9 April 10-16, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | NEWS | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | CAFE | MUSIC | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | RIPTIDE | METRO | NIGHT+DAY | STAGE | ART | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | The Abbey Brewing Company 1115 16TH ST., MIAMI BEACH 305-538-8110 FACEBOOK.COM/ABBEYBREWINGCO Miami Beach’s first official craft beer bar, the Abbey Brewing Company, opened in 1995 — you know, before it was cool. It’s now a land- mark for those seeking handcrafted brews — not to mention a curated selection of small-batch whiskeys, rare wines, and small bites — in an intimate setting removed from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Drive. Al- though the menu offers a full liquor bar, the half-dozen housemade brews are the focus here, thanks to founder and longtime brew- master Raymond Rigazio, whose offerings include a series of Trappist-themed beers like Brother Aaron’s Quadrupel, Brother Dan’s Dubbel, and the Immaculate IPA. Alabama Jack’s 58000 CARD SOUND RD., KEY LARGO 305-248-8741 FACEBOOK.COM/ REALALABAMAJACKS Is it the first stop on your way to the Keys or your last stop on the way home? That’s for you to decide. Either way, Alabama Jack’s is an in- stitution. It’s on a lonely stretch of Card Sound Road — the alternative to U.S. 1 that tourists en route to the Keys hardly ever use. When you reach the sign that says, “This Place Sucks! I Wouldn’t Come Back!” you know you’ve ar- rived. This dive bar is a favorite with bikers, boaters, and anyone who enjoys a few cold ones and a plate of hot conch fritters. It’s not pretty (though the views are). It’s not fancy, but it is a piece of old Florida Keys life that’s being replaced by strip malls and chain hotels. The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub & Kitchen 91 NW FIRST ST., MIAMI 786-353-2339 THEAULDDUBLINER.COM Nearly every major city in the world has at least a handful of Irish pubs where you can grab a pint of Guinness, some curry fries, and watch football (the real kind). The Auld Dub- liner’s looks are deceiving: Nestled as it is in a nondescript row of storefronts, a passerby might mistake it for a cellphone repair shop. But enter and you’re transported to the Em- erald Isle — from the witty sayings on the wall to the footy on the telly to the telltale aroma of shepherd’s pie wafting from the kitchen. With a fine selection of Irish whis- kies on the shelves, bartenders who know how to pour a proper Guinness, seemingly every soccer game around the world airing on the TV, the Auld Dubliner is a great place to channel the friendliness (and the booze) of Ireland without leaving the Magic City. Baby Jane 500 BRICKELL AVE. SUITE 105E, MIAMI 786-623-3555 BABYJANEMIAMI.COM Late-night noodles, cocktails, and lively vibes are in store at Baby Jane. At this Asian- inspired Brickell hotspot, you’re welcome to sip cocktails and hang until the wee hours. Adorned by a bright neon light that says, “I’ll have what she’s having,” the intimate space is outfitted with booths that line the sides of the bar, a few high tops, and seating that allows j-u-s-t enough space to dance if the moment calls for it. The Bar at the Yard 8455 NW 53RD ST. STE. 106, DORAL 305-744-5038 THEDORALYARD.COM Though it’s just one part of a larger complex, the Bar at the Doral Yard has its own person- ality. The large wooden bar serves as both the focal point of the Doral Yard and a gath- ering place for locals to chill on plush, over- sized barstools. The cocktails are well-thought-out and tap into local flavors like mango, coconut, and even cafecito. Add the rotating daily specials to the mix and you’ve got yourself one friendly place to grab drinks. Bar Kaiju 8300 NE SECOND AVE. 2ND FLOOR, MIAMI 305-793-7204 BARKAIJU.COM Make your way to the mezzanine of the Cit- adel food hall, and you’ll find a dim, red- backlit bar — and one of the most inspired cocktail menus in Miami. Translated from Japanese, kaiju means strange beast, and fittingly, the drink list is laid out like a graphic novel populated by mythical monsters and imagi- natively crafted drinks to match their attributes. The “Groot,” for example, is a cask- aged cocktail made with roasted hazelnut-infused bourbon, peach, Palo Cortado, and dry vermouth., while the “Tarasca” is a martini taken to new levels with fino sherry, Manzanilla olives, and extra-virgin olive oil. Bar Kaiju founder Derek Stilmann says his enterprise is, most importantly, a place for people to hang out and have a good time — that, and a tribute to the creativity of hu- mans. And boy, are the humans behind this bar creative. Bar Nancy 2007 SW EIGHTH ST., MIAMI 305-397-8971 NANCY305.COM Bar Nancy in Little Havana sports rustic, nautical-inspired decor and a healthy selection of craft cocktails. The bar — named for the brigantine Nancy, which transported war supplies during the American Revolution — offers cocktails named after ships or patriotic themes, or both. The “Abigail Adams” is made with Fords gin, peach liqueur, lemon, strawberry, cucumber, and soda; the “Stem to Stern” consists of apricot-infused Bulleit rye, lemon, apricot jam, and ginger ale. There’s live music and a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. offers half- price drinks. Baby Jane Baby Jane photo TOP TOP 100 100 BARS M iami’s bar scene is ever-changing, endlessly exciting, and unique, given the year-round tropical climate we’re so lucky to enjoy. You won’t find watering holes slinging ciders on chilly nights here. You will find bars serving daiquiris inspired by Cuban recipes handed down from a bartender’s abuelo — and you’ll also discover creative bartenders using the finest available ingredients to craft a yuzu martini infused with mango. This is why we make it our annual mission to hit every corner of the 305 to find the top 100 bars that best define this wonderful city. We’re talking everything from sleek rooftop lounges where the cocktails come with a side of skyline views to dive bars where the floors are sticky, the beer’s cheap, and the stories are riveting. It’s not just about the shiny new hot spots (although ViceVersa in downtown Miami earned its place with its complex takes on the negroni and its effort- lessly cool energy. It’s about giving love to the OGs, too. Like Mac’s Club Deuce in South Beach, holding it down since 1926 with its dimly lit charm and legendary two-for-one happy hour. And the Taurus Beer & Whiskey House in Coconut Grove, born in 1921 and still pouring whiskey like nobody’s business. And, of course, the Bar in Coral Gables — classic, cozy, and still packing in crowds like it’s 1946. Mixing the icons with the newcomers (shoutout to Keg South Pinecrest, a great new addition this year!) was all part of the fun. Whether you’re chasing craft cocktails or kicking back with a cold one, consider this list your pass- port to Miami’s drinking culture — past, present, and future. Cheers to the 305, baby. — Nicole Lopez-Alvar, Food Editor
