Miami Nightlife
One of the most enduring, alluring visions of Miami is of the bright, neon lights illuminating the restaurants and clubs lining its streets and neighborhoods. They beckon you in to eat, drink, dance, and be merry, for tomorrow you may return home! You’ll find everything from Miami Nice to Miami Vice, from techno pop to Latin jazz and Salsa. Jackie Gleason once dubbed Miami the “Sun and Fun” capital. After a day on the beach – sun – you might want to dance the night away – fun. Here are some highlights. Just be careful to insure the clubs you choose have good security, and take a taxi back to the hotel when you’re ready to call it a night.
South Beach (SoBe)
Located at the extreme south end of Miami Beach, South Beach is home to most of Miami’s hottest dance clubs. Mansion, popular with both locals and a rotating cast of Hollywood celebrities, features two dance floors and six bars. It’s definitely a scene to brag about having visited, and they sometimes have live music, too. Can’t get into Mansion? Try Dolce Ultra Lounge, the SoBe up and comer. Not only is the music great, but the surroundings are ultra memorable, too.
You won’t find anyone promoting poppy products at internationally famous Opium Garden/Prive, but you will find an Asian inspired club complete with exotic Chinese lanterns, golden statues, and some of the best DJs in Miami. Dek23 plays Hip Hop and House music, has been named South Beach’s #1 scene for some time. Interesting in taking it outside? Try Nikki Beach. If you’re hungry after the party, they offer a to-die-for Sunday brunch.
Downtown Miami
Club Space is the hottest, most popular in Downtown Miami, an internationally recognized new superclub. There is always a long wait to get in – even early in the morning – but a small additional fee will help you jump to the head of the line. Drinks are reasonably priced and some of the nations best DJs are often found spinning music. Great mix of patrons – regular Joes and beautiful people alike. Tobacco Road is a famous rock and roll/blues club, known for down home food and a funky mix of rock, indie, and blues music depending on the night you visit.
Coconut Grove/Key Biscayne
Coconut Grove is giving downtown and SoBe a run for its money with late night fun. Its variety of good offerings – Dance, House, Latin and Hip-Hop make it a fun destination if you want to sample several clubs in one night. For dance, try Vision Night Club, whose DJs also spin Latin inspired tunes later in the evening. For a lower key, but still exciting, evening, try the Cielo Garden and Supper Club. They partner unique Latin cuisine with a fantastic evening’s entertainment.
Little Havana
Be sure to stop by the renowned Hoy Como Ayer for live Latin music, tapas, and to-die for Mojitos. Just be sure to bring your high limit credit card. Another option? The eclectic Kimbara Cumbara, more performance venue than club.
Coral Gables
The neighborhood is old money, and the scene is a retro throwback as well. The 80s are alive and kicking at Alcazaba, where Disco and Salsa still reign as queens. Highly rated for drink prices as well as music, the fun begins every Wednesday night.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach has a number of typical dance venues, atypical, however, are its fine Jazz and Blues offerings. Drop by the Normandy Fountain Café for music, dance, and food inspired by New Orleans underscored by Caribbean influences. The Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club at the Catalina Hotel is another spot to check out.