Happy Hour In Miami Goes Upscale

Head to these quintessential happy hour locales in Miami that range from relaxed to luxurious.

There’s nothing better than cold drinks and hot specials – and Miami offers plenty of happy hour hot spots in the heart of the action. Next time you’re here, join the "in" crowd and make your way to the standout happy hour spots listed below. Enjoy some of Miami's most beautiful and upscale nightlife scenes while saving a few dollars in the process.

Poolside & Waterfront

Located at the sophisticated Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami/Brickell, Area 31 is a 16th-floor poolfront restaurant known for its waterfront views, delicious Mediterranean seafood and popular happy hours packed with young professionals. Happy hour is celebrated Thursdays and Fridays from 5 – 7 p.m., with special guest DJs plus great deals on specialty drinks and bar bites.

Featuring gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key, Brickell culinary gem Cantina La Veinte offers an elevated Mexican dining experience and features a large selection of high-end tequilas and mezcals. Happy Hour is on Thursday and Saturday from 5 - 7 p.m. and on Friday from 5 – 8 p.m. The a la carte Sunday Brunch has bottomless Margaritas, rosé and Taittinger Champagne.

Lightkeepers, Key Biscayne’s casually elegant restaurant and bar with views of the Atlantic and The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne’s sparkling pool, offers daily happy hour specials from 5 - 9 p.m. as well as “Toasted-Up Thursday’s” with specialty drinks at great prices. Guests can kick back oceanside and sip fresh concoctions from the restaurant’s talented bar crew and bites from the kitchen.

Located along the Rickenbacker Causeway linking mainland Miami to Key Biscayne, Rusty Pelican offers one of Miami’s best sunset happy hour settings, tailor-made for sipping cocktails while enjoying the view. Try the Floridita, inspired by the historic restaurant and cocktail bar in the old city of Havana, which was a haunt of Ernest Hemingway, and famous for its rum-based cocktails. Happy hour is from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday with appetizers at 50% off and exclusive drink specials.

Comfy & Casual

Brian Nasajon and Ben Potts, co-owners of Beaker & Gray in Wynwood, host happy hour Wednesday through Sunday from 5 - 7 p.m. Enjoy bites such as grilled cheese with smoked ham, Swiss cheese and pickles, Wagyu and Manchego cheese croquettes, savory Mochi and a variety of cocktails, beers and wines to wash it all down.

Upscale & Elegant

Located in the center of Miami’s booming Brickell neighborhood, Komodo is a three-story restaurant and lounge that mixes contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine with a Miami vibe. Signature favorites include the Peking Duck, Tuna & Toro Roll and Lobster Dynamite. Komodo’s three bars offer a daily happy hour from 4 - 7 p.m. that includes discounted appetizers and specialty cocktails.

Located in the sleek SLS Brickell hotel, SAAM Lounge is a vintage cocktail lounge with an exclusive-yet-comfortable atmosphere. In addition to drinks dreamed up by the team of expert mixologists, the indoor/outdoor lounge offers lite bites. Check out the daily happy hour from 6 - 8 p.m. for amazing deals on specialty cocktails, beers, house wines and house spirit cocktails.