Armature Works is truly a do-all destination in Tampa. You can eat there, play there (literally, they have a giant chess board on their front lawn), work there, have a meeting there, heck even get married there. As if that list isn’t enough, Armature Works took it all one step further. You can now add “enjoy a drink at their new rooftop bar with a delightful view of downtown Tampa” there.
Yep. You read that correctly: rooftop bar.
Allow me to introduce you to M.Bird. This new rooftop bar is sitting pretty above Oak & Ola at Armature Works. It’s the rooftop bar that I didn’t even know Armature Works needed (but I’m sure glad they added). The name “M.Bird” was actually born from the Florida state bird: the mockingbird. It’s the perfect outdoor lounge addition. The timing couldn’t be any more perfect since the weather in Florida has been super stellar lately #patioweather. M.Bird is serving up all of the tropical mod-deco vibes and a menu full of crafted cocktails that will have you excited to boom-cheers with your friends.
Also, if you’re reading this post and wondering what the heck tropical mod-deco vibes are – think geometric chairs, pops of eclectic color, fun and work-well patterns, all tied together into a vision that makes you wish it was your full time lifestyle. That lifestyle can be yours at M.Bird.
Ben and I were invited out to preview M.Bird on Tuesday evening to check out the drink offerings before they opened their doors to the public. As we walked up the steps to get to M.Bird, I knew we were in for a treat. I had stalked their Instagram and any tagged photos I could find to get a feel for the space. While gram squares did this spot justice, I was still taken aback when we entered. The stripes. The chairs. The color. The wood. I was in awe. Choosing a spot for an Instagram photo was tough because I wanted to capture EVERY corner. Ben and I did our best and took multiple shots in multiple locations. With multiple cocktails. Obviously.
When it came to drinks, I had my sights set on M.Bird’s Afterthot (Reyka Vodka, Montenegro, Aperol, Lemon, Kiwi Compound, Prosecco) from the very beginning. I eagerly ordered it as my first cocktail to try. I was super into the bubbly nature of the drink and the sweet to tangy balance. Ben ordered up a I Left My Wallet at La Segunda (Smith & Cross Rum, Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Guava-Coconut Cream, Pineapple, Lemon, Orgeat). It came garnished with a tiny wafer and a sour Luxardo cherry. The guava-coconut creaminess was perfect. Ben was actually surprised at how much he enjoyed this drink.
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| L to R: the Afterthot, and the I Left My Wallet at La Segunda |
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| Shop pieces from my outfit here: http://liketk.it/2ALov |
Our second round included the West Denver Swizzle (Montelobos, Green Chile Vodka, Fernet Branca, Averna, Spicy Shrub, Lemon, Demerara) for me, and the Oobee Doo (Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Fino Sherry, St. George Spiced Pear, Pineapple, Lemon, Grenadine) for Ben. The spice of the West Denver Swizzle was ON POINT. Y’all know I love my spicy cocktails. While the Oobee Doo was a gorgeous colored cocktail, I’m not a whiskey lover. Ben on the other hand found a new menu favorite in this one.
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| The West Denver Swizzle |
After finishing my West Denver Swizzle, I was feeling pretty spicy myself. This light take on the Bloody Mary had a such a nice, unique flare to it – likely from the use of the Green Chili vodka. I was inclined to order another, but opted to try a new cocktail instead.
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| The Oobee Doo |
I closed out my night with the Daisy De Santiago (Leblon Cachaça, Yellow Chartreuse, Lime, Demerara, Seltzer). Part of the personal excitement for this drink was seeing that it included Chartreuse, which Eric Church mentions in his song Higher Wire. I know, I know it’s truly the little things.
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| The Daisy De Santiago |
This drink proved to be more than just a personal ode to my love for Eric Church though. The herbaceous vibes definitely came through in this seltzer refresher. Much like the Afterthot, I’d consider the Daisy De Santiago the kind of drink I would want to enjoy while lounging outside at a rooftop bar.
If you’re looking for the next great spot in Tampa to grab a drink – all signs point to M.Bird being it. They even offer small plate menu items as well in case you get hungry. The atmosphere, drinks, and views are hard to beat. Once you get a taste of the crafted cocktails and immerse yourself into the tropical mod-deco vibes that M.Bird is dishing out, you’ll wonder how Tampa went so long without a spot like this.
Useful information:
View the M.Bird website here.
M.Bird is located at 1903 Market Street, Tampa, FL 33602.
M.Bird is a 21+ bar.
Search M.Bird on socials with: #TheCrownedBird and #MBirdNights
Thanks so much to Armature Works and M.Bird for having us out! All opinions and good times expressed here are my own.
