Drink, dance for 24 hours straight or just take in the skyline views at these best Downtown Miami clubs.
August 2019: These days, it seems like there’s a new hip restaurant, artisanal coffee shop, fancy cocktail bar or bumping party popping up in Downtown every week. To reflect the neighborhood’s continued growth, we’ve updated our list of Downtown Miami’s best clubs to include the rowdy garden at 1306, sleek and petite mixology haven Jaguar Sun and more.
The Downtown Miami clubs are the center of the nightlife scene in our gritty urban core. For the better part of Miami’s recent history, the neighborhood has been lacking in entertainment options—but that’s changing fast. And now you’ll find new additions to the mainstay clubs that put Downtown nightlife on the international map. If you would have told us decades ago that Downtown would be home to one of the best cocktail bars in Miami and a couple of Miami’s best rooftop bars, we would have nodded politely and told you to have another drink. But Miami changes faster than we realize. And Downtown Miami’s drinking options are proof.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Downtown Miami
What is it? Miami’s ground-zero for cutting edge dance music. The 24-hour disco is where Miami’s real club kids go to embrace the night (and, oftentimes, the morning).
Why go? You’ll see some world-class talent behind the DJ booth and enjoy vibes that are decidedly more Berlin than Vegas.
What is it? A former denim shop turned good ol’ American cocktail bar. Lost Boy managed to hold on to its trendiness from its past life as a fashion boutique while gaining a bit of a boozy edge.
Why go? Lost Boy is just the sort of bar Downtown needs: casual, quality and authentic. It’s both your new favorite Friday happy hour and a solid late night weekend option.
What is it? A club that stuffs hip-hop, EDM, strippers and aerial acrobatics together into one insane, ridiculous, dazzling place that is technically a club but will also serve you a breakfast burrito at 6am. It defies explanation and will drain your bank account.
Why go? Because aren’t you a little curious after reading that?
What is it? Dimly lit bar serving up great cocktails in a no-bullshit atmosphere. Great for both happy hour and a late (really late) nightcap.
Why go? There’s nowhere like the Corner at 5am. It’s a nonsensical but wonderful mishmash of Miami revelers all bound by their desire to keep things going for just one more drink.
What is it? A sleek cocktail bar that makes its home on the ground floor of hip new residential building X Miami. Separated from the lobby behind a veil of heavy dark curtains, the dimly lit rectangular bar gives off an intimate vibe with a strong food and drink selection.
Why go? The concept comes from bartender Will Thompson and ex-Momofuku and Per Se chef Carey Hynes. Order up a plate of pasta, oysters or beef short rib and ask your friendly bartender for a recommendation.
What is it? A riverfront bar that pops off during the day and well into the night. There are food trucks, a DJ and some pretty gorgeous yachts docking up to the bar.
Why go? The buzzy new Wharf has earned tons of fans because there just aren’t a lot of great (and affordable) places to drink along the Miami River. The Wharf proves that trend is coming to an end fast.
What is it? A new cocktail den that blends a dive bar attitude with the high-energy vibes of a late night dance party. The carpet (yes, carpet) is red and the center bar is beautiful.
Why go? Mama Tried lives in an area of Downtown where your drinking options are slim. So this place is a much-needed oasis—and it’s also backed by some of the best bar minds in Miami.
What is it? Beneath the sprawling terrace of Club Space, Floyd is a trendy, intimate lounge hosting underground DJ acts in a slightly more sophisticated setting. Housed within the same ground-floor level of the Space complex, The Ground typically serves up alternative hip-hop, live electronic bands and the occasional 18+ EDM show.
Why go? If Downtown’s big clubs are a little much for you, Floyd and The Ground offer less overwhelming, curated alternatives. It’s still bumping on the weekends, just a tad less mainstream and more laid-back than the party upstairs.
What is it? Inside, it’s a classic speakeasy, complete with a nondescript entrance and low lighting. Outside, the garden hosts DJs and bands, killer art parties during Basel and the infamous El Perreo reggaeton dance party.
Why go? Rockstar mixoligist C. Virginia King devised the spirit-forward cocktail menu, featuring a mix of old-world-inspired drinks and updated classics.
What is it? Classy rooftop bar and restaurant on the 16th floor of the Kimpton EPIC Hotel.
Why go? With views of both the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay, it’s a visual stunner in a neighborhood light on pleasant vistas. On a budget? Stop by for the beat-the-clock happy hour at 5pm.
What is it? A polished sports bar where you won’t stick to the floor and have to strain to see the TV through a cloud of cigarette smoke. UM fans welcome, obviously.
Why go? Because the game is on, you’re in the mood for fried pickles and there are really no other sports bar options in Downtown, shockingly.
What is it? Rooftop bar of the historic Langford hotel. There is an inside section too if the sun isn’t cooperating.
Why go? The view is pretty nice and Downtown ain’t exactly ripe with rooftop options.
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