Speakeasies to Explore in Miami

The nightlife scene in Greater Miami and Miami Beach is one of the destination’s biggest claims to fame. But not every evening calls for bottle service at the club, or low-key beers at a dive bar. When you’re seeking something in between, enter through a hidden door to a speakeasy in Miami, where the vibe is a bit more laid-back and refined, and the cocktails always take center stage. Slide up on a stool and order a round at one of these hidden bars in Miami, including unique drinking experiences and off-the-beaten-path nightlife spots.

Panamericano Bar

Some of the most popular places to drink in Miami are located in Brickell, but Panamericano Bar flies under the radar as a moody homage to cocktail culture across the Americas. Locate the secret entrance behind Novecento Brickell and hit the buzzer.

Inside, jewel-toned velvet seating pops against an illuminated custom bar that draws you in for up-close views of the mixology artistry. The bar’s a stage for high-spirited theatrics, each cocktail a story that unfolds as it’s shaken, stirred and poured to life. Drinks pair with bar bites that are just as creative, crafted by Peruvian-born chef Jaime Pesaque.

Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery

From acclaimed bartender Danilo Dacha Božovic, Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery at the Stiles Hotel has earned underground fame as one of the best lounges in Miami Beach. The intimate, dimly lit setting draws inspiration from pre-colonial speakeasies, when rum fueled late-night revelry.

There are 24 seats inside this underground bar that feels like a bit like a pirate ship, plus an outside patio and tiki lounge for any overflow. The menu boasts 150 rums, and many feature in boozy concoctions like the Hurricane, Banana Daiquiri and Missionary Downfall.

El Laundry Room

El Laundry Room in Doral is a one-of-a-kind experience, hidden behind what looks like a strip-mall laundromat. The vibey speakeasy features jungle-inspired decor and low lighting, and the drink menu is next-level. Try the herbal and savory King Kong Garden, the passion fruit-forward Mexi Colada and the refreshingly citrusy Foam Lover. Plus, there’s a tapas menu to balance out the booze. Want El Laundry Room all for yourself? Ask about the buyout options and host 20-to-50 of your closest friends.

Yolanda Mezcaleria

Tucked just beyond the tacos and guac at La Santa Taqueria in Little River, Yolanda Mezcaleria is a tribute to tequila’s smoky sister spirit. The collection of hard-to-get mezcal here would impress any aficionado. Don’t expect the typical Roaring ’20s setting. Instead, the 1970s-inspired nook comes complete with glittering disco balls, vintage paper lanterns and plenty of laid-back bar and lounge seating. Of course, there’s a lively dance floor to step to while regular DJs crank up the tunes.

Red Phone Booth Bar

It all starts with obtaining the secret code. Next, you pick up the phone and dial it inside a restored, London-style red phone booth. If you get the code right, the door will swing open to Red Phone Booth Bar, one of the coolest drinking dens in Brickell. It oozes 1920s glamour, with plush leather sofas and a soundtrack of bygone.

Scoot up to the bar and order a signature Smoked Old Fashioned or nurse a Bramble, Negroni or French 75. You can also choose a more modern libation, like an Elderflower Margarita or a Flirtini. If you love dialing in, consider becoming a member, which comes with perks like private tasting invitations and priority seating.

9 Feet Under

9 Feet Under in Hialeah blends the free and loose vibes of Prohibition times with the hallmarks of high-end Miami nightlife. Behind Bella’s Cabaret, look for a side door marked with a “9,” ring the bell and walk down the stairs. Inside, you’ll discover a subterranean homage to the Golden Age of speakeasies, with skilled bartenders who craft exceptional cocktails from premium spirits and the finest ingredients.

Try a gin-forward The Duchess with watermelon and cucumber, the Black Gold espresso martini with tequila or the lychee-infused Elbita for a taste of what these artists can do. But it’s not just about the cocktail culture here – once you walk through the doors, you’re treated like family.

Dante’s HiFi

Make your way through the Wynwood courtyard and look for an unmarked door with music streaming from a small speaker just above. Once inside, you’ll find a cozy listening lounge where you can sip, sway and soak up delicious hi-fi sounds until late. Inspired by the art of analog and steeped in Japanese flavor, Dante’s HiFi is all about the state-of-the-art sound system.

DJs bring the room to life with funky, eclectic tunes on vinyl, and music director Rich Medina’s impressive record collection lines the walls. In step with the listening bars of Japan, Dante’s serves a menu of classic highballs along with inventive craft cocktails. Audiophiles should look into the members program, which offers expedited entry and exclusive event invites at least once per month.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

If you’re looking for a nearby party after a few rounds of tacos at the Bodega Taqueria y Tequila Airstream, all you have to do is bust open the metal “porta-potty” door to discover a wide open room that’s actually a full-on lounge with signature margaritas and tequila-driven cocktails.

On game days, you can catch all the action on the flatscreens. If it’s late-night antics you’re into, the fun doesn’t stop until the DJ’s set closer (3 a.m. on weekends). While a bit clubbier than your traditional speakeasy, Bodega Miami is a pretty cool bar in South Beach, and a high-ranking after-hours favorite. Bodega Coconut Grove is worth a visit, too.

Still thirsty? Check out Miami’s best bars for cool cocktails.