Best bars in Brickell for an epic night out
Drink on rooftops, waterfront docks and backyard patios at the best bars in Brickell
The best bars in Brickell has not always been an easy list to put together. Only recently has Miami’s financial district begun to attract things other than calculator-strewn office buildings. Now, Brickell is a bona fide neighborhood—and one of the fastest growing ones in Miami. Not only can you find one of the best malls in Miami in Brickell, but you’ll also find some of the best restaurants in Miami too. Of course, people don’t want to just eat and leave. They want to stay and have a drink. And then maybe another. And, hey, how about one more? Luckily, Brickell has been steadily building its boozy portfolio over the last handful of years and today its bar scene is absolutely nothing to sneeze at. There’s something here for just about every budget, taste and tolerance for elevation.
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1. Sugar
What is it? A lush, bougie rooftop bar in the heart of Brickell. Located on the 40th floor, Sugar is known for its gorgeous view of Miami.
Why go? Date night? Special occasion? Feeling fancy? Sugar will do the trick for all of the above. Though drinks ain’t cheap, the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind in this city.
2. Blackbird Ordinary
What is it? One of Brickell’s oldest and most popular bars. Blackbird is a hell of a late night spot, offering drinks and dancing till 5am every night.
Why go? A bar with a soul is a rarity in this city, but Blackbird is bursting with character. Inside the dim bar, you’ll find tasty cocktails. Outside, under the shadow of the Metromover, expect a DJ or an occasional live band.
3. MO Bar and Lounge
What is it? The lobby bar of the beautiful Mandarin Oriental. Even if you’re not a tourist, stop by for an ornate cocktail and an amazing view of Biscayne Bay and the Downtown skyline from the tip of Brickell Key.
Why go? To feel fancy for a night. It’s not cheap but MO Bar’s home on the isolated Brickell Key makes you feel like you’re leaving Miami—even if it’s only a short drive over a bridge. So, technically it’s cheaper than an actual vacation.
4. American Social
What is it? A sports pub where no corners are cut. American Social appeals to both sports fans trying to catch the game and young professionals trying to catch happy hour.
Why go? Even if you don’t care what’s on one of the venue’s TVs, American Social’s waterfront views and tasty food menu make it a worthwhile choice for any night. It’s a favorite for young (and single) Brickellites looking to knock back some drinks, dance a bit and schmooze on the dock.
5. Better Days
What is it? A tightly packed bar nestled under a Brickell tower. The bartenders sling beer and pretty good cocktails while a young crowd shoots pool and plays the occasional board game among the kitschy decor.
Why go? Better Days feels like a local neighborhood bar, which is rare in Brickell, where options usually skew towards the upscale. Here, though, you’ll find no dress code or turned-up noses. In fact, on weekend nights, the crowd can get pretty rowdy.
6. Sidebar
What is it? A solid choice for those looking to turn-up (as the kids say). Not really feeling a club but want something a bit more energetic than your average cocktail bar? Sidebar finds that balance wonderfully.
Why go? Hip-hop heads, you’ve found your happy place. In addition to occasional live performances, Sidebar spins a consistent and reliable mix of hip-hop and R&B that never fails to produce a rambunctious dance floor (as the kids do not say). The party goes strong till 5am.
7. Baby Jane
What is it? An aesthetically pleasing restaurant that gives way to a cocktail den as the night drags on. The sexy spot offers quality cocktails and elevated bar snacks in the heart of Brickell.
Why go? Few places in Brickell nail the dinner and drinks combo as well as Baby Jane. If you come a little later, order a few starters like the tuna poke tacos or rock shrimp tempura and you’ve got yourself a chic date night.
8. Sweet Caroline
What is it? A true karaoke bar (not just some random guy with a microphone and a laptop). The bar’s intimate size ensures you’ll have a captive audience.
Why go? For karaoke! Duh! While karaoke nights exist in Brickell, this is the only devoted karaoke bar. Plus, the Wednesday ladies night offers free champagne to the fairer sex and Tuesday features local stand-up comedy.
9. Whisper Cocktail Lounge
What is it? A way, way up rooftop bar and lounge on the 50th floor that offers the best elevated view in Brickell. Squeeze right up to the floor to ceiling windows for the best vantage point (if heights don’t make you all sweaty).
Why go? Though Whisper Lounge and the outdoor WET Deck are very pretty, the undisputed draw here is the view. So stop by for some real big city vibes and knee-shaking selfies.
10. Batch Gastropub
What is it? A gastropub with plenty of TVs for sporting events. Batch also features beer-friendly fare such as burgers, cheese fries and chicken wings.
Why go? Batch often has great specials for big games and events (and obviously any and all things UM). Stop by and snag some cheap beer buckets and discount cocktails next time your team is playing.
11. El Tucán Nightclub
What is it? A former Latin cabaret that’s recently made an oh-so-Miami pivot to a full-blown nightclub, swapping the sultry performances for flashy bottle service and glitzy DJs.
Why go? Because it’s really the only nightclub in Brickell. Thanks to its past life as a cabaret, the interior also has a delightfully vintage old Havana charm.