The Birchwood
The Experience
Some places in St. Pete are destinations. The Birchwood is three destinations stacked on top of each other. This Beach Drive landmark began life in 1924 as the Lantern Lane Apartments, a Spanish Mission-style building that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After a thoughtful renovation that added two floors while preserving the building's historic character, it reopened as a boutique inn, restaurant, and rooftop bar that has become one of the most recognizable addresses in downtown St. Petersburg. On the ground floor, Birch & Vine restaurant takes a seasonal, globally inspired approach to its menu, blending technique and creativity with ingredients that reflect what is fresh and available. The dining room faces Beach Drive with views across to the waterfront, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between polished and approachable. But it is The Canopy, the rooftop bar and lounge, that has made The Birchwood a St. Pete icon. Perched atop the building with unobstructed views of Tampa Bay and the city skyline, it is the kind of place where a craft cocktail — the famous Frosé among them — tastes even better when paired with a Gulf Coast sunset. The boutique inn upstairs offers a small number of individually designed guest rooms for visitors who want to wake up in the heart of it all. From a sunrise coffee to a midnight cocktail, The Birchwood offers one of the most complete experiences on Beach Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Canopy at The Birchwood? expand_more
The Canopy is a rooftop bar and lounge atop The Birchwood with unobstructed views of Tampa Bay and the St. Petersburg skyline. It is one of the most popular sunset spots in downtown St. Pete, known for craft cocktails including the famous Frosé.
Where is The Birchwood? expand_more
The Birchwood is at 340 Beach Drive NE in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, facing the waterfront and Vinoy Marina.
Is The Birchwood a hotel or a restaurant? expand_more
It is both — and more. The Birchwood is a boutique inn with individually designed guest rooms, home to Birch & Vine restaurant on the ground floor, and The Canopy rooftop bar on top. It is a complete destination.
Is The Birchwood a historic building? expand_more
Yes. Originally built in 1924 as the Lantern Lane Apartments in Spanish Mission style, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated with the addition of two floors while preserving its historic character.
Do I need a reservation for The Canopy rooftop? expand_more
The Canopy can get busy, especially around sunset. Arriving early or checking availability in advance is recommended, particularly on weekends.
More in the Area
Rococo Steak
A reimagined American steakhouse in a historic 1920s brick building, pairing prime and dry-aged cuts with playful appetizers and a Wine Spectator award-winning list of over 1,000 labels.
La Segunda Bakery
A Tampa Bay institution since 1915, bringing four generations of authentic Cuban bread to St. Pete — each loaf still hand-scored with a palmetto leaf in a tradition nearly lost to time — alongside pressed Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and café con leche.
Parkshore Grill
The most awarded restaurant on Beach Drive, serving chef-driven modern American cuisine since 1996 with locally sourced ingredients, a celebrated wine list, and one of the best outdoor patios in Florida overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin.