Bars and Lounges | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Nightlife

Read More
+ Cafeina: Wynwood’s lounge of choice for locals

Stroll down 23rd Street in the heart of Wynwood's Arts District and an orange sign with the word Cafeina will undoubtedly stand out since it's hanging in front of a non-descript building in the mostly warehouse-filled district. Step in though and it's anything but. Part lounge/restaurant/gallery, Cafeina is many things to many people. Sure it's all three but as a lounge it is the type of place that the locals love and is a great discovery for those not in the know.

The action here happens both indoors, among dimly lit chandeliers and candlelight on comfy chairs, and outdoors where the dance floor shares space with lovely patio furniture and even hammock beds. The DJ here knows how to mix the perfect blend of club/dance music that sets the mood and matches the vibe. Cafeina is located at 297 NW 23 St., Miami, FL 305-438-0792 www.cafeinamiami.com

Read More
+ Game watchin’ and gourmet noshin’ at Duffy’s Tavern

When it comes to Miami sports bars, Duffy's Tavern located on the cusp of the Coral Gables/South Miami neighborhoods, is an institution where just about any University of Miami sports fan has spent some time, no doubt downing many drafts while watching the 'Canes and the Miami Dolphins in action. This locals hangout, filled with memorabilia from those football team's glory days, is the ideal spot to soak in and experience old Miami. The jukebox here is legendary as are the autographed photos that adorn the walls

. There's nothing fancy at Duffy's, it's the typical wooden bar, table and chairs and the friendly bartenders and loyal patrons who love to reminisce about good times they've spent here. It's the type of place that gets recommended when you say "I want to avoid the tourist traps and go where the locals hang." Duffy's Tavern is located at 2108 SW 57 Ave. 305-264-6580, click here to visit their FB page.

Read More
+ The Abbey’s very “un” South Beach

The door stays open, no velvet ropes or long lines here, The Abbey Brewing Co. is one of the most "un" South Beach spots on the beach. It's a dark bar with no pretense, just a place to hang, talk and drink. Unlike all the Irish pubs and other fancy prew pub spots around Miami, The Abbey has been doing hand-crafted beers since 1995, way before it became the trend. They're proud of their award-winning brews here and boast about them on their website. There are plenty of bottled beers as well as tons of drafts. Stained glass, dark wood, dart boards and funky art make this place a beer/pub lover's paradise. Some pub grub and quality cigars go great with the beer selection and complete the experience. The Abbey, 1115 16 St., 305-538-8110. Click here to visit their website.

Read More
+ The Stage: Live music adds to vibe here

The live music scene is abuzz in Miami and there's no better area for a hotspot like The Stage than the super cool hipster Design District. Housed in a spacious warehouse type venue, it's wide open in here but at the same time intimate. Music lovers can sit or stand as close to the stage here as they like or relax on a comfy couch and take in the cool sounds that way.

The bar's fully stocked here and is matching in its grandiose size after all this place is 10,000-square-feet with a 200-square-foot stage. New Orleans was the inspiration for the design and performers include local favorite Joe Donato as well Atlanta's Stokeswood and Arboles Libres. The Stage is located at 170 NE 38 St., Miami, FL

Read More
+ Foxhole Bar: Billed as bar for locals on South Beach

Yet another drinking hole is opening on South Beach. The Foxhole Bar is the antithesis of the high-energy nightclub, being billed as "An upscale locals joint in Miami Beach," according to their website. And by the looks of the hard-to-find location keeping it local is the idea. The place is hidden behind a Domino's Pizza spot off 14th St. and Alton Road. Built and designed to resemble a speakeasy, there are pool tables, dartboards, leather bench seating and even gun memorabilia on display. This is a spot to sit and sip a two-finger bourbon, a good brew plus a number of other old-time drinks. Sure, they can make a cosmo here but it doesn't quite fit. The Foxhole Bar is located at 1426A 14 Ct., Miami Beach 305-534-3551 www.foxholebar.com

Read More
+ Arkadia: Fontainebleau’s latest club

Hip hop superstar Drake christened the place, throwing himself a smokin' hot birthday party and the next night at the Preview Party the likes of New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez, Miami Heat's LeBron James, actor Edward Norton and model Elle McPherson were present. Seems like Arkadia, billed as an ultra-lounge and pool concept at Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Hilton, is the newest celeb and beautiful people haunt.

DJ Ross spins the tunes from a booth covered in laser-cut gold mirrors (the ceiling and bars are covered in these too), while clubgoers sip cocktails, champagne and other libations from one of 25 tables and a handful of cushy, overstuffed, tufted sofas. Looks like the gem of an Art Deco hotel has hit nightclub gold again with another high-end installation. Arkadia is sure to be the spot for fashion shows and hot parties. Arkadia is located inside the Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

Read More
+ Grand Central’s Downtown Miami’s newest nightspot

Grand Central is hitting the Downtown Miami scene with a bang, becoming the newest venue in the area to provide live music and a rollicking good time. Providing a place where music lovers can enjoy original bands and performers is first and foremost to the folks running Grand Central.

The line-up is non-stop and features DJ's playing a blend of hip hop, Latin, and dance tunes. Amber Rose, model and ex girlfriend of hip hop artist Kanye West hosts a party here for her new beau Wiz Khalifa and bands like The Battles and Caramelos de Cianuro join other newcomers on the scene. It's a great deal too with minimal cover charges drink specials almost every night. Grand Central is located at 697 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 305-377-2277 www.grandcentralmiami.com

Read More
+ Lou’s Beer Garden: Hideaway hangout

Knowing the hidden spots when visiting a city is always a fun adventure, it feels less touristy that way and makes you feel like an insider.

Lou's Beer Garden in Miami Beach fits that description perfectly after all, it's not even visible from the street since it's in the courtyard of a small hotel on Harding Avenue. Sure, it's described as a Gastropub but it's so much more than this. It's an experience and definitely falls into an outdoor, poolside, lounge category, if there is such a thing.

It's what makes Lou's unique. They bill themselves as a throwback to the Miami Beach of another era and serve up craft beers, both bottled and on tap, as well as wines. Brewskies though, are the main attraction here. The decor features a sit-down bar with cool red lighting as well as patio seating surrounding the pool.

Lou's Beer Garden is located at 7337 Harding Ave., Miami Beach, FL 305-704-7879. Web site: www.lousbeergarden.com

Read More
+ The DRB: Small place, lots of brews

With a non-descript look and a cool red sign The Democratic Republic of Beer, or as it's better known and as its namesake sign states, DRB, is a small, intimate bar with a huge menu of brewskies and it's the perfect haunt for insomniacs with a closing time of 5 a.m.

Sure, there's a food menu here but serious beer aficionados aren't coming here for the eats, it's all about sampling a cold one, or a few perhaps after all, there are 500 beers here from more than 60 nations. Belgium, England, Germany and the U.S. lead the pack with huge selections (there are more than three dozen in each category). They do monthly beer tours here, focusing on a specific country and so far have included Russia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Thailand.

The Democratic Republic of Beer is located at 255 NE 14 St., Miami, FL

Read More
+ Electric Pickle: Wynwood’s underground party

Event though it's upstairs in it's home building, the Electric Pickle/Bolero Room is the underground party everyone wants to be at in the Wynwood area. Wednesday to Saturday nights, the party's on here. DJ's A-Train, Mr. Brown and Sire Esq. are joined by special guests on Wednesday nights as they play a mix of hip-hop, funk, soul, classics and reggae. Stop Drop 'N Roll Thursdays DJ Gran Torino and guests play rockabilly, swing, twang, blues and dance jazz. There's no cover this night and drink are half price. For Disco Machine Fridays it's deep house soul, heavy funk boogie and classic dance floor faves and also featuring live acts and DJ's and on Saturdays live acts, international DJ's and half-priced drinks are part of Get Some Saturdays. Electric Pickle is located at 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami, FL electricpickleopening

Read More
+ Monty’s in the Grove: Waterfront nightlife party

The make-up of Coconut Grove has changed over the years going from hippie, granola, birkenstock in the 60s and 70s to an area to cruise in your car and party the night away from the 80s into the present although the scene has quieted down a bit. One place though that's stood the test of time and is still a great place to party is Monty's in the Grove. This waterfront party spot is always a great place to stop in for cocktails, maybe a nibble and definitely some dancing. The deejays here are always playing the latest hits and live bands play here regularly too. The bayview from the giant open-air tiki hut here is unbeatable, it's Miami all the way. And the boats and yachts that call the dockside home are just as enticing. Monty's in the Grove is located at 2550 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove montysVAGABOND 007

Read More
+ Finnegan’s on the River: Downtown Miami hot spot

Downtown Miami's got a river running through it and bars are now lining the area making it a place to see and be seen with a killer view to boot. Finnegan's on the River packs them in on any given night after all, it's great for a mid-week happy hour, Friday night end-of-the-week outing and Saturday night hot spot. In typical Miami fashion, Sunday is a huge day at Finnegan's when boaters are invited to park and join in on the pool party. The drink specials alone (c'mon, $3 and $5 cocktails are unheard of around here) are incentive enough to party at Finnegan's. Happy Hour is Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays it's the perfect spot to watch a late afternoon college game and stay to party the night away. Finnegan's on the River is located at 401 SW 3 Avenue, Miami, FL finnigansP1080019

Read More
+ Globe Cafe & Bar: Stellar jazz in downtown Gables

Coral Gables may be known for its restaurants, monthly Gallery Walk and upscale Mediterranean inspired architecture but it's got a great nightlife too. For a quieter experience than South Beach or the Design District try the subdued, elegant Globe Cafe & Bar. Great jazz artists hit the stage on Saturday nights, in this quaint spot to perform some top-rate, traditional and fusion Latin jazz. Legendary trumpet player Ira Sullivan has graced the stage as have trombonist John Fedchock, vocalist Valeria Proano, guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg and saxophonist Gary Campbell. And these are just a few of the rotating talents that make a night at the Globe Cafe a great night out for jazz lovers. The Globe Cafe & Bar is located at 377 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL globerestaurants17_2

Read More
+ No pretense at The Bar

Established in 1946 and a staple of the Coral Gables community, hangin' out at The Bar (once known as the Hofbrau Haus) is almost a rite of passage for folks who like to party in "The City Beautiful." But don't be fooled by the fancy surroundings because this place is no pretense and all good times. The brews are cold, the grub is great and there's a jukebox that won't quit, it's legendary. There's something going on nightly here and they know how to start the week off right with 2 for 1 specials on Mondays. Karaoke's on Tuesday, DJ's Boe and Icue take over Wednesday through Friday and Saturday there's live music. And if all that's not enough, they keep patrons happy by offering a "Hangover Brunch" on Saturdays and Sundays, after all they want to keep everyone coming back for more so what better way than to feed 'em.

Read More
+ Waxy O’Connors: Limericks and ales are genuine here

The dark and heavy wood bar that commands Waxy O'Connor's and is its centerpiece was placed at the heart of the bar and eatery to remind patrons they're in an Irish pub and the 7,000-square-foot unit is authentic, it was built entirely in Ireland and shipped over to the United States.

The 20 brews and ales on tap and plenty more by the bottle are another dead giveaway that this is a place for drinking, eating, hanging with friends and especially catching just about any sporting event. They've got seventeen 50" flat screen televisions so everyone can be watching their favorite sport or team at any given time.

Offering live music is another plus here. When the deejay's not mixing up tunes, there's someone playing it live at Waxy's. The amazing view of Miami's Downtown skyline and historic Miami River make for great waterfront drinking and gazing.

Waxy O'Connor's is located at 690 SW 1st Court, Miami, FL

Read More
+ Red Bar: At center of Downtown’s red hot nightlife

Miami's Brickell Avenue area was once known as a residential area with not much nightlife but things have certainly changed. The thriving nightspots have been popping up everywhere over the last few years and Red Bar is one that attracts plenty of attention for its eye-grabbing wall art, local beautiful people and great mingling and dancing.

Located in the heart of the district, this place has everything a great night out on the town requires. Dance the night away to the sounds of either a live band or a smokin' hot deejay, different ones are featured each month. They've also got Ladies Night where ladies get to drink for free every Wednesday from 8-12. And to add a little culture to the mix, there's also a gallery with new artworks featured monthly, along with a meet the artist opening reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Red Bar is located at 52 SW 10 Street, Miami, FL Red bar 2

Read More
+ This Martini’s Not Dirty, it’s Blue!

A little tamer than say South Beach and the Design District, but making a name for itself regardless, is the new party spot: Brickell Avenue. When the lawyers,

accountants and bankers put their briefcases away and leave what's known as Miami's Financial District the area comes alive, and leading the nightlife pack is Blue Martini. Blue Martini is a cool place to see and be seen after the 9-5, whether it's for happy hour or late-night. Located inside Mary Brickell Village, it's easy to start or end the night at Martini thanks to the surrounding restaurants and shops. It's a seven-day affair when it comes to specials here, with a daily happy hour 4-8 p.m. featuring 1/2 off drinks, live jazz Tuesdays, Latin live entertainment on Thursdays and Three Olives Ladies Night on Wednesdays. Check it out to find out what that means!