The historic Loews Don CeSar Hotel has opened The Rowe Bar, named after the developer of the hotel, Thomas Rowe. This modern bar concept features a variety craft cocktails that pay homage to both the history of mixed masterpieces and to the "Jazz Age" beginnings of the Pink Palace.

The Rowe Bar is quite unlike any other bar on St. Pete Beach. It is both refined and casual, quiet and vibrant. Its decor is reminiscent of a luxurious cottage. Fire pits are set along a raised deck providing stunning views of the Gulf sunset. LED lights within a fireplace on the outdoor patio level illuminate the covered patio area.

The space can comfortably seat 200 people and features lounge couches, small dining tables and a community table for large groups. The Rowe Bar is open to the public and unlike most bar concepts on the beach, family-friendly.

Their drink menu features several handcrafted ades. Choose from a fresh squeezed lemon, lime or orange juice base and add the syrup of your choice: raspberry, almond, black tea, salted watermelon, hibiscus black pepper and spicy ginger.

The Loews Don CeSar retained expert mixologist Eben Klemm to assist in the creation of The Rowe Bar's cocktail program. Klemm studied biology at Cornell and began bartending soon after graduating. His science background and fascination with cocktail culture combined to make him one of the premier mixologists in the world. He is the author of The Cocktail Primer: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Drink. So what can you expect?

Several takes on the traditional julep. Varieties included Gin (Hendrick's St. Germain, grapefruit, arugula), Bourbon (blueberry infused Buffalo Trace, mint, black tea) and Tequila (Corazon Blanco, chartreuse, bell pepper, cilantro).

A cocktail list that infuses the tropical vibes of one of the top 5 beaches in America with the legacy of premier speakeasies. Popular choices include the Anytime Ricky (Beefeater Gin, Aquavit, orange marmalade, lime) and the Angels on Toast (St. Pete Vodka, kiwi, Sauvignon blanc, lime).

The Rowe Bar, much like the Sea Porch and Maritana Grill, is a true stand alone concept that remains synergistic with the atmosphere of The Don. The Rowe Bar is where you go to enjoy a conversation, to indulge in local flavors like never before, to unwind and escape the wild energy of the beach. What was once a mirage is now a living, breathing sanctuary at the Pink Palace.

Loews Don CeSar's new concept will also cater to groups. The Rowe Bar offers communal punches (serves 4-6 people). We decided on The Berry, which features Van Gogh Orange Vodka, spiced bitters, Naked Turtle Rum and sparkling wine. If only a beer will do they have brews from Cigar City, Cycle Brewing and St. Pete Brewing Company.

Those looking to get a foodie fix can indulge in small plates such as oysters (Fanny Bay, Little Skookum, Blue Point, Pemaquid), peel and eat pinks, black mussels, crab cake sliders and ceviche. 

What you won't find at The Rowe Bar are blenders. The term "handcrafted" isn't just a trendy label here. They crush all the ice and mix every drink by hand.

The Rowe Bar is open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-1am and Friday and Saturday from 11am-2am. For non-guests, parking is available for $10 for up to 3 hours. Loews Don CeSar, 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. 

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