Excellent drink spot in downtown Tampa. Make reservations or get there early to sit at the bar. Amazing speakeasy vibes.

Gin Joint is a very intimate, niche restaurant offering gin-based cocktails, small plates & frequent live jazz. The menu is very thoughtfully crafted with a load of mouthwatering dishes that you will not find anywhere else. The shrimp bisque is to die for. read more

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Not the biggest fan from my last visit, but still a super cool place to check out. I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars. Just to set the scene, I was here with 14 other ladies for a girl's night on a Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Let's break this down between the pros and the cons and see where we end up. CONS: Gin Fizz - I didn't like my drink. I got a Gin Fizz and was super excited because, hello, we were at a Gin Joint. It ended up being mediocre - it tasted watered down. I wouldn't get it again. Lobster Baked Potato - I also didn't like my meal. The baked potato was tasteless and dry and the lobster was overcooked. I rarely send a meal back, but at $27 I expected better, much better. Randomly, a friend also ordered this dish and loved hers, so maybe mine was a fluke. I should have let them remake it to see, but at this point I was just sad about my meal. My other friend got the portabella mushroom fries and thought they were lacking seasoning and the dip tasted just like mayonnaise. She was also disappointed in her dish. Another friend ordered a vegetarian pasta plate since they were out of risotto and said it was just meh. Overall nobody seemed that impressed with their food so I don't think I was a complete outlier. Waiter - our waiter was both a pro and a con. He was super attentive at the beginning, but after we got our meals he disappeared. It took a while for me to flag him down to tell him I didn't like mine. After I sent it back he never refilled my water and when he brought the check he put it on the table and pushed it hard to slide it over to me instead of handing it. I'm probably reading too much into it, but I felt like his attitude changed. He did take the meal off the bill, but since I only took a couple of bites I would have been shocked if he didn't do that. Bathroom - The bathroom is outside the restaurant and is ugly. It's like you step out of this magical experience every time you need to use it. Nothing they can do about it, but I just thought it was something worth noting. PROS: Atmosphere - This place is beautiful. The live singer and pianist were fantastic and everyone was dressed to impress. They have an array of different chandeliers, which is gorgeous. I'm a huge fan of the decor and ambiance. Drink choices - If you are a gin lover, this is really the place to be. They have a huge selection and a helpful map to explain the taste variety of the different types of gin. After writing out these pros and cons I decided on three stars because I didn't like the food or drink, but honestly the atmosphere is so amazing that I would come back (hence not giving it two stars). I'm hoping the meal was a fluke. Valet is $10. I couldn't find that in any reviews so I'm adding it myself. They take credit card, which is awesome. read more

I came here for a birthday dinner on a Tuesday night. It was pretty busy for a Tuesday. When you walk in the art gives me eyes wide shut vibes lol but in a good way. Definitely a speakeasy feel. Since it was a Tuesday night there wasn't any live entertainment but it was good for a date night or a group setting to hear yourself talk. For my entree, I got the Brussels sprouts without bacon and the lobster Mac and cheese. They both tasted great and worth ordering. We also brought a cake and they charged us a $10 cake fee each. I kind of wish they would have let us know that before we brought it. So if you have a cake don't bring it ;-) better off ordering the birthday person a dessert off the menu! read more

CW's Gin Joint - Brussels - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I sat at the bar and had a glass of wine along with the short ribs and bananas foster. The short ribs were perfectly tender and the bananas foster was delicious. The bartender Kai had a wonderful warm personality and was a great conversationalist! I will have to come back on a night with the live band. read more

CW's Gin Joint - Short Ribs - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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All that I can say is WOW! This restaurant provides such an amazingly unique experience to their guests. We loved it! We made a reservation maybe a month or 2 in advance to celebrate my birthday. We reserved the high top table. We entered and it felt like we stopped back in time. We loved the speakeasy vibe of this restaurant. There was piano music playing, beautiful chandeliers and art work everywhere. Mood lighting was perfect. We were then greeted by our waiter. He was AMAZING! He was very attentive, funny, and knowledgeable about the menu. He helped to make our experience that much more amazing. Our drinks were so smooth and delicious. I ordered 2 gin cocktails and a scotch cocktail. The drinks were top tier. I would visit again just for the drinks. No need for a reservation if you just want to visit the bar. We then ordered an appetizer and dinner. We ordered the pork belly appetizer with tarp chips and aioli dipping sauce. Wow! We were blown away by how good this was. The pork belly was tender in the middle and was perfectly crispy on the bottom. The tarp chips with aioli were very crisp and had a unique taste. We loved it. I ordered the duck confit. Oh my... this was up there in terms of being some of the best duck I've ever had. The skin was somewhat crispy and the inside was incredibly tender. My husband ordered the short rib. I had a bite and that was super tender and well braised. Both our meals just melted in our mouths like butter. We HIGHLY recommend this place. We decided to go on a Saturday night so that we could enjoy the live band. That definitely added to this amazing experience. read more

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ridiculous prices. got a caesar salad with chicken and the chicken was $19. the salad was $15... how is the chicken going to be worth more than the salad when the chicken was only 3 PIECES. 3 small pieces of chicken for $19 on top of a $15 salad is so unethical read more

Came here twice during a recent stay in Tampa, and I must say I'm impressed by the service and drinks they have here. Although I didn't catch any live music when I was there, I could see that it definitely has potential in this area as well. It has a speakeasy/jazz club vibe. Every cocktail that we tried was excellent, we had the westerways, champagne 75, a penicillin, an aviation and some martinis. They also have an excellent spirits selection (a very strong whiskey collection). We also had the food, and the food was excellent as well. From the portabello mushroom sandwich to our short rib and they're cubano they were all excellent. The flourless chocolate torte was decadent as well. They also had some excellent gulf and north atlantic oysters. The prices were reasonable. The doorman was hilarious (the gentleman with a short beard I didn't catch his name but he had dad jokes for days). Our servers were attentive. It was all good. The only gripe I have about this place was that I wanted a Ramos Gin Fizz as a cocktail, but the bartender said they don't do this cocktail there. I was curious as to why, since this is a gin cocktail and this was a gin bar... He said that he told the owners he doesn't do this cocktail because he doesn't have 8 minutes to spare to make a cocktail, I was a bit sad, but the way he said it was pretty hilarious so I wasn't mad about it. I think if I came back and came during maybe a quieter time, I'd try to order this again. I had a good time here. read more

Great Location Great Vibes Live Music sets the mood Great Food & Drinks Also Not to mention Service and Personnel read more

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If I could do an extra star, I would! Go. Just go. If you are looking for swanky...think elegant...think fancy flash to the past. The restaurant is an experience. From the check-in outside of the door to the grand two door entrance. It's all about a little pomp and circumstance. Customer service is amazing!! The wait staff are attentive. There is live music from Thursday-Sunday. The drink menu is extensive, and the food is so fresh. I had eggplant fries, and I don't love eggplant, but I was tempted to order two. I hear the fried mushrooms are yummy too. I ordered the bread plate. The bread was fresh. I wouldn't necessarily order it again, but it was good. Overall, it was a great dining experience. If you're looking for classy, it's top notch! read more

CW's Gin Joint - Lighting and Menus - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I've been here only a few times I'm not sure why not more. What's behind those unsuspecting doors from outside is beauty in disguise. This restaurant has a very chill speakeasy vibe though it's not a speakeasy. The food selections are great and the drinks are amazing! I do enjoy a good gin floral drink and they have plenty. The environment is classic old school fancy and dressy attire. I would scan the menu online first before coming here. There's a it going on. It has always been a pleasure for me so far. read more

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Classic supper club vibe, the overall decor and chandeliers were on point ....even better was the live music with a duo singing/playing a little bit of everything and a small area that became a dance floor! This place was packed on Saturday night and the bartenders were truly incredible, with as many tabs they had to keep track of and a tally of drink orders to remember. The 3Cars mezcal cocktail was awesome! The food looked wonderful...next time will come earlier to give it a try. read more

This place is bougie in a good way. If you have never been to a very fancy bar and you would like to go to one, this is the place for you. The dim lighting, the decor, the whole atmosphere is different than your usual drinking place. It has a high class vibe with speakeasy sprinkled in. It is very pretty inside. They have a door man that checks your ID and then a small little walk way before you go up the stairs and into the bar. Depending on which night you go, all the tables could be booked but they have a huge long bar with multiple stools/chairs. The bartenders are very knowledgable and will make you custom drinks depending on what you tell them you like. Most of the time, starting the conversation off with "What's your Spirit?" They are semi pricey but taste great! This would be a great place for celebrations, Backelorette/Bachelor parties, Business drinks etc. read more

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Best French 75 I've ever had. Short rib plate was incredible, every single item on my plate was perfection. Atmosphere is lovely and the decor just kept my eyes moving around taking in all of the little details. Every single bartender was attentive andfriendly. I will absolutely make a point to come back here the next time I am in Tampa. 10/10 recommend. read more

CW's Gin Joint - Unique decor/ purse holder - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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First time here. Very cool, hip, trendy bar that fits the Tampa crowd. Low lighting, incredible decor with the staff dressed in theme complete the vibe making it a fun place to hang. Prices aren't crazy either. I don't drink gin. The server offered recommendations for everyone at the table and they were all amazing. Can't even tell you what I had or what it was called but told him I drink old fashions and he said he had me covered. He sure did cause it was amazing. Others got something called the last word (which most men never get at home) and they all loved it. All drinks tasted amazing. Had several appetizers and none of them disappointed. The octopus was soooooo on point. The one knock I have was the young man at the host stand. We are all in our 40s and aren't young kids. One friend had an empty solo cup in her hand when we checked in. In a rude tone he said you can't bring that in and told her the garbage can was outside. The cans about 30 feet from the door. I know cause I used it. He spoke to her like an ass really. The door man saved the day. Instead of making one of us walk outside he spoke up and took it to throw it away. It was a very nice and polite gesture. If the kid had been a bit nicer about it, it wouldn't even have been an issue. I'm chalking it up to him being young and not knowing any better but recommend he learn some manners. Kudos to the door guy and the rest of the staff. They were great. read more

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I was in town for a work meeting, and I went to CW's Gin Joint for dinner with a coworker. It was in the perfect location and walking distance from my hotel. We took a nice walk by the River and stopped by the restaurant for a meal. I didn't have much expectations, but I was blown away. The décor was phenomenal, except the bathroom was outside of the restaurant and in a bright hallway which killed a mood a bit. The waiter was attentive and nice. I asked for his recommendations because I'm always so indecisive. I decided to go with the pasta and it was delicious. He mentioned that the pasta was homemade, and that sold me. I didn't want a heavy pasta dish before bed, and it was the perfect portion. I did feel like it was slightly creamier and saltier than I'd have hoped. read more

CW's Gin Joint - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Wow. Reminds me of an exclusive lounge one would find in NY. Brick walls. Dim lighting. Chandeliers, eclectic art work. Grown and sexy! Dress to impress. Live music. Food menu. The angeled eggs are sooo good. The enclave salad was different and tasty. The cocktails were creative and delicous. The ambiance is beyond perfect for intimate dates or a group hang out. Will be back. read more

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After visiting the bar area before, this was our first visit for dinner. It is such a great experience, it was so nice to just relax and enjoy our drinks over dinner. The food menu was surprisingly vast. They had something for everyone and the short ribs was amazing a MUST try! The Brussel sprouts were also a good choice, they had honey which was a yummy addition read more

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It was our first time visiting and we've been wanting to stop by for a while now! After enjoying a show at tampa theater we decided to give it a try. We went on a Thursday around 10pm and it was actually pretty crowded. We had to stand for about an hour until some bar seating opened up, which was not a problem. They had an awesome piano-singing duo and they were fabulous! I thought the interior was beautiful. It's very dark and romantic with some nice chandeliers. Their menu is very large and they have every gin imaginable. My biggest problem was the service and the people who visited that night. The bartenders all seemed very irritated, and I get it the service industry is rough, but they really took it out on everyone. There were very obnoxious people sitting at the bar. Very loud and very drunk people. The bartenders did not cut anyone off, which one person was so intoxicated they started saying "f-you" to every single person, slurring really bad, and falling off her stool. The staff still served her. That is extremely wrong and as a bartender you need to know when to stop serving people. It was not an enjoyable atmosphere. My next problem was my drink. I ordered a Very dirty gin martini and I asked the bartender to please suggest the best gin to use for a dirty martini. I understand martinis are strong, but not only did he give me a very very perfumey floral gin, it was way too much gin, Not enough vermouth, and there was not enough olive juice. It was actually one of the worst martinis I've had. It was not a good gin at all. I wish I would've just asked for my normal gin and not asked for his opinion, so that's my fault. Overall, I honestly wish we would've maybe tried a reservation for sit down to have dinner. I've heard the food is very fancy and great for a date night. But I did not enjoy this place. I'm not sure I'd recommend it on a busy night like Thursday-Sunday. It has a very sophisticated decor style, but the people made it more like college bar night. Normally I've heard they won't let you in if you're not dressed appropriately, but a lot of girls were wearing leggings and crop tops and drunkenly falling over. It was just a mess and honestly a shame because it could've been a classier place. read more

CW's Gin Joint - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I came here Saturday night for my bday. I was told we didn't need reservations if we were just getting drinks at the bar...wrong. We were put on a waiting list and they called us after about an hour and a half for "standing room only". That was the first thing that upset me was that we waited so long and when we were finally able to go in; it was only to stand there were no seats left at the bar. It also upset me because we didn't have an option to wait for a table. There were like 6 tables inside that were empty that we would've wanted to reserve instead of standing. I didn't like seeing tables available when we wanted to sit, so I think they should remove the tables or let us buy our drinks at the bar and then sit at a table if staffing was an issue. Overall, the menu was good, the drinks were yummy, the live music was great...I honestly loved the ambiance inside, but unfortunately since the 5 of us (in heels) didn't have an option to sit, we left after 1 drink. I saw other people eating and the food looked and smelled great. I'd love to come back but only if I am guaranteed a table or a seat at the bar. Nobody wants to be crowded standing by the bar. read more

So much fun! Valet parking out front. Absolutely a great spot to have a drink or some delicious dinner. The atmosphere is perfectly on point. From the music to the tasty gin drinks to the art & decor. Cozy comfy tables & chairs. Food was full of flavor.enjoyed the braised short ribs and the eggplant fries. Yum! If you are near, worth checking out. read more

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Pretty cool "speakeasy" vibe. The pork chop was unbelievable- drinks were pretty solid.

Every single thing was perfect! The service is impeccable. The bartenders specifically were very friendly and made the perfect cocktails. They are super knowledgeable and it showed. The oysters were amazing. The fish and grits were a cut above. The decor was so beautiful and compelling--the chandeliers were an elegant touch. This establishment is well worth the price. Treat yourself and have a nice meal and/or cocktail here. read more

You enter the place and instantly get speakeasy vibes with posh, modern, moody decor. The bartenders are very well versed and can easily tell you what to try based on what you want. The drinks were delicious and the espresso martini is borderline dangerous. Having one and you'll want another immediately after. Highly recommend this place for avid cocktail drinkers. read more

CW's Gin Joint - Espresso martini and egg white cocktail. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Got violently ill after eating their raw oysters, came out both ends for 2 days, with fever. I would avoid this place.

This place was absolutley breathtaking, once you are finally allowed inside. We had a reservation for 2 sections. Due to the large crowd behind us, folks on our reservation were not allowed in and it was raining outside. There was plenty of space. I actually took pictures of the empty couches for the people outside in the rain to show the bouncers and the bouncers still did not let them in. We finally all got inside and I ordered a dirty martini with blue cheese stuffed follows. I'm not sure what I was served but returned it and ordered the Citrus gin and tonic, which was fabulous. The next drink was an old fashioned, which again was fabulous. Drinks are pricey at $13 to begin with but you are literally sitting in one of the prettiest spots in Tampa. So dress to impress have your wallet ready and your patience in hand when going to the Gin Joint. read more

CW's Gin Joint - The Citeus $13 DO NOT ORDER A DIRTY MARTINI. Stick with the only liquid they know...gin. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Favorite bar in Tampa. Cool vibe, great collection of different alcohols and extremely well crafted cocktails. My favorites were the espresso martini and the French 75. This spot really goes the extra mile, like when chilling the glasses with fresh ice before pouring the drink in. The food is also delicious. Highly recommend this bar. read more

CW's Gin Joint - Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Great drinks right in the heart of downtown Tampa - And very close to the river walk. The drinks and food were terrific. The service was excellent. The ambiance was a vibe! It reminded me of the 1920s with dark glam - dark mood lighting, chandeliers, and eclectic furniture/art adorning all the walls. Not pictured: we also got the Cuban which was delicious. Overall, I will definitely visit again if I am in Tampa. read more

CW's Gin Joint - French 75 (right) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This is a restaurant where you want to dress nice and be prepared to enjoy your environment. First impression: suited doormen who open the doors and greet you as you step inside. The artwork on the walls are bold and interesting, perfect for pictures. There is a huge bar only separated from the dining tables by a row of low couch seating which are used for large group dining. This makes for a more open dining vs intimate date romantic leaning vibe. Thurs-Sat is live music. Weekend is a band so more noisy. Not overbearing but definitely more noise. The food both times i've bern have been good. I only gave 4 stars because they don't strictly enforce the dress code. I've seen shorts, caps and casual wear. And, they only allow 2 hrs for the table. So if you're with friends or even alone and want to enjoy the music with after-dinner drinks you're rushed to leave so they can prepare for their next diners. They'll tell you to go to the bar which is standing room only and crowded. Unless you're prepared to eat and leave within 2 hrs this will be a let down at the end of what could have been an amazing evening. read more

The food was amazing! Especially the banana's foster dessert. The bartender was very knowledgeable and talked about how the company sends him all over to taste whisky for the restaurant. He made me a random drink that wasn't on the menu and it was phenomenal read more

The ambiance here is top of the line. The music is great! You truly feel like you're in a studio with the live music; the musicians are incredible. The service is also top tier, Joey was extremely patient and offered incredibly, thoughtful suggestions as we were experiencing some indecisiveness while selecting our meal. Lastly the food was amazing! I would personally recommended the Lobster potato, the shrimp bisque and any drink. Tasty drinks! Great food! Amazing atmosphere! Exceptional service! 10/10 10/10 recommended ;) read more

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Great ambiance as soon as you step inside. The staff is pleasant & knowledgable about the place's owner/history & menu. Amazing drinks with fresh ingredients, I had the Paloma...twice lol & the lobster mac is total comfort food! read more

CW's Gin Joint - Lobster macaroni & cheese - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I love this place! Went here for a friend's birthday dinner a couple months ago. The decor will have you staring around the room because of the art pieces all around the walls. There are countless beautiful chandeliers, and the vibes are fancy-spooky (in my opinion) because of the red and dark lighting. Everything is a 10/10 for me! We had such a great time. Will return again! read more

CW's Gin Joint - Cocktails to die for - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Love this place! The best Bartenders, unique drinks and fabulous menu items. Definitely try the fried artichoke!

We stopped here prior to going to a show at the Straz theater. The ambiance is on point for sure. I absolutely loved the feel of this place. Having already eaten not long before, we only ordered the eggplant fries, short rib dinner and one glass of wine. The portions were rather small but everything tasted great. I found it to be a bit overpriced at $85 for just those three items. We sat at the bar as they told us upon entering that all seats were reserved. I found it quite interesting that no one ever occupied the plethora of empty tables during the 90 minutes that we were there. However I must provide the Bartender with a solid "10". I'm sorry that I didn't catch his name. Despite some of the negatives, I would give it another try. read more

Excellent venue. It's beautiful inside, a gorgeous, dimly lit room with an eye catching bar area, a fabulous piano, a romantic ambience, intimate seating for groups or couples and a beautiful entry way. When you arrive you're met by wonderful staff, who open doors, great you and direct you where to go. This place is really an experience. Sound, taste and smells. We were served drinks at the bar by a lovely, cheerful bartender from a northern England, I'm terrible with names, but he was so attentive. This was my second time here and I really enjoyed it. The first time was in a tour setting for a birthday around 9 pm, this time it was with my girlfriend and her husband around 7 pm for wine at the bar. Her husband had bananas foster, which we were told is one of their best selling desserts. It was quiet around 7 pm, but it filled up rapidly the first time I went around 9pm. I suggest making reservations for weekend evenings. I can't wait to come back for a special occasion. You can really dress up at this place, it's grand in every way. read more

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This place was really fun, set like a 1950s atmosphere. The food was incredible. If you like the traditional drink, you need to specify that you don't want them to add their flare and twist to it. read more

Great low key spot. Drinks are expensive and it's usually standing room only at the bar unless you're lucky. Make sure to get a reservation. It's a classier bar read more

Been a while since last visit, but remains high on my Tampa list. Sexy as F for night out w lover, or if married and on date night. For me, it is solo in sexy place. Jazz, dim lights, great lighting and atmosphere. Service usually on the spot. Tonight, senor Jonathan served me a good cocktail and a rum nitecap. read more

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I recently visited Gin Joint for the second time. I ordered the grilled octopus, pasta and lobster Mac and cheese. All foods were delicious! We loved the live piano music in the bar. I will be coming back again! read more

CW's Gin Joint - Dinner - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida