Whether it’s 5 pm on a Tuesday or a Saturday night, sometimes, you just want to hang out at a bar with a couple of friends—and drinks. Fortunately, Miami is home to plenty of spots made for exactly that experience, with warm crowds, live music, and excellent cocktails. From lush tropical patios to swankier spaces with signature martinis, there’s a bevy of bars to check out when you’re looking to quench your thirst. Here are a dozen standouts.
Serena Rooftop (South Beach)
There’s something especially magical about enjoying drinks on a plush tropical rooftop — especially one with South Beach views. It’s easy to lose track of time between sips of delicious cocktails, such as the Rubio—mezcal, hibiscus rosemary, and lime—at this sophisticated spot perched atop The Moxy hotel. Pair your cocktail with a coastal Mexican fare, featuring a variety of ceviches, guacamole, and tacos and you’ve got a solid evening—or day-drinking—haven.
Casa Florida (Little Havana)
Tucked into a residential neighborhood, you’ll find this pink and teal tropical paradise. This spot is a nod to old Miami: it is, afterall, where the first licensed hotel in the city once stood. Interiors feature vintage accents and decor, including an old-school bus that doubles as a cozy seating area. The cocktails, such as the Canoe Club, made with mezcal, ginger serrano syrup, clarified lime, blackberry liqueur, and bitters are tropical and flavorful. If your group is large—and thirsty—opt for the massive Flamingo Rum Punch, fit for 20, perfumed with hibiscus and rose tea syrup.
Le Chick (Wynwood)
Wynwood seems to be on a growth spree, but in a neighborhood with a million things to do, Le Chick remains a reliable option. With both a killer happy hour (Monday to Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 pm) and an exciting late-night scene, the Insta-worthy patio, with neon signs and floral backdrops, is the drinking spot of choice the place in this trendy area. Enjoy the seasonal espresso martini or a classic frosé while feasting on one of the best burgers in town—the royale with cheese.
Broken Shaker Miami Beach (Miami Beach)
Broken Shaker delivers a laidback alfresco atmosphere, filled with delicious cocktails. Located in the courtyard of the Freehand Miami hotel, this award-winning concept by the Bar Lab team helped place Miami’s cocktail scene on the map. The drinks menu changes regularly, but you can always count on bold and beachy ingredients, such as banana liqueur and blue curacao.
American Social Brickell (Brickell)
Set on the Miami River, this Brickell bar, a popular post-work perch, is just as suitable for a Sunday funday—hello, bottomless mimosas—or game day. American Social features weekday happy hours from 4 to 7 pm, $7 burgers on Mondays, and all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesdays. Expect a lively crowd, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options.
Copper 29 (Coral Gables)
Right off Miracle Mile, you’ll find Copper 29, a place for cocktails, tapas, and dancing. Most nights of the week feature a DJ and dancing crowds. The cocktails have Miami-accented names such as the Palmetto Express, made with rum and coconut milk fat, washed with Thai chiles. Stop in on a Monday for all-day half-priced drinks, Wednesday, when ladies drink free from 7 to 10 pm, or bottomless mimosas and sangria on Sundays.
LPM Restaurant & Bar (Brickell)
For those searching for a glamorous lair, head to Brickell’s LPM. This French Mediterranean spot, with outposts around the globe, is known for its Tomatini, brightened with white balsamic vinegar and lemon, in addition to cocktails inspired by the Côte d’Azur—perfect accompaniments to posh plates such as fried zucchini flowers and escargot. The zinc bar is simple and sophisticated; it’s the type of place you’d want to be following a grueling day at the office when a stiff cocktail is calling your name.
Red Rooster Overtown (Overtown)
Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster made its way from Harlem to Overtown, serving up stellar American and Ethiopian plates. The celebrated restaurant offers a vibrant space where hip-hop, soul Afro beats, jazz, and even gospel music fill the air while guests drink around the indoor and patio bar areas. Popular cocktails include the Uptown, made with cognac, pisco, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, egg white, and soda and the Jitterbug Swing, gin-and-strawberry sherbet concoction, made for balmy summer nights.
Cervecería La Tropical (Wynwood)
While this spot, which opened in 2021, might be one of the newer breweries in Miami, it’s actually known for being the oldest in Cuba. Founded there in 1888, it was all the rage until it was shut down by Fidel Castro’s government, circa 1960. After years of research, a manager’s relative brought the brewery back to life in one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods. Here, you can opt for one of the many renowned brews along with a full list of cocktails, Caribbean-inspired bites, live music, and a gorgeous garden. The large stage outside often hosts local bands and singers, making this a spot where you meet for drinks, stay for dinner, then linger through the night.
Mamey on 3rd (Coral Gables)
Mamey on 3rd is a rooftop oasis that trots out island-inspired creations from James Beard-nominated chef, Niven Patel. As an extension of the restaurant Mamey Miami at the THēsis Hotel, it’s one of Coral Gables’s hidden gems—and the only rooftop hangout in the area. This is an ideal spot for casual drinks with friends, enhanced by string lights and umbrellas to shield you against the Miami heat. Take advantage of happy hour deals every day from 3 to 6 pm and nightly live music.
Mac’s Club Deuce (South Beach)
No Miami bar crawl is complete without a mention of this beloved, cash-only dive—a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain’s. Adorned with green and pink neon signs—souvenirs from its appearances on the hit TV series, Miami Vice—this is the city’s oldest bar. With a legendary happy hour that stretches from 8 am to 5 pm (yes, really), this Magic City haunt draws plenty of regulars, visitors, and celebrities.
Paradis Books & Bread (Aventura)
This experimental spot, opened by a group of New Yorkers with restaurant and retail backgrounds in 2021, is a charming bookstore, wine bar, and bakery hybrid. Sip on natural varietals while browsing through a curated selection of non-fiction, fiction, and poetry books. Pair the wine with snacks such as pickles, veggie spreads (often sourced from the urban garden out back), tinned fish, and, of course, breads—the team here has a penchant for all things sourdough. They’re also into giving back to their surroundings: Any tips left are directed towards community service efforts, spanning the gamut from ride shares to sanitary products.
Amber Love Bond is a Miami-based food + beverage writer who can typically be found somewhere delicious with her laptop in tow and a cocktail in hand. See what she’s sipping and follow her adventures on Instagram.
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