18 April 10-16, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | generous indoor and outdoor seating. Beer and mead are available, including the brew- ery’s famous Big Rod, a blond ale with a hint of coconut. If beer’s not your thing, then en- joy some of Schnebly’s wine, made from local tropical fruits like guava and avocado. Miami Brewing Company is more than a taproom — it’s a destination. Miami Sound Bar 123 SE SECOND AVE., MIAMI 786-809-0900 MIAMISOUND.BAR This Magic City listening lounge rocks a U.K.- made, Japan-customized sound system that’ll make audiophiles swoon. Kick back under the moody lighting while DJs spin vinyl from their massive collection. Sip the “1858,” made with Japanese vermouth and sweet potato shochu, or cool down with a “Blind Melon,” a zippy mix of tequila, ancho verde, and honey- dew. Sweet tooth? The “Coco Caballo” blends matcha rum with coconut cream for tropical bliss. The space is super-small, so make a res- ervation to guarantee yourself a seat. Mike’s at Venetia 555 NE 15TH ST. 9TH FLOOR, MIAMI 305-374-5731 MIKESMIAMI.COM For more than 30 years, Mike’s at Venetia has endured as one of Miami’s literal hidden gems. Locals in the know frequent this Irish dive bar tucked away on the ninth floor of Ve- netia Condo at the western terminus of the Venetian Causeway. Drinkers will find a wel- coming bar with a seemingly never-ending list of beverage options and daily menu spe- cials ranging from pizza to rib eye to mussels and shrimp pasta. A dozen or so TV screens make this place amenable to viewing what- ever sport is in season. Minibar 418 MERIDIAN AVE., MIAMI BEACH 786-690-1858 MINIBARMIAMI.COM This South of Fifth watering hole in the Meridian Hotel has quickly become a favorite among Beach locals and visi- tors looking for a laid-back vibe. True to its name, Minibar is a small hangout that invites conversation in the courtyard, a chat with your friendly bar- tender, or a quiet nightcap. The cocktail menu changes fairly often — sometimes inspired by Miami or its beloved chefs (there was once a menu featur- ing favorite drinks of local chefs like 2015 top Top Chef Jeremy Ford), and sometimes they’re just deliciously refreshing tropical drinks that are sublimely Miami-chic. MO Bar & Lounge 500 BRICKELL KEY DR., MIAMI 305-913-8358 MANDARINORIENTAL.COM/EN/ MIAMI/BRICKELL-KEY/DINE/MO-BAR- LOUNG Those who like their drinking set against a backdrop of panoramic views of Brickell and Biscayne Bay will love MO Bar, the relaxed but refined lobby bar at the Mandarin Orien- tal hotel. Opt for the 14-seat bar or sprawl out in the lounge, where you’ll be entertained with Cuban jazz, Spanish guitar, or a fun swing-jazz piano performance — there’s live music nearly every night of the week. Cock- tails are decadent (think tableside-smoked old-fashioneds and the like), and bites range from sushi rolls to mini sliders, making MO ideal for an after-work drink (or two). Monty’s Raw Bar 2550 S. BAYSHORE DR., COCONUT GROVE 305-856-3992 MONTYSRAWBAR.COM You haven’t lived in Miami until you’ve spent an afternoon sucking down a cocktail while gazing at a cotton-candy sunset at Monty’s. The Coconut Grove institution has seen a half- century of Miamians flock to the dockside res- taurant for happy hour and tropical vistas. But no trip to Monty’s is complete without a round of “Pain Removers” — the bar’s version of the “Painkiller,” a tiki cocktail trademarked by Puss- er’s Rum Ltd. in the 1970s. Be- sides the name tweak, not much differentiates the Remover from the ‘Killer. Both are made with island rum, pineapple juice, OJ, and coconut cream, and both can be prepared in “strengths” that vary the rum-to-juice ratio. Pair the sweet, strong cocktail with a dozen oysters and watch the boats come in. No Man’s Land 666 N. FEDERAL HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE 954-280-9919 NOMANSLANDFTL.COM There’s a reason this vibey cocktail parlor, lounge, and restaurant from Big Brother alum Memphis Garrett is billed as a “refuge from the ordinary.” Step inside No Man’s Land in Fort Lauderdale, and you immedi- ately feel as though you’ve been transported to an intimate dinner party, a bespoke experi- ence made complete with an arsenal of cre- ative cocktails and equally inventive small plates served up in a sexy and sophisticated space. Mixed drinks take center stage in the form of a list that changes several times a year but always includes the “NML Old-Fash- ioned,” a blend of bourbon, housemade s’mores syrup, and bitters, garnished with a toasted marshmallow. Dishes are overtly in- tended to complement the libations. Old Tom’s Sports Bar 5001 NW 36TH ST., MIAMI SPRINGS 305-888-6022 OLDTOMS.COM A modest-size establishment just north of Mi- ami International Airport, Old Tom’s Sports Bar is always packed with locals and tourists who want to enjoy a pitcher of beer in a chill setting. Watch NFL games as you indulge in sports-bar classics like chicken wings. Trivia contests, karaoke, and musical entertainment are on tap at this football-themed watering hole, as is a fine selection of local brews on tap. On the Rocks Bar 217 71ST ST., MIAMI BEACH ONTHEROCKSMIAMIBEACH.COM This North Beach neighborhood sports bar is open 365 days a year till 5 a.m. On the Rocks offers inexpensive drinks, several TV screens, and Friday-night karaoke. The walls are just about as colorful as some of the characters you’ll find bellied up to the bar. The place has all the makings of a classic dive, right down to the ingrained aroma of cigarettes and beer. Guests often find themselves jamming to rock ‘n’ roll covers by local bands. Over Under 151 E. FLAGLER ST., MIAMI 786-247-9851 OVERUNDERMIAMI.COM No bar in Miami embraces its home state of Florida quite like Over Under. From the neon mosquito drinking a martini to the fried alli- gator bites on the menu, every detail of this cool spot reminds imbibers exactly where they are. Whether it’s karaoke and fruity drinks or a beer and a shot paired with one of the best cheeseburgers in town (made with Florida-raised beef, no less) you’re looking for — Over Under can match the vibe and then some. It’s one of those places where tim- ing is everything because the mood changes over the course of an evening, but you can al- ways expect to have a good time without hav- ing to get all glammed up. It’s a true come-as-you-are kinda place. Palace Bar & Restaurant 1052 OCEAN DR., MIAMI BEACH 305-531-7234 PALACESOUTHBEACH.COM Stop by the Palace for a very South Beach ex- perience. The gay-friendly restaurant and bar, which has been going strong for more than three decades, stages drag shows every eve- ning and drag brunches on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Otherwise, know that the venue contains two bars: one indoors and designed for nighttime use, the other semi- outdoors. There’s also a patio with dining ta- bles. The presence of drag queens ensures the service is extra-attentive. Call ahead if you’re set on taking in the famed brunch shows or nightly drag dinners. Panamericano Bar 900 S. MIAMI AVE. STE. 260, MIAMI 305-403-7304 PANAMERICANOBAR.COM Panamericano operates more like a quiet tem- ple of mixology than the speakeasy it evokes. Located on the second floor of Mary Brickell Village, the sleek, modern space is home to cocktails that are as carefully crafted as they are imagined. The bar menu is a unique blend that focuses on the Americas — North, South, Central, and Caribbean — with a majorly the- atrical presentation. “It’s an homage to what the Americas have to offer,” says owner An- drei Stern. “Panamericano celebrates the spirit of our own continent — quite literally.” Libations range from the “Taco Martini,” sub- tly infused with taco flavors and garnished with a miniature taco, to “From Argentina With Love,” a highball inspired by Argentina’s beloved poached pear dessert and malbec wine. These inventive combinations go be- MO Bar & Lounge Photo by Ruben Cabrera TOP TOP 100 100 BARS
