There are plenty of great places to enjoy an outstanding cocktail all over Miami—but sometimes, you'd rather stay in your own neighborhood. To make the most of close-to-home (or close-to-work, or close-to-dinner) drinking, here's our list of the best spots for an amazing drink, neighborhood by neighborhood.
South Beach
The Freehand Hotel and its backyard bar are a regional favorite. Despite expanding the operation to other major cities, and featuring complex, modern and exotic drinks, the bar has stayed an inviting, relaxed poolside destination.
North Beach
Right across from the beach, this Latin fusion restaurant lets you enjoy shaded outdoor seating with a wide selection of Caribbean-focused cocktails.
Upper East Side
The 80s-style establishment is a local destination created by Bar Lab, the group behind Broken Shaker. Besides a global mix of old and new cocktails (from liqueurs to beer-based), the casual venue features live indie music.
Wynwood
As the name suggests, these artisanal cocktails are earnestly made.... and successfully so. Combined with the food, the bar/restaurant has won over locals in the arty neighborhood, Yelpers, and area reviewers.
Downtown
Taking advantage of the booming skyline, this bar/restaurant at the top of the Langford Hotel is inspired by what you might find in New York—with high-grade cocktails to match. Be sure to check out the Sunday afternoon brunch and boozy bubbles, followed by an after-afterparty.
Brickell
The long list of craft cocktails is complemented by the longer list of beers and very long list of straight booze. If you can't make up your mind, you can always resort to the ever-intense Long Island Ice Tea. Go early for the chill happy hour, stay if you don't mind the crowds.
Little Havana
A new bar and restaurant in a building with a murky nightlife history, the location today focuses on Caribbean-style cocktails, dining and live music. Check out the Calle Ocho Old Fashioned, which swaps in tobacco flavors for the usual fruit.
Coconut Grove
A destination for the area, the new American-style restaurant flavors its food and seasonal cocktail menu with the rest of the hemisphere. It also offers a big brunch, complete with "brunchtails."
Coral Gables
As the "mixology made chemistry" tagline promises, the gastropub's cocktails are serious. For example, the current signature drink is the Hibiscus 29, with silver rum, elderflower liqueur, hibiscus schrub and bergamot acid foam.
Hialeah
This retro-style lounge is one of the better places to drink in the northwest part of the metro area. Just a few reasons: all cocktails are under $10, long beer list, and karaoke every Saturday night.
