The best bars in Miami: a definitive guide to drinking in the 305

What is it? This modern and moody aperitivo bar in Downtown emphasizes Italian spirits, boasting an expertly curated menu of Italian-inspired cocktails and fortified wines like vermouth and sherry. The project is a collaboration between Most Imaginative Bartender winner Valentino Longo, a cocktail master best known for his work at the Surf Club, along with Sunny's Steakhouse’s Will Thompson and Carey Hynes, who preside over food and service.

Why we love it: Since it's a full bar, your night can graduate from wine to stirred and shaken concoctions like the Brucio in Bocca, a twist on a spicy margarita made with Barolo wine and marmalade, Cocchi vermouth torino and tequila.

Time Out tip: Order the Negroni Sbagliato for a shareable and photoworthy beverage. You'd do well to come hungry, too: pasta, charcuterie and fresh catches for the raw bar feature on the food menu.

Address: 398 NE 5th St, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–midnight

What is it? For a city bordered by an ocean and a bay, waterfront bars are surprisingly hard to come by. Here’s a decently priced one where the food and drinks are actually as great as the views. Pioneering Wynwood bar Gramps expands to Key Biscayne with Gramps Getaway, a campy, authentically Florida joint with boat access, skyline views, freshly caught seafood, tropical drinks and all the funky thrills Gramps has come to be known for, with a more "come-in-your-flip-flops" vibe.

Why we love it: The schooner-like bar slings craft cocktails and frozen drinks, and the onsite kitchen serves one of our favorite burgers in town. Snacks like fresh oysters and buttery lobster rolls are also available from the Lazy Oyster raw bar shack.

Time Out tip: Like its mainland counterpart, Gramps Getaway wouldn't be the same without its event programming, which packs DJ sets, live bands and other locals-approved activations into most weekends.

Address: 3301 Rickenbacker Cswy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–11pm; Fri, Sun 11am–11pm; Sat 11am–midnight

What is it? The architecturally stunning, emerald-green bar at the Four Seasons in Surfside unapologetically embraces the finer things in life, like gilded Bellini carts and expertly mixed cocktails that will set you back at least one Jackson.

Why we love it: Not many places give such attention to detail, and everything that hits the glass has been crafted in-house, from the juices and the syrups to the bitters and the tinctures. Cheers to the good life—and the Taco Bell you’ll be eating all week to pay for your round of drinks at this truly sublime place.

Time Out tip: Forgot to book your reservation at Thomas Keller’s famed Surf Club Restaurant? A seat at the Champagne Bar will serve up all those sexy Mad Men vibes you crave, plus elevated bites including caviar service, oysters, arancini, home-made pasta and more.

Address: 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 3pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 3pm–1am

What is it? A funky, divey ode to Florida, Over Under honors our great weird state with locally inspired food and a vaguely horse-betting-themed design punctuated by neon art and quirky thrift-store finds. Co-owner Brian Griffiths is a Broken Shaker alum and a vanguard of the local cocktail scene, keeping things current with cleverly named concoctions and refreshing sippers, such as the frozen Paloma with your choice of a floater.

Why we love it: Over Under is a quintessential locals watering hole. It’s open every day until late, with happy hour from 5 to 7pm and some of the best bar food anywhere—including one of the best burgers in Miami—available until midnight. Plus, $1 oysters on Sundays til they run out.

Time Out tip: Do keep the reusable cup and straw—they’re thermochromic and way better looking than the Flanigan’s cups you usually hoard.

Address: 151 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Sun–Tue 5pm–2am; Wed–Sat 5pm–3am

What is it? It’d be impossible for us to know what you consider “cool,” but we’re pretty confident Medium Cool fits the bill. You’ll find this moody, windowless bar in the basement of the Gale South Beach, an Art Deco hotel erected in an era when sub-sea-level basements still seemed like a good idea. The vibe here is ’70s glam and the music programming is stacked with DJs Wednesday through Sunday, plus mellower moments like live jazz and samba setting the stage in the evenings. 

Why we love it: Beverages come under the creation of Naren Young, who’s definitely cool in the cocktail world; he’s helms Sweet Liberty and was formerly the creative director of Dante NYC, during the time it was dubbed the World’s Best Cocktail Bar.

Time Out tip: Medium Cool is medium-small in size, so arrive early if you’d rather avoid the line and enjoy a more laidback cocktail lounge vibe. Happy hour starts at 6 and DJs take over the live music at 10pm.

Address: 1690 Collins Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Sun, Wed, Thu 6pm–3am; Fri–Sat 6pm–4am

What is it? If you’re looking for Miami’s first all-vinyl listening bar, just follow the sound of the music (it’s piped from a speaker mounted above a nondescript door). Hidden off the courtyard of a quieter Wynwood strip, this intimate, 50-seat venue boasts a soundtrack that’s just as inspired as its sips, which take cues from similar spots in Japan.

Why we love it: Dante’s boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and a growing collection of nearly 8,500 vinyl records curated by resident DJ and musical director Rich Medina. Unlike a typical lounge, the whole point here is to kick back and enjoy the music. But the later it gets, the more likely it is you’ll find folks standing up and dancing in the cozy spaces around the bar. That’s thanks to the stellar lineup of DJs who play here: Anderson Paak, Leon Bridges, DJ Koco and Natasha Diggs have all graced the decks.

Time Out tip: Reservations are strongly encouraged and require a $25 to $50 deposit per person, depending on what time you book. The deposit is then credited in beverages during the time of your reservation.

Address: 519 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Sun, Tue, Wed 7pm–2am; Thu–Sat 7pm–3am

What is it? Tucked away down a short staircase that’s off the Stiles Hotel lobby, Swizzle thrives in a quiet, sexy space away from noisy Collins Avenue. Evoking the feel of a small wooden pirate ship, the dark, narrow room is lined with more than 150 rums. 

Why we love it: Swizzle is a South Beach spot that achieves that special “only in Miami” feeling without all the loud bass, flashing lights or dancing on tables. Friends from out of town will be impressed by this tiki-adjacent cocktail haven that’s both laidback and lively, and your date will appreciate the dim lighting and extravagant drinks list.

Time Out tip: Cozy up with your main squeeze at the tiny bar or nab some nearby high-tops for your girls’ night out. Want to get two, maybe three sheets to the wind? Be warned: The beautiful, smooth-tasting cocktails are highly potent.

Address: 120 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Daily 7pm–3am

What is it? This beer-and-wine garden’s live music (nightly 9pm to midnight), warm bistro lighting and clashing furnishings will charm your socks off, if the convenience of drinking here doesn’t do you in first. Roll deep with no concern for seating or check drama: Tables are first come, first served, and you pay your bill up front at the counter when you order. 

Why we love it: It’s all very casual: Walk in, pick your bottle from the racks or cooler (generally stocked from small-production wineries) and take your selection to the register, where it’s uncorked before you head to the back to enjoy. You can also assemble your own cheese and charcuterie plates or order heartier snacks from the grill outside.

Time Out tip: Couples, head to the inside area for some privacy, live music and the booze fridge. Are you with your crew and need more room? Make a beeline for the large, ramshackle garden patio, where you can spread out for a lively convo.

Address: 3425 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri, Sat 6pm–3am

What is it? At this speakeasy cocktail bar on the mezzanine level of The Citadel food hall, order from a colorful anime collectors card book where each highly technical drink is featured as a monster on its own action-packed page. The descriptions make the cocktails sound both delicious and like they’re about to firebomb Tokyo. This quirkiness sets the tone for Kaiju, a spot that feels as trendy as a Brooklyn hipster, with nothing but red lights to illuminate the place.

Why we love it: Snag a barstool and watch some of the city’s best cocktail masters whip up mind-bogglingly complex creations like the Tarasca, a savory, icy cold gin martini made with Tanqueray, Andalusian Fino Sherry, Manzanilla olives and EVOO that’s macerated and then clarified for a delicate, silky texture. The hyper-creative menu changes frequently (yes, with all new original artwork each time), making this spot a true cocktail nerd’s paradise.

Time Out tip: Go bar-hopping without leaving the building: The Citadel is also home to a bustling main bar downstairs, as well as one of our favorite rooftop bars in the city, The Key.

Address: 8300 NE 2nd Ave 2nd floor, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Sun, Tue–Thu 6pm–1am; Fri, Sat 7pm–2am

What is it? At Gramps, people from all walks of life congregate amongst the delightful kitsch and camp of Wynwood’s only proper dive. Drinks are approachably priced and range from classic shot-and-a-beer specials to more elevated tipples like the aromatic Rosemary’s Baby made with gin, rosemary, Earl Grey and lemon. Inside, there’s a main bar with booth seating and nostalgic games plus a smaller room for special events. Outside, find a large covered patio with a stage, benches, tropical foliage and a shipping container bar.

Why we love it: The O.G. neighborhood watering hole remains a favorite partly for its never-ending string of programming: Go for a killer drag showcase, karaoke night, comedy or cult film screenings. Check their Insta for announcements about touring bands coming through, along with record fairs, sports game sreenings, political gatherings and more.

Time Out tip: Pizza Tropical, located inside Gramps, serves some of the best slices in the city. A well-timed El Peppe can truly make all the difference when tomorrow’s hangover comes knocking.

Address: 176 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Sun–Thu noon–1am; Fri, Sat noon–3am

What is it? Ranked on the World’s 100 Best Bars’ 2021 list, Sweet Liberty has the rare distinction of being a local spot, an industry hangout and a tourist fave. It’s a family affair, as most of the friendly staff has been around since Day One, and there’s always some kind of live music on the weekends to get you on your feet. Like the neon PURSUE HAPPINESS sign that hangs on the wall—the maxim of the bar’s late co-owner, John Lermayer—Sweet Liberty is always a good time.

Why we love it: There’s something for everyone in the spacious bar, whether it’s an elegant $17 martini, $1.25 oysters and $8 rosé at happy hour or a beer and a shot after midnight.

Time Out tip: The usual soundtrack is old-school hip-hop, but Sweet Liberty is known to host all manner of fun events, from Love Island watch parties to chihuahua fashion shows and new wave nights. Pop by their IG for the latest.

Address: 237 20th St Suite B, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Daily 4pm–5am

What is it? This nostalgia-soaked Cuban spot in Little Havana placed 24th on the World's 50 Best Bars’ 2023 list. Decorated cantinero, co-owner Julio Cabrera, mans the bar, slinging stiff, rum-based drinks and handcrafted mojitos that no one can resist.

Why we love it: One of those rare places that attract locals and tourists alike, La Trova provides an electric atmosphere, live music and drink prices that won’t send you home broke. Bonus: It’s two bars in one! On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant’s backroom turns into a neon-tinged, ’80s-themed party starting at midnight.

Time Out tip: If you’re going to order a mojito anywhere in Miami, order it here. Or try something completely new, like the unbelievably smooth Toasted Coconut Negroni made with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, Campari and Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino Sweet.

Address: 971 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 4pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

What is it? Looking for a sleek, understated cocktail bar in Brickell that's also dedicated to highlighting good music? Located at the ground level of this bi-level modern Asian restaurant, The Listening Room at Kaori fits the bill, boasting a beautiful, creamy quartzite bar, tufted leather cocktail booths, ambient lighting and happy hour Monday through Saturday from 5 to 7pm.

Why we love it: This is where you go when you want to catch some of Miami's best DJs, but you also like a plush seat and some space. Beyond the impeccable vibes, the cocktails are excellent—mostly Japanese-inspired but with plenty of global flair and seasonal Miami ingredients.

Time Out tip: DJs typically spin Thursdays through Saturdays, playing everything from world music, boodie and Balearic jazz to ’80s and ’90s classics, Latin funk and hip-hop.

Address: 871 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 5pm–11; Thu–Sat 5pm–1am

What is it? An unlikely proposition in downtown’s 24-hour club district, The Corner somehow holds its own against E11EVEN and Club Space. The dark, smoky space is meant for folks who’d rather sip a craft beer or cocktail huddled at one of its wooden bistro tables than drop cash on bottle service. It’s also meant for folks coming and going from the aforementioned clubs, so be prepared for some primo people-watching.

Why we love it: Save your money and enjoy the free Tuesday night jazz and discounted drinks during the 4 to 8pm weekday happy hour, or put your loot toward one of the many killer pop-up eateries they’re known to host.

Time Out tip: The Corner is open very late every night, one of very few spots you can order a drink beyond 5am in Miami. But it’s also got a pretty solid bar menu of bar snacks and cool events like vinyl swaps and bike nights.

Address: 1035 N Miami Ave #101, Miami, FL 33136

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–5am; Sat, Sun 4pm–7am

What is it? This cozy, unassuming hodgepodge of vintage couches and retro Florida accents could’ve been a Golden Girls set. It's no surprise then that drinking at the Sylvester feels like you’re hanging at the house of a buddy with excellent mixology skills and a penchant for tropical wallpaper. 

Why we love it: The Sylvester’s Florida-native owners, award-winning bartender Ben Potts and Brian Nasajon, are majorly committed to the community, whether it’s through using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients to craft their cocktails, keeping prices low during daily happy hours or hosting pop-ups with like-minded bars from around the world. 

Time Out tip: Pass the time playing pool, poking around the pinball machine or, dancing because at night, this place gets packed in the best of ways.

Address: 3456 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–2am; Fri, Sat 5pm–3am

What is it? Anthony Bourdain claimed this iconic dive as his ultimate Miami retreat, and he’s not alone. After nearly 100 years in the business, this South Beach institution still packs in the locals (and celebs keeping a low profile) with an impossible-to-beat BOGO happy hour that runs every day from 8am (seriously) to 7pm. 

Why we love it: The jukebox, the pool table, the Miami Vice-era neon signage and, yes, even the cigarette smoke. The Deuce is plastered in a thick and grimy layer of nostalgia, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Time Out tip: You’ll want to bring cash to the no-frills spot, where smoking is still allowed but credit cards are not. And whatever you do, don’t order any cocktail with more than 2 ingredients here, lest you want to be scoffed at by the bartender and regulars.

Address: 222 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Daily 8am–5am

What is it? Today’s Ball & Chain on Calle Ocho recreates a 1930s hotspot that once occupied the same space and welcomed jazz superstars like Billie Holiday, Count Basie and Chet Baker to its stage. With a beverage program created by the top mixologists at the Regent Cocktail Club, a food menu of Cuban classics and an epic program of daily live music, Ball & Chain makes for a lively night out no matter the occasion. 

Why we love it: It's an institution, but Bull & Chain is also a wonderful place to just pop in on a tour of Calle Ocho or laze away on a random afternoon, as the band is on practically from open to close.

Time Out tip: Brush up on your dance skills at Ball & Chain’s weekly Salsero Sunday party, which features a free salsa class at 9pm. 

Address: 1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 11am–1am; Fri, Sat 11am–3am

What is it?: The Hawaiian-themed Kaona Room is delightfully tropical, kitschy and original, even though it’s a bit hard to find, with a buzzer on the east side of the condo building that holds it. The tiki speakeasy feels transported straight from the Big Island, with lots of thatch and glass buoys and a thunder-lightning thing that interrupts the jazz whenever somebody rings in a drink.

Why we love it: There’s no other bar like it in Miami. It’s not a scene, not packed with pretty folks, but Kaona Room is somewhere that feels special enough to bring your next out-of-town guests who are more impressed with details like flaming ice cubes and tableside cocktail carts than door lines and guest lists.

Time Out tip: It’s not easy to find Miami’s best tiki bar, and that’s kind of by design. Like me, most people miss the buzzer on the east side of the condo building’s exterior that says “Ring for a Mai-Tai.” Since the bar only holds 45 guests at a time, it’s recommended to reserve your two-hour experience in advance.

Address: 1600 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 7pm–2am

What is it? Magie is Little River's answer to Lagniappe, a cozy and casual wine bar where you can pair your bottles or single-serving cans of vino with aperitivo-style snacks like cheeses, meats, olives, tinned fish and other victuals easily accessed from a self-service fridge.

Why we love it: In addition to the ample selection of mostly natural, organic and biodynamic wines, Magie hosts fun programming as well, like a monthly Somm Club, a full moon party with tarot and flash tattoos and hi-fi listening parties, along with cool culinary pop-ups with the likes of Bar Gilda and Pizzella.

Time Out tip: Make your selections (and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations!), carry your loot up to the counter to check out, then find your place at one of the low-slung seats inside or out in the garden. Like its neighborhood, the atmosphere here is decidedly more grown-up and laidback than Lagniappe, which consistently pulls in a younger, more raucous crowd.

Address: 8281 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138

Opening hours: Sun, Wed, Thu 6pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–2am

What is it? Brother’s Keeper in South Beach feels like a familiar, well-loved dive, one that’s clean and not shabby. Still, this isn’t a “nice” place. Like, your mom probably won’t be impressed. But you should definitely do a happy hour here. Then go late-night. And pretend, while wielding a goblet-sized martini and shooting pool under the purplish neon glow, that you just snuck a Cessna right under the Coast Guard’s radar.

Why we love it: I’d love it even if they only served Hot Pockets and four-buck Buds. But Brother’s Keeper is a collab between two teams that know how to sling proper drinks and food: Chris Hudnall and Randy Alonso of Lost Boy & Co. and chef Josh Elliott and Ellie Groden of QP Tapas. This means pretty much everything coming from the kitchen and bar is a dead-cold killer.

Time Out tip: The Bread Service Martini here gets a lot of love, and for good reason. This spicy-dirty number made with house brine comes with an umami-kicked croissant on the side.

Address: 1710 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–2am

What is it? Decked out in mirrors and disco balls, this intimate, carpeted nightclub with a star-strewn ceiling feels out of place in grungy Downtown, but some might say it’s given the neighborhood a taste of what it was missing: a place to dance, a bar that stays open late and a one-stop nightlife destination for people starting their evening with a solid cocktail or ending their night with a shot and a game of pool.

Why we love it: Inside the 2,250-square-foot-space, arcade games, a pool table and TVs scream sports bar. The flashy, twinkling bar implies smart cocktails. And the red carpet says—uh, we’re not sure exactly. (Squishiness?) Will it all come together to form a delightfully out-of-the-box drinking experience.

Time Out tip: Mama Tried regularly unveils inventive new cocktail menus, so there’s always something cheeky and fresh to try out. The misfits' bar has also become home to popular parties, including Emo Nite and K-Pop Night.

Address: 207 NE 1st St, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–5am; Sat–Sun 5pm–5am

What is it? Miami has shockingly few gay bars, and Willy’s is the new reigning mainland champion in Wynwood. True to its name, the vibe is casual and welcoming with a disco ball-crowned indoor bar and expansive back patio where you’ll often find live music and DJs, drag performances, a Sunday tea dance and other fun one-off parties.

Why we love it: Founded by a trio of Miami besties, Willy’s is all about creating space for the community. The generous happy hours are every Thursday to Sunday until 9pm, most nights are free before midnight on the patio, and there’s never a cover to hang at the indoor bar. 

Time Out tip: Looking for a spot to watch the latest Drag Race or Love Island episode? How about a solid afters spot when Gaga, Madonna, Charli or Kylie roll through Miami? Not sure where to celebrate Pride? Willy’s ticks all the boxes and then some.

Address: 356 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Thu–Fri 6pm–3am; Sat 1pm–3am; 1pm–midnight