By Courtney Scott, on March 16, 2016

Best bars in Miami

Eat, beach, drink, repeat: This is the Miami mantra. Even if you set out to have a low-key Miami vacation, the combination of incredible weather, good vibes, and amazing bars typically turns your trip into a nonstop celebration. From subterranean standouts to Cuban-inspired supper clubs, here are some of my favorite places to grab a drink in Miami.

Basement Miami

One of the hottest bars in South Beach right now is Basement at the chic Edition Hotel. It’s a total playground for adults. The space is divided into three sections: a bar and bowling area, a night club, and my personal favorite, a dreamy disco ice rink where light artist Olivia Steele’s whimsical neon sign, “I had too much to dream last night,” has become one of the most Instagrammed Miami scenes. Ice-skating costs $25 for 30 minutes including your skate rental, and bowling costs $50 for an hour-long, four-person bowl. Whether you come for happy hour or late night, this place never disappoints.

Broken Shaker Miami

The Broken Shaker

I was surprised to discover a James Beard Award semifinalist bar at a hostel. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at The Broken Shaker at the Freehand, a hostel located on 28th Street in Mid-Beach. It’s a giant outdoor space with a DJ, a pool, string lights, and lots of nooks and crannies for cocktailing. The mixologists here take the business of booze seriously with expert blends and intricate infusions. If you are with a group, try their Daily Punch, a handcrafted punch bowl with your choice of ingredients. This bar gets extra points for their kitschy pink flamingo stirrers—a personal favorite!

Viewfinder Tip: Before you head to The Broken Shaker, make a reservation at the adjacent 27 Restaurant & Bar. It’s one of Miami’s most talked about!

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

Bodega is the name, tequila is the game. Enter through the blue bathroom door to discover this secret bar and taco joint on 16th Street on South Beach. Inside the industrial-meets-vintage space, the Bodega team serves up Mexican fare from an airstream and a solid list of cocktails. I’d stick with the tequila and my favorite cocktail, the mescal-based Smoked Horchata. For discounted drinks, head to happy hour every night from 6–8 p.m.

El Tucán

One of the newest spots to open up in the booming neighborhood of Brickell is El Tucán. It’s a supper club and bar reminiscent of 1940s Havana. Check their calendar for a rotating musical lineup of Latin and cabaret performances, including Grammy-winning singers and Cuban musicians. Come for cocktails or book one of two dinner seatings at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Their signature El Tucán cocktail served in a brass toucan is a showstopper.

El Tucan Brickel

Coyo Taco

A trip to Miami without a visit to the Wynwood District is a crime. It’s one of the best places for a bar crawl, and Coyo Taco is a perfect place to kick it off. After filling up on tacos and their off-the-charts guacamole bowls, head through a swinging kitchen door to a hidden back lounge and bar. Grab a margarita and kick back while you listen to some of Miami’s best local artists and DJs.

What are your favorite bars and nightlife spots?