Miami Nightlife and Nightclubs
Tagged as the 'Gateway of the Americas', Miami is famous for drawing together the rich Hispanic and Latin American cultures and languages. With fantastic beaches, eclectic music and shows, almost near flawless weather, gorgeous people, mouthwatering food plus a variety of hotspots for everyone, the city and the Spanish-speaking population of Miami have earned quite the reputation for knowing how to party from dusk to dawn.
Famous for its midnight show that features a glitzy Rio production,
Mango's Tropical Cafe offers a luxurious experience for both locals and tourists alike. Guests will be treated to bar staff climbing on top of tables to give their best dance moves, to the tune of relaxing, mind-freeing reggae music. Located on 900 Ocean Drive, everyone will surely feel that the money they shelled out was well worth it.
Bongos is showbiz couple Gloria and Emilio Estéfan's contribution to the pulsating Miami nightlife. What is usually an enormous restaurant transforms into a spectacular nightclub on Fridays and Saturdays along 601 Biscayne Boulevard. Fully equipped with lights, blaring sounds and crazy fun people, Bongos houses great music ranging from the rock, latin and techno-pop genres. The crowd packs the place especially during weekends. There is even a chance to meet some famous personalities. A live salsa band can be caught outside the venue, playing music for those taking a break from all the dancing inside. Cuban food is on the menu for those who want to grab a bite before getting their groove on.
Fusing a Japanese atmosphere with hot Miami DJ music,
Opium is a hit with celebrities. An entrance fee is required at the door, aside from a minimum purchase of 2 bottles per table. The price, however, becomes secondary, as patrons have the chance to catch celebrities while enjoying the sushi bar and the zen garden. Opium can be found on 136 Collins Avenue and operates from Wednesdays to Sundays, beginning at 10:30 in the evening. It is always a good idea to call ahead (305.531.5535) and have a table reserved.
One of the oldest, if not the oldest hotspot in Miami,
Tobacco Road houses numerous live bands, boasts of scrumptious and juicy chicken wings, and provides a wide selection of drinks for their customers. Only a stones throw away from Downtown Miami, people can stumble on Tobacco Road at 626 S. Miami Avenue.
One of the more exclusive nightspots in Miami, the
Mynt Ultra Lounge throws a number of the city's high profile bashes. At 1921 Collins Avenue, people get all glammed up if they expect to be allowed admission to this club. The doorman and the velvet rope stretched outside Mynt's entrance. Inside, a mix of white and mint green color greets guests in the front room. The Mynt also features a Grand Lounge with swanky-looking couches and a bar, plus the Ultra Lounge equipped with marble flooring and hanging mirrors.
Another critically acclaimed Miami nightspot is
Mansion, found at 1235 Washington Avenue. Aside from being a venue for music gigs, theater shows, boxing bouts, Level provides a very conducive atmosphere for the hard-core clubber. Pounding DJ music from a quality sound system brings the right amount of let-loose fix that people crave for after a long week. Level likewise has some private sections for singles who want to talk or get to know their dates a little bit better. To get into Level, people may have to wait at the door while looking their fashion best.
For those who want to veer away from velvet ropes and overpriced drinks,
Hoy Como Ayer is the place to be. Comfortably situated at 2212 SW Eighth Street, at the center of Little Havana, Hoy Como Ayer owners Fabio Diaz and Eduardo Llama bring the funk out of turning tables and send it to the dance floor. Thursdays feature Erik Fabregat and Ralph de Portilla, the Ministry of Culture duo. Salsa lovers will savor the beats from the live percussion sounds, and will find themselves engaging in a night of unbelievable and free dancing and music.
Open since April 2000,
Club Space massive 9000 square feet of floor area allows for hundreds of warm bodies to dance the night away. The all-mighty air conditioning system provides ample ventilation and comfort for its highly energized clubbing crowd. The club owns a 24-hour liquor license that guarantees the flow of libation for the party hungry. International DJs also touch down at this hotspot, usually during special events.
The Hotel , high up on the top floor of 801 Collins Avenue, gives a welcome refuge for those wanting to get away from the busy streets of Miami and the city noise. Sunset cocktails are a favorite item on the menu, especially since the bar's location is perfect for watching the sun set by the Atlantic Ocean.
Jazz lovers will celebrate the live music that the
Three Fingers Lounge has to offer. On 4368 NW Seventeenth Avenue, jazz bands and singers frequent this joint, one where Jesse Jones, Jr. regularly performs. Barstools and tables are filled with guests of all ages, all moving to the smooth rolling, funky jazz tunes.
There is no doubt that party goers, clubbers, tourists and locals will never run out of places to discover and bars to hang out in. In a city that is buzzing with a seemingly endless list of hotspots that are full of character and distinct style, people will definitely take some of that flair with them once they experience the Miami nightlife.
