We’ve spent a lot of time in Miami in the last decade or so.
We love South
Beach, except when the spring break crowd turns it in to a street party
complete with all the crime. That said, there are lots of great cocktails to be
had on Ocean
Drive and beyond if you’re willing to go Off the Tipsy Path!
Most of the places we’ll talk about are off of Ocean Drive
(which is worth visiting if only for the art
deco architecture and Versace
Mansion) with one exception – the lobby
bar at the Betsy Hotel. This boutique hotel is on the north end of Ocean
Drive but seems like a world away from all the sports cars and giant
margaritas. We visited at the recommendation of friends and are very glad we
did! The lobby bar is like a step back to old South Beach. The cocktails were
excellent (yes, we found a great Manhattan on Ocean Drive!) and it was a great
place to have a conversation. Definitely a #tipsypick!
You know we love a good speakeasy, but there aren’t many
that qualify in South Beach, unless you know to go behind the porta-potty door
at Bodega
Taqueria and Tequila! That’s right, this neighborhood taco stand has a
dramatic two-story industrial speakeasy behind a not-so-obvious door. As you
might expect, they specialize in tequila drinks, which are strong and tasty.
This is worth taking a walk or car to the other side of the island for!
Another place that is fairly hidden but one of our favorites
- Swizzle
Rum Bar & Drinkery is in the basement of the art deco Stiles Hotel. It’s
an intimate space for a date night or a night out with fantastic cocktails
(heavy on the rum …) We’re told they’re expanding the space and adding another
bar, so we’ll have to visit again soon! Another #tipsypick!
Minibar
proves that you don’t need a big space to make a big impression. This cocktail
spot located on a quiet side street is about the size of a cantina lunch
counter. But the drinks are inventive and totally worth seeking out
#offthetipsypath. This is one of the places we keep coming back to when we’re
in town!
The ScapeGoat
is another intimate space in the South of Fifth area with great cocktails and a
world away from Ocean Drive. Space is a premium, especially late, so try their
happy hour for a little breathing room. You won’t regret it!
We often look to other blogs and lists when we’re deciding
where to visit. Sweet Liberty is
consistently on the list of Best Bars in North America! It doesn’t take long to
see why when you try their drinks (check out the coconut Sazerac). Along with
inventive originals, Sweet Liberty has classic cocktails down to an art. The
atmosphere is “less intimate” than some of the other venues, but it’s great for
a fun night out!
If you really want to step away
from all the glitz of South Beach – AND have a good cold beer or glass of wine,
then Abbey
Brewing Company is the spot! They’ve taken a fairly plain storefront and
turned it into the closest thing to an old-world beer tavern you can find in
Miami. And they’ve been around since 1995! It’s a great spot to drop in and
cool off.
And believe it or not, you can find dive bars on South
Beach! Mac’s Club Deuce is one of the best. It’s
also Miami’s oldest bar, dating back to 1926.
Before we finish, we’ll mention a few places you should try
at least (or maybe just) once, to say you did! Nikki
Beach Miami is what you would expect from a club right on Miami Beach. You
can even hang out in your swimwear and get some sun. And The
Clevelander draws partygoers from around the world. Check it out before you
get dressed up for a night out. If you’re a fan of the movie The Birdcage, check
out the Birdcage Café in the Carlyle Hotel, where the movie was filmed! And if
you haven’t been to a drag brunch at The
Palace, have you truly lived?
We also have a few places on our list for next time, Kill
Your Idol and The
Drawing Room. We’ll let you know what we think!
