17 Best Cocktail Bars in Miami Beach

“We love a good speakeasy vibe, and finding Swizzle was tough if you aren’t familiar with the area. Tucked away in the Stiles Hotel is the small intimate bar, Swizzle.

We were seated in the main bar area and both ordered a beverage. I got the Amazonia, a gin based drink with agave lavender and lemon juice with a macha rim. Caleb got the El Presidente, which is a rum based drink with orange liqueur, vermouth, and pomegranate. The drinks were really good, and as expected in a place like this, a bit on the expensive side, but at Swizzle you have a mixologist preparing your cocktails, which always heightens the quality!

It was nice to find an intimate place in Miami Beach to kick back enjoy a cocktail and just have some nice conversation, and some people watching with each other. We didn’t make a reservation and likely just hit the timing right, so we got in right away and had a great spot.
Lentz_explore“

“buenísimo todo, excelente.“

“I came for lunch. Rosita was our server and she was very kind and proactive. Would definitely come back next time. That was one of the best mexican food i have ever had!!! If your are in South Beach, make sure you visit, you wouldn’t be disappointed. Birria tacos and cocinita pibil tacos were my favorite!!!“

“The empanadas, calamari for apps were just delicious. Then had a shrimp alfredo pasta that was so tastey. Carlos was very kind and made the experience amazing for us by being so accomodating. Will foresure be back, and he even gave us coupons for next time we are here. Such a kind service, great music, delicious food“

“Yes I recommend. Beautiful bartender Maria is definitely the best . She always has that beautiful glow to her when she's serving . Also has great attitude and customer service when it comes to any general questions regarding the Shaker Bar, Freehand, and Generator.“

“I first had the pleasure of dining here nearly two years ago, and it instantly became one of my favorite restaurants. From the warm atmosphere to the unforgettable flavors, everything about the experience was exceptional. The plate of pasta I had on that first visit was so memorable, it’s still the background on my phone — and I’ve made multiple trips to Miami just to come back and enjoy it again. The quality has never wavered. I can’t recommend this place highly enough.“

“We waren 4 dagen in een hotel hier tegenover, maar iedere avond hier genoten van een lekker biertje, wijntje en gezelligheid!!! super fijne eigenaar en personeel! 🫶“

“The ambiance of Bar Luca is great. Kind of Miami Rat Pack vibe. It’s a smaller place, and being sat in the corner booth/bench was nice and intimate. The food was also so much better than almost anything else we ate in Miami on our trip - I ordered the cod puttanesca and was so satisfied with my meal. Not too rich, and so delicious. The cod was cooked perfectly. We also had the calamari for an appetizer, and my only complaint there is it wasn’t quite enough to share among four adults and a toddler. I only got one piece and the next time I looked up the plate was empty except for the pea shoot garnish! Tragic.

We also had gnocchi, salmon, and the shrimp linguini, all of which were highly enjoyed. Didn’t try any dessert, since we were all pretty full from dinner, but the menu looked like pretty standard fare: chocolate cake, pistachio tart, gelato, etc.

Leaving the real critique for last - we were fully ghosted by our waiter, Chad. He had a real Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde thing happening. Started out warm and cordial, then abruptly started acting terse and strange when we ordered our entrees. He didn’t come back for the rest of the time we were there (and we didn’t see him in the dining room at all, which meant he was also not checking in on any of his other tables), except to tell us the 20% service charge is automatically added to the bill. It was confounding.

I’d say I fully recommend this spot, it’s off the main tourist path so you’ll have a nicer time. And if you find that Chad’s your server, maybe request a switch? Or play your odds!“

“Haven’t been in while, but we can’t wait to go back. 😊“

“Food was amazing and Cubans sandwich was really mind blowing
Panella was really good too
Pax was amazing! However, we were charged twice for ordering different drinks during happy hour which I thought it was communicated well before we order
It was good times anyways!“

“Great music drinks and atmosphere“

“Well kept secret/ too small to be too popular- gorgeous inside- great bar ware-“

“I’m from NYC and felt like this was the best experience at a cocktail bar I’ve had in YEARS. Mainly because Kenny was so friendly& charismatic and the drinks were delicious. He really cared about the art of the cocktail and patrons having a great experience. I was in miami for 2.5 days and I went twice. My friend was also pregnant and she loved the mocktails. The drinks were delicious and unique and made in front of you! Chill spot where you can have a conversation w your friends. Just go already!“

“I love this bar. Tony the owner is incredible. Hospitality is amazing. Full, and I mean FULL bar. Everything you like, and if they don’t have it, they’ve got something better. Sat and chatted with him for hours about everything under the sun. Bartenders are all very professional with immense spirit knowledge. I’ve tried so many things here I’ve never tried before. Great lighting and vibes in a small speakeasy-type bar. Amazing place to start the night or end it. Thanks for everything, Tony!“

“This is a beautiful bar with a gorgeous view. The inside is cozy with an old school speakeasy vibe, while the patio offeres a view and fresh air. These cocktails are handcrafted, meaning they take awhile to receive after ordering. This is a place you go to for an experience, not a basic cocktail.“

“Great ambiance and the bartenders were excellent — friendly and attentive.

Unfortunately, we had a disappointing experience with the kitchen. We visited on Friday and our dessert never came out. We returned on Saturday for happy hour and ordered sliders. The sliders arrived with ingredients that were not listed on the menu. We requested a replacement, but the second order was also prepared incorrectly.

Overall, the front-of-house experience was strong, but the kitchen execution fell short.“

“The Bamboo Room by Trader Vic's inside the Esmé is a legitimate hidden gem. The tiki vibes are on point without being cheesy — great ambiance, warm lighting, and the kind of place that just puts you in a good mood the second you walk in.
The cocktail menu is excellent. The classic Trader Vic's Mai Tai is the real deal — don't skip it. Every drink we had was well-crafted and went down way too easy.
If you are lucky you'll find Luis at the bar. Dude is awesome — knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely passionate about what he's doing. He made the whole experience that much better.
Also — make sure you check out the tiki glassware they sell. They have some really cool collectible pieces including a seahorse glass that's too good to pass up. Great souvenir and a conversation starter every time you pull it out at home.
Honestly one of the more unique spots in South Florida. Highly recommend making it a stop on your next Miami Beach trip. 🎋🍹“