Roxy’s Rooftop West Palm Beach: Why People Keep Coming Back to Clematis Street

Roxy’s Rooftop West Palm Beach: Why People Keep Coming Back to Clematis Street

If you’ve lived in West Palm Beach for more than a week, you’ve probably ended up at 309 Clematis Street. It’s basically a local law. But there’s a massive difference between the dark, wood-paneled Irish pub on the ground floor and the neon-lit, open-air energy of Roxy’s Rooftop West Palm Beach.

Honestly, it’s a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde situation. Downstairs is for wings, Guinness, and yelling at the Buffalo Bills game. Upstairs? That’s where the party actually lives.

The Vibe Shift on the Third Floor

Walking up those stairs—or taking the elevator if you’re feeling lazy—changes everything. You go from a traditional pub vibe to a sprawling deck that feels like a cross between a Vegas lounge and a tropical backyard. It’s loud. It’s breezy. It’s exactly what people want when they talk about Florida nightlife.

The rooftop is officially known as "Top of the Rox," and it just went through a pretty staggering $17.4 million renovation. We’re talking about a 100-foot rooftop pool, private cabanas, and a VIP lounge area. This wasn't just a fresh coat of paint. It was a complete identity overhaul aimed at a more "mature" crowd. They even set a minimum entry age of 25 for certain areas during peak times to keep things from getting too rowdy, though the main pub stays 21+.

What Most People Get Wrong About the Roxy's Experience

A lot of visitors think Roxy’s is just another nightclub. It isn't.

Because it’s been around since 1933 (yeah, it survived Prohibition), it has this weirdly deep soul. Most "cool" rooftops feel like they were built yesterday by a corporate conglomerate. Roxy’s feels like it grew out of the sidewalk.

People also worry about the dress code. Don't stress too much. While the new "Top of the Rox" pool area wants you to look "upscale casual," the general rooftop area is pretty forgiving. You’ll see guys in button-downs and jeans next to girls in cocktail dresses. Just don't show up looking like you just rolled out of a swamp, and you’ll be fine.

The Food: More Than Just "Bar Grub"

You might expect frozen mozzarella sticks. You’d be wrong.

The menu here is surprisingly legit. The wood-grilled chicken wings are the local legend, but the rooftop crowd usually leans toward the wood-fired pizzas or the Mahi sandwich.

  • The Margherita Pizza: Thin crust, fresh basil, simple.
  • The Wings: Get them "Roxy Style." Just trust me.
  • Late Night: They serve food until 1:00 AM, which is a lifesaver when most of downtown shuts down their kitchens.

Why the Sunday Brunch is a Total Zoo

If you want a quiet, reflective Sunday morning, do not go to Roxy’s Rooftop West Palm Beach.

Sundays are for the "Unlimited Mimosas" crowd. It starts around noon and quickly turns into a high-energy dance party. There’s usually a DJ, the sun is beating down, and the mimosas are flowing. It’s iconic, but it’s definitely high-octane. If you’re looking for a chill spot to read a book, go to the waterfront park instead.

Pro Tips for Your First Visit

Parking on Clematis Street is a nightmare. Period.

Don't even try to find a spot on the street unless you have the luck of a lottery winner. Use the Evernia Street Garage or the Banyan Street Garage. They’re a short walk away and much cheaper than the "convenience" of circling the block for 20 minutes.

Also, if you're coming for a specific event—like the St. Patrick’s Day block party or a Super Bowl watch party—get there early. Like, two hours earlier than you think you need to. Roxy’s is the epicenter for these things, and the 300 block of Clematis gets packed fast.

Happy Hour Reality Check

Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM is the sweet spot. You get $1 off drinks and $5 appetizers. It’s not the steepest discount in town, but considering the view and the atmosphere, it’s a solid deal. The "WPB Tech Happy Hour" also meets here on the third Tuesday of every month, so if you're looking to network without the stuffy suits, that's the time to show up.

The Long View

Roxy’s isn't trying to be the fanciest place in Palm Beach. It’s not The Breakers. It’s a place where history meets a 100-foot pool. It’s where you go to see the skyline, catch a breeze, and remember why you moved to Florida in the first place.

Whether you're there for the history, the booze, or the new pool deck, it remains the anchor of Clematis Street. It’s survived 90 years of changes, and with the new renovations, it looks like it’s set for another 90.

Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check the weather before you head out; the rooftop is mostly open-air, and a Florida afternoon rain can clear the deck in seconds. If you're planning on using the pool or cabanas, call ahead to verify the current "Top of the Rox" reservation policy, as these spots fill up weeks in advance for weekend slots.