Miami has seen a number of hidden hangouts lately, from a Prohibition Era-style speakeasy at the InterContinental to a velvet-y jazz lounge and wine bar tucked behind Wynwood’s Mad Butcher shop. The latest nondescript local to pop up in the city, serving up fine spirits, cocktails and a few light bites, is Santa Diabla in Miami Lakes.
Tucked behind the neighborhood favorite, Chela’s Cocteleria, Santa Diabla is an elevated social club where “stories begin and dreams come true.” Set in the ambient light of chandeliers, the European-style speakeasy can best be described as having a feminine Spaniard vibe and offering a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
First, the vibe takes on the ‘Santa’ part of the name — from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., the music is low, the tapas are flowing, the lights are bit brighter and the whole ambiance is generally relaxed. You may walk in feeling like a saint, but once the clock strikes midnight, ‘Diabla’ mode commences: the music turns up, the bartenders start handing out chupitos for all the ladies in the room and when the disco ball starts to spin, you know the party’s about to begin.
Liquid courage is supplied in the form of classic yet modernized cocktails such as the ‘Alpha Blue Blazer’ which features The Macallan 12 set ablaze. It’s become a guest favorite as the number one seller after just two weeks of opening. As for its menu, Santa Diabla features eclectic Spanish tapas such as ‘Arancinis Catalanes’ and ‘Pata Negra 100% de Bellota Jamon Iberico’ to name a few.
Find Santa Diabla at 15301 NW 67th Ave, Miami Lakes, FL 33014. You may be wondering, how do you get in? Santa Diabla is strictly by reservation only, which you can set on their website. It’s open Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.