If the sun sets over Miami Beach and your first thought isn’t where to find a perfectly charred burger alongside an ice-cold local brew, are you even vacationing right? Bar & grill dining defies all sensible notions of moderation and nutrition, yet here we are, craving that smoky, savory satisfaction. Sure, you could settle for any tourist-trap patio, but you deserve better. This guide shows you where. Here are Miami Beach’s essential bar & grill spots.
The Bay Club
$$ | (305) 695-4441 | WEBSITE
Best known for serving Lucali pizza inside a dark, intimate space, the trick to this cozy spot in Sunset Harbour is bypassing the bustling dinner rush and going for an after-dinner drink instead. That’s when you’ll encounter zero wait and some excellent cocktails. Domingo and the friendly staff rotate recommendations daily, but just know that whatever they’re pouring on the night you go is going to be very good.
Bolivar Restaurant Bar Lounge
$$ | (786) 702-3681 | WEBSITE
It’s late evening, you’re in Miami Beach, and your body needs flavor like it’s oxygen. Fortunately, your options are excellent in this area, thanks to Bolivar Restaurant Bar Lounge, a vibrant spot that’s been serving exceptional homemade-quality food, including delicious pasta and seafood casserole. Bolivar’s atmosphere is lively and a bit overwhelming, but your first order of business needs to be their patacones with meat and the casserole, which are described as spectacular.
Bonus: The bartender provides a warm welcome.
Aquatica Pool & Beach Bar
$$$ | (305) 351-0000 | WEBSITE
Do you really need a reason to escape to a poolside paradise on a Wednesday afternoon? Not really. But you also have a flight home in twelve hours, so it’s good to at least know your options. And if you’re in the market for something on the luxurious side, Aquatica Pool & Beach Bar’s custom scent upon entry and complimentary champagne in rooms are as close as you’re going to get. The hotel has been a vacation destination for years, but its real magic happens poolside on weekends with a lively DJ.
Just don’t forget to ask for Kelby or Luis—they’re exceptionally friendly and always available to meet your needs.
The Pelican Cafe
$$ | (305) 673-3373 | WEBSITE
It’s 9pm, you just finished a long day at the beach, and your stomach is rumbling for something substantial. Good news, one of the most reliable bar and grill spots in Miami Beach is just steps away. The Pelican Cafe is best known for the attractive terrace overlooking the action on Ocean Drive that’s been in every tourist photo you’ve ever seen, but the food itself is excellent.
The cold cuts and cheese starter, the complete barbecue main, and flan with Italian ice cream are our favorites, but follow your appetite, and you’ll leave satisfied.
Carlyle Cafe
$$ | (305) 489-1911 | WEBSITE
This popular spot in Miami Beach is a local institution and home to some of our favorite bar and grill food in the city. They serve dishes like salmon with quinoa salad, which is nicely seared and served with a tasty salad, and it tastes like you’re dining in a vibrant Miami vacation. But once you get over that initial delight, you’ll realize this place is incredible, with its cozy outdoor seating area and lively, inviting atmosphere that makes it a favorite for families and friends.
The wait staff, dressed in nostalgic attire and including friendly folks like Juan, provide spectacular attention with service that’s often praised as polite and helpful. While some dishes might be average or a bit too acidic for some, the overall experience, especially the margaritas and fantastic service, more than makes up for it, all in a fun environment with decor that adds to the vibrant vibe.
At around $20-$30 for mains, it’s a great spot to soak up that Miami energy without breaking the bank.
Sand Bar + Kitchen
$$ | (305) 397-8375 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t stumbled upon Sand Bar + Kitchen by now, it’s either your first day in North Beach or you’ve been living under a giant Jenga block. This relaxed spot tucked away in the neighborhood is home to Miami Beach’s most satisfying bar food, but the not-so-hidden secret is the rest of the experience here is also great. Namely, the lamb chops. Arriving at the table with a perfect char, these little guys don’t look like much, but rest assured, they’re magic.
We’d order the crunchy wings on the side in bulk if we could.
Locust Ocean Drive
$$ | (305) 763-8790 | WEBSITE
Locust Ocean Drive has been a Miami Beach staple for those seeking a vibrant night out, and while you should definitely explore their full restaurant menu, few things are as satisfying as sipping their signature drinks while soaking up the energetic atmosphere after a long day at the beach or before hitting the dance floor. Their drink selection is extensive, but if we can offer up one tip, it’s to stick to anything with Strawberry Hennessy in the name.
The Birdcage Cafe
$$ | (305) 489-1911 | WEBSITE
Before Miami Beach became a place people only cared about photographing in front of brightly-colored cocktails, there was The Birdcage Cafe. For years this lively spot has been serving excellent bar and grill fare to locals and anyone else who treasures the art of enjoying dinner with friends. Plus, with a variety of delicious food, generous portions, and great recommendations from the attentive staff, you’ll never run out of enjoyable combinations.
South Pointe Tavern
$$ | (305) 763-8368 | WEBSITE
South Pointe Tavern is a welcoming spot on the southern tip of Miami Beach, and probably best known as that place where you and your friends gather after a long day of sun and sand. The tavern has been a local favorite for years, and while you can’t go wrong with really anything after a few ice-cold beers, the best things they serve are their grilled steak sandwich and nachos with carnitas. The steak sandwich with caramelized onions is our favorite.