The best Miami rooftop bars for sweeping city views

What is it? This 11th-floor cocktail bar on the rooftop of the citizenM Miami Worldcenter Hotel comes courtesy of Freehold Hospitality, the group behind Brooklyn, New York’s pioneering Freehold bar and cafe. Located across the street from the Kaseya Center, Night Swim makes an excellent spot to grab drinks before a game or after a concert, or catch some sun by the pool with frozen drinks and a round of black truffle tequeños. 

Why we love it: Similar to its Brooklyn sister, which had a nearly decade-long run as a day-to-night social hub before closing in 2024, Miami’s Night Swim gives off a laidback, unpretentious vibe despite being one of the coolest bars in town. The cocktails are excellent and shockingly well-priced—including $7 beer and $14 signature cocktails—there are fun events like DJ and comedy nights, and if it’s raining, there’s ample interior space to kick back and watch the storm pass. Night Swim also has one of the best rooftop views around, with clear lookouts to Biscayne Bay, Freedom Tower and the Downtown skyline.

Time Out tip: Show your ticket from Kaseya Center before or after a show to get 15% off your order.

Address: 700 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Daily noon–midnight ​

What is it? Located in the beautifully restored historic Miami Women’s Club building, Klaw is a bi-level steak and seafood restaurant with a sublime old-world dining room downstairs and a terrace bar upstairs with buzzing happy hours and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. 

Why we love it: Go here when you want to splurge—apps at the restaurant range from around $25 to $38 while a shellfish platter starts at $120 and the kobe beef goes for $38 per ounce. Or skip dinner and opt to impress your date or associate with classy cocktails on the terrace, like the savory Mignonette Martini with hints of citrus ($20) or the vegetal and bright Mother of Miami made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Ilegal Mezcal, snow pea, shishito and geranium.

Time Out tip: The Rooftop hosts daily happy hours from 4 to 7pm, when select signature cocktails cost just $12 and bougie snacks like truffled deviled eggs, beef tartare toast and stracciatella go for $14.

Address: 1737 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132​

Opening hours: Brunch Sun 11:30am–2:30pm; Dinner Fri–Sat 4–11pm, Sun–Thu 4–10pm 

What is it? Level 6 is the stylish rooftop oasis above Coconut Grove’s modern Lebanese restaurant, Amal. 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.

Why we love it: Located across from the Barnacle Historic State Park, the 4,000-square-foot, sixth-floor lounge and restaurant with frameless glass railings boasts unobstructed views of the Grove’s verdant tree canopy and sailboat-dotted Biscayne Bay. Weekend brunch and weekday happy hours (5 to 7pm) are particularly lively times to visit, when crowds gather for discounted drinks and house-y DJ sets. 

Time Out tip: Level 6 is currently hosting a Summer Supper Series that includes a three-course meal for $45 per person, with fun add-ons like Paella de Mariscos for $20 and Gambas Ajillo for $10.

Address: 3480 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133​

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu 5pm–1:30am; Fri 5pm–2am; Sat 11–2am; Sun 11am–midnight

What is it? Mila is a rooftop Mediterranean-Asian restaurant, lounge and private club overlooking a busy stretch of Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. Its expansive indoor-outdoor terrace (which is open to the public) incorporates tons of natural materials to decadent effect, like a stunning carved wood feature wall, a stone reflecting pool where dancers perform, marble-clad bars and cascading tropical flora throughout. 

Why we love it: Despite its tourist-heavy location, Mila’s mixology program pushes edgy ingredients and tableside cocktail experiences. And even though there are many better views to be found in this guide, Mila still ranks highly for its unmistakable rooftop energy: the high-heeled crowd here dresses up to be seen and almost everyone is celebrating something, making it ideal for soaking in those quintessential SoBe party vibes.

Time Out tip: If you haven't reserved a table in advance, do your best to sidle up to one of two bars, where you should still have pretty optimal views of the mesmerizing nightly fire dancer shows.

Address: 1636 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5:30pm–1:30am; Thu 5:30pm–2am; Fri–Sat 5:30pm–2:30am; Sun 11:30am–2:30pm, 6pm–1:30am

What is it? Perched on the 18th-floor rooftop of the eco-chic 1 Hotel South Beach, Watr complements its stunning ocean views with a Japanese-influenced menu, a bar decked in reclaimed wood and the lofty prices to match. 

Why we love it: 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. Though it’s quite large, mature trees, tropical foliage and cushy booths make the space feel intimate. Plus, there’s a retractable roof to protect from the elements, whether that’s during a particularly scorching brunch or a sudden evening deluge. 

Time Out tip: Mind the dress code: by day, a relaxed-casual post-beach outfit works just fine, but nighttime calls for a “chic-casual outfit” to ensure entry. Reservations are required for non-hotel guests.

Address: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Daily 11am–11pm

What is it? This hotspot at the East Miami in Brickell can have a line out the door on weekend nights. Brave that line and you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the city (40 floors up!), pricey (but tasty) cocktails and a swank crowd. Indoors on the same floor, you’ll also find Tea Room, a reservations-only lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and a Japanese-inspired mixology program.

Why we love it: This is the highest rooftop bar in our guide, offering unparalleled Miami views. It gives off a serious Balinese vibe thanks to the nightly DJ sets and the intricate wood-carved bar that serves as its centerpiece, plus Asian-inspire small plates like lobster crispy rice and wagyu picanha. 

Time Out tip: 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.

Address: 788 Brickell Plaza #40, Miami, FL 33131

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 4 pm–2 am; Thu–Sat 4pm–3am

What is it? An intimate and understated escape on the rooftop pool deck of Española Way’s bohemian-chic gem, the Esmé Hotel. While the petite pool is reserved for hotel guests, the laid-back scene at The Roof bar is open to all and perfect for a slow afternoon or evening paired with great cocktails and lighter fare like heirloom tomato salad and grilled octopus. 

Why we love it: Stepping inside the hotel feels like being let in on a beautiful secret, and the rooftop bar is no exception. Every corner photographs like a Wes Anderson film if it were shot in a mid-century tropical fever dream. The prices are fair, especially for the beach (expect to pay around $16 for a cocktail, or $8 during happy hour) and the more casually hip crowd isn’t screaming for your attention. On weekends, The Roof often activates with DJs and live music, too.

Time Out tip: The Esme recently launched Soul Jazz Sundays, a free, semi-regular live music series highlighting some of Miami’s finest jazz talent. The party starts at 4pm with happy hour until 7 and a DJ set until 6:30, when the first of three live jazz sets kicks off. Check Instagram for dates.

Address: 1438 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening hours: Daily 11am–10pm

What is it? This NYC-imported boutique hotel brand brings a playful, curated energy to Wynwood with its funky design, creative community-oriented events and two elevated terrace bars. Located in the leafy third-floor courtyard, Higher Ground is an indoor-outdoor urban park with a drink program by the award-winning Bar Lab Hospitality Group (of Broken Shaker fame). Up on the rooftop pool deck, ART Wynwood hosts sunset DJ sessions, queer pool parties and more.

Why we love it: Higher Ground has become the home of ArLOL, a weekly comedy series hosted by local legend Pauley that features a fresh lineup of Miami and New York talent every Thursday. There’s never a cover and draft beers go for just $5.

Time Out tip: What it lacks in ocean views, Arlo’s rooftop deck makes up for with its 76-foot-long heated pool, complete with poolside service, cabanas and plush towels. If you’re not a guest, you can vibe out in the bar area from 4 to 9pm—or spend the day splashing around for as little as $35 via ResortPass.

Address: 2217 NW Miami Ct, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Hours vary

What is it? There’s a helping of South Beach glamor, a tinge of Euro lounge and perhaps a smattering of “Russian oligarch’s drawing room” at this opulent restaurant and lounge perched atop the famed E11EVEN nightclub in Downtown Miami. A retractable roof keeps the whole thing accessible no matter the weather, and the downtown skyline fills the horizon. 

Why we love it: Decked ornately in gold and marble with a giant, U-shaped bar and over-the-top drinks served in vessels such as a giant glass high heel, Giselle feels perfect for celebrating a big raise, going all out with the crew before a wedding, or finding out you’re a descendant of the Romanovs.

Time Out tip: Fresh for the summer, Giselle is rolling out its Guest Chef Series, featuring menu collaborations with acclaimed chefs for exclusive, one-night-only dinners. James Beard Award-winning chef Todd English kicked off the series in June, with chef Cesar Zapata of Phuc Yea and chef Jose Mendin of Pubbelly Sushi and Casa Isola up next. Check Giselle’s Instagram for the latest info.

Address: 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132

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

What is it? Chef Raheem Sealey (KYU, Drinking Pig) teamed up with Forward Hospitality Group to create this Asian-meets-Caribbean smokehouse that feels like the homegrown nightlife destination Wynwood was missing. 

Why we love it: Beverage director James MacInnes crafts a menu that travels the globe. Outside, a sprawling terrace of graffitied concrete, tropical foliage and low-slung seating buzzes around a massive bar, where the menu leans casual with elevated takes on classics—think refreshing highballs and playful spins on margaritas. Inside, MacInnes flexes his mixology muscle, serving up more complex, globally-inspired creations like a grapefruit-gochujang tequila highball and a chamomile-ume Negroni.

Time Out tip: Though it’s only two stories up, it’s dimly lit, breezy and enough to escape the heat of the concrete jungle below. Lively happy hours and late-night DJ sets give Shiso a solid rooftop bar vibe. (They’re open until 2am on weekends and yes, they do the bottle service thing if your occasion calls for it.)

Address: 239 NW 28th St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening hours: Wed–Thu 5–10pm; Fri–Sat 5pm–midnight; Sun noon–10pm

What is it? 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. Dubbed The Key (inspired by the colorful, laidback watering holes of the Florida Keys), this spot features covered and uncovered areas, strong tropical cocktails and fun events like punch bowl parties and weekend brunch with DJs. 

Why we love it: A bustling happy hour and long, south-facing views of the Design District, Wynwood and Downtown set this rooftop apart. You can also order table service from any of the many yummy food stalls downstairs, which makes it great for groups who want to graze from a variety of spots. The Key opens at noon on Sundays if you’re looking for a boozy rooftop brunch situation.

Time Out tip: Getting a bit toasty up there? Take refuge inside Bar Kaiju, the award-winning cocktail den located on the mezzanine level of the Citadel, where you’ll find some of the most ambitious potions in the city.

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

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

What is it? Find this beloved locals’ dive hiding up on the ninth floor of 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. 

Why we love it: $4 cans, $6 drafts, a Ketel One Espresso Martini for under $12. I don’t think we need to say more, but we will: pool tables. Expect zero frills, very chill service and lots of local color.

Time Out tip: 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.

Address: 555 NE 15th St 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33132

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 2pm–3am; Thu–Sun noon–3am