampa Water Street’s nightlife scene to new heights. Perched on the JW Marriott’s 27th floor, Beacon will become Tampa’s highest (and second highest in Florida) public rooftop cocktail and dining destination, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the shimmering waterfront. Reservations officially open to the public next week.

Seriously, we caught cotton candy clouds while enjoying bao buns and fig tartine and we can’t fathom a better dining experience. Every square inch of this space is thoughtfully decorated. There’s small bar area with cozy green couches to relax on. There’s a large bar area with a cocktail station fixed with a blooming canopy at its center, and an expansive outdoor terrace with cozy seating and unrivaled views. We’re obsessed.

Beacon’s debut marks a momentous milestone for the luxurious property, which initially opened its doors in December 2020. 

“Beacon represents the culmination of our commitment to providing extraordinary experiences for locals and visitors alike,” said Ron McAnaugh, General Manager at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. “We are excited to unveil this captivating rooftop lounge, where visitors will be able to soak in the energy of Tampa’s buzzing Water Street neighborhood from above.”

Beacon rooftop bar elevates Tampa’s bar scene

Visitors to Beacon will enjoy an array of well-curated offerings, featuring seasonal flavors and local ingredients. Expertly crafted by Sous Chef Roy Bryant and an award-winning mixology team, Beacon’s delicious dishes and craft cocktails will be as elevated and memorable as the views. Guest favorite cocktails will include the Zalamero, concocted by Don Fulano Reposado Tequila and Galliano Espresso liqueur, and The Rising Sun, featuring notes of sesame and yuzu intertwined with roku Japanese gin and pineapple.

Patrons will also enjoy an extensive food selection, including house-baked tartines topped with crème fraiche, caviar, and smoked salmon, or glimpse their artisanal charcuterie selections being prepared in the exposition kitchen along the north side of the main bar.

What we tried during out visit:

• Pineapple basil tepache (zero abv): pineapple juice, basil infused agave, fever tree ginger beer
• Zalamero: don fulano reposado tequila, lime, cinnamon Galliano espresso liquer, pineapple foam
• Steamed buns: pork belly, pickled daikon, carrots, hoisin vinaigrette, and Thai chili
• Fig & Pig Tartine: goat cheese, fig, iberico chorizo, Marcona almond
• Shrimp Figueroa: beech mushroom, fava beans, herbs
• Meyer Lemon Tiramisu: Mascarpone mousse, roasted hazelnut praline, cuban coffee cinnamon

Elegant design on the 27th floor

Curated in partnership with internationally renowned interior design firm AvroKO, the space exudes a captivating fusion of elegance and vibrant energy that captures the spirit of Tampa. The new lounge will open daily from 5pm until late and has four unique spaces, including a lush and shaded terrace overlooking Tampa Bay. On non-event nights, guest parking will be validated for up to three hours at the hotel’s valet parking.

Beacon joins the property’s other esteemed culinary outlets, which include:

• Driftlight Steakhouse: A menu that boasts fine aged steaks and locally sourced ocean-to-table cuisine in an upscale atmosphere.
• SiX: Chef-crafted specialties in a modern American Bistro with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the rooftop pool and the bayfront.
• TURNTABLE: A popular grab-and-go eatery serving a rotating selection of Tampa’s food and drink scene every season from its street window.

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