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South Beach Miami Nightlife - South Beach Bars |
 South Beach, a definition. Vibrant energy, five star nightlife, celebrity sightings and beautiful people.
South Beach in Miami has always been there but two icons of "cool" in the late 80's: the Calvin Klein "Obsession" photo shoot atop an Ocean Drive hotel and Miami Vice punching its way to the top of the US listings, put South Beach firmly at the top of "the" destinations to go.
Home to some 150 + bars, restaurants and clubs (I only counted 37 bars and 16 clubs, but it was a long day) coupled with a beach front view and an Art Deco backdrop, the South Beach area covers the southernmost 23 blocks of an island that separates the Atlantic from Biscayne Bay.
You can't commute here. You MUST stay and the boutique Art Deco hotels are where you need to be. The Shelbourne on Collins Ave is a favouite of mine, but the Delano (well it's the Delano, and I'll leave you to see)
is described as a casual chic urban resort. You need to get out to the bar right at the back of the pool area.
The artery that bisects Miami's famed art deco district is Ocean Drive, and it's a serious happening place. During the day it's a people watchers paradise, based from one of the many Ocean Drive outdoor cafes.
Home to fashion models, vintage cars, Harleys, and Hummers, you'd think you were on the set of CSI. Well you are ... so enjoy and soak it all up. |
 So as you're on Ocean drive, you have to try Mango's (the bar not the fruit). Mango’s Tropical Cafe is a bar/cafe/cabaret venue. Open all day, the crew there (apart from all being talented and beautiful) are entertainers as well. So don't be suprised if half way through your meal they get up on the bar and start to sing and dance. It's breathtaking. In fact, on the strip you would be hard pressed to find a poorly run venue, but based on where I had a blast at, try Wet Willy's, the Deuce and the Clevelander (all on Ocean Drive).
The club scene is just something else. Few close much before 5 AM, but by the run up to midnight you can really feel the pulse start to quicken and the adrenaline of the pace starts to soar. Remember, plan your evening in advance. It costs anything up to $60 for entry to the popular places - yes there's a queue - yes it's up to the door staff irrespective of how loaded (or not) you are. Don't be in a hurry.
If you're trying to find a place that someone has recommended from a visit last year, don't be surprised if it's not there any longer. Clubs constantly change name and decor,only lasting a season or two. It's not a problem, they're all damn good and if you stay around the "strip", safety is not a huge problem.
Try the Liquor Lounge on Collins Ave, especially if there's a large group of you. The Asian themed Opium Garden is one of the longest running venues around. Opening at 11, it'll cost you $30 cover charge, but gets good A listers in, has a good chill out zone and brilliant garden area. Prive and Sky Bar, also on Collins, are worth a looksy. |
 Hungry ? The aromas from the bustling sidewalk restaurants and cafes are a teasing tempter. The actual food will satisfy all. Cuban, Chinese, Indian oh and even good old American.
Ok, so you've been here a few days - clubbed, posed and spent like a superstar - now it's time to enjoy good local nightlife at a fraction of the cost. Welcome to the Dive Bars. Don't panic it's still South Beach, but at a fraction of the cost. You don't have to dress to kill, just dress to enjoy. These bars I love - and I mean love. Bars with pool tables, locals, character and attitude.
It's all a personal thing, but three that make me want to stay and drink and soak it up are Ted's Hideaway, Mac's and Room Inc.
Room Inc, on Collins (really better named 'no room' because it's small and packed), offers lots of imported beers and is the cleanest of the Dive's. Always a queue for the bar. Why ? There's no room behind it. So, check out the chalkboards naming all the beers while you wait .
Onto Mac's or Mac's Club Deuce to give it its full name (I mentioned it earlier). The oldest bar in South Beach, Mac's has backdropped so many movies and TV programmes they've lost count. When Miami Vice finished Mac's was the venue for their wrap party. You won't find a lot of tourists here, so the rules are drink not socialise. It's a classic.
Now to Ted's Hideaway. Head down to the south of the island and you'll find the place - and you couldn't wish for a better mix of people. An all female crew work the place, otherwise known as Hooters (something to do with their chest measurements). Behave yourself here. Mess up and you will be removed - not reported, not arrested, just removed - OK. |
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