By Kara Franker
Head to these quintessential happy hour locales in Miami Beach that range from relaxed to luxurious.
There’s nothing better than cold drinks and hot specials and Miami offers plenty of happy hour hotspots in the heart of the action. Next time you’re in the Magic City, 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
At the posh River Yacht Club overlooking the Miami River, enjoy discounted bar bites and premium “throwback” cocktails and wine Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Nosh on savory bites like Mini Prime Cheeseburgers, Grouper Bites, a trio of Ceviche, and Mini Crab Cakes. Discounted cocktails include the Cosmopolitan, Tequila Sunrise, Apple Martini, Blue Lagoon and Gin-N-Juice. 401 SW Third Avenue, Miami
Located at the sophisticated EPIC Hotel, Area 31 is a 16th-floor pool front restaurant known for its waterfront views, delicious Mediterranean seafood and popular happy hours packed with young professionals. Go there Monday through Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m., and you can get specialty drinks and bar bites for less. On Thursday, happy hour takes on a new meaning, as Area 31 hosts a #TBT Happy Hour with classic drinks and tunes, and revivals of old favorites, like Cosmos, Sex on the Beach, Mojitos and more, at special prices. On Fridays, Area 31 has its “Chase the Clock” happy hour, where drinks and snacks are priced according to the hour that you get them, like $5 at 5 p.m., $6 at 6 p.m., $7 at 7 p.m., and so on. 270 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
Featuring gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key, Brickell culinary gem Cantina La Veinte offers an elevated Mexican dining experience and features the largest selection of high-end tequilas and mezcals. Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. On Tuesdays, partake in “Taco Tuesday” with a specially-priced taco menu including delectable favorites: Tacos de Ribeye Con Queso, Tacos de Langosta and Tacos de Cochinita. 495 Brickell Avenue, Miami
Lightkeepers, Key Biscayne’s casually elegant restaurant and bar with both views of the Atlantic and the The Ritz-Carlton’s sparkling pool, offers daily happy hour specials from 5 to 8 p.m. and additional themed happy hour promotions throughout the week. Guests can kick back oceanside and sip on fresh concoctions by the restaurants talented bar crew and bites by Executive Chef Raul A. Del Pozo. Ladies Night is every Thursday and features a live DJ coupled with champagne and oysters, both priced at $1 – it’s the perfect setting for a night under stars. 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne
On the heels of the launch of a newly revamped wine program and tantalizing new menu items, Rusty Pelican’s Head Mixologist Oscar Amaya 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, first restaurant and cocktail bar in the old city of Havana, which was famous for its rum-based cocktails and was an old haunt of Ernest Hemingway. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday. 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne
Comfy & Casual
Brian Nasajon and Ben Potts, co-owners of Beaker & Gray in Wynwood are upping the happy hour ante with Instant Karma, a special promotion that benefits a local charity and rotates monthly. Go from 4 to 7 p.m Monday through Friday and enjoy bites such as grilled cheese with smoked ham, Swiss cheese and pickles, Wagyu and Mangego cheese croquettes, savory Mochi and a variety of cocktails, beers and wines to wash it all down. 2637 North Miami Avenue, Wynwood
Upscale & Elegant
Located in the epicenter of Miami’s booming Brickell neighborhood, Komodo is a three-story restaurant and lounge that mixes contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine with a South Florida vibe. Signature favorites including the Peking Duck, Tuna & Toro Roll and Lobster Dynamite. Komodo’s three bars offer a nightly happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. that includes discounted appetizers and specialty cocktails. 801 Brickell Avenue, Miami
Experience the flavors of the Western Cape region of South Africa at Big Easy Winebar & Grill’s “Easy Hour” every weekday from 4 to 7 p.m. The restaurant, located in Miami’s new Brickell City Centre, is a project in partnership with golf icon turned winemaker Ernie Els who is affectionately nicknamed “The Big Easy” for his manner, stature and gentle disposition. The new Easy Hour follows that same laid-back feel with draft beers and half-off wines by the glass. Customize your “Easy Hour” bites with the Too Easy Plank, a selection of two items from the appetizer menu including the Fried Green Tomatoes, Oyster Gazpacho Shots, Boerie Bites, Pork Belly “Lollipops” or Mini Cauliflower Samosas that are seriously bursting with flavor. 701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 339 in Brickell City Centre
The brainchild of Wolfgang Zweiner, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse has taken the steakhouse scene by storm. With thirteen locations throughout the U.S. and Asia, this upscale spot is known for its USDA prime steak, delicious seafood, outstanding service and award-winning wine list. The Miami outpost boasts an idyllic location overlooking the Miami River. Go for happy hour from 6 to 9 p.m. daily, and you can get food favorites at specialty prices, like a steak slider trio, baked clams oreganata and chorizo al vino. Pair it all with discounted beer, wine, well drinks, specialty cocktails or champagne. 315 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Miami