Wednesday, May 24, 2023

🏖️ 🌞 Miami – Go Off the Tipsy Path for Great Cocktails in South Beach 🏖️ 🌞

 


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!




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