The best clubs in Miami to party like a pro

For over 15 years, Space has been Miami’s dark, after hours club of choice. The 24-hour Downtown venue (open only on weekends) has been through its ups and downs but new management—including III Points cofounder David Sinopoli—have revived Space back to its purest form. Now, along with some really strong DJ bookings, Space represents all that’s great about Miami nightlife: inclusivity, tropical vibes and staying up way too late. If you make it to sunrise (which should be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace), keep your eyes peeled for the complimentary cafecito that’s passed around.   

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? Yup—that’s an option. And, of course, there’s plenty of dancing, everything from open format hip-hop to Carl Cox and the occasional live performer. Basement is less of a club and more of an adult playground. 

Photograph: World Red Eye

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. Every weekend, you can expect to see a small army of celebs huddled inside the DJ booth. Regulars include Bieber, Lil Wayne and about 75 percent of the Kardashian clan. It is a glamorous affair that will certainly cost you—but you’re going to wake up the next morning with a story.

Photograph: Courtesy LIV

Wynwood’s electro hotspot is a neighborhood favorite where locals and in-the-know tourists flock weekend after weekend. It’s cozy—just one room on the second floor—but filled with veteran patrons who know the right way to go clubbing. There will be dancing, great music and cigarette smoke circling around the Pickle’s glorious disco ball.

On paper, E11even shouldn’t work. How in the world is any club—much less one the size of a military fortress—suppose to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while hosting live performances from Drake alongside aerial acrobatics and a full kitchen serving you food at both 8pm and 8am? And we haven’t even gotten to the topless dancers twerking underneath a shower of dollar bills yet. Well, it’s best not to ask too many questions at E11even. Just enjoy the sensory overload and try not to max out your credit card.

LIV’s younger cousin (the two clubs are owned by the same people) resembles its counterpart in both scale and scope but has managed to carve out its own identity too. Story is worried less about luxury and more about partying. Huge hip hop acts like Travis Scott stop by often and big name DJs tear the house down on a weekly basis. Story is a bit more accessible and for-the-people than LIV, which means it comes with a crowd ready to get down till last call.

Photograph: Simon Hare Photography

Let’s hear it one time for Twist, 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. There are two levels and seven different bars inside Twist, which ought to give you plenty of options to explore.

Los Angeles peeps know about the Doheny Room. Its original location in L.A. earned a reputation as a hip celeb hangout. The Miami version still has a ways to go, but its decor (a sort of tropical-deco-meets-cocktail-lounge-of-the-future mash-up) is an ideal setting for a nightcap.

Purdy is where you go at the end of a long night, when you just want to dance a bit around likeminded folk who want to do the same thing. The music veers towards hip-hop nostalgia and there’s a dancehall/reggae room in the back (just follow the neon sign). The crowd can be young, bordering on college-y. Still, it’s a beloved Miami Beach spot that requires you to leave any snotty attitude at the door.