I had high hopes for this South Florida bar post… and then as I sat down to add more places, add commentary, and edit… and I realized… maybe, I don’t know a whole lot about GOOD South Florida bars anymore. Many of the places I used to go, expanded (blegh, lost its charm) or I haven’t been to in over a year, so yah know, they could still be awesome, but they could also be just terrible now— and I have no idea. Maybe I should start off by saying there really aren’t a lot of super amazing South Florida bars. Florida is newer than the north east and much of the country. We don’t have a lot of that older bar charm that other cities might have. There are a lot of beer laws here (well, everywhere too) and you’re not going to find the widest selection of micro-brews like you could out west or up north. (Even Orlando, two hours north has much better options). 99% of bars here are giant smoke pits, because smoking laws have yet to change (will they ever?). But, there is a lot of variety— and so you can’t really go wrong with that. I should also put out a good reminder on here, that choosing what kind of bar you like or don’t like— its an incredibly personal thing. Some people enjoy a club atmosphere, while others enjoy a lounge, a small dive, a loud pub, or a tv filled sports bar. I try to find bars with a nice beer or wine selection, while liquor is usually last on my list. I hate tvs in my bars (I’m there to enjoy drinks and friends, not watch television). And occasionally I enjoy smaller dive bar type places. If I’m in the mood to dance, I enjoy more of an indie dance crowd, with the occasional electronic or freestyle mix (not dub-step, thanks)— but those are all my personal preferences. (And I’m not at all implying that everything else sucks, there are a billion bars in this area, I haven’t been to 99% of them, and going out for me is a rare experience these days, so I try to stick to my favorite things). That being said, I tried to include a good variety on here— hopefully something that might catch your eye, when traveling, or whatever. There are probably more places to check out these days, but I don’t know. I’m pretty boring and leaving my house past sunset is like a miracle, so I’m not the best source of information for a late night party spot. Hopefully in the future, discovering more will be something I can do, until then, here is my South Florida bar recommendations.
5501 NE 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33137 Dirty and fantastic. Depending on the night and the band it’s either completely packed—- or dead empty. Check out the event calendar first— because you may not want to go on a loud local death metal night—- seriously. You can get cider on tap 100% of the time. Decent bartenders. Decent beer and liquor too. |
The Electric Pickle
2826 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Lounge, bands, DJs, backyard, it’s a good mix of a lot of things. Decent drinks. And you can gets dirty pickle martini, with a house made pickle or a bacon and bourbon cocktail. It’s different each night, so check the calendar. Last time I went it was an acoustic set downstairs, and a gay/lesbian dance party upstairs. I went upstairs, it was a blast.
The Vagabond (Vagabond)
30 NE 14th St, Miami, FL 33132
This was my favorite dance spot when I lived in Miami. I don’t think I ever paid more than a 10$ cover, but usually 5$. Three rooms. A smaller more indie dance one, a bigger one with a stage and more electronic to the right, and huge backyard, with a fire pit, sometimes late night munchies, and more bands and DJs. Decent drink options. Party until 4 or 5 am.
The Seven Seas
2200 S Red Rd, Miami, FL 33155
I don’t know how to describe this place–it might be impossible. My best description: A spanish speaking (singing) karaoke dive bar? The only karaoke place I’ve ever enjoyed.
There’s also Bardot or Treehouse, neither of which I’ve been too, but I’ve had good friends recommend.
The Blue Anchor
804 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483
A nice quiet pub atmosphere, feels different than the rest of delray, like it’s been there for a while and isn’t just another place to just be turned over. Good beer and liquor selection.
10 Comments
I just moved to the Delray Beach area and I've enjoyed trying a bunch of new places down here! My two favorites?
-The Dixie Bar and Grill (WPB) AMAZING food and great craft beer, owned by a local and wonderful young couple.
-The Sybarite Pig (Boca)- wonderful and local craft beer options. Some fresh baked options are available and they recently added a killer brunch option!
My boyfriend's band, Spred The Dub (rocksteady/ska/reggae), plays Monday nights at Longboards. I think they might be that good local band you've been looking for π
LOVE LOVE Electric Pickle and Vagabond (was there this weekend – such a great time)
And now all I can think about is going to Mai-Kai and stealing a tiki glass…
This list makes me want to go out right now! We like the same kind of bars. I love how unique they're all seem.
I was pregnant the while time I lived in soflo. :/ When I visit you are taking me out!
We must live right near each other because a lot of my favorites made your list. Bardot IS awesome if you get the chance to check it out. It's super laid back with big comfy couches and it basically feels like hanging out in your friends super cool living room or something, but the drinks are a little pricey.
That's exactly how my friend described bardot π Alex and I tried to go one evening in october-ish maybe? (we traveled down there for dinner, not to visit bardot) But a band was playing (flight facilities) so it was packed packed packed. The door was a shit-show and there was only VIP left, so we opted for Electric Pickle.
Perfect! I'll be in the area in May and planned to spend most of my money on nightlight rather than amusement parks.
π May will be lovely! Shouldn't be too too hot then!