Visions of intimate conversation laced with a hint of romance can quickly fall by the wayside in the fast paced world of South Beach nightlife. Drama at the velvet ropes followed by a jam-packed club scene can often wrench the last bit of passion from ones nocturnal plans, but for those in the know, Miami Beach offers numerous opportunities for an amorous evening out on the town. Here’s our list of Upscale Lounges.
2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Asian Persuasion
The Setai is a South Beach landmark which effortlessly draws on the elegance of the city’s history, while blending in modern Asian traditions of simplicity and tranquility. The Lounge Bar is a sophisticated space defined by clean lines and natural materials like stone and wood.
The long, low bar, dim lighting and cozy leather chairs offer the ideal atmosphere for lingering over cocktails with that special someone whether it’s on the first date or the tenth. The room’s main attraction is a wall with floor-to-ceiling wine cabinets that showcase an impressive and extensive selection of champagnes and wines. The menu offers an array of light bites and a rich assortment of caviar from around the world, which is alone reason enough to stop in for an indulgent dinner or late night rendezvous.
4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Vibe: Rat Pack is Back!
The centerpiece lounge at the landmark Fontainebleau Resort, Bleau Bar provides a panoramic view of the hotel’s elegant pool deck and the golden Atlantic coast. Dress in something swanky to enjoy classic cocktails and the sounds of Resident DJ K Razor who provides the soundtrack for an evening filled with promise. Serving nightly until midnight and 2am weekends.
4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Vibe: Siesta Chic
An exclusive enclave in the heart of the Soho Beach House, Ocho offers guests chilled tequila cocktails, imported cerveza and fresh fruit sangria high atop the clubhouse where a roster of Mexican treats pairs perfectly with an extensive list of mezcal, rum and tequila brands. Enjoy tacos, flautas and ceviche with a dazzling view of the surf.
1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Retro Gold
The Raleigh Hotel is the quintessential Art Deco hotspot. Terrazzo floors, polished wood finishes, classic bar stools and jazz lulling in the background make it the ultimate place to linger long after the sun has gone down. André Balazs of New York’s Mercer and Los Angeles’ Standard fame, refurbished the hotel to its original 1940’s splendor before moving on to other endeavors and the revelers have followed accordingly.
Even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel, the Martini Bar is a must-see – it’s as intimate and sexy as they come. You can expect a full-service bar complete with a nice wine selection, but as you probably guessed, the martini is de rigueur. How you take yours is completely up to you, but they offer a menu of more than ten different flavors, including the famous Raleigh Martini. Dress to impress because you never know whom you might be rubbing elbows with here.
1685 Collins Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Glam Squad
A South Beach sipper’s dream destination, Rose Bar pours craft cocktails to the beats of Miami’s top DJs evenings starting at 9pm. Glamorous and sophisticated, the warm glow of candlelight sets the stage for romantic drinks and quiet conversations. A menu of light bites from Leynia is also available for those moments when the fabulous people watching stirs your appetite.
One Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Ocean Breeze
Just a short walk out passed the pool and down the stairs from Lapidus Lounge you’ll find South Beach’s premier oceanfront lounge, the DiLido Beach Club, where you can sip tropical cocktails under a moonlit sky while sampling a range of specialty seafoods and steaks on small plates from Chef de Cuisine Andres Meraz.
It’s a great respite from the bustle of Lincoln Road where you can engage in lively conversation or simply enjoy the balmy breezes coming in off the Atlantic Ocean just a few yards away.