Miami’s cocktail scene is officially flexing its muscles on the global stage.
The first installment of North America’s 50 Best Bars list just dropped, and it's shining a spotlight on some of the Magic City's most exceptional spots. From sultry hotel bars to quirky, offbeat haunts, Miami is proving it has more than beautiful beaches, as four top bars have made the cut.
Ranked No. 56 on the continent, ViceVersa, the city’s highest-ranked bar on the list, offers a sultry escape just off the lobby of the Elser Hotel, where the cocktail menu is a tribute to classic Italian drinks with a modern Miami twist. Think Negronis, Milano-Torinos and Americanos, but reimagined with local ingredients. Signature cocktails include the Italian-VICE, a refreshing nod to Amalfi’s lemon granitas, made with bergamot liqueur, lemon sorbet and vodka. For those who enjoy a kick, the spicy margherita (aka Brucio in Bocca, or "burning mouth") blends vermouth, tequila and Barolo marmalade with pineapple for an unforgettable bite. Meanwhile, Veloce, a Venetian-inspired spritz, fuses force-carbonated orange wine, mezcal and Select Aperitivo for a truly unique flavor profile.
At Champagne Bar at The Surf Club (number 61 on the list), the glamour of yesteryear meets modern flair. Set in the historic Four Seasons Surf Club, this bar offers Miami's largest selection of Champagne, catering to the city's elite while maintaining a welcoming vibe for all. The bar’s mix of imaginative cocktails and its storied past make it a must-visit for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their evening.
For a completely different vibe, Bar Kaiju at number 77 is Miami’s best-kept secret (but, clearly, not for much longer). Tucked away on the second floor above The Citadel, this industrial nook brings the world of Asian cinema monsters to life. With electric red lighting, movie monster collages and a playful cocktail menu inspired by trading cards, Bar Kaiju delivers a visual and sensory experience unlike any other in the city.
Rounding out this year’s list is Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery. At number 78, the tropical oasis brings rum to the forefront, which is a very fitting trend for Miami. Located inside the Stiles Hotel on Miami Beach, this spot focuses on rum-based classics and tropical twists like Hurricanes or a coffee-infused banana daiquiri. The decor showcases rum’s rich history and is as immersive as the drinks themselves.
The list’s top 50 rankings will be announced on April 29 in Vancouver—and we can't wait how Miami does.
The 51 to 100 top 50 Best Bars in North America:
51. Library Bar, Toronto
52. Missy’s, Calgary
53. Prophecy, Vancouver
54. Sabina Sabe, Oaxaca
55. Civil Works, Toronto
56. ViceVersa, Miami
57. The Dead Rabbit, New York
58. Proof, Calgary
59. Bandista, Houston
60. Dante West Village, New York
61. Champagne Bar at The Surf Club, Miami
62. Lemon, Chicago
63. Queen Mary, Chicago
64. The Long Island Bar, New York
65. Brujas, Mexico City
66. Attaboy, New York
67. Laowai, Vancouver
68. Cry Baby Gallery, Toronto
69. Humboldt Bar, Victoria
70. Nickel City, Austin
71. Trick Dog, San Francisco
72. Roquette, Seattle
73. Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu
74. Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
75. Bar Bisou Bisou, Montreal
76. The Doctor’s Office, Seattle
77. Bar Kaiju, Miami
78. Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, Miami
79. Canon, Seattle
80. Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, New Orleans
81. Equal Measure, Boston
82. Ticuchi, Mexico City
83. Simpl Things, Toronto
84. Bar Bello, Montreal
85. Bar Snack, New York
86. Herbs & Rye, Las Vegas
87. Door No.4, Grand Cayman
88. Happy Accidents, Albuquerque
89. Nine Bar, Chicago
90. Shinji’s, New York
91. The Coldroom, Montreal
92. Meo, Vancouver
93. The Portrait Bar, New York
94. Casa Prunes, Mexico City
95. Paradise Lost, New York
96. Slice of Life, Toronto
97. Highball, Phoenix
98. Bar Contra, New York
99. Shelter, Calgary
100. Bar Next Door, Los Angeles