Ride the beat at the best jazz clubs and Latin music venues in Miami

A night at Lagniappe feels like a backyard bash at a friend’s—if said friend had a sprawling, magical yard filled with mismatched lawn furniture and strung-up bistro lights. It’s all very casual here, but the musicians are serious players. There’s everything from folk to rock taking place in Lagniappe’s intimate indoor space—but the specialty is straight-up jazz. 

This intensely charming Miami Beach venue boasts some of the most eclectic bookings in all the city. Run by the Rhythm Foundation, a group devoted to bringing rare world music to Miami, the North Beach Bandshell has its fair share of both jazz and Latin shows, bringing acts from the islands of the Caribbean to the tip of South America. 

As the ground level companion to Miami’s most infamous EDM spot, Space, Floyd stands in stark contrast to the over-the-top megaclubs that surround it—think chandeliers instead of lasers. The club mainly brings out more underground electronic talent, but on jazz nights, expect a modern flair, everything from the traditional trio to experimental. The best part? It’s open just as late as the other guys and it's got couches for plenty of late-night lingering. 

Step inside Miami’s version of a saloon for a closer look at the impressive back bar, featuring an array of craft beer, wine and cocktails. Appreciative locals pack the bar and sidewalk every night of the week, though Tuesdays attract an especially hipster-heavy crowd—perhaps it’s the live Downtown Jazz series, going strong for more than five years. Surviving the late-night revelry is more likely if you fuel up on tasty bar bites.  

Once a 1926 silent movie palace, this is now an enchanting venue for the occasional jazz and Latin gig (plus stand-up comedy, drag performances, story slams and more), complete with velvet seats, Shakespearean balconies and twinkling stars on the ceiling’s painted night tableau. It might just be the prettiest music venue in Miami. 

This Kendall neighborhood hangout serves fresh seafood paired with live jazz and blues. For music, the divey back room is where it’s at. There’s a jazz jam every Wednesday at 8pm, live blues Thursdays from 8pm to close on the restaurant's small stage and bigger acts throughout the weekend. Enjoy the show with a two-drink minimum and grab some fresh oysters ($16) while you're at it. 

A well-known pick-up joint in business for more than 20 years, Mango’s promotes an island-fever atmosphere with its sweet cocktails, Jello shots and a house band playing perfunctory salsa and merengue. Decorated with tropical murals, the bar opens up to the street, with a good view of the beach. And nobody seems to be too keen on this whole “clothes” thing.