Nightlife - Miami, Florida



Nightlife

After its sandy beaches, nightlife is perhaps what Miami is best known for. Pop culture phenomena like Miami Vice and Scarface first glamorized the city’s bar scene in the 80s. A more recent onslaught of reality TV stars (Kardashians and Jersey Shore kids, to name a few) has only further perpetrated the stereotype of the overly tanned, slightly gauche Miami nightclubber.

In actuality, there’s a lot more to the city at night than velvet ropes and crowded dance floors. A large number of beer bars focusing on rare imports and microbrews have opened in recent years. There are also plenty of wine bars that provide a swanky alternative for those who can’t be bothered to wait in line. But perhaps the biggest secret about Miami nightlife is the city’s unexpected number of laid-back bars where cheap beer, good music, and friendly locals always abound. The lounge scene, which can provide a swanky atmosphere without the hard-to-talk-over bass is also available. Hotel bars are a particularly good place for this, where visitors are not limited to hotel guests. Live music is a culture in itself and there are plenty of options for music lovers.

Typically only night clubs and bars with live music charge covers for entrance, but more relaxed establishments may ask for $5 or $10 at the door on weekends. Keep an extra $20 in your pocket (more if you are trying to get into a SoBe hot spot) and you should be fine.

Overview

Nighttime parking in certain areas of the city can be tricky. Have a game plan beforehand so you don’t waste your night driving in circles. See the Getting Here, Getting Around chapter for parking garages around the city. Also, street parking is prevalent in neighborhoods such as Miami Beach and Coral Gables, for example, but it is typically pricey or occupied. In Coconut Grove, parking lots are your best bet—expect to pay from $10 or more, which makes carpooling a smart decision.

Categorizing some of these establishments was no easy task—some are dive-y until they turn into late-night dance clubs. Others are hotel lobbies until they transform into lounges at night. Items are classified in the category in which they fit best, though many are versatile.

1. Boteco

City: Miami, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 757-7735
Address: 916 NE 79th St.

Description: A “boteco” is the name for a nightlife hangout and this Brazilian joint lives up to that reputation. The restaurant component of the joint draws Brazilian food lovers but the bar component holds its own, too. Aside from serving standard beers, Boteco is perhaps known best for its Caipirinha, which is Brazil’s national drink. Try the traditional drink with cachaça, lime, and sugar or variations such as the Caipiroska with vodka, lime, and sugar or the Saqueroska with sake, lime, and sugar. Fresh fruit flavors (strawberry, kiwi, grape, pineapple) are also available in each. Martinis and shots are also an option. Stop by during happy hour throughout the week, which is usually 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays.


2. The D.R.B. (Democratic Republic Of Beer)

City: Miami, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 372-4565
Address: 255 NE 14th St.

Description: The menu is updated weekly and boasts hundreds of international beer choices. Dozens of options come from Belgium, England, Germany, and the United States, especially, but other interesting flavors on the menu include beers from Argentina, Bulgaria, Cuba, Ethiopia, Malta, and Vietnam, to name a few. A decent wine selection is also available as well as food choices. Most beer lovers will take advantage of preselected six-packs available and “beer flights” starting at $15. A happy hour takes place daily.

3. The Fillmore Miami Beach At The Jackie Gleason Theater

City: Miami, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 673-7300
Address: 1700 Washington Ave.

Description: What used to be the home of the Jackie Gleason Show (ask your parents or grandparents) now snags big-name indie acts when they are the height of their popularity—think MGMT and Phoenix, both of whom have played shows here. The venue’s retro-cool Art Deco façade combined with its ideal, midsize capacity has made it a favorite with Miami music lovers. Check the website to view all the upcoming shows. Tickets can be purchased from www.livenation.com or at the box office.

4. Tobacco Road Bar And Restaurant

City: Miami, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 374-1198
Address: 626 South Miami Ave.

Description: Miami’s oldest bar has a steady stream of live music acts on the schedule. Rock and jazz are only a few of the genres featured at Tobacco Road—because it’s open until 5 a.m. a late-night crowd streams in at all hours. The grub alone attracts hungry partiers and other events throughout the week are listed on the schedule. Most, if not all events are 21+.

5. Cinebistro

City: Miami, FL
Category: Nightlife
Back to Miami, FL