100 June 26 – July 2, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES BEST COCKTAILS ViceVersa 398 NE Fifth St. Miami 33132 viceversamia.com ViceVersa, the Italian aperitivo bar that took downtown Miami by storm in 2024, is shak- ing (and stirring) up the city’s cocktail scene. Helmed by celebrated bartender Valentino Longo, those slinging drinks know how to ex- pertly craft plenty of cocktails, but don’t miss their balanced negronis — including a signature house blend that feels like sipping Rome at golden hour. Every cocktail is paired with neo-Neapolitan pizzas made from daily-stretched moz- zarella and slow-fermented dough, proving this spot isn’t just about the drinks — it’s about the full Italian experience. Whether you’re a classic Campari lover or a sparkling sba- gliato enthusiast, ViceVersa is where Miami’s most unforgettable cocktails are born. BEST MOJITO Earl’s Kitchen + Bar 3 area locations, including 7535 N. Kendall Dr., Unit 2510 Miami 33156 305-667-1786 earls.ca/locations/dadeland Unbeknownst to most shoppers at Dadeland Mall, “sophisticated casual” Earl’s Kitchen + Bar serves a mojito that is divine. Distracted by Earl’s chic decor and truffle fries, they could miss out on the brilliantly executed mojito 75 if they’re not careful. The Appleton Estate Signatures rum dances in the glass with white peach liqueur, sparkling prosecco, and fresh lemon, garnished with a sprig of mint. In the past, Earl’s has offered playful variations of this classic cocktail, including a blackberry mojito and a cucumber mojito. For a comparatively small fee of $14, tired shoppers and worn-out moms can sip on their well-deserved mojito while gazing out from a balcony with a view. Cheers to price- less experiences. BEST MARTINI Chug’s $1 Martini 3444 Main Hwy Coconut Grove 33133 786-353-2940 chugsdiner.com Chug’s Diner in Coconut Grove is redefining the happy hour game with its iconic $1 mar- tini. Slug down as many as you can in one hour from 6 to 7 p.m. each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This Cuban-American eatery, known for its elevated diner fare, offers a martini that’s as strong as it is affordable. It’s a cheeky, irresistible deal that pairs perfectly with a plate of croquetas. And while the dis- counted martini is only on sale for one hour, you can still enjoy the happy hour menu the rest of the night. Chug’s also earned a spot in the Michelin Guide under the Bib Gourmand category, recognized for offering high-quality food at a great value — proof that this neigh- borhood favorite delivers far beyond its fa- mous drink special. BEST MARGARITA Koko 2856 Tigertail Ave. Coconut Grove 33133 305-349-3909 kokobybakan.com No plastic cups with some tart mix and cheap tequila at this Coconut Grove upscale Mexi- can restaurant. Koko margaritas are served in either large goblets or natu- ral clay drinking vessels, depending on the selection. There are six hand-crafted margarita choices, or you can opt for the classic, but here it’s vivir la vida al máximo, so the classic, while good, nope. There are three fruit-inspired op- tions, all served in a goblet with wa- termelon, mango, or passion fruit flavors. Served in the authentic clay cups are the “Tu- lum vibe” with cucumber and lime juice for a refreshing kick and a real chili pepper gar- nish, the “de tamarindo” with housemade tamarind purée, and the “ambiciosa” with a mix of Grand Marnier and Cointreau. Up- grade from the house tequila and order one off the top shelf. There are more than 200 to choose from, including the bartender’s rec- ommendation of Lalo, a 100 percent blue agave tequila blanco distilled in the Altos de Jalisco, one of the best tequila producing re- gions anywhere in the world. BEST BAR FOOD The Taurus Beer and Whiskey House 3540 Main Hwy. Coconut Grove 33133 305-529-6523 thetauruscoconutgrove.com Originally built in 1920, Coconut Grove insti- tution, the Taurus, didn’t come upon its name until 1969. As a steakhouse and bar, the Tau- rus Restaurant secured its legacy as one of community and great food. Its kitchen was later taken over by James Beard-nominated Chef Michael Beltran whose name appears favorably and often in these pages. Most re- cently, popular Cuban-Filipino pop-up Masa Craft set up shop at The Taurus. Launched in 2018, Masa Craft Kitchen serves beloved fu- sion dishes like Fili-cheesesteak and Oreo ube tres leches. Everything on Masa’s menu is a surefire hit, but the adobo fried onion burger is most certainly a fan favorite, made with two juicy smash patties, cooper sharp cheese, caramelized onions, adobo mush- rooms, and a banana-ketchup mustard aioli on a roll with a side of perfectly crisp French fries. Masa’s experimental menu is subject to change, so be sure to stop by regularly to taste their fusions before they’re gone into the Taurus history books.
