Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind, to embark on a happy hour crawl or to simply meet with friends in a lively setting, Miami is home to an array of different bars. Offering everything from live music to small bites, in addition to refreshing cocktails, we’ve catered to every taste. So without further ado, here are some of the best bars in Miami you should visit.
1. Dante’s HiFi, Wynwood
First on this list is Dante’s HiFi, the city’s first vinyl listening bar. Inspired by Japanese kissas, visitors can expect authentic, HiFi musical experiences from globally-recognized artists while enjoying a great cocktail. The soulful space will please any music enthusiast with its state-of-the-art sound system and extensive wall of records from resident Music Director Rich Medina’s personal collection.
Where: 519 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
2. Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, South Beach
Hidden in the basement of the historic Stiles Hotel on Collins, this intimate speakeasy is known for late night imbibing, soul-infused DJ sets, and out-of-the-box beverages – especially of the rum variety. In fact, it boasts upwards of 150 rums!
Where: 1120 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
3. Fox’s Lounge, South Miami
Lovingly restored since its opening in 1946, Fox’s has been a South Miami staple for its great food and stiff drinks. It is dubbed Miami’s darkest bar and takes pride in being a secret hideaway, nestled in plain view on US1. Inside, you’ll find classics like heavily poured Martinis with a sidecar on ice, Manhattans done right, and a wide selection of beer, wine and bubbles.
Where: 6030 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143
4. Broken Shaker, Miami Beach
This is the perfect spot if you’re looking to relax by the pool with a margarita in hand. Broken Shaker, a sun-soaked bar housed at the Freehand Hotel, serves up ever-changing cocktails, punchbowls to share with friends and a bar bites menu with everything from tacos to burgers.
Where: 2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140
5. The Commodore, Coconut Grove
Nestled within the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, The Commodore features both a regal indoor bar and lounge, a tropically-lush covered patio, a compelling cocktail list of classics and new innovations, and a bites menu to pair. It’s also the perfect bar to enjoy live music, with performances every Friday and Saturday night.
Where: 3300 SW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33133
6. Bar Kaiju, Little River
A hidden gem on the second floor of The Citadel, this drinking den names its one-of-a-kind concoctions after monsters from around the world like Godzilla and Chupacabra. The word Kaiju itself translates to “strange beast” in Japanese. Each cocktail flavor takes inspiration from the monster itself, the geographical area it “resides in” and the cultures that created it.
Where: 8300 NE 2nd Ave 2nd floor, Miami, FL 33138
7. Lost Boy Dry Goods, Downtown Miami
Believe it or not, this beloved neighborhood bar was once a jean store before co-owners Chris Hudnall and Randy Alonso combined their love for a good English pub with the feel of an old Captain’s tavern to open Lost Boy Dry Goods. Cocktails are straightforward classics, draught beer taps are cold, and sandwiches are built fresh at this laid-back hangout.
Where: 157 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131
8. Tropezón, South Beach
This Andalusian-inspired gin and tapas bar located in the hidden corridors of Espanola Way is perfect for delicious cocktails. Inspired by the Spanish village saloons where old men play afternoon cards and women converse over Sherry, the bar features an array of house-infused gins and classic cocktails that are perfect answers to interrupting the humid, Miami evenings.
Where: 512 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139
9. JohnMartin’s, Coral Gables
Sitting along Miracle Mile, this iconic Irish pub was founded in 1989 and recently reopened under the leadership of industry veterans Emi Guerra and Alex Mantecon of Breakwater Hospitality Group, who are continuing its legacy. The bar not only offers a curated selection of Irish whiskey, craft beer and other spirits, but dishes range from Shepherd’s pie and fish and chips to Guinness glazed meatballs and ribeye steak.
Where: 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
10. Café La Trova, Calle Ocho
Inspired by traditional Cuban Trova music, Café La Trova has received multiple awards as one of the best cocktail bars across the nation as well as worldwide. Culinary team Julio Cabrera and Michelle Bernstein join forces to offer guests classic and creative drinks (and an unbeatable happy hour), Latin food and live music daily.
Where: 971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
11. Don’s 5 Star Dive Bar, MiMo
Step back into a bygone era at this dark watering hole inside the Selina Gold Dust. An ode to Miami’s most famous Dons of the ’70s and ’80s, enjoy creative cocktails like Don’t F*ck with Don Shula, made with mezcal, Campari and vermouth; and the King of Carpets with Skyy citrus, ginger beer and blackberry.
Where: 7700 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138
12. Over Under, Downtown Miami
Over Under has all it needs to be the perfect modern American bar and kitchen. In this relaxed and friendly — yet eclectic — atmosphere, have a taste of the burgers and fish dip off their menu. But most importantly, don’t skip out on any of their frozen drinks, like a frozen Paloma or a frozen Irish coffee (that they claim they ripped off from New Orleans).
Where: 151 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131
13. Casa Tiki, Calle Ocho
It wouldn’t be a bar roundup without a tiki bar! This Polynesian-style establishment located in the heart of Calle Ocho serves craft cocktails, a daily happy hour and weekly events like comedy shows, salsa classes, live music, trivia nights, karaoke and even burlesque shows!
Where: 1728 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
14. Sweet Liberty, Miami Beach
If we’re talking about Miami bars, how can we not mention Miami Beach staple Sweet Liberty? With a spirits list of 1,000 different bottles alone, there’s so much to choose from! They also host fun events like drag brunches and live performances, and offer the happiest of happy hours with East Coast oysters for only 95¢ and West Coast oysters for $1.95.
Where: 237 20th St suite b, Miami Beach, FL 33139
15. The Gibson Room, Coral Way
This cozy neighborhood tavern is a good spot for locals to meet, mingle, grab a bite and cocktail, and listen to some of the best music in town. The dimly lit ambiance is a plus for the perfect date night or a night out with friends. They often feature a robust roster of nightly entertainment like live music and vinyl nights.
Where: 2224 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145
16. Higher Ground, Wynwood
One of our favorite rooftop hangouts, Higher Ground is nestled on the third floor of Wynwood’s Arlo hotel. Set in a lush, foliage-framed courtyard with indoor and outdoor seating, the bar features plenty of tropical cocktails for which to enjoy against the beautiful backdrop. Signatures include the refreshing Above The Canopy and a more ceremonial Theobrama Cacao cocktails.
Where: 2217 NW Miami Ct Third Floor, Miami, FL 33127
17. El Vecino, Downtown Miami
Sometimes you just want a drink, but other times you want a drink while relaxing with a good smoke. Like its name, El Vecino resides next to French-focused spot Brasserie Laurel, and it is a must for those looking for a chic lounge to enjoy a cocktail or wine with a cigar. The 1,600-square-foot space is the cigar bar of your dreams with velvet and leather set against the warm glow of amber-hued lighting, vintage décor and rich woods.
Where: 698 NE 1st Ave Suite 172, Miami, FL 33132
18. Tipsy Flamingo, Downtown Miami
Music and neon pinks fill the air of this Miami-themed cocktail bar every night. Its menu pays homage to the city, with the Tipsy Colada cocktail (rum, coffee, vanilla syrup, salted caramel) served with a cafetera. Paselito lovers can also sip on the My English is Not Very Good Looking, which features gin, guava marmalade, lime juice, cream cheese foam and Galleta Maria crumbs.
Where: 40 NE 1st Ave #101, Miami, FL 33132