8 March 26 - april 1, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | award-winning bartender John Lermayer and Dan Binkiewicz alongside restaurateurs David Martinez and Michelle Bernstein, the place delivers world-class cocktails and cre- ative American food that is downright deli- cious. Zero notes on their Cauliflower Nachos. They even stamped culture with the “Miami Is The Shit Bro” jacket seen world- wide, which tells you everything about their reach. It’s the kind of place you say you’re stopping by for one, and then it’s suddenly 2 a.m. Pursue Happiness. Tip: Make sure to try some of John’s Legacy List of cocktails, in- cluding the best Piña Colada you’ll ever have. — Giovanny Gutierrez, Miami Mixologist. 237 20th St., Ste. B, Miami Beach; 305-763-8217; mysweetliberty.com. Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery South Beach Tucked downstairs inside the Stiles Hotel, Swizzle leans fully into that speakeasy energy that is easy to miss unless you know. A rum- forward bar that skips the gimmicks and goes deep, with hundreds of bottles pulling from across the Caribbean and beyond. Founded by Danilo Božovic, who is the author of Bar- keep: The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails (now in its second edition), the cocktails here are precise. Clean daiquiris, proper swizzles, thoughtful riffs that actually respect the spirit. And now with a Fort Lauderdale loca- tion in the mix, it’s not so hidden anymore, but still feels like it. — Giovanny Gutierrez, Miami Mixologist. 1120 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, at the Stiles Hotel; 347-977-6428; swiz- zlerumbardrinkery.com. ViceVersa Miami Downtown Cool. Classy. Chill. Vice Versa is a quaint Ital- ian aperitivo bar from renowned bartender Valentino Longo, where Italian spirits like amaros, bitters, and vermouths lead the way, but with that subtle Miami imprint in every pour. It’s polished but not stiff. Recognized as a 2025 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Bar and featured in the Michelin Guide, it tracks as the drinks are tight, but the food holds its own, too, with chef Justin Flint in the kitchen. Tip: VV is open every day of the week, but Monday is the only day you can find their house-made burger, which is defi- nitely at the top of Miami’s best. — Giovanny Gutierrez, Miami Mixologist. 398 NE Fifth St., Miami; viceversamia.com. Old School Legends That Still Pour Strong In a city that’s constantly chasing what’s next, these bars remind us why some places never go out of style. They’ve been here, they’ve seen it all, and they’re still as relevant as ever. The Bend Liquor Lounge Hialeah Nestled inside an unassuming North Dade shopping plaza, the Bend Liquor Lounge has quietly built a reputation as one of Miami’s best neighborhood dive bars. Open for more than a decade, the retro lounge leans into its restored 1970s aesthetic, complete with a massive bar, quirky décor, and a relaxed crowd of regulars. The Bend serves craft beers, fresh-ingredient cocktails, and house signature drinks while hosting a steady lineup of DJ sets, trivia nights, and karaoke. With a strong happy hour, friendly staff, and just enough nostalgia to keep things interest- ing, the Bend remains a reliable spot for locals looking for a laid-back drink and a lively neighborhood vibe. 6844 NW 169th St., Hia- leah; 786-542-1948; instagram.com/thebend- miami. Bob’s Your Uncle Mid/North Beach Bob’s Your Uncle is a laid-back neighborhood bar that has quietly become a favorite hang- out in North Beach. The British-style pub of- fers a relaxed atmosphere with cold beer, classic cocktails, and a crowd that feels more local than touristy. Inside, the space keeps things simple with pool tables, sports on TV, and plenty of room to linger over a drink. ViceVersa Miami Photo by Giovanny Gutierrez
