Miami, FL, is known as a bit of a party city, which means that if you’re coming to Miami for any reason, whether you’re in Miami for a day or planning a full Miami vacation, going out to a bar can be a bit intimidating. How do you find the best Miami bars and restaurants? How do you know which bars offer the best local food? Which are good for date night?
To help you find the best Miami bars with the best cocktails, from downtown Miami to Miami Beach, Wynwood Miami, and everything in between, we pulled together a list of our favorite bars in Miami, tried and tested by travelers and locals alike.
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Miami Outdoor Bars
What’s better than sipping on a cocktail, glass of wine, or brew while the ocean breeze blows in your hair as you watch the sunset over Miami’s skyline? Not much. Here are the best Miami outdoor bars.
1. Casa Florida
If you are looking for a unique outdoor bar, head to Casa Florida, a hip spot with vintage furniture (including a vintage bus!) located in Little Havana.
In the post-pandemic age of travel, most people are more comfortable sitting outside, but if you prefer to sit indoors, you can sit inside the vintage bus, which is super-cool. Don’t miss trying the Old Fashiorange, a mix of a creamsicle and an Old Fashioned.
2. Broken Shaker
One of the best bars in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker, sits within the Freehand Miami, a hip hostel. Head right inside the hotel entrance, and you’ll find this outdoor oasis, which, by hostel standards, boasts some amazing service.
But on to the drinks (and the food, of course). Grab the best mixed drinks and craft cocktails on the patio. Favorites include the Classic Randy (gin, grapefruit, citrus, and soda) and the Thought Adjuster (rye, mango, citrus, and red wine).
The Broken Shaker also offers a commendable dining menu, with small bites like street tacos and sandwiches.
3. Lagniappe
A TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice bar for 2020, Lagniappe is technically a wine bar, with drinks and small bites in a garden-style, mature setting lit with fairy lights.
You’ll catch some live music if you’re lucky. Overall, this wine bar is a great spot if you don’t want anything wild or crazy — just a chill, low-key spot to enjoy some signature drinks and music in the great outdoors.
Miami’s Best Rooftop Bars
Visit a top Miami rooftop bar to see the city’s best views.
4. Serena Rooftop
Tucked above the Moxy Miami South Beach hotel, the Serena is a practically brand-new rooftop bar, only opening in 2020. Be one of the first of your traveling friends to try this huge outdoor space, which feels more like a private backyard than a bar.
Grab one of the specialty drinks, like the Miami Parrot (union mezcal, mint, pineapple, agave, lime) and sit back and relax.
5. Area 31
Positioned atop the Kimpton Epic Hotel, Area 31 offers indoor and outdoor dining, with an outdoor lounge 16 stories above downtown Miami.
It’s a great pick for a Miami happy hour, serving a Mediterranean menu and great views of Biscayne Bay alongside all your favorite classic cocktails.
6. Sugar
Sugar is a fun spot on the 40th floor of the EAST Miami hotel in Brickell, Miami. The cocktails and the tapas menu are Asian-inspired for a new taste with classic views.
For an extra-special date night in Miami, hit up both Area 31 and Sugar, and book a room in either of the hotels for a convenient overnight stay.
Best South Beach and Miami Beach Dive Bars
Some of the best bars in Miami Beach and South Beach are dive bars. That’s right — not the luxury hotel bars or the best clubs in Miami, but the dive bars.
But, as anyone in any dive bar knows, finding a great dive bar is a little like finding a needle in a haystack. Everything has to be just right for an excellent dive bar experience. Luckily, the best South Beach Miami bars deliver.
7. Lost Weekend
This huge pub with soaring ceilings is a part sports bar, part dive bar, and part pool hall. Drinks are affordable. The food is good — especially after a night of drinking. And, you won’t feel like you fell into a tourist trap when you set foot in the door.
Hang out next to in-the-know tourists and locals alike, and enjoy the lack of high-brow snobbery. If you come by on a Thursday, you might be lucky enough to catch one of the regular poker events.
8. Mac’s Club Deuce
Claiming its spot as one of the oldest bars in Miami, established in 1926, Mac’s Club Deuce is a classic and a must-visit. Celebs know it. Playboy knows it. Dare we say it’s one of the best dive bars in America?
Visit and make up your own mind; you’ll find great, affordable drinks in a fun, dive atmosphere. Just be prepared to bring a little cash, as cards aren’t accepted.
9. On the Rocks
Rounding out our trio of best bars in Miami Beach, On the Rocks is as divey as it gets. The lights are low. The walls are covered. The beer is cheap. The crowd is loud and a little raucous.
This is the place to go after a day at the beach when you don’t necessarily want to spend hours getting ready, washing the sunscreen from your skin, and knocking the sand off your shoes.
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10. Sweet Liberty Drink & Supply Co.
Another one of the best bars in Miami Beach and one of the top South Beach Miami bars, Sweet Liberty is more of a favorite with the locals than with the tourists you’ll find in the South Beach-Miami Beach area.
Located close to the Bass Art Museum, the bar has an industrial, modern feel and a creative menu. The ambiance is a little on the higher-end side but without being over the top.
Stop by during happy hour for affordable beer, wine, and 95-cent oysters.
11. The Anderson
In Little Haiti, The Anderson is an icon and an absolute favorite. More of a neighborhood restaurant than simply a bar; go here for nights when you want to imbibe heavily but also sample a local gem.
Enjoy outdoor-indoor dining, a huge drink menu, live music, and even a burlesque show. Try the tacos and tequila.
12. The Abbey Brewing Company
This brewery is the place to go in Miami Beach for beers handcrafted right on-site, as well as a whiskey or two. Award-winning and low-key, the bar and brewery also serve light bites and great music in a casual setting. Make sure to grab a few pics of the stained glass and other appropriately themed decors.
Looking for craft beer in the Magic City? Here’s an inside look at our favorite Miami breweries.
Best Miami Bars with Drag Shows
These best bars in Miami Beach and top South Beach Miami bars offer stellar drag shows.
13. Palace Bar
Located within South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, Palace Bar & Restaurant has been around for more than 30 years, and it’s been named the top drag bar and restaurant in Miami Beach, as well as the top LGBTQ+ destination in Miami Beach.
Catch the drag shows on the weekend but stop by anytime for all-day breakfast and bar food, perfect for soaking up any extra alcohol in your stomach from a previous night of partying.
14. Kill Your Idol
Relatively new — at least compared to Palace Bar — Kill Your Idol opened over ten years ago and has been thrilling travelers with its nonstop entertainment and affordable happy hour deals.
One of the best bars in Miami Beach for music, DJ sets, and, of course, drag shows, this is the place to party when you’re looking for something new and different on the Miami party scene. Drag night is every Monday!
Best Sports Bars in Miami
If you’re serious about your sports and, when the big game is on, you only want to go somewhere that will allow you to watch the game in the utmost comfort and the best atmosphere filled with other fans, try one of these best sports bars in Miami.
15. American Social
American Social claims it’s the best sports bar in all of Miami, and, if it’s not, it’s a top contender. The gastropub with waterfront views offers an updated comfort food menu, like mac and cheese with black truffles, cave-aged gruyere, and Vermont cheddar.
This is a good sports bar pick if one person in your party desperately wants to watch the game, while another just wants to have a great time at an awesome waterfront restaurant, as the experiences are pretty well balanced.
16. Black Market
First up, try one of the best downtown Miami bars, period, Black Market. A more upscale sports bar, this is also a good pick if you have a date night in Miami with a fellow sports lover, as it’s not a dive, but the walls are still covered with HD TVs playing the top games and matches. Grab a gourmet burger and a craft beer, and you’re set.
17. Grails Sports Bar
Think you have to head indoors just to enjoy the game? That’s not the case with Grails Restaurant & Bar. This unique sports bar lets you enjoy outdoor dining, but outdoor televisions mean you never have to miss a second of the game just because you want to take advantage of the warm Miami temperatures and the ocean breeze.
One of the coolest parts, though? The cocktail menu has a sneaker theme, and you can order cocktails served in sneakers (we promise it’s not as gross as you might think).
18. Flanigan’s Seafood Bar & Grill
This is a sports bar that you may have spotted before. Flanigan’s brand can be found throughout South Florida. But whatever location you try, if you stop into the Miami bar, you’ll find a lively atmosphere, pub-style eats, plenty of televisions, air conditioning, and friendly local service.
Latin Bars in Miami
When you’re craving authentic Latin food in Miami, alongside some amazing tequila and mezcal, grab a seat at one of these best bars and enjoy the Miami nightlife.
19. Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center
Cubaocho is so much more than a full bar. This Little Havana locale is also a live music venue, research library, performing arts space, and miniature art museum home to 19th-century and 20th-century Cuban art — and it all centers around a great selection of rum. Find all your favorite rum-based cocktails, plus some Cuban-style eats.
20. Don Diablo Speakeasy at El Santo
El Santo is the restaurant and taqueria, and Don Diablo is the speakeasy-style tequila bar. Neighborhood locals love it. Travelers go there for the great nightlife. Whatever your reason, make tracks stat for this Little Havana Miami hot spot. The vibe is upscale, the atmosphere is social media-worthy, and the food is delicious, too.
21. Café La Trova
A relatively new bar and restaurant, Café La Trova opened its doors in 2019. Famous bartender, Julio Cabrera, alongside James Beard Award winner, Michelle Bernstein, focuses on a Cantinero-style bar experience.
Guests enjoy bartenders preparing drinks with flair while enjoying the nightly musical entertainment. This Cuban-inspired restaurant and bar do not disappoint with its tropical drinks and signature dishes.
Other Popular Miami Bars
22. Margot Natural Wine Bar
Located in the historic Ingraham building, Margot Natural Wine Bar is home to fun natural wines inspired by winemakers that aren’t afraid to take chances. In addition to wine, you can enjoy Margot’s selection of Low ABV cocktails and light seasonal dishes.
Margot Natural Wine Bar has an aesthetic that can only be described as cool. Once visitors have their drinks, they get to enjoy an eclectic mix of music played on their vintage sound system.
23. The Sylvester
The Sylvester is a world-renowned bar in the heart of Midtown Miami known for its unique atmosphere, and eclectic cocktails like the Floradora and Pink Panther. The bar also has an extensive food menu, so you can enjoy a meal while you drink.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a night out on the town, The Sylvester is the perfect spot.
24. Esotico Miami
Esotico Miami is a tropical-themed bar that specializes in craft cocktails and also features live music.
They have a large selection of rum to choose from, and their bartenders are experts in crafting the perfect drink – creative cocktails made with fresh, unique ingredients.
If you’re looking for a fun, not-your-average tiki bar, Esotico is the place for you.
25. Minibar
The Minibar is a small, intimate bar located South of Fifth, Miami Beach. They offer a wide variety of unique and delicious cocktails, as well as a small food menu.
The Minibar is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a laid-back night out with friends.
Who’s Ready to Party?
Whether you’re seeking a downtown Miami bar where you can watch the big game, a South Beach Miami bar where you can party the night away, or a quieter bar where you can enjoy a date night in Miami, you can find it all among our top picks for the best Miami watering holes.