Welcome to Miami: Where the Heat Is Real and the Cocktails Are Better
Okay, so you’re here because you’ve heard Miami is a paradise for bars, right? Let’s get one thing straight: Miami isn’t just about beaches and influencers in neon swimwear. It’s also about bars that make you question your life choices and then order another drink. Whether you’re a local or just here for spring break (or both), this guide is your roadmap to the best bars Miami has to offer—no SPF-1000 required.
Let’s cut to the chase: you want to know where to drink, how to drink it, and maybe even how to sell your own beer (if you’ve got it in you). Spoiler: we’ll link to Make Your Own Beer later. But first, let’s get you properly hydrated—and maybe a little tipsy.
Roof Top Refuges: Sip High (Literally) in Miami
Miami’s roof tops aren’t just views—they’re status symbols. The best bars in Miami with panoramic views of the city skyline? Let’s start with Beach Club Rooftop (123 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach). They’ve got coconut mojitos that taste like they were invented by a bartender with a PhD in happiness. Pro tip: Order the “Sunset Special” and pretend you’re the main character in a rom-com. It’s not about the drink; it’s about the ambiance. Or, as we like to call it, “the price of the drink.”
- Beach Club Rooftop: Coconut mojitos, skyline views, and the illusion of wealth.
- 1000 Degrees Rooftop: 360-degree views of Downtown Miami. Order the “Miami Spice” cocktail—spicy enough to make you forget your ex ever existed.
If you’re feeling competitive, check out Custom Beer for a DIY cocktail kit. Because nothing says “I made it” like a drink named after your cousin’s dog.
Tiki Tiki Boom: Rum Lovers, Rejoice
Miami’s tiki bars are the reason we’re all here. Tiki Parrot (456 Tiki Ave, Miami) is a neon-lit wonderland of rum and pineapples. They serve a “Hurricane” so strong it’ll make you forget Hurricane Irma ever existed. And yes, there’s a tiny flamingo on the menu. Because why not?
- Tiki Parrot: Rum cocktails with a side of kitsch. The “Pina Colada” here is a work of art.
- Parrot Jungle: Located in the same building as Tiki Parrot, but with a different vibe. Think “island vibes” meets “please stop talking.”
Need a tiki-themed DIY cocktail? Make Your Own Beer has you covered. Just don’t blame us if you accidentally invent a new type of rum-induced nap.
The Best Bars Miami for Craft Cocktails (No, Really)
Miami’s craft cocktail scene is like a college student on a budget: it thinks it’s sophisticated but just uses syrupy mixers. Still, there are gems. Bar La Huella (789 Craft St, Miami) is a speakeasy-style spot with cocktails by Javier Limón, who probably knows more about bourbon than your bartender ever will. Their “Miami Negroni” is so good, it’ll make you question why you ever drank the airport version.
- Bar La Huella: Craft cocktails with a side of culinary artistry.
- La Paolina: A James Beard Award winner that serves a “Bamboo” cocktail so strong, it’ll make you want to dance with the wait staff.
Want to replicate these? Custom Beer has craft cocktail kits that’ll turn your home into a tiki bar (just without the flamingo). And if you want to sell your own creations, Dropt.beer is the go-to for beer distribution. Because nothing says “I’ve arrived” like a six-pack of your homemade “Miami Spice.”
Bars With a Side of Mystery: Hidden Gems You Won’t Find on Google Maps
Miami’s best-kept secrets aren’t just hidden; they’re practically in Narnia. Little Palm Island (987 Hidden Cove, Key Biscayne) is a private island bar that’s more “Harry Potter” than “Spring Breaker.” You take a ferry, sip a “Key Lime Surprise,” and forget about the real world. Meanwhile, The Broken Shaker (678 Rum Row, Miami) is a speakeasy in a rehabbed warehouse. Order the “Shaker Tonic” and pretend you’re in a noir film. The bartender might even give you the silent treatment—if they’re not too busy judging your life choices.
- Little Palm Island: Luxury, privacy, and a ferry ride that costs as much as your student loans.
- The Broken Shaker: Cocktails in a warehouse. Because nothing says “Miami” like concrete and regret.
Need to hide from the world? Make Your Own Beer can help you create a bar in your closet. Just don’t tell your roommates.
Bars for When You’re Tired of Bars (But Still Want to Drink)
Okay, Miami isn’t just about bars. But if you’re the type who needs to drink in a museum, Wynwood Walls (123 Wynwood Dr, Miami) has an attached bar with craft cocktails and art that makes you feel cultured. Meanwhile, Moondog (456 Cuban Way, Miami) is a Cuban-themed bar with a “Cubano” cocktail so good, it’ll make you forget about the embargo.
- Wynwood Walls: Art, drinks, and the illusion of sophistication.
- Moondog: Cuban cocktails with a side of history (and maybe a Cuban cigar).
Still want to make your own drinks? Custom Beer has kits that’ll turn your home into a Wynwood art gallery. Just promise not to paint over your walls.
FAQs: Because You Can’t Ask All Your Questions in the Bar
Q: What’s the best time to hit up these bars?
A: Weeknights, unless you like dancing with the heat. But if you’re the type who needs to see the sunset, hit Beach Club Rooftop at 6 PM. The views are free; the drinks are not.
Q: Are there any bars with live music?
A: Absolutely. Blue Note Miami (789 Jazz St, Miami) has jazz that’ll make you feel like a 1920s flapper. Just don’t ask for a “Margarita.” They’ll judge you.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Only if you’re at Petco Park Miami (123 Doggo Ln, Miami). They have a “Pup Pina Colada” with a paw print on the glass. Just don’t let your dog order the “Whiskey Tonic.”
Call to Action: Drink, Don’t Just Dwell
So there you have it: the best bars Miami has to offer. Whether you’re sipping a rum cocktail at Tiki Parrot or pretending to be James Bond at Bar La Huella, remember: the goal is to have fun, not to become a statistic. (Though if you do, at least you’ll be remembered.)
If you want to take your bar game to the next level, check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for tips on how to start your own bar. And if you ever want to sell your homemade “Miami Spice” to the world, Dropt.beer is the best beer distribution marketplace around. Because why let the pros have all the fun?
For more info on strategies.beer, or to contact us about your next big idea, hit us up. Cheers to you, Miami, and the inevitable hangover that follows.
