50 Best Cocktail Bars near Miami Shores

“Great place to brunch and close to our house. Drinks are AMAZING and food is great.“

“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“

“Incredible experience at Café La Trova. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Libations were perfectly crafted and delicious. Our server, Isis, was amazing—warm, attentive, and made the evening feel extra special. The music and overall vibe were so fun and lively. Highly recommend!“

“One of my favorite restaurants in Miami! So many yummy dishes! The lamb and the cornbread are delicious appetizers. For the main entree, I recommend the pepper pot. The drinks are pricey but good. The Marqueta is refreshing, I recommend it if you're a tequila fan.

I returned 3 years later to find the pepper pot is no longer on the menu. Please bring it back! I had the oxtail mac & cheese, which was phenomenal. The drink service was slow, though and they were out of a number of items for the cocktails.“

“Excellent food but to expensive“

“Everything about this restaurant was great the food ,the place is clean , the staff was very nice specifically Veronica. she was awesome , cordial and very professional ,I highly recomend this place, I am definitely going back and again ???“

“buenísimo todo, excelente.“

“Classic Taco and Burrito menu done well. Mama’s Taco has an authentic Mexican and festive atmosphere, with a simple menu of classics, done well. Great street patio. I recommend the vegetarian burrito. Prices are reasonable for South Beach.“

“Last Sunday we visit Salao Cuban Bar .As always every thing was amazing.Thanks for the food the beauty of the place and THE MUSIC wich is faboulous(violin a great duo“

“We're visiting Miami and wanted to try Cuban food..Esquina Cubana didn't disappoint. My husband ordered the special combo the croquettes , fried yuca and those empanadas soooo good. I ordered the fried snapper, the snapper was seasoned just right and the rice was yummy. Our server Cristian was great , very attentive. All I can saw is chef' s kiss...10/10.“

“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.“

“DJ was awesome and drinks were on point“

“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.“

“Coyo Taco was recommended and we loved it. The Service staff was really nice and the best tacos we ever had. We definitely come back when we are on holidays again. Thank you!“

“French Apple. Pomme de terrre“

“What detracts from the experience is the disconnect between the vibe of the bar and looking into the food court on the first floor. The cocktails and food were great though.

Note that the $300 drink minimum for groups of 6 or more is only for drinks and does not include food.“

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

“The BEST bar in downtown hands down!! My friends and I ordered a bunch of their cocktails and they were all super unique, creative and amazing! The owner diego and the bartenders are wonderful. Super attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely coming back every weekend! You guys are freaking killing it!!“

“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!“

“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!“

“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! 🫶“

“Good food, good service 🌸“

“Really good neapolitan style pizza near the waterfront. So hard to find in the US but this was top notch. I particularly enjoyed the Caesar salad too. A half portion should feed two as a side. The front of house squeezed us in, our friendly server was speedy and the food came quickly too, which was great for my 7yo. It's a tiny place but cosy with a good atmosphere. Avoid eating at Bayside and eat here, reservations recommended.“

“⸻

Great rooftop spot with one of the best views in Miami. The atmosphere was exactly what you’d want—upscale but still relaxed, with a great mix of music and energy throughout the night. The skyline views really stand out, especially around sunset when the whole place lights up.

The drinks were well-crafted and consistent, and the cocktail menu had some unique options that were worth trying.

It’s definitely a place where the vibe carries the experience—perfect for a night out, date, or bringing friends from out of town. I’d recommend getting there a little earlier to enjoy the views before it turns into more of a nightlife scene.

And lastly, our server, Yansy made the entire experience even more memorable. Always attentive to our needs without being over bearing and did not hesitate when asked to take pictures and other requests that’s beyond her job description. Everything moved pretty smoothly even as it got busier. Will definitely return back here soon.“

“I stopped by Conventillo and had a really enjoyable experience. The place has a cozy, rustic charm with a warm, inviting atmosphere. I ordered a traditional dish, and it was rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The portions were generous, and everything felt authentic and satisfying. The staff were friendly and attentive, making the visit even better. It’s a great spot for a comforting meal, and I’d definitely come back.“

“First of all the vibe in this place is amazing! The decorations to the lighting, we had an amazing pizza the prosciutto pizza 10/10 the taste the freshness everything so good. Our drinks were also very tasty and made with love i had A passion fruit Moscow mule. No place better to spend a vibey Miami music week thank you to the amazing owner and Nahum who helped us in our recommendations.“

“We had a wonderful meal. We were served by a very friendly lady named Kayle, who gave us all the information, service, and advice we needed. The food was good, and the dessert (chocolate mousse) was amazing.“

“So sad to hear Carousel Club is closing because this place was genuinely one of a kind. The vibe was just different. Open air with the racetrack right there. Kid friendly. My son loved it there. It felt fancy and laid back at the same time, which is hard to pull off.

Jessica and Tricia honestly made this place. Every time I came in they made me feel like I was their favorite person there. That kind of energy is rare and it kept us coming back. The whole team is super talented, warm, and just genuinely good at what they do.

Going to miss this spot a lot. Thanks for the memories.“

“Decided to stop by here for early dinner happy hour. We had the pleasure of having Valentina as our server. Valentina super kinda , attentive and recommend seafood and land platter along with some mojitos . We’re from Los Angeles so Thank you Valentina for welcoming us!! Highly recommend Valentina as your service at this great location.
Gracias Valentina nos atendiste muy muy bien 10/10. Super amable.“

“Was one of the best. Food 110% !!“

“The best , friendly service and the best ceviche .“

“I had heard about this hot restaurant from New York that I must try, but was reticent to do so because Carbone was the name of a character from Goodfellas that Robert Deniro's Jimmy Conway whacked when tying up loose ends after the Lufthansa job! Poor sap was hanging frozen in a meat locker. I'm glad I put that imagery aside because this place was amazing! Platitudes like wonderful ambience, fine service, flavorful food, great family style dining, are all applicable but just don't capture the full spirit of the evening. From the pickled cauliflower, to the signature spicy rigatoni ala vodka (which pairs nicely with their pinot noir offering Presqu'ile), to the Caesar salad (you must have those croutons!), and their delicious Italian petit-fours, everything burst with flavor and was resplendent of the authenticity of old Venice. And since you will be spending more than a few pennies here, one must luxuriate in the mid century environs replete with Murano glass chandeliers while being serenaded with a sound track of Italian crooners like Mel Torme and Frank Sinatra in the full bela canta tradition. If you have a special occasion, Carbones Miami Beach will make for a memorable evening.“

“Michelle is very nice and very fast.“

“We had Chavely C. as a waitess, she was excellent, we can’t say enough greatness about her !“

“Great music drinks and atmosphere“

“10/10 hands down one of my favorite restaurants ever!!!!“

“The blackened cod was wonderful, the staff was incredible, Carolina and David did a great job accommodating, advising, and recommending, it was our groups first time here and we were not disappointed. The octopus was prepared well, and the short rib was great for our party, fell off the bone and was served beautifully. The branzino and fish was delicious as well. I was drinking the penicillin all night, apparently they just added it to the menu and it was a great palate.“

“Classy! Great food, drinks and music.“

“I have spent great time with my girls there, Food was amazing, Atmosphare was Awsome, Highly Recomended.“

“El servicio es excelente, la comida deliciosa, nos atendio Jenni una chica muy profesional y con una sonrisa encantadora. De seguro regresaremos.“

“Had a magical dinner with Rodrigo, our waiter. We felt very relaxed and welcomed. Food was awesome! We will be back!“

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

“very nice cozy place. food is good, great drinks.“

“This is definitely a hidden gem in downtown Miami and I would love for it to stay that way 😂😂 but seriously it is a cozy, intimate bar with great music and the drinks are really good! I got their version of gin and tonic and it was very refreshing! Their old fashions are also really good. It pays off to show up early like at 10 pm to get a good seat.“

“I always grab dinner here when I’m in Miami and it’s phenomenal. The chef’s tasting is excellent and A LOT of food so you won’t leave hungry. Did the pasta omakase recently and was blown away by the creativity of the dishes so I highly recommend it, if you’re in town on a Wednesday. The service is always a 10/10 as well.“

“Ordered chicken and pork empanadas for starter. Bellini with peach was amazing. Three sliders entree gives you the flavors of their tender and juicy meats with plantain fries. Can't miss with ropa vieja tender with a little crisp. Finished it off with mango cake. The entire lunch, atmosphere, music and staff exceeded our expectations! Definitely recommend the Miami Beach location. Sit close to the street for additional and unexpected treats.“

“Excellent Food and Service“

“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!“

“Excelente comida y rápido. Servicio excepcional por Michael!!!“

“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!“