Ok, I did my research and found the chillest cocktails, sky bars, wine cellars and secret menus in Miami. And, if after a few drinks you start feeling like a show, you can switch out your cabernet for Cabaret or pick any lane and entertain yourselves with bowling and dancing at Basement.
As always if I missed your favorite spot, write it down in the comments so everyone can check it out.
Watch the MIAMI SPOTLIGHT video to see our favorite places to eat.
(photos from pixlocal studio)
COCKTAIL BARS
BROKEN SHAKER - well traveled mixologists tap into their own courtyard garden to create unique elixirs infused with fragrant herbs as well as exotic ingredients. Insider tip: order from the blackboard, sip it by the pool
MELINDA'S MEZCAL & NACHO BAR - prohibition era speakeasy in wynwood with moody lighting, small-batch mescal from Tamaulipas, barrel aged reposado and aged anejo, among other handcrafted spirits. Insider tip: ask for the ever-changing 'secret menu'. I hear they also have pretty good nachos.
THE MAYHAW AT ST ROCH - delivering hits from the prohibition as well as creative takes on the classics. There's also a 55 label wine list, specializing in rose and bubbles. Nestled into the 2nd story of the Design District
RACKET - sky lit atrium featuring a tiki-inspired rum & tequila bar with local beer and creatively named craft cocktails, such as Here's Johnnie, She's a Ten and I Can Pour My Own Coke...
BALL & CHAIN - playing live salsa and jazz in Little Havana, the music is some of the best in Miami. The drinks and tapas are supposed to be pretty good too.
WINE BARS
CIBO - with 3,500 bottles of wine, Italian cuisine and a rooftop terrace, la vita è bella
BUNBURY - romantic back patio strewn with lights, which may or may not come with a Spanish guitarist (call ahead), and an extensive wine list
THE FORGE - they have one of the largest cavernous wine cellars in Miami, and the place is dripping in finesse - check the bubble wall
MADE IN ITALY - an Italian market and deli with over 2,000 bottles of wine and hard to find foods imported straight from the homeland
WD 555 - this is a wine depot, but it's exceptional in that it's led by a talented new chef who pairs small bites and entrees with reasonably priced wines to take home. They offer several events weekly, so call before you go.
ROOFTOP BARS
NO. 3 SOCIAL - take the private entrance to the rooftop garden/tiki bar and maybe sip a cocktail called Beauty Secret (infused with collagen) while taking in the view
YAKU BY LA MAR - beautiful waterfront views in a chic outdoor bar with dj, serving Peruvian-inspired punch cocktails & small plates
JUVIA - incredible panoramic views are complimentary with food and drink, dressing up is required
WATR AT THE 1 - tropical ambiance with a Polynesian/Japanese influenced menu
LA COTE - panoramic views at the top of Fontaineblue, live dj and rooftop pool
AREA 31 - 16th floor of the Kimpton Epic, glittering views of the city, Biscayne Bay and Miami River, farm to table menu, innovative cocktails
REGENT ROOFTOP AT GALE - luxurious space with infinity pool, dj, cabanas and cocktails. open wed - sun
ABOVE MAYFAIR - intimate hideaway in a chic tropical, gaudi inspired lounge, live dj and private poolside cabanas
DOWNTOWN SPICE @ E11EVEN - open air night club with views of Miami skyline, live music and drinks, and a 3-course dinner offered wed-sat
C-LEVEL - 6th level views of the city and the ocean, free wifi and party vibes on the weekends with dj and dancing
WHISPER COCKTAIL LOUNGE - incredible views from the 50th floor of the W Miami, creative cocktails, pool & dj (only light snacks)
BOULAN - sky bar and loungy pool at the top of the Boulan hotel
SUGAR AT EAST - located on the 40th floor, this rooftop bar and garden offers cocktails and Asian inspired tapas
THE CAPE AT TOWNHOUSE - cozy bohemian inspired space on the 5th floor with curated cocktails and rare brews
NIGHTLIFE/CABARET
EL TUCAN - a theatre style night club in retro glam reminiscent of 1940s Cuba. They have cabaret shows, a house band and dancing at night
FAENA THEATER - inspired by the glittering allure of Old Hollywood, the theater showcases sultry burlesque and cabaret performances
SAXONY BAR - a late night lounge steeped in old Hollywood glamour with live dj and meticulously crafted drinks
THE ANDERSON - bar lab cocktails and distinctive 80's vibes with animal print, vintage ads and video games. They serve stylish cocktails and have a beach bungalow shack in the back.
BASEMENT - The Edition Hotel's nightclub, bowling alley and ice skating rink, lit by neon and playing old school hip hop jams through a state of the art sound system. Chill crowd, hot dance floor. The drinks are $$$ but gratuity is included.
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