The Best Cocktail Bars in Miami

Abbey Brewing Company

★★★★☆ 4.3 (427) • $$

"I arrived in town around 8pm and my buddy took us here for a chill evening before getting into SOBEWFF the next day. As we walked in we went to sit at a table, but right then a couple seats opened up at the bar and we shifted there. As the night went on it got busier and busier so we locked those in for a while. I'm glad we did because that's where your getting the quickest service and bar activity. I wasn't drinking beer that night so I can't speak to the brews, but the prices were great for a few hours of drinking in South Beach... probably the cheapest tab we had all weekend. With so much glitz and glam in the area, a dive bar is a welcomed change of pace."

VARSOL SUSHI BAR

★★★★☆ 4.2 (120) • $$

"I had heard mixed reviews about VARSOL and last night I decided to order takeout to satisfy my sushi craving. I'm so happy I did because it was some of the most delicious takeout sushi I've had in a while!I opted for the Salmon dream salad which is served over Wakame and avocado as well as a yellowtail hand roll. The fish was super fresh and both were fabulous. I was full from the order because the salad had so much salmon. I will definitely order again and hope to stop by in person soon!"

Salt Cafe Miami Beach

★★★★☆ 4.2 (197) • $$

"Walked Miami Beach with friends and eventually needed food. We thought Salt Cafe looked good..... it's the lower level of a hotel... but didn't feel that way. Beer was slim pickings... Heineken. Menu is small but doable. Friend had the avocado toast and a nice change to just avocado toast was it came with 2 poached eggs and smoked salmon. My other friend had the mahi with vegetables. I had the ahi tuna burger but seeing a wrap on the menu asked them to put it in a wrap instead of on a bun. It was delicious. Came with fries.Our server Jonathon was a delight to talk to. He was very attentive as well, always filling the water. Great experience! Yummy food!"

Bar Luca

★★★★★ 4.7 (31)

"Stopped into Bar Luca for a quick bite to eat for dinner. I was in the area and walked in. They have tables set outside the hotel and inside the lobby is the indoor seating. It was pretty empty so I was a bit skeptical. As soon as all the plates would come by I would look at what was ordered and everything was served piping hot and fresh. I went with their short rib bolognese pasta dish and it was also served really hot, which is a big one for me. The dish was spectacular. I really enjoyed it. I was in a hurry so my dessert was a martini espresso with baileys. A cortadito with alcohol, if you will. Again really tasty. Everything was great and didn't break the bank too bad. I like the spot. Just feels like it needs more word of mouth or promotions. The bar is also very nice to come have a drink."

Crudos Fusion Art Doral

★★★★☆ 4.1 (26)

"Very fun and truly an artful experience from decor to food, it was good time. Beautiful execution on dishes, love the limon juga forward dishes, lots of juice that help to balance and spring that fresh in the ceviche. Sushi rolls were nicely plated and cut thin and consistent to be a perfect bite size. Will definitely be back for dinner and drinks!!"

El Santo Taqueria

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (293) • $$

"Set in the touristy heart of Calle Ocho by galleries of Viernes Culturales, El Santo Taqueria provides a spot to satisfy your taco cravings. It's supposedly owned by the same group that runs Kiki and Gramercy; I believe there's even a speakeasy lounge to Santo but my experience was average.The logistics are that you order at the counter, and the food is brought to your table. I started with a generic bottle of white wine (Seaglass?) and ordered both chips and salsa, as well as their el pastor pork burrito. The wine was chilled and a little dry, so no big complaints. Likewise, the chips had a good crisp, and the salsa a mild bite. However, unlike how it used to be, the chips aren't complementary. My main was their Burrito al Pastor, and I will admit it had a nice amount of pork and fixings in it."

Il Pastaiolo

★★★★★ 4.6 (596) • $$

"I must admit that we were not intending to come to Il Pastaiolo when we visited South Beach, as the place that we were wanting to try had closed for the night. Pulled this one up after doing some quick research, and I am thankful that we ended up coming here because the food was tremendous!Had the Fettuccine Alfredo (added some shrimp) and the Fettuccine Bolognese. Flavor was amazing on the pastas! But what really wowed me was the quality of the fettucine itself. Like damn, I could just tell that these noodles were on another level quality-wise. We were both pleasantly surprised for sure.Service was great! Even though we got here after 11 pm, staff were super friendly and accommodating.Gotta love it when you stumble on a gem out of nowhere. Will definitely come back, and next time I will actually plan it out."

Los Ranchos

★★★★☆ 3.8 (21)

"This Los Ranchos location just recently "soft opened" within the past few days and according to the staff, they'll be having a grand opening sometime next month. I'm also told this restaurant is actually returning to this location just off the large Ponce de Leon roundabout in Coral Gables, as they used to be located in this same building years ago. After closing their location at Bayside Marketplace during the pandemic and their restaurant in Hialeah more recently, Los Ranchos now has 2 remaining restaurants - This new one in the Gables, and the other at The Falls.First impressions of this Coral Gables location are really good. I'd been to their Bayside location many times for both lunch and dinner (and have missed it since it closed) and we'd also gone to their restaurant at The Falls and in my opinion this new eatery beats both those others. It's nicely decorated and a bit fancier, yet not overdone. One can sit at the bar, at a number of tables with chairs or couch seating, or at outdoor tables on the patio in front. Two areas of the main dining space can be sectioned off for larger private events if necessary and they have 1/2 dozen TVs scattered throughout the place. Best of all, the food is exactly as I remembered - flavorful, plentiful yet also affordable. I had the baby churrasco which was an 8 ounce center cut grilled tenderloin, served with a salad, garlic bread, gallo pinto, sweet plantains and plantain chips; A really filling meal for $26. Los Ranchos has a lot of competition in Coral Gables for steak. Just from memory I can think of 1/2 dozen other steak places on or near Miracle Mile, yet I think this restaurant will do well considering both their name recognition and menu prices that few other steakhouses in this area can match - especially considering the quality and everything your meal here comes with (vs some other restaurants where salad and sides aren't included with the steak and need to be ordered separately for an additional price).I wish this newest Los Ranchos well; We'll definitely be back!"

Lightkeepers

★★★★☆ 3.9 (102) • $$$

"In A Nutshell:-Lightkeepers is a restaurant inside the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne.-If you opt for the buffet breakfast, you will pay just under $50 for the AYCE, so you better eat as much as you can.-I really enjoyed the made-to-order omelets, which take a little time, but worth the wait & you may want to order 2x.-In addition to the omelets, you can grab a nice selection of eggs, bacon, sausages, fruit, cereal & pastries.-The price is steep for AYCE, but if you do a la carte, you may end up paying more.Overall, it's still a very nice restaurant w/ good service serving delicious food."

No 3 Social

★★★★☆ 3.7 (363) • $$

"Came here on a Friday evening with a group of friends. This spot was still known as No. 3 Social a month ago. Considered a rooftop bar, although it was only about three stories high. Still very spacious and open. If you're looking for a chill and calmer scene, this is the spot. It is not crowded and the bartenders are accessible with minimal wait. Drinks are pretty solid.Check in on Yelp for 10% off on your bill!"

Chabella Miami

★★★★☆ 4 (168) • $$

Meet Dalia

★★★★☆ 4.3 (98)

Brother's Keeper

★★★★★ 4.5 (10)

"Really digging this new Alton and Lincoln bar. The space is small but comfortable. Nice big bar in the center with cushioned bar top. Nice touch. And the lighting makes you feel like you are part of an aquarium, which are adorned behind the bar. Stopped in for their happy hour menu. The oysters were so fresh and delicious (East Coast Cape Cod region) more on the sweet side, not so briny. Also got a chance to try the bacon wrapped dates with queso Cabrales inside. Nice pairing for some drinks. They had a good selection of cocktails and NA ones too, if you're skipping the booze but want something flavorful and fizzy to drink. They have a pool table, darts, and a juke box. Living for this dive!"

Adrift Mare

★★★★☆ 4.1 (16)

"Was wowed by Adrift Mare during a Yelp Elite Event and had to come back for happy hour. The quality I experienced on my first visit carried over to my happy hour visit, and it was a wonderful experience.A good happy hour menu and I love that it's available later than a lot of other Brickell happy hours. We sat outside to enjoy the beautiful views. Plenty of seating available and we were well taken care of by our friendly server.I tried the cava on the happy hour menu and it was delightful and fruity. We also shared the truffle toast and it was a very nice snack for two. For happy hour the prices are a little steep. You're getting very good quality food and drink plus lovely ambiance though."

Pilon Miami

★★★★☆ 4.3 (48)

Saxony Bar

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (17)

"I had a blast here when I came with a group of friends a few weeks ago. The vibes are just 10/10. Great music, good drinks (a bit overpriced priced but it's in the Faena so what do you expect), and it has truly mastered the whole speakeasy vibe.Great for a girls night, or even a date night -- the spot is super intimate and cozy. I'd come back here 100%."

The Amalfi Llama

★★★★☆ 4.2 (108) • $$$

"I love Miami Spice because you can try out restaurants that may or may not have been on your radar. I noticed Amali Llama while on my way to dine at another restaurant nearby. Anyway, stopped in on a Sunday afternoon for lunch. The place is spacious and decorated with a lot of thought. We opted for the short rib empanadas, chicken parmesan sandwich, and chocolate cake for dessert. The empanadas were good, but were dry! They left much to be desired. Even with the chimichurri, the meat was super dry. The sandwich and dessert were just okay, nothing to write home about. I probably will try this place again, outside of Miami Spice, just to give it a fair try."

Naked Taco

★★★★☆ 4 (2183) • $$

"This place is super cute, and conveniently located near the beach. I got the Baja Fish taco and the shrimp taco because she said that they were the top tacos that people like and honestly the shrimp was probably my favorite! I tried a little bit of the grilled chicken burrito and it was good, but truthfully way too heavy on the stomach. Sasha was our server and she was amazing! Our food came out pretty quickly! I think this spot is perfect if want to grab something good and quick but still have that sit down experience."

Bungalow By The Sea

★★★★☆ 3.7 (96) • $$

"Amazing outdoor lounging area next to the pool and beach. Chill vibes with 2010s indie remixes, good new Latin food, good service (when they're not swamped on weekends).Food is pricey and has built-in 20%, but that's par for the course for Miami Beach.This was my office for the week and I loved it!"

Over Under

★★★★☆ 4.2 (123)

"Over Under, a quaint little bar, boasts a burger experience that's anything but ordinary. The menu item named "Worst Best Cheeseburger" holds true to its title, as it stands out as one of the best burgers I've ever had. This remarkable creation of Florida grass-fed beef, American cheese shreddi letti, griddled onions, pickles, housemade 1000-islanddressing served with handcut fries. From the first bite, you're greeted with a symphony of savory delights--juicy beef, gooey cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy pickled grilled onions pickles--all nestled between perfectly toasted buns. The name may suggest otherwise, but this burger is a masterpiece in its own right, earning its place as a must-try for any burger enthusiast."

Anejo Restaurant & Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (59)

Casa Bufala

★★★★☆ 4.1 (33)

"Yelp Elite Event Review:Location is prime in Sunset Harbor SoBe. Service was attentive and great. And the food is splendid- try the lobster gnocchi with cheese; brick oven pizza; and end it with their homemade tiramisu. Cheers."

El Floridita Seafood Restaurant - Coral Way

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (138) • $$

"I have been to the other Floridita locations but first time at this one. We were seated promptly. The restaurant had updated decor. My husband and I ordered beers to start and they were ice cold. We started with the bacalao croquettes and the steamed mussels. The croquettes were yummy. The muscles were OK. They were a little bland. for our main, we did the combo meal that starts off with the soup. I had to check in my husband had the fish we both enjoyed. For our the chicken breast and my husband had fried fish chunks. Both portions seem pretty small in comparison to prior visits. The food was OK. The service was OK. It could've been better."

Neya

★★★★☆ 4.4 (73)

"This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to in SoFlo. We had the privilege to enjoy the $45 pp Miami Spice Menu and it was truly a steal. You got 2 appetizers, an entree and dessert. Everything was delicious and well thought out. Attention is also great and if it's your first time they will explain that all dishes are tapa style and will even give you their personal recommendations if you ask.The chef also comes by the tables to ask how everything was. Very nice touch and very humble sweet chef.I have been dreaming of going back to this place ever since I left :)"

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1286) • $$

The Scape Goat

★★★★☆ 4.4 (120) • $$

"Cattycorner to Carbone, this cozy cocktail bar was recommended by our captain for a perfect after dinner nightcap. The spot is dimly lit and the soundtrack is varied, loud and perfect to keep the party going. They have seating at the main bar, a couple of couches as well as hightops which is where we sat to celebrate a birthday.The menu has "fancy shots", classics as well as sweeter dessert drinks. We started with the Snaquiri (essentially a mini mojito) for me and Cecilia enjoyed her Tazita (espresso martini). Since it was her birthday, these smoothly blended and strong shots were comped.Our main courses., as it were, were the "Tuxedo" for birthday girl and the "Tia Maria" for me. My Tia Maria was a great blend of aged rum and curaçao and the mezcal gave it the right amount of sweet. Although I'm not a gin fan, the tuxedo I sampled definitely had a bite. I wonder if the absinthe led to some "interesting" conversations :)"

iBurger

★★★★☆ 4.1 (216) • $$

"I had back-to-back awful experiences.But, after a year passed, I stopped in and gave the restaurant another try.Seated at the bar, the servers were busy with big noisy tables and take-out/delivery.Still, I received timely attention.Ordered a classic burger and fries. I wanted medium, let myself be coerced to medium well.Not a hockey puck, but about 1 minute too long.Still, a very good burger.And, my fries were very good.The interim holiday crowd included two large parties.Very noisy, but this is a burger joint, not a meeting place.Prices reasonable, if not seriously competitive in a region that (over) charges $22-26 for a burger.Only two criticisms:An in-house charge of $3.50 for a can of Diet Coke is a ridiculous markup. And, I understand the 3.5% add-on for the "convenience" of using a credit card.But, it was added ex post facto - after I signed my receipt.I prefer advanced notice."

Red Phone Booth - Brickell

★★★★★ 5 (36)

"Very upscale speakeasy in the elite Brickell area downtown.We enjoyed the full tour, including the second level.The cocktails are beautifully crafted and authentic , the only issue is trying to decide on one.We enjoyed the charcuterie board which had two types of salami and prosciutto, several cheeses, crostini, a delicious onion jam, white grapes, strawberries, blueberries and candied walnuts.Service was top notch and it overall a fun experience."

Carmela’s

★★★★☆ 4.2 (130)

"PUB CRAWL - 2ND STOP....Was told by a bartender from another bar to stop into Carmela's Speak Easy (no front signage), which we did and met with the bartender, Marco, who made the wife a Carmela Spritz $15.00 with basil which she went nuts over. Marco even has his own extracts that he blends into the drinks.The bottles of liquor behind the bar was stacked tastefully. If youre into custom cocktails this is your place.Many classy white sheet tables in the main room. The bathroom is very clean."

Mickey Burkes

★★★★★ 4.5 (111) • $$

"This was the perfect sports bar to watch the superbowl at! My company and I were in Miami for a work event and one of our clients had reserved a couple of areas at this bar. The food was really good and we had enough room to be comfortable and not cramped against other people. Our waitress was super nice and helpful and overall we had a great time!"

Thorn

★★★★☆ 4.3 (142) • $$

"I have been beasting to try this place for happy hour after hearing some of my Yelp friends talk about it. So when my friend wanted to go out on a Sunday afternoon this wasn't my first thought- but I am glad we decided to come. So it's important that you go to their IG to understand where to park- it's a little confusing- but they do comp parking so it worth it to check before. This place is on bird rd but it's so offset of the road that once you are inside- it feels like you are somewhere else. As you enter you find a very cute space. We ordered some mimosas, beer, brisket fries and bbq chicken pizza. The server passed by frequently to check on us- which inspired us to buy a bottle of wine after the mimosas lol. The brisket fries were DELICIOUS. We really enjoyed the meat, it was tender. The sauce on it was great. The pizza was good- they didn't put onions so it threw me off a little. The music being played was great- 90s music for us grown folks. They also had the dolphins game on which my husband was happy for. I cannot wait to come back for happy hour where they have $1 oysters!!!!"

Sugarcane

★★★★☆ 4 (2616) • $$

"It's been years since I've been here, and I'm so glad I came back. We came here on a whim after a late event and the sushi was surprisingly really good! My favorite was this torched yellowtail jalapeño roll. We also got the spicy tuna roll, but the price wasn't worth the amount of rolls it came with. The croqueta appetizer was great, pig ears were too salty (basically left untouched), and lamb chops were amazing!!! I'd come back just for the lamb chops and sushi"

MO Bar + Lounge

★★★★★ 4.6 (107) • $$

"First time at MO bar and lounge. They had a nice jazz band as advertised on a Saturday with classy indoor seating. Great service by Pamela and her supporting staff. Well made drinks and beer menu. I enjoyed their sushi rolls; very high quality and fresh sea food. Looking around I saw people equally dressed up and dressed a little casual, but I'd say perhaps they're going for a classier vibe. As it's a hotel, there is an eclectic crowd. Singles, families with kids, and couples old and young. Seemed like all were equally enjoying all the same with no awkwardness. I'd return and recommend."

Bunbury

★★★★★ 4.6 (910) • $$$

"What a cute new spot. A friend that lives in the area recommended it. I got the special of the day empanada which was the spicy filet mignon. I didn't taste any spice, but it was very oily. The meat didn't feel like filet mignon but then again, it's such a small amount of meat that how can anyone really tell. Also had the handcut beef with chimichurry empanada and that was very good. The bread they brought to the table I wasn't a fan of. The texture was spongy and the spread had no flavor in my opinion. It was on the sweet side.The duck confit was delish, loved every bite. The only thing I would say is that I wish it would've been warmer. When it arrived to the table it was room temperature and I enjoy my food warm.My friend had the empanada with Prosciutto and the pasta with meat which she loves, since she is a regular.Service was pretty good, they come and fill your water cup very often and are pretty attentive. Only thing I would say is that they removed the tablet that had the sauces for the empanadas without asking if we were done with them and I was not finished so that was a drawback.But besides that, I think it's a great place to check out."

PERL by Chef IP

★★★★☆ 4.2 (106)

"Stopped by here on my birthday, 4/26, hoping they would be good for lunch. Nope they weren't, they were superb. The host, the server(Andrew) , the ambiance were outstanding. The food was flavorful, delicious. The broccolini was superb & so were the red snapper tacos. I ate outside which was a great choice. They have a bird in the cage above. Stop by here...u will not regret it."