16 March 26 - april 1, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | February 26 - March 4, 2026 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | blends tropical landscaping with panoramic views that stretch from the bay to down- town’s skyline. Tourists, hotel guests, and dressed-up locals fill the space for cocktails and late-night music, creating a scene that feels equal parts resort and nightlife lounge. In a city built on rooftops, Sugar remains one of the most recognizable. 788 Brickell Plz., Ste. 40, Miami, at the East Miami Hotel; 786- 805-4655; easthotels.com. The ScapeGoat South Beach Just off the tourist-heavy stretch of Washing- ton Avenue, the ScapeGoat offers a slightly more laid-back version of South Beach night- life. The bar attracts a younger local crowd looking for strong drinks, DJs, and a dance floor that stays busy without the velvet-rope attitude of nearby clubs. The space shifts eas- ily from casual happy hour to late-night party as the music gets louder. It is the kind of place where a quick drink often turns into a much longer night. 100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-275-6488; scapegoatsobe.com. The Sylvester Midtown Right on the edge of Midtown sits The Sylves- ter, a lounge that feels like a throwback to a retro Miami without turning it into a theme. A little chaos in the best way, as Abuela’s furni- ture got rearranged for a very good party. Happy hour hits Tuesday all day, then Wednesday through Saturday, 5–8 p.m., with $9 classics that actually hold up. The Albino Gator with Ilegal joven, wa- termelon, cilantro, mint, and jalapeño is clarified, carbon- ated, and crushable. Drinks, dancing, music, honestly, it’s the kind of place you’d want to be stuck in during a hurri- cane. Tip: Bring a couple of bucks in case you want to play pool or hit up the Playboy pinball machine. — Giovanny Gutierrez, Miami Mixologist. 3456 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-364-5635; thesylvesterbar.com. ZeyZey Little Haiti Open Tuesday through Sunday till late, Zey Zey is one of those spots I end up at monthly. Up in Little Haiti, the draw here is the music, serious programming with international acts like Cut Copy, Modest Mouse, Arrested De- velopment, but also local energy like Salsa Z dance nights that keep it grounded. It’s a vibe, start to finish,, front to back. The resident kitchen, Tacos María, plays the rebellious lit- tle sister to Michelin-starred, but looser and more street. And the cocktails don’t get lazy either, with DIY Smashes, drinks with palo santo–infused sakes, names like Pepino Fresco and Naked Pineapple are all bursting with flavor and worth your attention. Tip: Most events are free if you RSVP in advance, so plan ahead and use those savings on a cocktail. — Giovanny Gutierrez, Miami Mixol- ogist. 353 NE 61st St., Miami; 305-456-2671; zeyzeymiami.com. Where Miami Comes to Yell at the TV Game day here is loud, fast, and never low-key. These are the spots with big screens, strong drinks, and crowds that feel every play in real time. Batch Gastropub Miami Brickell A Brickell fixture for more than a decade, Batch Gastropub has built its reputation as one of Miami’s most reliable sports bars. The Brickell gastropub was the first location from Batch Hospitality Group, which has since ex- panded with additional outposts in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauder- dale. The lively spot draws crowds for major games, weekend brunch, and a steady lineup of events ranging from live-band karaoke to themed holiday parties. Inside, multiple big screens keep fans locked into the action while the bar pours craft cocktails, local beers, and an extensive whiskey selection. The kitchen turns out elevated pub fare, in- cluding stacked burgers, cheesesteaks, and shareable plates, making Batch a go-to for Brickell residents looking to watch the game, grab a drink, and stay longer than planned. 30 SW 12th St., Miami; 305-808-5555; batchgas- tropub.com. Black Market Miami Downtown/Overtown Black Market Miami brings sports-bar en- ergy to the edge of downtown and Over- town with a lively mix of game-day crowds, DJs, and late-night drinks. Known for its casual indoor-outdoor layout and wall-to-wall TVs, the bar draws fans looking to catch Heat, Dolphins, or Canes games while sipping craft beers or cocktails. The food menu leans into ele- vated bar fare, with burgers, wings, and shareable plates designed for groups settling in for a long game or a long night. With mu- sic, sports, and a steady flow of locals and downtown regulars, Black Market has be- come a reliable gathering spot for pregame drinks or post-work hangouts. 168 SE First Ave., Miami; 305-400-8023; blackmarket- mia.com. Flanigan’s Seafood Bar & Grill Coconut Grove Flanigan’s is more than a restaurant chain in South Florida. It’s practically a cultural insti- tution. Its original location in Coconut Grove draws locals for late-night drinks, game-day crowds, and the brand’s famously generous happy hour. Inside, the wood-paneled sports bar atmosphere pairs with TVs showing ev- ery major game, pitchers of beer, and the sig- nature ribs and wings that have fueled South Florida nights for decades. Whether stopping in after the beach or settling in to watch a game, Flanigan’s remains a reliable Grove gathering spot. 2721 Bird Ave., Coconut Grove; 305-446-1114; flanigans.net. For the Beer Lovers and Wine Crowd When cocktails take a backseat, these spots step up. From curated wine lists to standout craft pours, these bars prove you don’t need liquor to have a very good time. The Abbey Brewing Company South Beach Opened in 1995, the Abbey Brewing Company was Miami Beach’s first dedicated craft beer bar, long before microbreweries and taprooms became common across South Florida. Tucked just off Lincoln Road, the cozy, pub- style spot remains known for its house beers from founder and brewmaster Raymond Rigazio, including the Immaculate IPA and Father Theodore’s Stout, alongside a rotating selection of guest drafts and rare bottles. More neighborhood hangout than flashy South Beach bar, the Abbey has built a loyal following over nearly three decades by keeping the focus on good beer, easy conversation, and a laid- back atmosphere. 1115-1117 16th St., Miami Beach; 305-538-8110; abbeybrewingmia.com. Casa La Rubia Brewery & Pub Wynwood Casa La Rubia Brewery & Pub brings a neigh- borhood craft-beer scene to the Wynwood– Midtown edge, with a focus on house-brewed lagers and easygoing pub energy. Founded by Miami brewing veteran César Zapata, the brewery specializes in approachable styles inspired by European beer traditions and serves them alongside a small menu of Latin- leaning bar food. The spacious taproom and patio draw a mix of locals, brewers, and beer enthusiasts seeking a more relaxed atmo- sphere than the typical Wynwood nightlife crowd. With rotating taps and a laid-back at- mosphere, Casa La Rubia has quietly become a go-to for fresh local beer and refreshing mi- cheladas. 55 NW 25th St., Miami; 786-362- 6300; larubia.beer. Cervecería La Tropical Wynwood A craft brewery and garden in Wynwood with beer, cocktails, and food, built as a remix of Cuba’s oldest brewery, brought back to life in Miami in 2021. Try “La Original” or “Tropi Flaca” if you are counting calories, or go for their distilled-beer cocktails in the Mixologia collection. Explore the grounds, take it slow, and take in a little piece of Cuban history right here in Wynwood. — Giovanny Gutier- rez, Miami Mixologist. 42 NE 25th St., Miami; 305-741-6991; cervecerialatropical.com. Lagniappe Midtown/Wynwood/Design District Part wine bar, part backyard party, Lagniappe has become one of Miami’s most beloved live music spots. The New Orleans–inspired venue pairs an extensive wine selection with a nightly lineup of jazz, blues, and acoustic performances on its small indoor stage. Guests grab cheese boards, charcuterie, or bottles from the market-style counter before settling into mismatched chairs across the expansive, string-lit, backyard-style court- yard. With its relaxed energy and music-first focus, Lagniappe feels like a hidden house concert that happens almost every night. 3425 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-576-0108; lagniappehouse.com. Magie Little River Magie feels like a shift in Little River, re- moved just enough and intentional in every B A R S T O P Jolene Sound Room Photo by Giovanny Gutierrez
