South Beach is one of the world’s most iconic nightlife neighborhoods. If you’re looking to tap into the neighborhood bar scene, rather than the area’s pulsating nightclubs, you can find a chiller vibe and killer cocktails at these local bars. 

Our team of locals compiled their favorite spots to grab a drink. Find out what made our list of the best bars in South Beach below.

Related: Things to Do in Miami for First-Time Visitors

Best Bars to Check Out in South Beach

Mac’s Club Deuce 

Address: 222 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

If you love a dive bar, and we mean a real dive bar – dark, dingy, full of regulars, and nothing fancy, but with a crew of colorful characters to keep you company – you’re in for a treat at Mac’s Club Deuce. Dubbed the “Oldest Bar In Miami,” Mac’s is an iconic jukebox bar that makes for a perfect pitstop, whether after the beach or during a night out. Anthony Bourdain once famously called it one of his favorite places in the world, and now you can go check it out and see if it makes your list of best bars in the world. 

Go here if: You want a well drink in a bar that’s both infamous and famous. 

Our favorite drink: They probably have your favorite OG beer. They definitely have Jager shots. 

Lost Weekend

Address: 218 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Española Way is a charming, albeit a little cheesy, street on South Beach where you’ll find Lost Weekend, a bar featuring a pool table, vintage video games from the 80s, craft beers, and, notably, Philly cheesesteaks. Open seven days a week until 5 AM, this local watering hole is a fun place to hang and maybe even catch a little live music from an up-and-coming band. 

Go here if: You don’t want to go to a club on South Beach, but you do want to be up late. 

Our favorite drink: They have a huge craft beer selection. Ask the bartender for a recommendation and pair it with a cheesesteak or bar bites, like fries and pizza. 

Sweet Liberty 

Address: 237 20th St Suite B, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Sweet Liberty, a semi-hipster bar and lounge, offers something for everyone: A great bar, for sure, a robust enough food menu to qualify it as a restaurant, a dance floor that heats up as the night goes on, room for group events, and a still intimate, fun atmosphere. Open for happy hour, dinner, and late-night hangs (they close at 5 AM), Sweet Liberty will hit the spot on any occasion. 

Go here if: You’re with a group and everyone has slightly different requirements. Sweet Liberty is an easy hang and a good time for all. 

Our favorite drink: They have a great cocktail menu. Check out the “New Skool” section for unusual pairings and Florida-specific recipes that promise a fun night. 

Abbey Brewing Company 

Address: 1115-1117, 16th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Abbey has been serving craft beer since before you could get it at every neighborhood restaurant. For local beer lovers, The Abbey holds a special place in their hearts. It’s a place where fond memories are made in a non-pretentious environment, a chill spot in South Beach for playing darts and sipping on some cold ones. 

Go here if: You had a long day in the sun and just want to chill in a low-key, beer-focused environment. 

Our favorite drink: Ask the experts, a.k.a. the bartenders, for their recs. They know their stuff. 

Watr at the Rooftop

Address: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The 1 Hotel South Beach is a famously chic spot, an interesting place that’s part design hotel and part sustainable luxury resort, with community events focused on health and wellness. On their rooftop, you can find a blend of all those things at Watr at the Rooftop, their bar and lounge, serving haute cocktails and Peruvian-inspired Japanese bites.  

Go here if: You’re with a health-conscious crew who likes a posh setting and a great view. 

Our favorite drink: Pair your sushi, ceviche, or crudo with their $21 Yokozuna cocktail, containing The San-In Whiskey, raw sugar, white miso syrup, and shiso. 

Find Your Next Miami Apartment

Now that you know where to explore the nightlife in Miami’s South Beach, you also know where to start searching for your nearby dream apartment! And, we can make finding your next apartment a breeze. Our apartment experts know each building like the back of their hand, and can help you find the apartment that checks all of your boxes. Even better, your dedicated agent can access all the rent deals on offer. So, sit back, relax, and let the apartment experts do all the searching for you.

Related: Apartment Spotlight – Forma Miami Residences