For sure, you have already heard that Miami has a lot to offer when it comes to nightlife. From small pubs to very big venues, touristic spots to local spots, gay or straight preferences, live music performances or DJs spinning on the decks, you are bound to find something that tickles your fancy. Keep reading to find what people consider to be the top 10 best nightclubs and bars that have got the locals buzzing in Miami.
Blue Martini Lounge
Restaurant by day and club by night, Blue Martini Lounge is a nice sized venue that gets packed with people and gives off a cool ambience. Any night from Wednesday to Saturday you will find a party that doesn’t stop until 5am. There is usually a mixed crowd, everyone is 21+, and depending on the night, you can experience DJs spinning records from an array of genres or live music, especially latin music, which is fun to dance to late night.
Also, try one of their 42 signature martinis, “shaken not stirred” as our friend Bond, James Bond, would say.
go early on a Friday to taste test the free martinis they offer for their Friday Flavors Martini Tasting to get warmed up. You are guaranteed to dance all night long, so make sure that you wear some comfortable kicks!
- 900 South Miami Ave. # 250, Miami, FL 33130
- bluemartinilounge.com
- Hours of Operation:
Mon – Sun: 16:00 to 03:00
Story
One of the best nightclubs in Miami with a European vibe is Story. It’s something similar to a club in Ibiza with its LED lights, go-go dancers, lighting effects, and confetti to help keep that amazing vibe going from famous DJs like Marco Carola, Skrillex, David Guetta, Dubfire, and many more. You may even be able to see a couple of familiar artists like T.I., Chris Brown and others on Thursday’s hip-hop night.
Make sure that you go dressed to impress. You won’t forget this Miami nightclub so do yourself a favor and head on down to Story.
Story is also pretty big, so you can roam around the second floor to catch a glimpse of the people on the first floor and the DJ.
- South Beach at 136 Collins Ave, Miami Beach,FL 33139.
- storymiami.com
- Hours of Operation:
Tue – Sun: 23:00 to 05:00
Bodega
Perhaps not a traditional “club” but rather a Taqueria y Tequila . Bodega often makes first-timers wonder, is it a taco joint, lounge, restaurant, bar, or a nightclub? Anyway, I thought it needs to be listed as it is somewhat hidden and off the beaten path, making it a great place to meet Miami locals. Basically, when you show up you’ll see a small restaurant as the facade, which is inspired by a food truck with inexpensive but amazing tacos! After verifying that you are at least 21 years of age, you will be allowed inside the restaurant, where you may even be offered a shot of tequila as an aperitif, all while waiting to pass through a clean porta potty leading to the bar’s entrance. Inside, the bar is decorated in a tasteful indie manner, and everyone vibes out to old school and new school hip-hop as well as some latin rumba. This is definitely a spot to check out while you are in Miami. It’s definitely the newest ‘hot spot’ on the beach!
There’s no cover and if you make it there before 11:00, you won’t have to wait in line.
- 1220 16th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- bodegasouthbeach.com
- Hours of Operation:
Mon – Wed: 12:00-2:00
Thu – Sat: 12:00-5:00
Sun: 12:00-2:00
The Basement
Do you want to ice skate or go bowling, and then have a drink? This is a dynamic nightclub situated in the basement of the old Seville Beach Hotel. The Basement consists of 3 sections: a nightclub, a bowling alley, and an ice skating rink. This is a venue where you can dress up and feel swanky. To bowl, you will have to reserve a lane beforehand and pay $50 (plus tax) per hour for four people, and $10 for each extra person. Ice skating costs $25 (plus tax) for a half hour, no reservations needed. Or, keep it traditional and just dance the night away to new school and old school tracks. This nightclub is a must and one-of-a-kind in South Beach.
- 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- basementmiami.com
Liv
Well known for it’s high-class status and A-list celebrities who can be seen perusing through the VIP, Liv is the playground for the likes of Jay-Z, the Kardashian sisters, and 50 Cent to name a few. The venue is connected to the Fontainebleau Hotel which has hosted many VIP events ranging from the fabled Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Party and lush parties hosted by Belvedere vodka. You are definitely in for a visual treat with the ceilings and floors decorated with neon light accents that shine through the elegantly molded designs which surround you. This is a place that you have to see for yourself.
Dress to kill, enjoy yourself, and take enough money. It could cost you a pretty penny to even enter the front doors.
- 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- livnightclub.com
- Hours of Operation:
Wed – Sun: 23:00 to 05:00
Nikki Beach
Another one of South Beach’s gems, Nikki Beach is a versatile establishment which blends a restaurant, beach bar, and club, all in one. Grab a drink, get comfortable and meet some locals and tourists from around the world on its beautiful open-air wooden veranda. It’s the perfect place to go if the weather is nice, just to go chill and have a drink or to go and dance the night away under the stars. If you get tired, there are plenty of comfy cabana beds, and couches for a quick sit down. There will definitely be people in bikinis and other beach attire hence the word “beach.”
Remember to dress comfortably, day or night, because the party doesn’t end until 5am. If you’re feeling a bit crazy after a long night, you can walk a couple of feet east and jump in the ocean.
- 1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
- nikkibeach.com
Twist
It’s no wonder that Twist is one of the most popular gay clubs in South beach, with it’s tropical theme, turquoise velvet bar stools, and intimate lighting. This club is inviting even for the shyest of us all. Any night is a good night at this nightclub, whether you are looking for some bumping beats to groove to, eclectic DJs, or exciting drag shows, I promise you will not be let down. Not having to pay a cover is just one of the perks that you get at Twist. Have a night with a twist.
If you’re the type that needs to loosen up to have fun, then you need to check out the drink specials. They’re the best.
- 1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- twistsobe.com
- Hours of Operation:
Mon – Sun: 13:00 to 05:00
Score
Another gay nightclub that you should swing by to see the entertainment and drink the night away while jamming out to some EDM with top DJs is Score. Head to this bar for a premiere bar and nightclub experience. You can bet this nightclub is bound to be filled with people just looking to have a good time. Score is seen as an iconic nightclub as it has been around for over 15 years, so obviously they are doing something right. The venue is equipped with multiple bars, a terrace, an inviting dancefloor and a huge discoball to top it off.
- 1437 Washington Ave, Miami, FL 33139
- scorebar.net
- Hours of Operation:
Tue: 21:00-5:00
Thu: 21:00-5:00
Fri – Sat: 18:00-5:00
Sun: 21:00-5:00
Ball & Chain
This joint was originally opened in 1935 as the Ball & Chain Saloon but since then has changed hands and purposes over the years. It’s seen many themes throughout the years, such as being a live music bar where famous artists like Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Chet Baker performed, to hosting gambling nights, fights, and strip teases. Now, it’s a live music nightspot. Being inside the Ball & Chain you feel the history as though you are walking through decades past. You can’t help being lured in by the warm colors, the setup, and the “retro-renovation” that has returned this joint to the good ol’ days.
If you want to mix it up a little and listen to live music, make your way to Little Havana and check out Ball & Chain.
- 1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
- ballandchainmiami.com
- Hours of Operation:
Mon – Wed: 12:00-0:00
Thu – Sat: 12:00-3:00
Sun: 14:00-22:00
Grand Central
If you are a true club-head and have no need for all that glitz, glamour, and show, this may be the spot for you. Grand Central wants to be recognized as a versatile and contemporary event space, boasting a stage, dance floor and bottle service. This is a place where you go to fist pump and rave while you listen to the artists you love like Lauryn Hill, Cypress Hill, A Flock of Seagulls and Diplo to name just a few. The venue is a warehouse; there’s no need to dress up, and depending on the night there may not even be a cover. All of this adds up to make it the perfect retreat for college students and free-spirits of the like. Without a doubt, you should mosey your way downtown to experience Grand Central’s vibe.
- 697 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136
- grandcentralmiami.com
In summary, Miami DOES have something to offer to everyone. Who knows, it could even be hidden in an old warehouse. There’s only way two ways to find out: stick to following our Miami guides or book a ticket and come see for yourself. In the words of a wise old friend…”Welcome to Miami… Everyday’s like a Mardi-Gras, everybody party all day, no work-all play…“ Or something like that!
Author: Arie Lofton
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