In a downtown that’s getting busier by the day, it can be difficult for hidden gems to stay hidden. However, after a recent visit deep inside the bowels of the boat, we discovered downtown St. Pete’s best-kept secret: The Ship’s Hold.

Snuggled in next door to The Galley, the unassuming entrance to The Ship’s Hold is all that stands between the public and one of the best craft cocktail programs anywhere in the Tampa Bay Area. The nautical and island-themed bar showcases the largest rum and amaro collections in Central Florida, giving its expert team of bartenders plenty to work with as they concoct incredibly unique, creative, and delicious cocktails.

And it’s that expert team who drive the bar’s appeal, combining their passion and ingenuity with a wide range of spirits and full creative freedom supported by ownership. Led by Joey Frasco, an award-winning bartender, The Ship’s Hold has a team of only four bartenders that run the show all week every week, as Rob Camera, Bita Gorgzadeh and Brian Fuller round out the team. Each brings something distinctive to the table, and the small crew ensures they meet their own high standards.

As one would imagine, the cocktail list runs heavy on tiki (though plenty of modern standards are available, as well), and the emphasis is on true, original tiki – spirit forward, handcrafted creations. However, within those classics-inspired drinks are the extra touches you won’t find many other places, and at least a few you definitely won’t find anywhere; the Marble Rye Manhattan comes to mind, using Averna that has been infused with a homemade marble rye bread.

Craft cocktails unlike any other

At any given time, The Ship’s Hold has 8-12 different house-made shrubs, infusions and syrups going at once, being used in cocktails such as the Harlem Hemingway (made with Rob’s grapefruit oleo saccharum), the Fire and Brimstone (made with Bita’s cherry Thai basil cordial), the Sage Against the Machine (made with Brian’s pineapple gastrique) or the popular Sneak Attack Swizzle, which gets Joey’s housemade falernum.

Or go for the M-My Chareauna made with Gochujang honey and smoked Campari salt. Whatever you do, just keep your eyebrows at a safe distance – several of these drinks come lit on fire, and every one is a piece of art in its own right.

However, despite the excellently curated list, Frasco says the most popular order at the bar is “make me something.” As it turns out, that’s exactly what the bartenders want. The staff are able to pull from their deep well of knowledge to ask guests about their palates and create a drink (or suggest rum or amari pours) that will be perfect for them.

“We’re able to mold cocktails to our clientele,” Frasco said. “We tailor the experience to the individual guest.”

High-end drinks in a casual atmosphere

Of course, it should be made clear – while the drinks are high end, the atmosphere remains entirely laid back. With the dim lighting, wood walls, and nautical décor, it’s easy to imagine you’re inside the hold of an actual ship, sipping on rum and leaving all stress or worry behind. In fact, The Ship’s Hold has developed a particular following among fellow hospitality industry workers – people who appreciate good drinks and a relaxing bar in equal measure.

Being able to kick back after a long day is much of the appeal, and the bar certainly caters to the beer-and-a-shot crowd who just want to take the edge off. The experience at The Ship’s Hold is whatever you want to make it – a highly spirited choose your own adventure.

“You can come get $3 Natty Light and $5 shot of fernet, or you can get an $18 Manhattan that you can’t get anywhere else in the world,” Frasco said. “It’s a place where like-minded people can come and not deal with the same stuff they dealt with at work all day.”

The space itself was designed and constructed by co-owner Ian Taylor, who in addition to specializing professionally in bar design and build outs, is a U.S. Navy veteran – the man certainly knows a thing or two about the merits of a cold drink after a long day.

Conveniently, The Ship’s Hold shares a kitchen with The Galley next door, which means hot food is available every night (and for brunch on Sundays), making it the perfect holiday cocktail lounge this time of year. The Ship’s Hold is located at 37 4th Street North and is open seven days a week. Visit Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 pm – 3 am, Thursday from 7 pm – 3 am, and Sunday from 12 pm – 3 am.

See the full cocktail list and food menu (and learn a few things about rum, too) at theshipshold.com.