By: Shayne Benowitz
Discover Miami’s best party scenes, no matter your neighborhood
Miami has a reputation for its legendary nightlife—and for good reason. From South Beach’s mega-clubs to the hip warehouse scene in Wynwood and Downtown, Miami delivers on an epic night out. Every Miami neighborhood has its own nightlife identity, and while South Beach promises debauchery, you’ll also find a slew of hip, local bars and low-key lounges. Each neighborhood has a diverse offering of bars and clubs for a fun night out no matter what kind of scene you crave. Read on to find out which Miami nightlife neighborhood is ideal for you. Chances are you’ll enjoy a blend of all of them.
LIV
South Beach
The Vibe:
Miami is famous for its nightlife and that’s in large part thanks to the South Beach scene. A barrier island brushing up against the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach is lined with mega-clubs that attract party people seven nights a week. These clubs feature an ongoing lineup of international DJs, hip-hop artists and pop stars performing live before adoring fans. If celebrities aren’t hosting these parties, they’re camped out in the VIP section having a party of their own. This is the scene that put South Beach on the map in the mid-90s and it’s still going strong.
Today, there are more options than ever before for a more chill (but just as fun!) night out on South Beach. From intimate lounges to funky cocktail bars, it’s easy to find a cool party in South Beach without the hassle of the velvet rope. There’s also the enduring hotel bar scene. Whether you’re looking to party on the dance floor until the break of dawn or sip classic cocktails in a sophisticated environment, South Beach has you covered.
Broken Shaker
Places to Go:
For the classic Miami mega-club experience: LIV, Story.
For a high-energy lounge: Hyde Beach, Wall, Bodega, Basement.
Hotel bar hopping: Delano, 1 Hotel South Beach, Faena Miami Beach.
For classy cocktails and a chill crowd: Broken Shaker, Sweet Liberty, Minibar.
Wood Tavern
Wynwood
The Vibe:
Wynwood is a dynamic destination for culture. The mural-splashed arts district is home to some of Miami’s buzziest bars, restaurants and boutiques, not to mention world-class contemporary art galleries. Start your exploration at Wynwood Walls for an orientation into the area’s street art. As a popular hangout for hipsters and creative professionals, it makes for a fun neighborhood for a night on the town. From beer gardens with great drink deals to live music venues with a chill vibe, Wynwood makes a night on the town effortless.
Places to Go:
Chill spots with good grub: Wood Tavern, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
Live music & dance venues: Gramps, 1-800-LUCKY, Coyo Taco.
Area 31
Downtown Miami & Brickell
The Vibe:
The Miami River separates Downtown Miami from Brickell and both neighborhoods are home to skyscraping office buildings, condos and plenty of fun nightlife options. Popular neighborhoods for happy hour, they both cater to a post-work young professional crowd who flock to everything from sports bars to chic hotel lobby bars. On weekends, party people come out for after-hours nightclubs and hip, locally-owned cocktail bars.
Places to Go:
Big nightclubs: E11EVEN, Club Space.
Hip local spots: The Corner, Lostboy, Mama Tried.
Happy hour favorites: Blackbird Ordinary, Area 31, Yaku by La Mar
Laidback bars in Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove
The Vibe:
The historic neighborhood of Coconut Grove is a charming, bohemian hangout overlooking Biscayne Bay and Dinner Key Marina. This is where you’ll find laidback waterfront bars for those who just hopped off their sailboats, as well as plenty of sports bars and laidback lounges. With the University of Miami nearby, Coconut Grove often caters to college students looking for a night on the town. It’s in the midst of a renaissance with chic new hotels and restaurants opening all the time.
Places to Go:
Laidback & salty: Barracuda Taphouse & Grill, Monty’s Raw Bar, Sandbar Sports Grill.
Sleek & chic: Bellini, Glass + Vine.
Read More:
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