
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. 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
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. 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, draft beer taps are cold, and sandwiches are built fresh at this laid-back hangout.
Where: 157 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131
6. Sweet Liberty, Miami Beach
If we’re talking about Miami bars, how can we not mention this Miami Beach staple? 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, including East and West Coast oysters.
Where: 237 20th St suite b, Miami Beach, FL 33139
7. Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, Miami 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
8. 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
9. Medium Cool, Miami Beach
Giving off a ’70s feel with an illuminated bar, bronzed surfaces, glass ceiling and a disco ball, this retro-themed lounge in the basement of the Gale Hotel offers live jazz and creative cocktails with a happy hour running daily from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: 1690 Collins Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139
10. Tropezón, Miami 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 humid Miami evenings.
Where: 512 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139
11. Night Swim Rooftop Bar, Downtown Miami
Drop by this new poolside paradise atop the citizenM World Center Hotel to enjoy uninterrupted Biscayne Bay views, crafty cocktails and a daily happy hour while sunbathing. Happy hour takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. except for Sundays, when it runs from 12 p.m. to close, and stuff your face with a classic charcuterie board, black truffle tequeños and tuna tartare tacos.
Where: 700 NE 2nd Ave 11th Floor, Miami, FL 33132
12. 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
13. 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
14. The Cleat, Key Biscayne
If you’re craving the feeling of sand between your toes with a perfect mojito in hand, then head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and find the secluded No Name Harbor to reach this incredible oceanside bar! Expect proper views of the Bay, beach-style chairs for lounging, live music and, of course, tasty seafood and cocktails.
Where: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
15. 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
16. Better Days, Brickell
Known for one of the best happy hours in Brickell (and well as unhinged karaoke and hilariously naughty bingo), this watering hole is the ultimate spot for locals seeking laid-back vibes and DJs keeping the vibes in high gear. From 5 to 8 p.m. daily, you can enjoy $6 Premium Wells, $5 drafts or the $10 Cocktail of the Menu if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
Where: 75 SE 6th St, Miami, FL 33131
17. 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
18. 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.
Where: 2217 NW Miami Ct Third Floor, Miami, FL 33127
19. 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
20. 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 decor and rich woods.
Where: 698 NE 1st Ave Suite 172, Miami, FL 33132