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The best clubs in Miami for the ultimate night out
From Wynwood to the beach, the best clubs in Miami will keep you dancing until the sun comes up
February 2020: Miami Music Week is a few short weeks away, and while the epic Ultra fest is always a solid option (especially since it’s making a return to Bayfront Park this year), most savvy club kids know it’s all about the after-parties—and Miami definitely does not disappoint in that area. While we’ve had to say goodbye to two longtime nightlife institutions, Purdy Lounge and the Electric Pickle, the city has fortunately birthed a few new options in their stead. Read on for our new picks, from a reggaetonistas dream club to a massive, multi-level rave playground.
Locals are quick to remind folks that there’s much more to this city than the best clubs in Miami. And—sure—that’s true. But there’s a reason so many folks talk about our clubs: they’re pretty sweet. Some are downright amazing too. And, for better or worse, nightclubs are still a big part of Miami’s identity. So, yes, explore the best museums in Miami, make your way to the best Miami attractions and chow down on the best Cuban sandwich along the way. But at the end of the night, find a dance floor. Also, a quick tip: most of these clubs won’t hit their stride until well after midnight, so take a nap and grab a coffee.
RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of Miami nightlife
Best clubs in Miami
1. Club Space
What is it? For over 15 years, Space has been Miami’s dark, after hours club of choice. The 24-hour Downtown venue is going through a renaissance too, booking techno and house icons like Black Madonna, Honey Dijon and plenty more.
Why go? You aren’t a Miamian until you’ve watched the sunrise on Space’s top-floor terrace. Keep your eyes peeled for the complimentary cafecito that’s passed around.
2. Basement
What is it? Welcome to Basement, where your options are wonderfully all over the place. Want to bowl with your friends on funky lanes? Sure. How about some ice skating on an adorable indoor rink? That’s an option. And dancing? Obviously.
Why go? Locals can collect little pink Basement coins from the Edition concierge that get you to the front of the line with free cover. Just ask about it and show some ID.
3. LIV Miami
What is it? You’ve heard it in songs, seen it on TV and possibly dreamt about it in your sleep. LIV is Miami Beach’s most famous club. The reason? Well, there has been no shortage of TMZ-worthy moments to happen at LIV throughout the years, especially at the famous weekly gathering known as LIV on Sunday.
Why go? Because you love spotting celebs in the VIP section.
4. E11even
What is it? Well, what isn’t it? The 24-hour club (seriously) is part nightclub, part performance venue, part strip club and even more. Oh, and there’s a rooftop restaurant too.
Why go? Because we can truly say there is no club in Miami (maybe even the world) as over-the-top as E11even.
5. Wynwood Factory
What is it? A sprawling multiuse, indoor-outdoor venue located next to the railroad tracks in the heart of Wynwood that boasts four unique spaces including a 2,000 square-foot open-air terrace.
Why go? This relative newcomer has nabbed some serious gigs over the last year, hosting everything from music festivals and day raves to haunted houses and interactive art shows.
6. ATV Records
What is it? The closing of Wynwood’s longtime underground dance music institution the Electric Pickle broke ravers’ hearts from Miami and beyond. But the decade-old spot had barely shuttered its doors a year before this new concept quietly emerged from the team behind much of the Pickle magic.
Why go? The old pint-sized nightclub was world-renowned for its killer sound system and excellent bookings, and ATV Records in Downtown retains several fixtures from that Wynwood venue, including the iconic spaceship disco ball and, of course, the bumping bass that helped make Pickle famous.
7. El Patio Wynwood
What is it? El Patio is unlike anything in Wynwood—which, considering the depth of options in the trendy art district, is high praise. The mostly outdoor Latin bar manages to be intriguing enough for visiting tourists, while maintaining a loyal following of locals.
Why go? Resident DJ Mr. Pauer curates a masterful playlist of old school Latin, reggae, electro, and everything in between to guarantee hips never stop shaking. Add to all that one of Wynwood’s best happy hours (featuring $1 beers and $4 cocktails) and you’ve got a place worth showing up early and staying late.
8. Floyd
What is it? This little club sits at the bottom of Space, a sort of hip younger brother that books acts dance music aficionados drool over. The place is intimate and DJs perform right on the floor next to the crowd.
Why go? Floyd is great if you’re not quite up for a mega-club but you still want to dance.
9. Twist
What is it? Miami’s iconic gay club that continues to be a safe haven for our city’s LGBT population while also welcoming any tolerant and smiling soul through its doors. Twist is a great place to let your hair down without worrying about the South Beach posturing that goes on at other velvet rope clubs.
Why go? There are two levels and seven different bars inside Twist. Never a dull moment.
10. Do Not Sit On The Furniture
What is it? Designed more for dancing than sitting (hence the name), it’s packed tight and kept very dark, except for those moments when the gorgeous light fixture flashes and illuminates everything around you. Partially owned and operated by internationally renown DJ-producer Behrouz and Electric Pickle’s Will Renuart, Do Not Sit has earned a reputation for top-tier guest acts and underground sensibilities.
Why go? A club cozy enough to meet everyone inside in a single night? How refreshing!
11. Story
What is it? LIV’s younger cousin (the two clubs are owned by the same people) that resembles its counterpart in both scale and scope but has managed to carve out its own identity too. Huge hip hop acts like Travis Scott stop by often and big name DJs tear the house down on a weekly basis.
Why go? Story is a bit more accessible and for-the-people than LIV, which means it comes with a rowdy crowd ready to get down till last call.
Need something to eat after all that dancing?
Check out the best drunk food in Miami
Because it’s 4am and you’re starving.