Miami After Dark

Forget the velvet ropes of Ocean Drive; Miami’s most sophisticated sips are now found in the high-rises of Brickell, the trendy Wynwood District, and the quiet Surfside Beach neighborhood. Miami’s nightlife has undergone a quiet evolution. Driven by top-tier mixologists and chefs, Miami’s current bar scene has ushered in an era of thoughtful menus and creative cocktails. Drinking here is no longer just a prelude to the night, but it’s the main event. Below, we dive into Miami’s evolving bar scene and where to go to get a good drink. 

Champagne Bar at the Surf Club 
Nestled inside the historic Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, The Champagne Bar stands as one of Miami’s most captivating drinking destinations. Housed in the property’s restored 1930s ballroom, a legendary space once frequented by Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill, it combines golden-era Old Hollywood glamour with modern luxury. The lounge boasts the largest (and most extensive) Champagne selection in Miami, ranging from rare vintage bottles to artisan labels. Though the cocktail menu changes seasonally, spring for the signature cucumber cocktails made with Patron Reposado tequila, cucumber, Mancino Secco, shisito cordial, and spiced agave nectar.  With its cathedral-like ceilings, lush indoor palms and ambient lighting, Champagne Bar at the Surf Club offers an intimately sophisticated atmosphere away from Miami’s chaotic nightlife. 

Claudie
Nestled in Brickell, Claudie brings the sophistication of the South of France to Miami. The restaurant celebrates French-Mediterranean cuisine with classic dishes like escargot and bouillabaisse de Marseille, a traditional South of France fish stew. The refined culinary menu is complemented by a glamorous, high-energy beverage program. The cocktails are nods to French icons: the Eau to Coco is a bright mix of Belvedere vodka, coconut, and passion fruit. For something earthier, there’s the Matisse Muse, a crisp combination of gin, basil, fennel, and cucumber. One of Claudie’s best features might be its stunning lobby bar, punctuated by green velvet chairs set around a curved marble bar. The ambiance here is warm and stylish, and you’ll get exceptional service whether you come here for happy hour drinks or a power lunch between sightseeing. 

Wyn Wyn
Serving as the social anchor of Arlo Wynwood, Wynwood’s first boutique hotel, Wyn Wyn captures the neighborhood’s artistic, easygoing energy. Filled with vibrant art, the sunny lobby bar is a natural gathering spot for locals, creatives, and travelers alike. The beverage menu offers a balanced, modern approach, with a thoughtful mix of craft cocktails, local beers, crisp wines, and non-alcoholic options. The cocktails have clever names like the Crown Jewel (made with Crown Royal, guava, cinnamon, and lemon) and the Rise and Grind, a caffeine-infused mix of Ketel One, creme de cacao, and espresso. Paired with a menu of Caribbean and international bites like crispy channa tostones and chicken shawarma, Wyn Wyn offers a relaxed stop in one of Miami’s most creative neighborhoods. 

Tea Room
Perched high on the 40th floor of EAST Miami in Brickell, Tea Room is a sleek, Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy. The intimate, dimly lit lounge pairs floor-to-ceiling city skyline views with an ambitious Asian mixology program. Beyond its signature night-out energy and live DJ, Tea Room is famous for hosting Miami’s only Asian Night Brunch, a multi-course tasting experience featuring shareable plates of wagyu nigiri, spicy yellowtail rolls, and forest dumplings. The cocktails here are also excellent. Such Great Heights is an effervescent mix of Japanese whiskey, omija, and pineapple, while Hot Gossip is a spicy blend of poblano pepper-infused mezcal, barley shochu, and clarified grapefruit juice. The bar’s rich decor and moody lighting reinforce its exclusive appeal, offering a sky-high escape for a late-night drink. 

ViceVersa
Located at the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, ViceVersa is an acclaimed aperitivo bar and Neapolitan pizzeria. Inside, the centerpiece of the restaurant is a striking crescent bar, and the dining room features shades of deep teal, polished marble tables, and bold geometric artwork. ViceVersa has garnered national recognition, including a spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars, and elevates casual drinking into an art form. The star of the show is the Italian cocktail program, featuring crowd-pleasers like the Negroni sbagliato and affogato martini. Paired with wood-fired pizzas, salads, and fresh oysters, the warm, unpretentious setting works equally well for a happy hour or late-night dinner and drinks affair.