Top Cocktail Bars In South Florida
Miami is famous for its nightlife and bar scene, but there is something special about a cocktail bar. It's the kind of place you can meet a group of friends and hang out for hours, or bring your iPad and hang out (or people watch) for hours and still feel comfortable. No matter what you're looking for, from dark and sultry to lively and colorful, we've got it covered in this list of the top cocktail bars in South Florida.
Bleau Bar
Fountainebleau Hotel
4441 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 674-4760
www.fontainebleau.com
Since the 1960s, the Bleau Bar has been thee place for celebrity sightings, gatherings and fantastic cocktails. It's the focal point of The Fontainebleau lobby and the ideal spot to begin or end your evening, or just to enjoy the club scene. You can even reserve a table by the window or in the center of the action, for a fee, and impress your friends with the best seat in the house. Bleau is open from 10 a.m. to midnight, Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
Fox's Sherron Inn
6030 S. Dixie Highway
South Miami, FL 33143
(305) 666-2230
www.facebook.com/Foxs-Sherron-Inn
When you're looking for a dark without any pretentious patrons, Fox's is the answer. This place has been in the same location since 1946. It's vintage, low key and definitely not the place to see and be seen (did we mention it's really dark?). There's a jukebox loaded with favorites from past generations and your cocktail will be made to order in ordinary glasses. Sit in a booth or sit at the bar and enjoy your anonymity and the cocktail of your choice. Fox's is open from 11 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.
The Dutch
2201 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 938-3111
www.thedutchmiami.com
With different types of ice to complement your cocktail, The Dutch is a favorite of locals in the know. And don't let the plain, white tile walls fool you, this place is overflowing with vibrant tastes. The food here is amazing, but this is cocktail time, and the bartenders at The Dutch are expert mixologists of the highest level. They use only top ingredients too, like real fruit juices and fresh herbs.
Whistle Stop
5 S. Flagler Ave.
Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 246-1904
www.redlandhotel.com
It may be off the beaten path, but this quaint bar should be on your radar. Located inside the historic Redland Hotel, the simple décor and warm atmosphere is like having a drink in a friend's home. Have a martini, enjoy live music, watch the game or stroll down the hall and admire the displayed photographs of days' past. The bar itself isn't large but tables and chairs are available and the staff couldn't be friendlier. Plus, the calamari is perfectly crispy and the chicken wings come with your choice of homemade sauces. This is also the most affordable place you may ever drink.
Skybar
Shore Club South Beach
1901 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 695-3100
www.skybar.com
As if the Shore Club wasn't already one of the coolest places in town, add in the Skybar and its wow factor goes atmospheric. The vibe changes up regularly with the weekly themes, specialty drinks and DJs, but make no mistake, no matter which week you're here, you can relax in cosmopolitan style. The venue is broken into different areas like the Redroom, Redroom Garden, Rumbar and Sandbar. You'll need deep pockets to come, as with most venues on 'the Beach,' but Skybar will exceed all expectations.
Related: Best Miami Hotel Bars
Jill Martin is a family travel expert, appearing on numerous television and radio shows. She spent five years as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider, has penned children's books, and is the creator of Sunshine Brain Games – trivia cards about Florida. A Miami native, Jill resides in Redland. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
