The best Miami rooftop bars for breezy drinks and stunning views

Watr owns its stunning view of the ocean with a Peruvian-Japanese menu and a bar decked in reclaimed wood. The soundtrack is more akin to breaking waves than the usual club bangers you hear in these parts. There’s just something about the laidback, romantic vibe of this place that makes us feel like we’re in a spa with frosé on tap—and that ain’t a bad thing. Reservations are required for non-hotel guests.

Located at the rooftop of the dual-brand AC and Element Hotel Miami Downtown, pink-themed Rosa Sky delivers moody lounge vibes with a sleek, modern design, low-slung seating and loads of LED lighting choreographed to the DJ tunes. Enjoy the glittering Downtown and Brickell views with your naked eye, or place your peepers into the set of real-deal binoculars for an up-close look at all the action—just be beware what, or who, you might stumble across!

Buildings are rarely taller than three or four floors in Little Havana, which makes the views at the neighborhood’s first open-air, elevated bar and restaurant even more special. Nestled atop the boho-chic Life House hotel, Terras loads on the charm with lush greenery, oversize umbrellas and comfy couches scattered about its shady, retro-tiled digs. Expect over-proofed tropical drinks and DJs who spin disco on vinyl.

This Brickell hotspot at the East Miami can have a line out the door on weekend nights. Brave that line and you’ll be rewarded with 360-views of the city (40 floors up!), pricey (but tasty) cocktails and a swank crowd. Snag a reservation for a guaranteed table, especially if you think you may want to have some food. Service can be a bit spotty here and the dress code is strictly enforced. Still, Sugar is no average night out.

Wynwood’s first rooftop bar is only on the second floor, so don’t expect skyscraper views. But the cocktails here are great and go down even better when a breeze sweeps over the large outdoor patio. Plus, No. 3 serves up tasty elevated bites like the melon scoop crudo and wagyu brisket queso-birria tacos, along with a rowdy Sunday night drag bingo party.

Level 6 is the stylish rooftop oasis of Coconut Grove’s hot new modern Lebanese restaurant, Amal. Located across from the Barnacle Historic State Park, the 4,000-square-foot, sixth-floor lounge and restaurant boasts views of the Grove’s verdant tree canopy and sailboat-dotted Biscayne Bay. Decked out in a soothing palette of soft blue and green hues, curved wood accents and glazed ceramic tiling, Level 6 aims for fresh, understated luxury with a Spanish-inspired menu of tapas and vibrant, herbaceous cocktails.

With fewer options to choose from the farther north you go, the Citadel food hall in Little River is a worthy addition to Miami’s rooftop scene. A bustling happy hour and long, south-facing views of Design District, Wynwood, Downtown and beyond set this rooftop apart. The Citadel rooftop features plenty of shaded seating in a family-friendly atmosphere where you can also order table service from any of the many yummy food stalls downstairs.

Serena injects a forgotten strip of South Beach with the vibrancy and energy of Mexico City (don’t be surprised if a mariachi band shows up unannounced). Sunsets up here are magical, even more so with a margarita in hand. At night, linger under the twinkling bistro lights as a DJ spins. If you’re wondering, the big neon sign reads, “last one and we’re leaving.” Do snap a photo, but don’t make it your mantra—Serena will make you want to stay awhile.

Go for the sangria at this beautiful, understated escape on the roof deck of Española Way’s newly minted Esmé Hotel. While the pool deck is reserved for hotel guests only, the laid-back scene at The Roof bar is open to all and perfect for taking in a lazy afternoon paired with lighter fare from the all-day menu. You know a place is cool when it serves cocktails by the jug, and The Roof has lots to choose from, including a pitcher of bittersweet Aperitif Spritz for $65.

Find this locals rooftop dive hiding in a nondescript residential building that overlooks Biscayne Bay. Don’t question it—or the random location or the Irish menu packed with pub essentials. Just grab some wings and a pitcher of beer, and watch the Dolphins with your peeps. Ongoing construction on the adjacent pool deck might interfere with your bay views, but if you’re at Mike’s, chances are you’ll be pretty chill about it.

Located at the rooftop pool of Coconut Grove’s newly renovated historic Mayfair House Hotel, SipSip is a playful homage to the neighborhood’s Caribbean roots. Helmed by the team behind Miami hits Lost Boy and Tropezón, the Calypso-style rum bar executes elevated versions of island classics including daiquiris, punches and piña coladas. Live music, a subdued tropical palette and plenty of lush foliage add to the hip, laidback ambiance at SipSip.

Located on the 16th-floor of the Kimpton EPIC Hotel, Area 31 may not technically be a rooftop, but its Downtown view is hard to beat. A photo op here is one you'll be tempted to caption with “I live where you vacation,” but don't be that guy. The crowd is a mix of young pros and business types looking to ascend from the chaos of street-level Brickell. Save a few bucks Monday through Friday, when Area 31 offers discounted drinks and bites from 5–8pm.

The widespread rooftop terrace at the Lincoln Eatery food hall combines plenty of shade, rattan lounge furniture, hookah and chilled-out house music for a more chill vibe in the heart of SoBe. An ideal spot to kick off a night with a larger group, Sky Yard hosts sunset DJ sets and silent disco parties and has the added benefit of easy access to a range of eclectic dining options, from steakhouse fare to Asian dishes to Latin food.

Inspired by the lively lounges of Mykonos, Astra brings a rooftop bar to the southern end of Wynwood. The place is pretty huge at 10,000-square-feet and offers proper tables for dinner or more casual seating options for sipping and relaxing. Expect Greek, both on the seafood-heavy menu and behind the bar with mastika and ouzo. There are no tall buildings blocking the view at Astra, so you can really see all the way to the Downtown skyline.

Vista lives in the charming Upper Buena Vista retail complex and serves some tasty food that leans toward rustic Italian cuisine. If you can snag a table on the rooftop deck, you absolutely should. It’s on the smaller side, but it’s a rooftop bar nonetheless and where you want to be on a breezy, sun-filled afternoon. Currently, the roof is open Friday and Saturday from 5pm to closing and Sunday from 1pm to sunset.

The rooftop bar at Michael Schwartz’s Edgewater restaurant boasts spectacular bayfront views for that only-in-Miami kind of drinking experience. Latin American flavors and coastal ingredients comprise the brief menu of happy hour snacks, including chilled shrimp, smoked fish dip and grilled chorizo. As for drinks, discounted signature cocktails, frosé or a crisp alabriño pair perfectly with warm, breezy sunsets, Monday through Friday from 4 to 7pm.

Bellini is the swanky rooftop Italian restaurant and bar located atop the Arquitectonica-designed Mr. C hotel in Coconut Grove. The atmosphere here is upscale but approachable; you’ll often find local business types and well-dressed young professionals mixed in with hotel guests. Space at the bar and its handful of cocktail tables is limited, but if you manage to snag a spot, it’s worth it to take in the sky-high views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown. The namesake Bellini cocktail is also great no matter the time of day.

Mila is a rooftop Mediterranean-Asian restaurant and lounge overlooking a busy stretch of Lincoln Road. Its expansive indoor-outdoor terrace incorporates minimalistic design elements to impressively decadent effect. Despite its tourist-heavy location, Mila’s mixology program pushes edgy ingredients and tableside cocktail experiences. During happy hour (Mon–Thu 6–7pm), the somm’s selection of wines go for $12 a glass, along with a selection of $12 signature cocktails and discounted tapas and maki.

Located in the same building as the historic Miami Women’s Club, Klaw is an upscale restaurant with indoor-outdoor seating and an upstairs rooftop bar overlooking Biscayne Bay. Go here when you want to splurge—starters at the restaurant hover around $20 while a seafood platter starts at $90 and the steaks go for $85 and up. Or skip dinner and opt to impress your date or associate with classy rooftop cocktails like an old fashioned paired with a bowl of warm olives and feta.

Highbar, an intimate, 1970s-themed playground at the DREAM Hotel, is centered around an infinity pool and has what you need to transition from day drinking to nighttime revelry: a DJ dropping beats, bottle service and private cabanas. It’s also just a quick walk from the beach. As for partying in your bikini? Hey, it happens.

Perched atop the W Miami, this rooftop club, pool and lounge—formerly known as Fifty Ultra Lounge—has one of the best and highest views in the city. It’s gorgeous on a clear night. Occasionally, you’ll find live music and entertainment going on inside as well. The hotel’s restaurant, ADDiKT, makes for a great dinner and drinks combo.