For locals and travelers alike, finding a place to drink in Miami isn’t the hard part — it’s narrowing down the best options to choose from that’s tough. With a bar scene like no other, the Magic City is officially home to three of the top 50 bars in North America, according to hundreds of drink experts with The World’s 50 Best.
Sponsored by Perrier, this inaugural list of the best establishments across the continent was unveiled during a New York award ceremony on June 7. It is mainly dominated by bars in New York, Mexico City, and Toronto while Miami was well represented.
Ranking high at No.6 is beloved Calle Ocho staple Café La Trova.
It even received a second recognition as The Best Bar in South USA, a list sponsored by Rémy Martin. So keep that in mind the next time you’re in Little Havana.
Part bar, part restaurant, and part music venue, it’s like taking a time machine to 20th-century Cuba through savory handcrafted cocktails and classic decor. It is famously the home of “La Chancleta,” a classic mix of cachaça, ginger-honey syrup, and lime juice served on a wooden sandal. Now don’t worry, this is one chancleta you shouldn’t be afraid of. You can also sip on a Hemingway Special (rum, maraschino, grapefruit, and lime juice), a Hotel Nacional (pineapple rum, apricot liqueur, pineapple, and lime juice), and a simple mojito criollo (rum, lime, sugar, mint, and soda water).
In a statement, La Trova’s co-owner and master cantinero Julio Cabrera said: “This amazing recognition in the inaugural North America 50 Best Bars list means so much to us. It is not just recognition for our hard work; it is recognition for everything we represent: the Miami cocktail community, the authentic Cantinero style, and the Latin immigrant community who come to this country to follow their dreams.”
Where: 971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
Coming in at the No.14 spot is Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company.
This South Beach neighborhood bar boasts an endless collection of spirits, at nearly 1,000 bottles! From a bubbly section to a variety of cocktails and a martini menu, there’s truly something for everyone. Try their “Golden Sunset” (Martini Fiero, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, sweet white vermouth, soda, and Prosecco) or their famed piña colada (rum, pineapple, coconut cream, coffee beans, and a Pedro Ximenez float). Cheers!
Where: 237 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tropical backyard oasis Broken Shaker stands at No.32.
It’s no surprise it’s on this list. Located on the grounds of the Freehand Hotel by the pool terrace, you’ll feel like you’re on the perfect Miami Beach getaway. It is touted for its “Shaker-Hopper” (gin, creme de cacao, creme de menthe, and coconut milk foam), but other highlights on its colorful drink roster include “Thai-Thai Baby” (tequila, manzanilla, cucumber-Thai basil syrup, citrus, and absinthe), “Ricky Goes To Philly” (vodka, Martini & Rossi Fiero, floral syrup, citrus, and watermelon-flavored Perrier), and even punch bowls big enough for your entire group to share!
Where: 2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140