Stop by the Palace for a very South Beach experience. The gay-friendly restaurant and bar, which has been going strong for more than three decades, stages drag shows every evening and drag brunches on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Otherwise, know that the venue contains two bars: one indoors and designed for nighttime use, the other semi-outdoors. There's also a patio with dining tables. The presence of drag queens ensures the service is extra-attentive. Call ahead if you're set on taking in the famed brunch shows or nightly drag dinners.

The Anderson: 709 NE 79th St., 786-401-6330, theandersonmiami.com. The building that houses the Anderson has been a bar for far longer than most of us have been alive. Restaurateur Ken Lyon has given the space new life by revitalizing the beloved Magnum Lounge with jazz nights and a menu of classic dishes like a "square" burger and steak frites. Outside, a lush garden setting is home to El Toro Taco, a taco joint and bar. Taken together, this beloved gem is part dive bar, part elegant lounge, part garden taco stand: a trio of wonderful things that can only be combined in Miami.

Between Cuban cantinero Julio Cabrera's daiquiris and chef Michelle Bernstein's fare, there's something uniquely Miami about Cafe La Trova. Bernstein's comfort food is all-around tempting. She works to meet the foodie fantasies of her guests, whether they're in search of elaborate dishes or a traditional tres leches dessert. Cabrera's cantineros take pride in the art of drink making. Here, they "throw" daiquiris, tossing the precious liquid from shaker to shaker to create an arch in the air before spontaneously bursting into a choreographed dance number. But as with all things Magic City, this joint isn't fueled solely by good food and drink: At any given time of the day, expect guayabera-clad musicians or jazz trumpet players to fill the air with their vibrant tunes from a stage whose backdrop is the weathered façade of an Old Havana edifice. The debut Florida Michelin Guide recognized Cafe La Trova for its superior food and drink.

Step off Collins Avenue and into Lost Weekend, and you might forget you're smack in the center of South Beach. The bar is named for John Lennon's affair with his and Yoko Ono's assistant, May Pang — a "lost weekend" that lasted 18 months. The bar offers cocktails, craft beers — and cheesesteaks. For those who crave a little competition, bar games abound, including pool, air hockey, darts, and foosball. Pro tip: Pop into Kill Your Idol, Lost Weekend's sister bar next door — it's chock full of fascinating adornments, including an astronaut hanging from the ceiling and a life-size Bruce Lee statue sticking out of the back bar.

Whether you're in search of brews or tasty cocktails, the Scape Goat in South Beach's South of Fifth neighborhood offers wallet-friendly libations no matter the hour. There's a broad selection of beers and wines, and the cocktail hunter can choose from a list of interesting mixed drinks that range from old-time classics like the Hemingway daiquiri and the Sazerac to dessertlike concoctions to fancy shots like the "Snaquiri" (think of it as a daiquiri in a shot glass) and the "M&M" (mezcal and amaro Montenegro).

If it's variety you crave, MIA Bruhaus is the brewery for you. Owner Eddie Leon created this Doral brewery and distillery (formerly M.I.A. Beer Company) as an experimental playground for all things beer and craft booze-inspired. Today that means a beer garden and tasting room with a 50-plus roster of craft IPAs, lagers, ales, sours, and stouts. In true experimental fashion, MIA was one of the first U.S. breweries to create its own flavored hard seltzer. Can't decide what to try first? Choose any four and order a flight. The in-house restaurant, "powered by" Farmhouse Barbecue, offers everything from everything from pretzels and wings to tostones, croquetas, burgers, and pulled pork sandwiches.

No bar in Miami embraces its home state of Florida quite like Over Under. From the neon mosquito drinking a martini to the fried alligator bites on the menu, every detail of this cool spot reminds imbibers exactly where they are. Whether it's karaoke and fruity drinks or a beer and a shot paired with one of the best cheeseburgers in town (made with Florida-raised beef, no less) you're looking for — Over Under can match the vibe and then some. It's one of those places where timing is everything because the mood changes over the course of an evening, but you can always expect to have a good time without having to get all glammed up. It's a true come-as-you-are kinda place.

The management team behind the much-missed Employees Only Miami is behind this intimate space, which pays homage to the beloved spirit of the Caribbean: rum. To wit: Swizzle stocks about 150 varieties of rum meant for sipping or playing the starring role in cocktails. You'll find classics (such as a rum manhattan) along with imaginative cocktails like the "El Presidente," made with rum, pomegranate, molasses, and Angostura bitters. Swizzle also offers rum flights if you care to explore the world from your barstool.

In 2016, restaurateur David Martinez, Blackbird Ordinary's Dan Binkiewicz, and world-class bartender John Lermayer opened a Miami Beach bar meant to be a hangout where locals could gather for proper cocktails and a killer menu created by chef Michelle Bernstein. This neighborhood joint — adorned with a pink neon sign that urges patrons to "pursue happiness" — quickly became one of the most revered bars anywhere. Sweet Liberty has been named one of the World's 50 Best Bars and has won several Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Not even Lermayer's untimely death could stop the plucky bar and restaurant from staying true to its mission to serve good drinks and good food — the kitchen serves the full menu until 4:30 a.m. every night — in a lively and friendly atmosphere.

You haven't lived in Miami until you've spent an afternoon sucking down a cocktail while gazing at a cotton-candy sunset at Monty's. The Coconut Grove institution has seen a half-century of Miamians flock to the dockside restaurant for happy hour and tropical vistas. But no trip to Monty's is complete without a round of “Pain Removers” — the bar's version of the "Painkiller," a tiki cocktail trademarked by Pusser's Rum Ltd. in the 1970s. Besides the name tweak, not much differentiates the Remover from the 'Killer. Both are made with island rum, pineapple juice, OJ, and coconut cream, and both can be prepared in "strengths" that vary the rum-to-juice ratio. Pair the sweet, strong cocktail with a dozen oysters and watch the boats come in.

If you were of legal drinking age in the mid-2010s, then you likely had a free taco or ten at Wood's famed Taco Tuesdays. Miami's entire bars-for-bars'-sake crowd mourned Wood's pandemic-era closure in 2021, but now the Wynwood mainstay is back — albeit as a pop-up in the former Shots space. Wood Tavern owner Cesar Morales says he's working on a permanent new home for the boho bar in Allapattah, with a target of December 2024. In the meantime, head to Wynwood for happy-hour deals, live music, food options galore, and even a promised return of free tacos on Tuesdays.

The first thing you'll notice when you walk into Shuckers is the breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay. Next will be the myriad sporting events playing on the many flat-screen TVs. Just as your stomach begins to rumble, fill up on raw oysters, fresh fish, wings, and a bacon cheeseburger made with 100 percent USDA Prime ground beef.

Right next to popular South Beach pizza joint Lucali, you'll find the cozy and quaint Bay Club. The menu is the same as next door, with bonuses like the option to order smaller pies and happy-hour deals on wings, meatballs, caesar salads, and other such bites. The cocktails are as fun and creative or as classic and uncomplicated as you care to regard them. The Bay Club is great for catching up with a friend or going on a second date; you can opt to sit outside on the sidewalk patio, at the bar, or in one of the cozy corner tables, depending on the mood you're in. Plus, there are comedy shows, karaoke, and live music regularly, meaning there's always something entertaining going on (in addition to the people-watching).

Hialeah's first brewery, Unbranded Brewing Co., takes its name from the founder's grandfather, who opted not to brand the cattle on his Texas farm. Today, Unbranded stands for its beers, which don't have catchy monikers. Ask for a Golden, a Guava, or a Hazy — the names are simple and descriptive. Unbranded has an in-house smokehouse offering smoked brisket and pulled pork in platters, sandwiches, and tacos. Consider the brewery a welcome touch of Texas in Hialeah.

Late-night noodles, cocktails, and lively vibes are in store at Baby Jane. At this Asian-inspired Brickell hotspot, you're welcome to sip cocktails and hang until the wee hours. Adorned by a bright neon light that says, "I'll have what she's having," the intimate space is outfitted with booths that line the sides of the bar, a few high tops, and seating that allows j-u-s-t enough space to dance if the moment calls for it.

This institution in Brickell City Centre has done more than merely survive the ever-changing neighborhood; it has thrived. Evolving as needed, Blackbird Ordinary has reinvented itself for the third time in its 11-year lifespan. The newest version is inspired by owner Dan Binkiewicz's childhood in Miami Beach. It’s dark and moody, with a major bohemian feel and disco balls twinkling all night. Inside the main room, you'll find cozy booths and plenty of room to dance — and you'll be dancing on the iconic LED-colored floor that once called Purdy Lounge home. Step "outside" to discover a newly revamped tropical oasis with tall, stadiumlike ceilings, even more room to dance, and several bars, ensuring that your next drink — say, the classic "Blackbird," made with sweet-tea vodka, blackberries, and lemonade — is never too far away.

This Giralda Plaza drinking den has been a Coral Gables staple since it opened in 1946 as a beer hall. Notwithstanding its cadre of diehard regulars, the crowd here skews younger — Millennials and Gen Xers who mass here late at night and on the weekends (especially on Fridays when ladies drink free until 7:30 p.m.). If you want to avoid finding yourself packed shoulder to shoulder as the evening wears on, visit at an off hour for a whistle-wetter and a bite. At a glance, the menu may seem basic — wings, burgers, loaded tater tots — but every dish here is leveled up a skosh. That's what we call maturity!

This downtown haunt is home to amazing cocktails, delicious pastas, raw-bar options, and fluffy Parker House rolls that taste like pillows from heaven. Owners Will Thompson and Carey Hynes moved to Miami in 2018 to open a chic tropical bar that was an instant hit with locals. It remains a perfect spot for first dates, martinis with friends after (or during) a long week, and pre-Miami Heat game cocktails and bites. Their motto is, "If you come for the cocktails and stay for the food — great. And if you come for the food and stay for the cocktails — great!" Reservations for the dining room are highly suggested, but the bar area is where the real party is to be found. Always check out the "Freak of the Week'' section of the menu, where you'll find the featured specialty cocktail. Note to newcomers: Jaguar Sun is located inside the X Miami building on NE Fourth Street; it's accessible via a side door on the breezeway that runs alongside the Metromover, appropriately marked with an arrow sign that reads "COCKTAILS."

Make your way to the mezzanine of the Citadel food hall, and you'll find a dim, red-backlit bar — and one of the most inspired cocktail menus in Miami. Translated from Japanese, kaiju means strange beast, and fittingly, the drink list is laid out like a graphic novel populated by mythical monsters from around the world and creatively crafted drinks to match their attributes. The "Sinsinito" ("Savage"), for instance, is made with Patrón silver tequila, tepache (a fermented pineapple beverage), amaro, and a spiced corn foam on top that floats like a cloud of creamy deliciousness. Bar Kaiju founder Derek Stilmann says his enterprise is, most importantly, a place for people to hang out and have a good time — that, and a tribute to the creativity of humans. And boy, are the humans behind this bar creative.

Johnathan Wakefield has become a legend of sorts in the craft-beer community. The brewer started out making beer as a hobby, which quickly became an obsession. Without even owning a brewery, Wakefield built a fanbase by collaborating with established breweries like Cigar City and Terrapin. Then, he raised more than $110,000 in a crowdfunding campaign to open his Wynwood brewery. That brewery is famous for two things: its Star Wars theme and its Florida Weisse beers. Wakefield has perfected the art of brewing beers that are perfect for Miami's climate — be they a juicy IPA, a fruit-forward sour, or a refreshing lager.

Bar Nancy in Little Havana sports rustic, nautical-inspired decor and a healthy selection of craft cocktails. The bar — named for the brigantine Nancy, which transported war supplies during the American Revolution — offers cocktails named after ships or patriotic themes, or both. The "Abigail Adams" is made with Fords gin, peach liqueur, lemon, strawberry, cucumber, and soda; the "Stem to Stern" consists of apricot-infused Bulleit rye, lemon, apricot jam, and ginger ale. There's live music and a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. offers half-price drinks.

Lost City Brewing, which opened in the summer of 2020 amid the pandemic, feels like a rare find amid Miami's burgeoning beer landscape. The taproom is located in a warehouse complex, which suits its industrial setting. Inside, you'll find a small bar and a comfortable lounge with leather sofas. The beers are straightforward and well-crafted — not many novelties here. Instead, you'll enjoy infinitely drinkable ales in a convivial setting.

Named after Ernest Hemingway's granddaughter, Margot Natural Wine Bar comes to us from the guys at Bar Lab (creators of Broken Shaker). The menu includes more than 75 natural wines, from bubbles to whites to reds to rosés and skin-contact wines. You'll also find low-alcohol cocktails, as well as a seasonal rotation of small plates.

Tucked just off the lobby of the Sagamore Hotel, Water Lion Wine + Alchemy feels like a secret you don't want to share. This cozy little ten-seat bar and 12-seat dining area is the respite you need in the frenetic epicenter of South Beach. Water Lion specializes in unique offerings that cover wine, beer, cider, sake, and an in-house fermentology-based mixology program of artisanal low- and no-ABV cocktails. The wine menu is an ever-evolving selection that includes a wide range of flavor profiles — from a variety of micro-vintners that offer everything from light and effervescent sparklers to juicy reds and full-bodied whites. For food, find fresh-shucked oysters alongside a bevy of light dishes like charcuterie, a chopped shrimp dip, and deviled eggs. Don't be surprised if all the wine and oysters work a little magic. Word is that this little spot has been the site of more than a few marriage proposals. Guess there's something in the water...lion.

This South of Fifth watering hole in the Meridian Hotel has quickly become a favorite among Beach locals and visitors looking for a laid-back vibe. True to its name, Minibar is a small hangout that invites conversation in the courtyard, a chat with your friendly bartender, or a quiet nightcap. The cocktail menu changes fairly often — sometimes inspired by Miami or its beloved chefs (there was once a menu featuring favorite drinks of local chefs like 2015 top Top Chef Jeremy Ford), and sometimes they're just deliciously refreshing tropical drinks that are sublimely Miami-chic.

If you "know what it means to miss New Orleans," the Corner is the Miami bar for you. Nestled in the downtown nightclub district, this little speakeasy boasts a bar constructed from 150-year-old repurposed wood and a vibe that's more reminiscent of the Big Easy than the neon lights of the Magic City. Maybe that's why the Corner's cocktail collection contains so many New Orleans classics. Drinks such as the Vieux Carré and the Sazerac are properly prepared, and the Corner's hurricane puts Pat O'Brien's French Quarter version to shame. The fact that you can order a cocktail at the Corner till 5 a.m. is a major plus for those looking for "one more round" before heading home.

True to its name, Ted's Hideaway is tucked away in Miami Beach's South of Fifth neighborhood, where the bar offers succor to those in search of a dark place to escape the Beach's glitz and glamour and the searing South Florida sun. During its daily happy hour — from noon to 8 p.m.! — Ted's offers $4.75 domestic beers and $6 imported beers. It's a great place to watch a televised sporting event, shoot pool, or make a new bar buddy.

Is it the first stop on your way to the Keys or your last stop on the way home? That's for you to decide. Either way, Alabama Jack's is an institution. It's on a lonely stretch of Card Sound Road — the alternative to U.S. 1 that tourists en route to the Keys hardly ever use. When you reach the sign that says, "This Place Sucks! I Wouldn't Come Back!" you know you've arrived. This dive bar is a favorite with bikers, boaters, and anyone who enjoys a few cold ones and a plate of hot conch fritters. It's not pretty (though the views are). It's not fancy, but it is a piece of old Florida Keys life that's being replaced by strip malls and chain hotels.

Tripping Animals partners Daniel Chocron, Ignacio Montenegro, Iker Elorriaga, and Juan Manuel Torres founded their brewery in Doral with the idea that everyone could get trippy. To that end, the Tripping team imbues everything they do with party-hearty gusto. The taproom is well-known for its large-format festivals, insanely fruity sours, heavy-hitting IPAs, and creative animal-themed can art. Hungry? Tripping Animals teams with local pop-ups around town to serve a variety of different foods each week. Think Ted's Burgers, Wolf of Tacos, and Masacraft, to name just a few.

Cuba's oldest brewery made its way to Miami after nearly 25 years of research on the part of Manny Portuondo, great-great-grandson of Federico Kohly, who founded Cerveceria La Tropical in 1888. Using the original beer recipe, Portuondo revived his family's legacy with a state-of-the-art brewery in Wynwood, bringing La Tropical to the masses for the first time since Castro seized power. The grounds are verdant, thanks to an onsite annex of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and offer a full bar and live nightly entertainment. The beer selection rotates, but you can count on La Original (an amber lager) and Nativo (a suave IPA) to be available on tap. An onsite restaurant run by chef Cindy Hutson serves Caribbean food with a Miami twist, from beer-can bread with whipped guava butter to curry jerk chicken wings to a "Latin Lovers" flatbread topped with pulled pork, chorizo, and churrasco.

What began in 2012 as a pop-up bar has flourished and matured into one of the most popular spots in Miami Beach. This courtyard oasis at the Freehand Hotel, equipped with twinkling lights, table tennis, and mismatched patio furniture, offers a roster of cocktails that changes according to the season and available fresh ingredients. Curb your hunger with bites like street tacos and shawarma fries. A creation of Bar Lab's Gabriel Orta and Elad Zvi, Broken Shaker has racked up coveted honors that include "Best American Hotel Bar" at Tales of the Cocktail's Spirited Awards.

Like its namesake, Marie Waite — the 1920s South Florida rum runner who outran the Coast Guard smuggling booze across the Florida Straits — this West Kendall brewery is a South Florida legend. Amid the dozens of breweries that have opened in the past several years, Spanish Marie manages to stand out. Here, co-owners Alby Cespedes and head brewer Jaime Medina are the masterminds behind a number of creative brews churned out by a seven-barrel system that keeps everything small-batch, experimental, and full of funky flavor. The brewery produces a wide variety of styles, ranging from hop-forward IPAs and easy-drinking pale ales to barrel-aged stouts. But it's Spanish Marie's niche passion for intensely fruited sours that sets the brewery apart from the rest. They're all available in the taproom, where a robust food menu offers made-to-order pizzas, tacos, and creative bar fare. In keeping with its Prohibition-era origins, the ten-seat tasting room is open only on select days and accessible by a secret door. If speakeasies aren't your style, the Spanish courtyard-themed beer garden is beer-geek heaven.

Mama Tried is a homage to the 1970s, an era when carpeting and red velvet were considered the height of chic. This is a drinker's bar, and it's designed as such. The windows are heavily tinted. Spherical copper lamps hang above a wooden U-shaped bar flanked by green banquettes, and the only other piece of furniture in the room is a pool table. The daily happy hour (till 8 p.m.!) at this downtown spot includes $7 classics such as a rum-based dark ‘n’ stormy, a French 75, and traditional three-ingredient daiquiris and margaritas. The regular cocktail list, offered alongside a curt selection of beers and wines, includes nearly a dozen pop culture-inspired drinks, like the "Porn Star Martini," the "Raspberry Beret," and the "Smokey and the Bandit."

There are actually three things you can be sure of in life: death, taxes, and karaoke. Whether or not you admit it when totally sober, you like karaoke bars. You probably even have a "secret" karaoke song that you can pull out of your pocket when you "pretend" you don't want to take your turn, but awww, shucks, since you're "pushing" me to sing... Sweet Caroline takes the karaoke bar a step further by adding great cocktails to the mix — named after famous songs, of course. The song collection offers more than 200,000 titles, so whether you're serenading the bride-to-be with "Single Ladies" or falling in love to "Summer Nights," there's a song here for you.

The best neighborhood bar is the one closest to home, and Bougainvillea's, a snug, self-described old Florida tavern near the Shops at Sunset Place, is exactly that for those who live in the Greater Coral Gables/Pinecrest/Kendall triangle. Built inside a '40s-era cottage, it's a fine place to sip wine and contemplate humanity or to down beers with friends. The default light level is dim, there's a fireplace, and some tables are set up outside. The affectionately nicknamed Bougie's is one of the few neighborhood bars to offer live music on a regular basis.

Nearly every major city in the world has at least a handful of Irish pubs where you can grab a pint of Guinness, some curry fries, and watch football (the real kind). The Auld Dubliner's looks are deceiving: Nestled as it is in a nondescript row of storefronts, a passerby might mistake it for a cellphone repair shop. But enter and you're transported to the Emerald Isle — from the witty sayings on the wall to the footy on the telly to the telltale aroma of shepherd's pie wafting from the kitchen. With a fine selection of Irish whiskies on the shelves, bartenders who know how to pour a proper Guinness, and live music on the weekends, the Auld Dubliner is a great place to channel the friendliness (and the booze) of Ireland without leaving the Magic City.

This beach-themed establishment might look like an ordinary bar from the outside, but step inside and you're hit with the sort of mayhem you'd find at a frat house on game day — right down to the college kids and cheap beer. Sandbar's food offerings are solid, from the fish tacos to the five-pound burrito, and the drinks are in a category of their own. Try the hurricane, made with Captain Morgan spiced rum, Myers's dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine — and you'll see why this Coconut Grove staple can weather any storm.

Sure, Beaker & Gray is a restaurant that serves innovative dishes courtesy of co-owner Brian Nasajon. But you'd be remiss if you dismissed its cocktail program, led by Nasajon's partner, Ben Potts, as a side affair. Beaker & Gray's list of libations is as strong as its food menu; for some patrons, it's a destination in itself. Potts and his team have created an extensive drink menu, including classics such as an elegant take on a Moscow mule and the "Ginstagram," made with Tanqueray London Dry, Cocchi Americano, falernum, passionfruit, orgeat, and Peychaud's bitters. Beaker & Gray offers a selection of nonalcoholic cocktails as well, for when you're parched yet "dry."

This speakeasy-inspired bar in Coral Gables looks to classic New Orleans watering holes for inspiration. When you walk through the nondescript door, you'll find a lounge area with red leather couches. The space opens to the main room, resplendent with a mahogany bar lined with leather-upholstered stools. Chandeliers and vintage lamps light the space, but the most eye-catching features are the two large walls cascading with devil's ivy that sandwich bookcases holding a curated array of select small-batch spirits not found anywhere else.

This indoor/outdoor hodgepodge of a place is named for a small gift traditionally bestowed upon a customer by a merchant, and the moniker couldn't be more fitting. At this serve-yourself Midtown bar, you pick your craft beer, cheese, and wine, pay at the counter, and then plant yourself in a lawn chair beneath twinkling lights. Lagniappe offers live music — and sitting under the stars on a balmy night while listening to a band evokes an evening more New Orleans than Miami.

The original location of this dive bar is on New York's Upper West Side; the Miami Beach outpost was re-created after owner Danielle Savin flew south and decided this was a great place to open a little watering hole. Bob's Your Uncle is Normandy Isle's go-to spot to be treated like family, even when you don't want to be around your own. Whether it's a classic cocktail, beer on tap, or even a Jell-O shot, everything is served with a smile. The bar's personality extends to the restroom hallway, adorned with photos of famous Bobs throughout history — from De Niro to Saget. Pro tip: Bob's is the perfect place to grab a cold one while waiting for a table at the adjacent sushi restaurant, Katana.

For three decades, John Martin's Irish Pub was the place to grab a pint of Guinness in Coral Gables. The restaurant and pub, opened in 1989 by friends Martin Lynch and John Clarke, was renowned for its cheery atmosphere, live music, and an annual blowout St. Patrick's Day celebration. The beloved watering hole closed in 2020 but reopened in November 2022 after an extensive refurbishment. Now operated by Breakwater Hospitality Group (the Wharf Miami, the Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Rivertail), along with Black Market Miami owner Erick Passo, the pub offers classic Irish favorites like bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, and a hearty Irish breakfast, plus a robust whiskey selection and (of course) a well-poured pint. Perhaps best of all, John Martin's famous St. Patrick's Day street festival has returned, making Miami a "green" city once again.

Ask nearly anyone in Miami, and they're likely to tell you that their favorite place to have an unpretentious round of drinks is Flanigan's. Joe "Big Daddy" Flanigan opened the first Flanigan's in 1959 in Pompano Beach. The nautical-themed bar was a hit for its ice-cold beer, fresh seafood, and baby back ribs. The only thing that has changed since then is that, with 24 locations in South Florida, you could probably spin around and throw a dart and hit a Flanigan's. Now that's progress.

The Parrot Lounge has been serving thirsty beachgoers since 1970. The bar, located just a block west of A1A on Fort Lauderdale Beach, is a mecca for bikers, tourists, and sun worshippers who come for the excellent beer selection, General Tso's chicken wings, and the no-frills, friendly ambiance. On weekends, the party spills out into the street and up on the roof, and yet the Parrot always maintains its "chill." Maybe because the bar truly respects the neighborhood in which it resides — It conducts regular beach cleanups (with beer as a reward for a job well done).

Cebada, the Spanish word for barley, is an ode to the now-shuttered Barley, which was located in Dadeland. Cebada Rooftop finds the same owners, Jorge Ramos Sr. and his son Jorgie Ramos, operating atop a one-story building in Coral Gables. Prior to opening in August 2021, the bar was in the works for more than three years. The drink names on the cocktail list poke fun at Miami-isms (and Jorgie's childhood) — like the "Every Belen Guy's Christmas Vacation," made with cucumber, ginger, honey, lemon, and Breckenridge gin. No Ramos establishment would be complete without an elevated menu filled with dishes you won't find in any other bar. (Think squid-ink linguini and roasted marrow bone.)

Another entry on the Magic City's roster of listening lounges, Miami Sound Bar is inspired by Tokyo Music Bar in Mexico City. Here, you'll find one of the best sound systems in Miami — made in the UK and customized in Japan. If you seek a chill atmosphere with low lighting where you can sip a carefully mixed cocktail as you vibe to a DJ who spins vinyl albums from a massive collection, you've come to the right place. The aforementioned beverages are fun and musically inspired — try the "Leaving on a Jet Plane," made with pear-infused bourbon, Aperol, amaro Nonino, and lemon; or the "Blind Melon," with tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde poblano liqueur, Midori, honeydew, agave, and lime. The space is super-small, so make a reservation to guarantee yourself a seat.

Miami's now home to several vinyl listening bars, but Dante's HiFi, which opened in the heart of Wynwood in September 2021, is the OG. Hidden behind an unmarked black door and down a couple of corridors in, this cozy spot is dominated by raw concrete accented by heavy drapes, a massive rug, and plenty of couches. With a record collection that tops 4,000, there's no end to what you might hear on any given night, courtesy of a DJ who's positioned at the center of the bar. Just like the Japanese listening bars that inspired it, Dante's cocktail menu is all highballs, all the time, but ask and the bartender will whip up whatever your heart desires. Reservations are de rigueur, and if you aren't a fan of tight spaces, a late-night weekend visit might not be for you. Prime time for relaxing/vibing: weekdays when Dante's opens around 7 p.m.

When John Falco opened Lincoln's Beard in May 2016, he chose a spot near Westchester instead of competing with more established brewers in Wynwood and Doral. Today, the brewery stands as a community hub in Miami's Bird Road Art District. It's an industrial space where you can always find a cold pint served with a hefty dose of ambiance and live entertainment. Part of its success is Falco's commitment to giving back, continually playing host for a fundraising karaoke night or beer-and-food-inspired festival. The house-brewed beers rotate frequently and pair perfectly with the on-premises food truck, Tacos and Tattoos, located on the brewery's back patio. The menu touts a variety of Latin-themed eats, from overstuffed burritos and enchiladas to a variety of tacos. That means you can match favorite core brews like the Avenge Me! Irish Red or P. Swayze American IPA with anything from fried mushroom tacos or jerk chicken-topped fries to maduro-stuffed croquetas or a three-quarter-pound surf-and-turf burrito.

Miami's ultimate treat-yourself bar is the Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons Surf Club. Home to the largest collection of Champagne in town, this chic oasis transports its guests to the Amalfi Coast. The emerald-green bar just outside the Lido at Surf Club Restaurant is surrounded by a large lounge area and an outdoor patio and is considered the property's lobby bar. Cocktails here are stunning riffs on classics with twists often inspired by the grand parties thrown onsite in the early 1900s. They're on the pricier side, even for Miami — gird your credit limit for $25 a pop — but they're among the best to be found.

Not many bars can boast the style heft of the Elbo Room, which has been slinging drinks since 1938. The dual-level bar blessed with direct views of Fort Lauderdale Beach became the ultimate spring-break destination for your grandparents when a little film called Where the Boys Are was released in 1961. And, although it looks like that might have been the last time the joint was painted, the Elbo Room endures. It literally weathers the storm by staying open during tropical storms, serving cheap drinks, and hosting live music. So entrenched is the Elbo Room that it has its own beach cam.

If it's a view you seek, look no further than Rosa Sky Rooftop. Located on the 22nd floor of Brickell's AC & Element Hotel, this chic, modern lounge presents picturesque panoramic views of the Magic City skyline. Come nightfall, the space is bathed in the venue's signature rose-hued glow, making it the perfect spot to share globally inspired small plates and sip whimsical cocktails like the namesake "Rosa Sky," a blend of strawberry- and lemongrass-infused vodka, citrus juice, and sparkling rosé served in a martini glass with a signature rose-shaped ice cube. By day, Rosa Sky offers a "Sunday Soiree" brunch, inviting you to pair bottomless bubbles, sangrias, and rosé with Insta-worthy dishes like the "Rosey Cakes," pink pancakes topped with maple-macerated strawberries and tufts of rosé chantilly cream. If it's a view you seek, look no further than Rosa Sky Rooftop. Located on the 22nd floor of Brickell's AC & Element Hotel, this chic, modern lounge presents picturesque panoramic views of the Magic City skyline. Come nightfall, the space is bathed in the venue's signature rose-hued glow, making it the perfect spot to share globally inspired small plates and sip whimsical cocktails like the namesake "Rosa Sky," a blend of strawberry- and lemongrass-infused vodka, citrus juice, and sparkling rosé served in a martini glass with a signature rose-shaped ice cube. By day, Rosa Sky offers a "Sunday Soiree" brunch, inviting you to pair bottomless bubbles, sangrias, and rosé with Insta-worthy dishes like the "Rosey Cakes," pink pancakes topped with maple-macerated strawberries and tufts of rosé chantilly cream.

Brickell's best-known dive bar, Better Days, is one of those "anything goes" spots that's great for happy hour or that very last drink of the night. While there's no formal cocktail menu, the bartenders are ready and willing to make whatever is requested — though tequila shots are a fan favorite. The dark, cozy space is outfitted with a pool table, string lights, and flamingo decor, with a bar in the center and seating in the form of couches and a church pew around the room. Start the week with a Monday karaoke session or dance the night away with the weekend DJ. Either way, it's always a better day at Better Days.

There's a reason this vibey cocktail parlor, lounge, and restaurant from Big Brother alum Memphis Garrett is billed as a "refuge from the ordinary." Step inside No Man's Land in Fort Lauderdale, and you immediately feel as though you've been transported to an intimate dinner party, a bespoke experience made complete with an arsenal of creative cocktails and equally inventive small plates served up in a sexy and sophisticated space. Mixed drinks take center stage in the form of a list that changes several times a year but always includes the "NML Old-Fashioned," a blend of bourbon, housemade s'mores syrup, and bitters, garnished with a toasted marshmallow. Dishes are overtly intended to complement the libations. Exhibit A: the "Foie Gras Old-Fashioned," a bourbon-cured terrine served with a Luxardo gastrique, Angostura bitters-infused mascarpone, and Demerara brioche.

A long-standing brewpub near the University of Miami, Titanic Brewery & Restaurant has been serving up a proper pint in Coral Gables for more than 20 years. Here, a five-barrel system produces consistent, high-quality brews. While the recipes have evolved through the years, Titanic's six house brews have remained largely the same, from a light-bodied kölsch and an easy-drinking extra special bitter to a chocolaty-smooth oatmeal stout and an award-winning rye amber ale. To round out the options, fans can find a rotating selection of more than 20 seasonal and specialty releases alongside a menu of handcrafted cocktails, martinis, and wines by the glass. The brewpub comes into focus with a sizable menu that covers soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées, including innovative vegan and vegetarian fare.

Some days you want to sip nitrogen cocktails with durian espuma amid pulsating beats and colored lights, and some days you simply want a good drink in a low-key, welcoming joint. Lost Boy returns sanity to drinking through its cool, no-nonsense vibe, brick walls, and tasteful decor. The drinks are solid classics, often tweaked with tiny twists. (A penicillin benefits from the addition of orange-blossom honey, for example, while an espresso martini is made mellow with a dash of CBD oil.) Can't make up your mind? Order the “My Idea!” and your bartender will craft you a bespoke cocktail. Your wallet will enjoy a trip to Lost Boy during its daily happy hour: Drinks are half off from 4 to 7 p.m.

When Tobacco Road closed in 2014, more than a century of Miami drinking history went poof. The "Road" had many lives, serving as a brothel, a bakery, and a place where every major blues artist played (as did a ton of minor ones). So it only makes sense that this legend got a new life, thanks to Miami restaurateur Matt Kuscher and original Tobacco Road partner Patrick Gleber. Kuscher says this is more of a tribute to the Road than a re-creation — and he's correct. The menu reads like a "best of" from all of Kuscher's restaurants — burgers, bang bang shrimp, and chicken tenders. There are craft beers and cocktails with cute names. Also the bathrooms don't look like something out of American Horror Story anymore. But look closer, and you'll find a list of "Shitty" beers that are OG Tobacco Road-approved. There's live music on the weekends, and just walking through the door under the Tobacco Road canopy sends a frisson of nostalgia up your spine.

Though it's just one part of a larger complex, the Bar at the Doral Yard has its own personality. The large wooden bar serves as both the focal point of the Doral Yard and a gathering place for locals to chill on plush, oversized barstools. The cocktails are well thought out and tap into local flavors like guava, coconut, and even cafecito. The Bar at the Yard offers daily specials (including an industry night), making this one friendly place to grab a few drinks. Though it's just one part of a larger complex, the Bar at the Doral Yard has its own personality. The large wooden bar serves as both the focal point of the Doral Yard and a gathering place for locals to chill on plush, oversize barstools. The cocktails are well thought out and tap into local flavors of guava, coconut, and even cafecito. The Bar at the Yard offers daily specials including an industry night, making this one friendly place to grab a few drinks.

Brought to us by the same team that devised nearby Beaker & Gray, the Sylvester is decked out in colorful vintage wallpaper combined with tropical touches that play up a retro vibe created with repurposed antique furniture — much of which comes out of co-owner Ben Potts' family storage. The menu is filled with approachable cocktails inspired by Miami culture, like the "Floradora," made with vodka, rosa aperitivo, raspberry, and hibiscus ginger soda. Those looking for a deal can hit up the Rush Hour, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, during which drinks cost the same price as the hour.

Elegantly renovated to its 1939 glory (and then some), the National Hotel is home to a quaint and cozy imbibing den, Martini Bar. Here, the National's original marble flooring anchors an intimate, Gatsbyesque space that — in authentic Gatsby fashion — offers views of the property's infinity pool. Soak up the decadent vibe as you contemplate the list of specialty cocktails with which to accompany it, including the "Pear With Me" (pear vodka, amaretto, lemon, pear syrup, and foam bitters) and the "Hibiscus Beauty" (hibiscus-infused vodka, St. Germain liqueur, lemon, ginger syrup, and sage).

Located on famed Calle Ocho, Union Beer store is your best SW Eighth Street bet for local brews and rare beers alike. But this isn't merely a beer bar and neighborhood taproom that offers 18 unique brews on draft served along with a variety of eats. It's also a beer market, where refrigerated cases hold a rotating selection of whales — that's beerspeak for hard-to-find and limited-release bottles and cans. And it's a growler bar, where they'll happily fill your to-go jug with your choice from the tap so you can partake of your Union Beer Store bounty wherever your craft-beer-loving self desires.

Miami Beach's first official craft beer bar, the Abbey Brewing Company, opened in 1995 — you know, before it was cool. It's now a landmark for those seeking handcrafted brews — not to mention a curated selection of small-batch whiskeys, rare wines, and small bites — in an intimate setting removed from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Drive. Although the menu offers a full liquor bar, the half-dozen housemade brews are the focus here, thanks to founder and longtime brewmaster Raymond Rigazio, whose offerings include a series of Trappist-themed beers like Brother Aaron's Quadrupel, Brother Dan's Dubbel, and the Immaculate IPA.

This massive brewery on the outskirts of Doral offers a selection of beers brewed consistently for quality. In addition to its Miami-centric cores — La Finca, La Playita, Freedom Tower, and El Farito IPA, the Tank serves up a veritable calendar of seasonal porters, lagers, and ales. The taproom hosts numerous events, from a celebration of Shark Week to an annual 5K beer run.

If you want your burgers and beer served with a side of revelry, the Clevelander is your spot. We can think of no other place where you can splash in a pool, hang out with body-painted women, and watch a football game on a 20-foot LED screen (or more than 40 other monitors throughout the property). The Clevelander offers multiple spots to drink on the premises, including the poolside Beach Club, the rooftop terrace overlooking Ocean Drive, and Kush at Clevelander, where increasingly ubiquitous local restaurateur Matt Kuscher offers some of the city's finest pub grub.

Imagine a sneakerhead and sports fan's dream incarnated as a Wynwood bar, and you've got Grails. The walls inside this sports bar are lined with shadow boxes filled with an expansive sneaker collection, while the walls outside are covered in seasonally changing, sports-themed murals. Cocktails are served in collectible porcelain sneakers and paired with upscale bar bites like cheeseburger dumplings. If there's a game, fight, or match being broadcast, odds are it's being shown on one of the 50-plus monitors arrayed both indoors and out. Pro tip: Visit Grails' sister bar, Spanglish, next door for high-end, Cuban-inspired cocktails and bites.

Located in the lobby of the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel, Bleau Bar was a popular hangout for the Rat Pack back in the 1950s. These days, it's a hotspot for grabbing a cocktail before heading to dinner at one of the hotel's several restaurants or downstairs to dance the night away at LIV. After a 2021 renovation, Bleau Bar debuted a series of 16-foot-tall screens that allow a little separation between the hotel's entrance and the bar area. Guests can take a seat at the massive teardrop-shaped bar or an exclusive table for bottle service. On the menu: classic cocktails, a broad selection of spirits, and beaucoup people-watching.

A basement bar in Miami isn't something you see every day, but the folks behind this retro-themed listening room know what they're doing in terms of exploiting their below-sea-level location for optimal sound quality. A venture that pairs the Bar Lab crew with the owners of Club Space, this late-night downtown disco showcases global dance music and local DJs and backs up the entertainment with cocktails mixed by Christine Wiseman (World's 50 Best North America 2023 "Best Bartender of the Year") in a Saturday Night Fever setting. Come early if you're looking for a quiet cocktail or venture in late night when you're ready to dance off your dinner.

At its entrance, this Wynwood institution boasts "air conditioning, cold beer, and cocktails." Indeed, those are the basics for a successful Miami bar, but Gramps goes the extra mile and then some — from a robust roster of live music, DJs, and drag bingo to some damn fine pizza and more. Ensconce yourself in the bar area or find a table on the patio. A little bit hipster hang, a little bit dive bar — Gramps is a welcome respite for the beer-and-a-shot crowd and the craft-cocktail maven alike.

The Wilder is Fort Lauderdale's answer to the lack of destination drinking for a higher-class clientele. Think of it as a social club for a truly sophisticated imbibing experience. South Florida hospitality veteran David Cardaci and his wife, Vanessa, used their travels as inspiration for the unique watering hole. Three distinct spaces offer unique experiences, each with a distinct personality: a hotel lobby-like front bar with masterfully executed libations; a European-style outdoor courtyard for sun-soaked revelry; and a dimly illuminated great room with a second bar that hosts near-nightly events from a burlesque show and live music acts to a weekly jazz night. There are plenty of nooks and crannies for cozying up or grabbing a seat at the long back bar. The libations roster mixes OG cocktails like the rum-forward tiki-style "West Indian Handshake" with a rotating selection of seasonal picks filed under "Adventurous." Drinks are smartly paired with upscale bar bites such as goat-cheese croquettes and day-boat fish ceviche.

Housed in one of Coconut Grove's most historically significant buildings, Taurus is a convivial watering hole that accepts everyone, including dogs. True to its name, the well-stocked bar offers a broad selection of beers, whiskeys, and other spirits, including an Irish daiquiri and a boozy lemonade. Because this is an Ariete Hospitality bar, expect grade-A pub grub like smoked chicken wings, a butter burger, and a bánh mì filled with chicken liver mousse and duck confit.

Ascend a narrow stairway filled with the names and faces of some of the greatest stars of all time — Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Sam Cooke — along with a neon sign proclaiming you've arrived at the "Harlem of the South." Welcome to the Pool Hall at Red Rooster Overtown, a loving tribute to the former Clyde Killens Pool Hall, where great musicians played and partied in the days of segregation. The lushly appointed space is outfitted with comfortable sitting areas, an outdoor deck overlooking Red Rooster's patio, and scads of memorabilia from Overtown's past. Sidle up to the bar for a swizzle or a Harlem sour or shoot some pool on the vintage pool table. Though there's plenty of history to explore, this is not a sterile museum of the past. It's a lively and stylish tribute to what Overtown once was — and a glimpse of what it can be.

Those who like their drinking set against a backdrop of panoramic views of Brickell and Biscayne Bay will love MO Bar, the relaxed but refined lobby bar at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Opt for the 14-seat bar or sprawl out in the lounge, where you'll be entertained with Cuban jazz, Spanish guitar, or a fun swing-jazz piano performance — there's live music nearly every night of the week. Cocktails are decadent (think tableside-smoked old-fashioneds and the like) and bites range from sushi rolls to mini sliders. Visit from 5 to 7 p.m. daily for "Social Hour," when select mixed drinks and wines are priced at $11 and draft beers are $5, making it ideal for an after-work drink (or two).

One of the few remaining dive bars in Miami Beach (and one of the oldest), Mac's Club Deuce is the seaside town's definitive spot to drink, feed the jukebox, and shoot pool. Not much has changed inside this legendary establishment, which opened in 1926. Find a selection of craft and domestic beers and enough hard liquor to satisfy even the pickiest barfly. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., all drinks are two-for-one. After that, the bar stays open for another ten hours, serving up cheap drinks and spontaneous misadventures. Anthony Bourdain, who was a frequent visitor, loved the Deuce's retro vibe. The dark bar is also a hangout for celebrities seeking refuge from paparazzi, so be chill if you spot an A-lister holding a PBR. Oh, and bring cash — the Deuce accepts legal tender and nothing else.

This North Beach neighborhood sports bar is open 365 days a year till 5 a.m. On the Rocks offers inexpensive drinks, several TV screens, and Friday-night karaoke. The walls are just about as colorful as some of the characters you'll find bellied up to the bar. The place has all the makings of a classic dive, right down to the ingrained aroma of cigarettes and beer. Guests often find themselves jamming to rock 'n' roll covers by local bands.

A favorite haunt for SoFi locals, South Pointe Tavern is a no-frills, dependable spot for chill vibes and a solid cocktail. There's a bit of a rock 'n' roll theme to the casual lounge area that instantly makes guests feel as though they could hang out for hours. They call themselves "the Cheers of South of Fifth," and they're open for breakfast at 9 a.m. and continue the party through until 2 a.m. seven days a week. The menu is broken down into three sections: "Pirate & Boozy," "Shaken & Refreshing," and "Highballs & Tropical." Something for everyone, in other words.

Anyone who's visited South Beach has, at the very least, walked past Mango's Tropical Cafe, famed for its exotic tropical atmosphere and lively dance shows that feature Cuban conga, Brazilian samba, and other Latin styles. Mango's, though, is even more famous for its supersized, tropical-themed cocktails. Served in souvenir glasses, most are offered in 15-, 32-, and 45-ounce portions. Along with riffs on mojitos and daiquiris, Mango's bartenders have created a number of specialty cocktails since opening in 1981. A fan favorite, the "Bomb-Ba" martini, combines raspberry vodka, watermelon liqueur, sweet lemon juice, grenadine, and lemon soda, topped off with a smoke-filled fog bubble for a theatrical presentation that lets you know the vacation (or staycation) is on.

Barracuda is more than your average neighborhood bar and grill. This pink-hued bar, located on a side street in Coconut Grove, has been around since 1995. The interior is decorated in what could be described as "frat house on the sea" — plenty of UM signs compete with shark jaws and the ubiquitous international currency stapled to every free spot around the bar. What really separates Barracuda from the pack, though, is its extensive beer list — about 60 rotating beers and ciders guarantee that you and your mates will never want for variety. Pair a few brews with some wings or fish dip, feed a few bucks into the jukebox, and you've got the makings of a perfect weekend afternoon slipping into evening.

Boasting a beach-town vibe even though it's miles from the ocean, Seven Seas (stylized Se7as) exports a nautical vibe to the far-off land of Coral Terrace, west of Coral Gables. The bar is known for its karaoke nights, so those who love to belt out "Don't Stop Believing" can get their fill every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night. Strut your chops or grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the entertainment.

If you seek a place where the booze is cheap and the patrons are salty drunks, look no further than this bar and package store on the 79th Street Causeway, midway between the mainland and the beach. Order a beer or cheap-for-Miami-rail cocktail and strike up a conversation with someone who will proceed to fill you in on what's really going on around here. Maybe it'll turn out to be the brilliant/crazy dude who has lined the walls with his weird straw sculptures. Or the ornery drunk who's about to get thrown out for refusing to pay his $30 tab because (he insists) his glass is dirty. This dive, which has been around since the 1950s, found a new home in 2023 just 800 feet west of its original location after that land was sold to a developer (so Miami). The new space is a hair brighter and not nearly as dingy, but the vibe survived the short journey intact. And now there's food — bar staples like smash burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, wings, and more, available until 2 a.m. every night of the week. Happy's also continues to operate as a package store that's open until 5 a.m., in case the occasion requires moving the party elsewhere for the wee small hours of the morning.

There's nothing like a a day trip to the Redland to shed those urban blues. Sharing the property with Schnebly Redland's Winery, Miami Brewing Company is situated amid a lush landscape blessed with waterfalls, a koi pond, live music on the weekends, and more. The taproom itself is a family-friendly affair that offers generous indoor and outdoor seating. Beer and mead are on offer, including the brewery's famous Big Rod, a blond ale with a hint of coconut. If beer's not your thing, then enjoy some of Schnebly's wine, made from local tropical fruits like guava and avocado. Miami Brewing Company is more than a taproom — it's a destination.

True to its name, this indoor-outdoor, jungle-themed oasis serves as an elevated respite from the bustling Wynwood bar scene. Located on the third floor of the Arlo Wynwood hotel and accessible from an exterior stairwell off NW 22nd Street or via the hotel elevators, Higher Ground is all about the art of the cocktail. Pair your choice with dishes from local chef Brad Kilgore, who designed the menu to complement each cocktail with a rotating selection of raw bar offerings and small plates.

If creative cocktails, craft beers, and an array of retro and vintage video games add up to your idea of the perfect outing, then Glitch is for you. This Fort Lauderdale bar is fully decked out in decor that transports its guests immediately to the 1980s and early '90s, with old-school video games like Pac-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Galaga. You'll know you've found it when you spot the massive Alien and Back to the Future murals on the walls outside. One step inside and you're in a dimly lit grownups' playhouse where the cocktail menu rotates regularly and there's upward of 100 beers available. (In other words, it's a beer drinker's paradise.) Open until 2 a.m. on weeknights and 3 a.m. on the weekends, it practically begs you to spend all night here. That said, Glitch opens at noon on Sundays for those in search of a Funday outing.

A modest-size establishment just north of Miami International Airport, Old Tom's Sports Bar is always packed with locals and tourists who want to enjoy a pitcher of beer in a chill setting. Watch NFL games as you indulge in sports-bar classics like chicken wings. Trivia contests, karaoke, and musical entertainment are on tap at this football-themed watering hole, as is a fine selection of local brews on tap.

When Michael Beltran saw a space become available just a few short blocks from where his grandparents lived in Miami's Shenandoah neighborhood, the chef knew he had to turn it into something wonderful. The Gibson Room is a dark, sophisticated place that offers upgraded versions of classic cocktails like its namesake (a martini garnished with a pickled onion in lieu of an olive) while listening to live jazz. That in itself would make this lounge noteworthy. But Beltran's food menu takes it up several notches with offerings like a trout tartine, grilled oysters, and oxtail-and-shrimp ramen. Plus, what other cocktail lounges offer Sunday brunch? It's no surprise that Michelin recently added this classy venue to its Florida Guide.

Plenty of places on South Beach lay claim to "cool" status, so you have to hand it to a joint that classifies itself as merely "medium cool." Located in the subterranean space once occupied by the dear-departed Rec Room (ah, nostalgia!), this lounge oozes sophisticated '70s Miami glam. Once you make it past the velvet rope, you'll be escorted downstairs into a dark bar illuminated by a disco ball and a roving spotlight or two. Banquettes line the room, and there are plenty of places to rest your drink if you're of a mind to dance. A handful of Miami's best-known bar vets (Dan Binkiewicz, David Martinez, Josh Harris, and Naren Young) created Medium Cool as a place for those who seek the night-owl clubbing vibe without the hassle and cover charge. Table reservations are allowed, but you're not compelled to buy bottle service. Looking to drink with a crew? Opt for a large-format cocktail served tableside just like bottle service. There's also a jazz night and fun guest DJs — you never know when Diplo might drop in for a surprise set.

Veza Sur Brewing Co. may be owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, but its roots are firmly planted in Miami. The brewery, one of the most beautiful in Miami, has dug deep into the community. Its beers range from chopp, a refreshing, traditional Brazilian brew served nearly to the point of freezing — to beers made with tropical fruits like mango and lulo (AKA naranjilla). Along with live entertainment and other events, the brewery hosts charity nights to raise funds for local organizations — all in a lush, junglelike setting.

With Tropezón, Lost Boy & Co. cofounders Randy Alonso and Chris Hudnall (cf. Fox's Lounge) have brought the art of the gin and tonic to Miami Beach's Española Way. The Andalusian-themed tapas and gin bar, tucked inside the Esmé Miami Beach hotel, proves that a G&T is more than ice, booze, and soda. In Spain, the cocktail is infused with fruits, flowers, and herbs to create a fragrant and refreshing beverage with multiple complexities. At Tropezón, you start with your choice of more than 20 gins infused in-house with teas, fruits, nuts, and meats. Translation: Your cocktail can range from floral to earthy. Pair your pick with the bar's selection of meats, cheeses, and tapas, and savor.

Duffy's is a chain, but the North Miami Beach location stands alone for its uniqueness, service, and sheer square footage. The oversized bar is equipped with a TV screen over every single seat, so you can watch football while your friend can tune into badminton. If you're on a budget, Duffy's offers BOGO for most beers and mixed drinks, all day, every day. Translation: Literally every hour of the day is your own personal happy hour. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit: Duffy's has a pool (and more bars) on an outdoor deck directly on the Intracoastal. A bar with cheap drinks, water views, and a place to cool off: That's an only-in-Miami nirvana if ever there was one.

Wine can be intimidating. Who hasn't perused rack after rack of wines only to pick up a bottle that has a cat on it out of sheer desperation? Varietals, terroir, and vintages all become a blur when you simply want a nice bottle to pair with the pasta dinner you're making for your new boo. Allegra Angelo, the sommelier at Vinya, hears your soul crying out for some good wine, hold the intimidation. Wines at Vinya are categorized by sweetness, price point, and even signs of the zodiac. If, say, you're a Leo who wants a sweet dessert wine under $50, they've got you covered. Vinya is also a wine bar, so sit back and order anything from bacon-wrapped dates to a "Caviar Experience," select any wine in the shop (a $15 corkage fee applies), and enjoy.

Unseen Creatures Brewing & Blending husband-and-wife cofounders Marco and Vicky Leyte-Vidal offer Miami-Dade a different type of brewery in the heart of Miami's Bird Road Art District. This is one of the few South Florida breweries with an onsite blending facility specializing in oak barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation wild and sour beers that use local ingredients and microflora. Unseen Creatures' beers are influenced by the farmhouse traditions of Belgium and France but aren't limited to the same set of guidelines or style requirements. How? It's all thanks to those unseen "creatures" — locally foraged yeast and bacteria that lend these beers their unique flavor profile. Beers here are inherently refreshing and sessionable. Look for core offerings, including Marco's solera blend, Artifact, a tart and funky beer dry-hopped with Cascade hops.

There's always a full house at this bustling American gastropub. Equal parts sports bar, lounge, and restaurant, Batch is the place to gather for soccer games, NBA tilts, boxing matches, and gridiron showdowns. The restaurant is also lively after work, when Brickell businesspeople and residents alike pour in for locally sourced pub grub, from bison burgers to brick-oven pizza, that pairs perfectly with a lengthy drink list featuring a wide range of beers, wines, and creative cocktails. Happy hour — Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. — is a can't-miss.

Beloved Wynwood imbibing institution Gramps has branched out. The former Whiskey Joe's space on Key Biscayne is now home to Gramps Getaway. What's it like? Imagine everything you love about the divey vibes of OG Gramps, add an oyster pop-up by the Lazy Oyster and views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline and you'll get the picture. Affordable cocktails, cheap good beer, and a cool atmosphere created by fun DJs who play nostalgic songs that either get you all in your feels or up and dancing — Gramps Getaway occupies the upper echelon of Miami's chillest bars, perfect for a post-beach hang or to watch the sun set over the city with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.

Most Miami sports bars have one thing in common: disappointed sports fans. It makes sense, then, that you'd want a sports bar that can make even the worst game seem bearable. That's where Black Market comes in. In 2017, founders Erick Passo and Mike Mora opened an upscale, well-appointed bar that was a welcome change to the area's chain options. It remains one of the city's best spots to hang out come game day. Looking to expand, the duo would reminisce about the memories made at the Bayside Hooters — now the site of a second location. The newer space is equipped with more than 40 TV monitors (many of them outside) and an open-air bar overlooking the marina. And Black Market offers more than mere game-viewing pleasure; it also serves seriously crafty cocktails, including a smoked old-fashioned and a sparkling wine-topped mezcal margarita, alongside a variety of draft craft beers. The food menu, too, is generous, a mix of casual and upscale options that range from burgers, sandwiches, and salads to wings tossed in a variety of sauces.

Located in the blossoming Little River neighborhood, ZeyZey (pronounced like hey-hey, only with a z) is a spot for those who want to hang outside, listen to music, and enjoy wine and cocktails paired with delicious bites. The 15,000-square-foot pop-up music venue and culinary hub comes courtesy of Grassfed Hospitality (the team behind Michelin-starred Mexican spot Los Félix and natural-wine market/restaurant Krüs Kitchen in Coconut Grove) and local tastemaker Tigre Sounds. At ZeyZey, a redesigned shipping container houses a full cocktail bar. Food vendors rotate in and out, including local favorites like the Maiz Project, Mana Table, and Dale Street Food. Musical acts span the globe, from Afro-Cuban funk to Brazilian disco to salsa, boogaloo, cumbia, and Afrobeat.

In the heart of Brickell, on the 40th floor of the East Hotel, you'll find Sugar, an impressive rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city. Cocktails here tend to be on the refreshing side, with a separate menu dedicated to spritzes. In true Miami fashion, once the sun sets, the DJ appears, turning the chill happy hour spot into a nightclub-like scene. Plan a visit to the Tea Room, which was once a super-secret speakeasy but is now open for Asian Night Brunch, a five-course bottomless brunch that takes place in the evening.

Given Miami's subtropical climate, you might think there would be more tiki-themed bars serving boat drinks festooned with fresh fruit and tiny umbrellas. Esotico is one of the few, but it's a grand place indeed. The 3,400-square-foot space is done up in hand-cut wallpaper, lush greenery, and Polynesian decor to create just the right tiki atmosphere. Guests can enjoy drinks created by Daniele Dalla Pola, a partner in parent company Graspa Group and a longtime tiki fan. Tiki cocktails are known the world over for their potent combination of spirits, spices, and fruits. The ones at Esotico are prepared with fresh-squeezed juices and housemade mixes and served in custom-designed tiki mugs. Collectors can take home a limited-edition mug such as the King Ta Moko — an Elvis-themed chalice that holds a blend of gin, passionfruit, fresh citrus, and ginger orgeat syrup. Right next door (or through a secret door near the bathrooms), you'll find a sister spot, a speakeasy called Kaona — and if you thought Esotico was tiki paradise, just wait until you take a peek in here.

For seven decades, Fox's Sherron Inn was Miami's dark bar: a place to drink martinis, canoodle with a secret paramour, or forget your troubles with (or without) a buddy. Fox's closed in July 2015, but Lost Boy & Co.'s Chris Hudnall and Randy Alonso have reconstituted the joint as Fox's Lounge. Their loving attention to detail brings instant nostalgia to all who pass through its doors. The martinis are strong, the fried chicken is classic, and the bar is as dark and cool as a cave. Walking in, it takes a minute to adjust your eyes to the dimly illuminated palace of cocktails, but there's no adjusting to the precisely crafted drinks, the classic menu, and the friendly banter between you and the new friend you made at the bar. The new Fox's is a welcome and wonderful tribute to old Miami.

Situated at the site of a defunct Mexican chain restaurant, Chela's Coctelería is owned by Mauricio Lacayo and Landy Lamas (the duo known for the Bend Liquor Lounge), who teamed with notable names like Dan Binkiewicz of Sweet Liberty and Daniel Gonzalez of Hot Lime Kitchen to bring a fun watering hole to Miami Lakes. There are beers on tap aplenty, as well as a full bar with an agave-focused cocktail menu. Tacos are served in a fast-casual style, though guests are encouraged to hang out to enjoy large-scale games like Jenga and cornhole — and a DJ on weekends.

Ever wonder what a speakeasy on top of a 30-year-old Mexican restaurant looks like? A Little Havana ballroom turned storage space, Los Altos has been transformed into a sultry mezcal-fueled lounge that requires you to make your way up a staircase and through a Mexican candy shop to gain access. Owned by the team that owns Ball & Chain, this late-night hotspot returned to the scene in early 2024, four years after a dramatic closure instigated by City of Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo. With a Prohibition-style vibe, the space is decorated with plush banquettes, sugar skulls, and rose-adorned señoritas. Appropriately, the cocktails skew toward the agave family; standout concoctions include the spicy "Oaxaca al Pastor," crafted with Los Altos reposado tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde poblano liqueur, honey, lime, and cilantro; and the "Sayulita," a shaken tonic of mezcal, mango, carrot, habanero chiles, ginger, and fresh lime.

Though "gastropub" is an overused term, Tipsy Boar defines it. Mosey up to the bar and peruse the giant chalkboard of more than 40 different beers that rotate almost daily. The bartenders also know their way around a cocktail, whether you seek a well-made margarita or just a Scotch with a splash of water. Tipsy is lively from afternoon to late in the evening — and there are two happy hours, one early and one late. The bar gets packed on fight nights and during big games, but there's usually a place to hang, whether at the bar or on the giant patio that's sheltered from Florida rainstorms. Pub grub includes grilled wings, a Tipsy Boar burger made with (of course) boar meat, and wood-fired pizzas.

For more than 30 years, Mike's at Venetia has endured as one of Miami's literal hidden gems. Locals in the know frequent this Irish dive bar tucked away on the ninth floor of Venetia Condo at the western terminus of the Venetian Causeway. Drinkers will find a welcoming bar with a seemingly never-ending list of beverage options and daily menu specials ranging from pizza to rib eye to mussels and shrimp pasta. A dozen or so TV screens make this place amenable to viewing whatever sport is in season.