Miami Martini Destinations & Happy Hour Hot Spots

By Allyson Martin

Whether you’re traveling to Miami for the first time, or are native to the area you can guarantee that there’s a ton of things to keep you entertained. When the sun sets in Miami, the fun begins! We've put together a selection of local hot spots where you can enjoy casual drinks, exotic Martinis, and Happy Hour fun.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some dinner and inventive cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere, be sure to stop by 8 oz Burger Bar off Alton Road on Miami Beach. The décor is casual, with booths, bar and table seating with views of the bustling South Beach streets and incredibly friendly staff. When the owner stopped by our table, I had the pleasure of asking the true 8 oz Burger Bar pro about the most popular drinks. You won’t find the ordinary beer, Martini or mixed drink here! The most popular drinks are the Thai Gimlet, the Crispy Cucumber and the Elder Lady. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Hocus Pocus; a combination of Magic Hat beer with Goldschlager mixed in and a cinnamon sugar rimmed glass or their specialty Bloody Mary called the Bloody Murder. There’s a DJ mixing music of all genres, trivia games and much more to explore at this local joint.

For those looking to enjoy something uniquely refreshing along with an amazing Miami sunset, The Mondrian’s Sunset Bar is the place to be. Inside awaits a clean, modern looking décor with a large pool and outside deck area facing the bay. There’s a plethora of outdoor seating, and floor to ceiling windows ― so that whether you choose to sit inside at the bar or outside by the pool, you won’t miss that Miami sunset. The drinks that shouldn’t be missed at The Mondrian are their Caipirinhas, featuring exotic fruit and other intense flavors.  If you like it hot, try the Chili Passion Caipirinha, with a layer of lime crushed into Hawaiian sugar, in a cone of ice topped with cachaca (a Brazilian liquor made from fermented sugarcane) and garnished with a slice of passion fruit on one side and jalapeño on the other. Sweeter Caipirinhas are available, and in particular the Lychee Caipirinha is not to be missed.  The crowd is a bit older, but a great place to dress up and enjoy great company at one of the best places to watch the sunset in Miami.

There’s no place better for a taste of truly iconic Miami than The Raleigh Hotel’s Martini Bar. The bar has played host to decades of celebrities and has a vault of exceptional drink recipes. What makes this bar extraordinary is the 1940’s feel and the fact that it’s been preserved perfectly since its original construction. The Raleigh boasts an upscale yet relaxing feel, making it a refreshing change from the “mega hotels” surrounding it. The Martini Bar is open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. While there, don’t miss The Sophia―a blend of vodka, squeezed lime juice, orange blossom honey, fresh mint and orange bitters, topped with delicious cucumber foam.  If you’re more of a tequila fan, make sure to try The Frida. It’s the perfect blend of Tequila, fresh lime juice, homemade hibiscus-infused syrup, and freshly cut watermelon, garnished with watermelon and sage.

Looking to get a little funky? Then head over to the B Bar at The Betsy hotel at 14th Street and Ocean Drive. A local favorite, the B Bar offers a small venue packed with personality.  There are mirrored ceilings that undulate like waves when they’re touched, and dim lighting. This is a place that oozes cool; you may wonder if you’re truly in Miami, or perhaps at some au courant Manhattan boîte.  Prepare to get dressed up, and embrace the B Bar’s seductive atmosphere. The Bombay Sapphire Martini is the specialty drink here, and its crisp, classic charm is the perfect complement to an upscale evening.  This is where class and true Miami swank come together.

Head downtown to get down at the Kyma Lounge on the ground floor of the Epic hotel in Downtown Miami. Whether you come for happy hour or the DJ, who’s there Friday and Saturday mixing club tracks, it’s an experience not to be overlooked. This chic lounge boasts 30ft ceilings, LED lighting, circular bar, flat screen TVs, custom lighting fixtures and custom lounge furniture. The atmosphere is enchanting and there’s a lively mix of locals, including happy hour execs and sexy, young urbanites along with well-dressed visitors. It’s a great place to enjoy an intimate setting and spectacular views. Try the organic vodka; when mixed with soda and lime it’s a timeless refreshing cocktail and perfect for a balmy Miami evening. Since Epic has a dock on the Miami River, you can even arrive by boat here, in true Miami fashion! Kyma is open daily from 5 p.m.-5 a.m. and closed on Sundays.

Step inside the Cafeina Wynwood Lounge and you’ll wonder if you have been transported to a Lower Eastside Manhattan lounge. Open Wednesday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., with a comprehensive happy hour, dim lighting and easy parking, the Cafeina is a great spot to unwind after work. Looking to let loose a bit on the weekend? From Thursday to Saturday, a DJ spins current music to help you dance away the week. Its urban location is a refreshing break from other over-decorated Miami nightlife scene. Cafeina’s laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for private parties, and its hip red lighting and outdoor furniture make it a great low key hot spot. While here, don’t miss out on the ultra decadent Café Con Leche Martini and the Pomegranate Mojito, two of the lounge’s showcased drinks.

The Blue Martini in Mary Brickell Village is a staple of easygoing Miami lifestyle. With occasional live music, and a DJ on several nights of the week, you can be sure that the setting is prime to get your feet grooving.  The best nights to find a mix of the young and sexy and seasoned and fabulous are Thursday-Saturday.  It’s the perfect place to meet up after work, or head to during the weekend for a mixed evening of lounge and club style atmosphere.  The interior is dimly lit with blue lighting, and there is an outdoor patio that allows you to escape the moment to enjoy conversation. Make sure to taste the Fly Me to the Moon Martini and enjoy half priced martinis during happy hour.
Don’t feel like heading to South Beach, but still looking for a hot spot? Head to the Alba at the Solé on the Ocean in Sunny Isles Beach. This hip little hideaway’s floor to ceiling windows offers panoramic views of the Atlantic. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the orange and white décor is very clean and modern. Enjoy complimentary special drinks from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. Sit back and enjoy the minty caress of a classic mojito, with perfectly ground lime and sugar and delicious rum to perfectly compliment any warm summer evening.

Lady Marmalade will get your weekend going with a bang! The atmosphere and décor are as festive as the people at this relatively new hot spot near Sunset Place shopping mall in Coral Gables, Miami. Enjoy 3-for-1’s daily from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and an upbeat, hip feel without the need to get dressed to the nines. A DJ entertains after 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and encourages everyone to get down on the dance floor. “Wine Down Wednesdays” also feature $5 glasses of specified wines, and ladies night is Thursday, where patrons get a free pitcher of sangria with any entrée. Any drink from here is a good choice, and always poured perfectly. Be sure to try the Can Can, a mix of Silver tequila married with fresh grapefruit juice, blood orange liqueur and lemon bitters, and sweetened with green tea syrup. The Bohemian is a dark rum drink enhanced with velvet Falernum and brown sugar syrup, mixed with strawberry and lime juice and topped off with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. This beverage should not be overlooked.  If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy South Miami, look no further!

If you like to relax comfortably outside in a social atmosphere, then stop by Segafredo on Lincoln Road, in South Beach. Plush couches line the street to set the stage for an intimate evening, perfect for those who want to socialize and have a great time. The Tiramisu Martini is a Segafredo signature drink that blends their house espresso with vodka, cream and a splash of sugar. It’s a great place to chat, lay back and people watch.


IF YOU GO:

• 8oz Burger Bar: (305) 397-8246, www.8ozburgerbar.com
• The Mondrian: (305) 514-1500, www.mondrian-miami.com
• B Bar at The Betsy: (305) 531-6100, www.bbarmiami.com
• Raleigh Hotel Martini Bar: (305) 534-6300, www.raleighhotel.com
• KYMA at Epic Hotel: (305) 424-5226, www.epichotel.com
• Cafeina Wynwood Lounge: (305) 438-0792, www.cafeinamiami.com
• Blue Martini Mary Brickell: (305) 981-2583, www.bluemartinilounge.com
• Alba at the Sole: (786) 923-9300, www.soleontheocean.com
• Lady Marmalade: (305) 669-3133, www.ladymarmalade.com
• Segafredo: (305) 673-0047, www.sze-originale.com