Rockwell Miami – Monday nights find us at Rockwell Miami, the New York-meets-Los Angeles style nightclub and lounge hosted by Bad Boy Chris Paciello. Rockwell Mondays get South Beach rolling around midnight. Rockwell Miami / 743 Washington Avenue, South Beach

Wall Lounge – Tuesday nights at WALL Lounge are all about the fabulous Favela Beach Party at the W Hotel Miami Beach. Join hosts Karim Masri, Navin Chatani and Nicola Siervo for drinks, dancing and great music. WALL Lounge / 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL.

Bâoli Miami – Make some frisky new friends at the My Boyfriend is Out of Town Party Wednesdays at Bâoli Miami where the beautiful people mix and mingle in the heart of South Beach. Enjoy the Asian-fusion menu, craft cocktails and music. – Bâoli Miami / 1906 Collins Avenue, South Beach.

Villa Azur – Join Michael Martin and Jean Philippe Bernard for the Florida foodie’s favorite Thursday Night Dinner Party featuring Chef Phillippe Ruiz’s modern Mediterranean recipes plus great music all night. Villa Azur / 309 23rd Street, South Beach.

E11EVEN – Downtown Miami’s first 24 hour UltraClub combines sexy showgirls, a state of the art dance space, dazzling Cirque style performances and romantic rooftop dining in the heart of the city’s nightclub district. – E11EVEN Miami, 29 NE 11th

Story – Get your weekend off to a funky beat in the trendy South of Fifth Street District where STORY Lounge offers high energy nightlife in a 27,000 square foot party space with 60 VIP tables and 5 bars. – STORY / 136 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.

Space – Miami’s longest running all night dance hall attracts top flight talent to a modified warehouse in the center of town where the sound and visual equipment set the standard for all other clubs. Some parties run through the night and into the next afternoon. – Space, 34 NE 11th St, Miami, FL.

LIV @ the Fontainebleau Resort – Kick off the weekend party scene at LIV Nightclub at the Fontainebleau Resort, a Las Vegas style nightclub with spectacular audio and visual effects in the very heart of Miami Beach. Arrive before midnight to beat the rush. LIV / 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. South Beach

Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel – Relax, refresh and renew weekends at Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel where 8,000 square feet of dedicated party space encompasses the pool deck, the beachfront and an indoor/outdoor day club filled with bikini beauties and great music. – Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL.

Discover all our favorite pool parties and restaurants in Miami and Miami Beach.

Sleek and sophisticated, the Delano Hotel offers the ultimate seaside retreat featuring Philippe Starck’s magical Alice in Wonderland garden path leading to the iconic swimming pool and direct access to the ocean. Delano Beach Club creates a memorable experience of poolside luxury in a modern tropical setting. Check out this whimsical oasis Saturday afternoon.

A limited number of tickets for the Mad Decent Pool Party at Delano Beach Club are still available at http://bit.ly/maddecentpp or via email vip@diskolab.com — Guests 21+

Delano Hotel
1685 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

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.

1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
One of the best places to party on South Beach is the Hyde Beach Pool Party and Day Club at the SLS Hotel, a Vegas-caliber day party that’s hotter than July! Already established as the top destination in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, HYDE’s energetic mix of music, drinks and non-stop fun takes over the decks at the SLS Hotel with 8,000 square feet of pool, beach and indoor/outdoor party space. Add to the mix the culinary styling of world famous Chef José Andrés and the stage is set for a sophisticated summer of utterly enchanting action.

1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach FL
Sundays at the Mondrian Hotel South Beach are all about the Sunshine Vibes, a reggae inspired pool party overlooking the City of Miami and Biscayne Bay. The music starts at 1pm and with a cabana or daybed reservation, your place in the sun is guaranteed! Enjoy Resident DJ Ras Adonai’s seductive beats and thrill to weekly special guest DJs who add to the fun. The party lasts until 8pm when you’ve got a front row seat to one of Miami’s majestic sunsets!

2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL
Celebrate the reopening of one of South Beach’s most beautiful pool decks high atop the 1 Hotel South Beach with the launch of Organic Sundays, a Sunday Brunch Experience and pool party from 1pm – 8pm with sounds by DJs Kika and YSL. Enjoy the sun, the pool the gourmet food and the amazing views as you lounge with your friends at the top of the town! Space is extremely limited so reserve a table or a VIP cabana to ensure admission.

1775 Collins Avenue, South Beach
One of the most iconic Art Deco pool decks at The Raleigh Hotel is home to this season’s hot new Sunday SPF Pool and Beach Party featuring VIP programming, morning yoga classes, rooftop brunch service and specially themed art installations. Join event director Stephan Morris for an Ibiza style #SundayFunday including specialty cocktails, live performers and some of the city’s top DJs. The property features a private oasis, exclusive cabanas, pool and beachfront daybeds and plenty of attractive people. SPF Sundays kick off at 11am until 11pm.

2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
The W South Beach Hotel invites you to make a splash at WET, an outdoor heated swimming pool offering non-stop food and drink service plus a dedicated personal sunblocker who’ll help you cover those hard-to-reach places that might otherwise feel the sting of overexposure. Experience the VIP lifestyle inside a private cabana with a flat screen TV, high-speed internet access plus a private outdoor shower. If your friends get hungry, WET Bar & Grill will send over food & drinks while you chill under the palms. Once the sun sets, move guests inside to Living Room or the all night dance party at WALL Lounge.

4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Brand new this season, The Confidante Miami Beach launches “Backyard Saturdays,” a weekly pool party that runs from 2pm until 10pm at the tropical oceanside playground in Mid-Beach. Debuted in April 2016, The Confidante welcomes guests and locals to dance, drink and enjoy all the amenities of a luxurious resort escape including sounds by DJ Dave Sol, cocktail and rose specials plus VIP cabana and chair rentals available throughout the day.

1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
The Delano Hotel pool and beach club has long enjoyed a reputation as the perfect adults playground. Designed by famed craftsman Phillipe Starck, the teak loungers, white market umbrellas and breezy canopied cabanas offer a quiet respite during the day and a sexy hideaway after dark. Sophisticated and chic, the dramatic expanse of the infinity-edge pool is surrounded by luxurious sunbeds where guests can order drinks and food service from Chef Brian Massie’s award-winning kitchen from 11am-4pm while the Privileged Sundays pool party continues until sunset.

40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
The Standard Spa Miami Beach is an adults-only escape designed to relax and refresh even the most Type-A individuals with spa services, mud baths, yoga & fitness classes and a co-ed hammam steam room. Popular with locals who enjoy membership privileges, a day pass gives travelers access to the bayside oasis including the pool, gardens, gym and salon services. An ideal getaway for bachelorettes, couples and sun-worshippers over 16 years old, the Standard is a great way to day spa in true South Beach style. Evenings often feature BBQs, guest speakers, outdoor movies and even a spicy game of bingo with great prizes.

1717 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
The Surfcomber Hotel South Beach hosts Daylife, a little slice of paradise with food and drink service supplied by the Lantao Sand Bar. Open daily at 11am, the Lantao kitchen is inspired by the street foods of Southeast Asia. Chef Freddy Ortiz and his staff create snacks, salads, noodle bowls and entrees that take the diner on a culinary journey through the Orient. His signature cocktails and tapas-style snacks make a day in the sun a tropical adventure for each Surfcomber guest. Served outdoors until 4pm, this casual cuisine makes your splashy party or cozy cabana rendezvous exciting and delicious. Contact Chris Mehmel to reserve your cabana & bottle service.

4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
One of the most famous Miami Beach resorts, the Fontainebleau has recently completed a multi-million dollar update bringing a whole lot of Vegas to the Atlantic coast including BleauLive – a spectacular poolside concert series. Offering true resort luxury, the pool deck features walls of water, free form swimming spots and a dedicated kids play zone. That means adults get to enjoy a sexy party atmosphere with padded loungers, sumptuous VIP cabanas and glamorous bikini-clad hostesses who bring food and drinks right to the water’s edge. La Côte restaurant serves atop a second floor dining terrace overlooking the swimming pool and the sea. Reserve a perfect day at the Fontainebleau including lunch, spa services, shopping discounts plus pool & beach access at 305.674.4772

See you at the pool!

NEW YEAR’S EVE …

LIV @ the Fontainebleau Resort / 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Celebrate the New Year in celebrity style with special guests Demi Lovato and KYGO performing poolside at Miami Beach’s luxury resort. Travis Scott rings in 2018 in the main lounge at LIV Nightclub.

STORY / 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

DJ Alesso -Sweden’s Alessandro Lindblad – spins tonight in the SoFi District as STORY Lounge welcomes the New Year in true South Beach style!

WALL Lounge @ the W Hotel Miami Beach / 2201 Collins Avenue, South Beach

Girls Just Want to Have Fun tonight at WALL Lounge at the W Hotel Miami Beach where Nervo – Australian sisters Miriam Nervo and Olivia Nervo – rock in the New Year!

Rockwell Miami / 743 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Celebrate the New Year on Washington venue at Rockwell Miami with special guest Trey Songz taking the stage alongside DJS Lady Sha and BJ Live. Open Bar 10pm – midnight.

E11EVEN Miami / 29 NE 11 Street, Miami

Party at E11EVEN Miami’s main lounge tonight in true Miami style as DJ IRIE rocks the decks alongside DJs G-Eazy and American singer/songwriter Halsey!

Bâoli Miami / 1901 Collins Avenue, South Beach

Party tonight in an all white wonderland as Bâoli Miami fills the supperclub with Crazy Angels, an evening of beautiful performers, plenty of champagne and two dinner seatings in the early evening and at midnight. All white dress code strictly enforced.

Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel – 1701 Collins Avenue, South Beach

Ring in 2018 poolside on South Beach as Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel presents Casino Royale NYE2018 with special guest Dada Life, Swedish DJs Olle Cornéer and Stefan Engblom from Stockholm.

===== Hotels, Restaurants & Bars =====

Sunday, December 31, 2017

The Catalina Hotel – 1720 Collins Avenue, South Beach

An all-inclusive Brazilian Carnival NYE bash at The Catalina Hotel includes 4-hour premium open bar, dinner buffet and live performances by Batuke Samba Funk and Tamboka from 8pm until midnight.

The Betsy Hotel / 1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach

Ring in the New Year with AnnaTomic & the Unity Coalition on the rooftop of the Betsy Hotel with a cash bar, midnight champagne toast and a great view of the fireworks. Ticket packages start at just $20.

Marriott Stanton Hotel / 161 Ocean Drive, South Beach

Viva Mexico! Enjoy a night of food and fun poolside at Lolo’s Surf Cantina at the Marriott Stanton where a $65 prix-fixe dinner and oceanview fireworks countdown bash kicks off at 5pm.

Sweet Liberty / 237 20 Street, South Beach

Celebrate 2018 at Sweet Liberty along with a 5 piece organ-driven soul band from Brooklyn, NY – Scone Cash Players plus DJ Mister Gray. For $100 enjoy free bites and an open bar from 9pm – midnight.

National Hotel / 1677 Collins Avenue, South Beach

Join the fun New Year’s Eve with 3 hours of open bar at the National Hotel Blues Bar or a full dinner buffet in the dining room with live musical guests and a midnight toast starting at 9pm.

Mondrian Hotel / 1100 West Avenue, South Beach

Ring in 2018 in style at the Mondrian Hotel with open bar from 8:30pm – 12:30am with musical guests Derek Walin and Ben Negrelli. Join the fun bayside for an exclusive firework show at midnight.

SLS South Beach / 1701 Collins Avenue Avenue, South Beach

Enjoy a gourmet evening at the SLS Hotel South Beach where Katsuya and The Bazaar host specially prepared holiday dinners as part of the hotel’s Casino Royale NYE2018 celebration. Reservations recommended.

DÔA Miami Beach / 2000 Collins Avenue Avenue, South Beach

Celebrate the New Year at DÔA Miami Beach with a choice of 2 seatings starting at $125 per guest at 6:30pm-9pm or 9pm – midnight. Reservations are required.

Surfcomber Hotel / 1717 Collins Avenue Avenue, South Beach

Party poolside at the Surfcomber Hotel where DJ ”EL Russo”starts the party at 7:30 pm, spinning Cuban music, classic salsa & funk then Afro-Cuban band PALO! takes the stage at 8:30 pm.

Jaya at the Setai Hotel / 2001 Collins Avenue Avenue, South Beach

Experience the NYE2018 Asian Night Baazar, a night of dining, cocktails dancing and live entertainment at Jaya at the Setai Hotel with a 5 course menu plus sounds by DJ Christophe Lacroix.

Faena Miami Beach / 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Experience a Night of Desire at Faena Miami Beach with dinner service at an award winning restaurant followed by a toast in the Living Room and a poolside flamenco performance.

Miami Beach EDITION / 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Welcome the New Year at Jean-Georges’ Matador Room with a four-course dinner (seatings available at 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:30pm) with the option to add a bottle of wine or a champagne toast. Late night, party at Basement Miami where Australian DJ Thomas Jack spins an extended set. Premium open bar service from 10pm -1am.

Loews Hotel / 1601 Colins Avenue, South Beach

Celebrate the New Year at the Lowes Hotel at Preston’s Market with 2 seatings for a buffet dinner for adults and children starting at 6:30pm-8:30pm or an adult champagne supper from 9:30pm-midnight.

Gale Hotel / 1690 Collins Avenue, South Beach

Party on the rooftop of the Gale Hotel with a 5-hour open bar, live DJ, midnight champagne toast and amazing views of the South Beach fireworks starting at 8pm. Party in the Cellar Room with 4-hour open bar.

MANA Wynwood / 2250 NW Second Avenue, Miami

Easily one of the most affordable NYE2018 parties takes place at MANA Wynwood with DJ Ariel Assault and Miami’s top food trucks supplying all the snacks and fun you can handle.

Freehand Miami / 2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach

Ring in the New at Freehand Miami where Broken Shaker and 27Restaurant host dinner and drinks parties and Chef Jimmy Lebron brings back his late night Taco Stand after midnight! Seating options at 6pm, 8pm and 10pm.

The Wharf Miami / 114 SW North River Drive, Miami

Party on the Miami River by day and by night at The Wharf where DJs HushMoney and Kid Nemesis perform. Families with kids are welcome by day and then guests must be 21+ after dark when a ticket is required to enjoy drinks, food trucks and fun until 2am.

The pulsating $3 million spider serves as the centerpiece of LIV’s new look, something Steve Lieberman of SJ Lighting took to heart as he crafted the enormous installation that encompasses the entire dance club dome. With over 400 individual motors controlling every movement, the digital beast virtually radiates across the walls into sparkling LED columns that undulate to the beat of the music or appear to burst into flashes and flames. Individual projection screens throughout the space – crafted by design firm Icrave – add impact to the light show, highlighting the DJ booth, twin staircases and layers of VIP seating.

Formed in 2008, MMG Nightlife currently operates three of South Florida’s most successful entertainment venues including LIV at the Fontainebleau Resort and at Hard Rock Stadium plus the popular SoFi hotspot, STORY Lounge. Mo Garcia, Vice President of Operations for MMG, takes extra pride in LIV’s nine week renovation process, a calculated risk he determined would pay off in rich rewards as the South Beach season moves into high gear. After nine successful years at the top of the nightlife scene, MMG decided it was time to find new ways to make the 18,000 square foot club a 360 degree sensory experience. With clubgoers posting every encounter live on social media, Garcia wanted to be sure every angle of the space makes a lasting impression.

MMG Kingpin David Grutman and his wife welcomed baby daughter Kaia the same week his flagship nightclub roared back to life. With an eye on the future of the nightlife industry, he was determined to craft the kind of entertainment experience that would appeal to the next generation. LIV’s relaunch gains momentum in the coming weeks with appearances by recording artists Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, Gucci Mane and DJ Khaled, plus Prince Royce and Erick Morillo. Halloweekend events include DJs Politik and Hardwell who will appear October 27 & 28.

LIV at the Fontainebleau Resort, 4441 Collins Avenue opens Thursday through Sunday 11pm – 5am. For reservations, call 305-674-4680 or email VIP@LIVnightclub.com

Smaller lounges with carefully curated musical soundtracks are gaining traction in South Florida this season as big room nightclubs give way to more intimate nighttime experiences. The 2,300 square foot venue embraces a retro aesthetic with Venetian columns, moody lighting and vintage leather furnishings. An oversized wooden slab bar is the focal point of the lounge where guests can gather 7 nights a week from 5pm until dawn. Adding to the ambiance, Liquid Hospitality tapped Miami graffiti artist Miguel Paredes to paint edgy street scenes with a New York vibe on perimeter walls.

Paciello is currently involved in South Beach nightspot Rockwell Miami and also opened the first east coast location of the fast casual Mexican eatery Tocaya Organica, a popular chain in Southern California now serving on Lincoln Mall. Jezebel Kitchen + Bar serves signature drinks – shaken, not stirred – like the El Chapo (mezcal, tequila, fresh lime juice, pineapple and chile syrup) to pair with drink-friendly small plates. The all-night menu features sushi and sashimi, truffled popcorn, mini tacos and spicy wings.

With cozy sofas, warm lighting and a trendy urban vibe, Jezebel is the ideal spot for after work drinks with friends, a romantic rendezvous before dinner or even a quick game of chess. The late closing time should also appeal to revelers looking for an out of the way spot to rest weary feet after a night of dancing.

Jezebel Kitchen + Bar. 1625 Michigan Avenue, Miami Beach, FL serves 5pm – 5am

While most of SoBe retreats into the midsummer haze, smaller lounges are definitely taking over the mid-year nightlife void. LIV has closed for a much-needed refresh and more intimate party spots like Ora, Jezebel and Rec Room happily provide refuge for nightowls who have grown tired of the big room EDM scene.

Doheny Room at the Delano pulses with a neon glow with large format art and fashion photos and modernist light fixtures keeping the late night vibe set to simmer. Music ranges from indie rock to old school jams to create what Costas Charalambous, President of Nightlife at sbe calls, “a hideaway for hotel guests and locals to enjoy unparalleled cocktails complemented by timeless music in a welcoming environment.”

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9pm until 2am, the lounge is tucked away in the far reaches of the hotel’s expansive lobby. Follow the sounds of 80’s jams and the curated, anti-club playlist to find quiet conversation, comfortable socializing and even a little dancing when the music suits the mood.

Doheny Room @ Delano South Beach 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 305.674.5755
Thursday thru Saturday 9pm – 2am, Follow @DohenyRoomDelano for more information.

2000 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Asian Persuasion
Looking for a brand new spot to fuel your foodie passions? Check out DÔA in Collins Park where the dim sum menu pairs perfectly with signature cocktails like the Asian Mule (vodka, yuzu & ginger beer), ShisoRumi (Flor de Cana, lime & shiso) and Sensi’s Apprentice (tequila, honeydew, cucumber & lime). Stop in from 6pm-8pm for the daily happy hour when craft cocktails are $7 and bar bites including crispy squid, pork belly buns and spring rolls are $5.

450 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Waterfront Taverna
Downtown Miami’s haute new Friday happy hour destination is Kiki on the River, a waterfront taverna with a twist. Starting at 5:30pm at the bar, guests can share Greek mezze appetizers, an innovative cocktail menu and buy one get one free drinks served until 7:30pm. Enjoy custom blends like the Spicy Mule (vodka, mango, cayenne pepper, lime and ginger) or The Pink Panther (vodka, watermelon juice, and a hint of lime).

1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Cabana Classic
South Beach swizzles at Nikki Beach Club where the sumptuous “Amazing Sunday” brunch includes a variety of serving stations with breakfast classics, custom cut prime rib, hand-rolled sushi and seafood paella. Adding an extra lift to the afternoon feast are Craft Bloody Mary mixes and a DIY Mimosa Bar featuring customizable champagne cocktails with fresh fruit juice, rock candy swizzles, ice cold sherbet and so much more.

1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Southern Comfort
South Beach sippers gather at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar where bourbon is the name of the game. Choose from the classics or opt for a crafted cocktail like the Yardbird Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace bourbon infused with a hint of smoky bacon, bitters and a dash of maple syrup. For something sweet and spicy, order the Chica Fresno Watermelon, a mix of tequila, fresh lime juice, fresno chili, orange bitters and a sprig of fresh cilantro.

161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Baja Fresh
The SoFi District’s best kept secret is the refreshing cocktail menu at Lolo’s Surf Cantina where the featured Bebidas include Hibiscus Sangria, Margaritas de la Casa and citrusy Micheladas (fruit and spice infused beer). Stop in for happy hour at the bar Sundays through Thursdays from 4pm – 7pm when draft beer, house margaritas & palomas, Mexican Mules and wine by the glass start at $4. Pair your punch with discounted tacos and other spicy snacks.

18001 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Vibe: Beachfront Oasis
Surf’s Up! Gili’s Beach Club offers guests a rare opportunity to sample fruit infused, house signature cocktails just steps from the Sunny Isles shoreline. Enjoy a fresh white peach sangria on the 60 seat patio or try the Hibiscus Key Lime Agua Fresca with tequila, fresh oregano and a dash of jalapeño for an added kick. The Caipirinha bar includes fresh fruit Cachaça cocktails blended with raspberies, grapes and a splash of lime. Open daily until 6pm.

2007 SW Eighth Steet, Little Havana, Miami, FL
Vibe: Pirate’s Booty
Check out Little Havana’s cool new cocktail lounge crafted with nautical touches and welcoming landlubbers and salty dogs from 5pm, seven nights a week. Bar Nancy showcases a specialty cocktail program inspired by the spice trade that includes house made blends of herbs, spices and fresh fruit. From the rum and whiskey menu, sample “Gunners Daughter,” (infused with tea and black cherry) and the aptly named “Smile You SOB” (tequila, plum, passion fruit and lime).

1784 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Tokyo Tech
Fans of the Sunset Harbour District favor the weeknight happy hour at Sushi Garage, a casual eatery (run by the team behind Juvia) where the craft cocktail program has a refreshing Asian inspiration. Happy hour prices are offered from 5pm-7pm and again from 11pm until closing. Priced at just $7 are the Cooler Cucumber (cukes, gin and soda), the Sake Fusion (sake, aloe and soda), Wine Tea (Pinot Grigio, green tea and lemongrass) and In the Mood (pear, vanilla and prosecco).

422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Miami Vice
Enjoy the thoughtfully curated cocktail menu at Seaspice where the drinks are pretty enough to compete with panoramic views of the Miami River (and a great looking crowd). Find an alfresco table or a seat at the patio bar to sample a Blackberry Ice (Grey Goose, fresh berries, lemon juice and St. Germain), a Melonade (Maestro Dobel tequila, watermalon and basil) or a Seaspice Mojito (Bacardi coconut rum, raspberries, pineapple, mint and lime).

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Tropical Hideaway
The Setai Hotel’s newly renovated Ocean Grill is an open-air eatery just steps from the Atlantic surf where happy hour priced tropical cocktails are served daily from 4pm – 6pm. Try the brand new Coco Setai Cocktails served inside a fresh coconut for $16. Choose from four signature pours including the Coco Walker (whiskey, Coco Lopez and coconut water), the Coco Vanilla (vanilla vodka and pineapple), Coco Tequila and Coco Melon (rum and watermelon juice).

1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
One of South Beach’s landmark nightclubs, Nikki Beach Club provides private beachfront access at the southernmost part of Ocean Drive. With full bar and dining service both indoors and alfresco, the club is an ideal spot to spend a lazy weekend afternoon surrounded by some dazzling beach bodies. Sundays from 11am – 4pm, a full buffet brunch service includes rotisserie and carving stations, freshly-crafted sushi and decadent desserts. Guests enjoying brunch can order champagne mimosas and gourmet bloody marys for just $7. Check the club website to reserve a cabana, beach bed or lounger to host your own surfside soiree!

1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
With a few prized outdoor tables set along the Government Cut waterway, Smith & Wollensky is a popular steakhouse with a waterfront bar offering stellar views of massive cruise ships slowly steaming out to sea. Folks in the know gather around 4pm to toast the afternoon with a round of drinks and a cool ocean breeze. Enjoy classic cocktails, a well-curated wine list and tasty bar bites in good company seven days a week.

401 SW Third Avenue, Miami, FL
Check out Miami’s newest alfresco drinks spot, River Yacht Club located on the busy Miami River waterway. Enjoy food, drinks, music and fun as the sun sets and the city’s top DJs spin for a well-dressed crowd. If you’ve got the income for a Van Dutch yacht, you can make your entrance via the dock area with all eyes on your pricey boat. Otherwise, be content to relax under a tropical gazebo sipping cool drinks and sizing up the crowd.

3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL
Popular with tourists and a fun spot to take out of town guests, the Rusty Pelican is one of Miami’s landmark lounges located on Key Biscayne and offering dramatic views of the Downtown Miami skyline. Stop in at sunset to enjoy the best of the bar area, serving drinks until 11pm weeknights and 1am on weekends. Perfect for a pre-dinner toast or a romantic nightcap, the Pelican Bar also offers happy hour discounts weeknights from 4-7pm.

40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Discover Executive Chef Mark Zeitouni’s creative Mediterranean menu at Lido Bayside Grill at the Standard Hotel & Spa where a healthy and wholesome lifestyle is encouraged year round. With service starting at 7am and winding down around midnight, the lounge enjoys a loyal local following during sundown happy hour when beer is $3, wine, frose and well drinks are $7 and the list of tasty bar bites includes nachos, wings, oysters and empanadas.

500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL
Sample a unique variety of Asian-inspired bar bites at this chic hotel lounge just steps away from the Brickell Financial District. Expect plenty of well-dressed professionals making connections toward sunset at MO Bar & Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel when the weeknight happy hour menu includes $8 cocktails and $5 snacks like Tostone Sliders, Crispy Calamari and Spicy Sushi style cones of tuna or salmon. The bar features live entertainment with a Latin flair Friday and Saturday nights.

422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Providing a welcome escape for well-heeled Downtown partiers, Seaspice Brasserie on the Miami River pours whiskey, wine and bubbly both indoors and alfresco. With two wood burning ovens and seating for over 300 guests, the restaurant and lounge offers unparalleled views of the Miami skyline from the edge of the busy working waterway. Modern Garden is the latest addition to the property; a covered patio with a popular crudo bar and a hot-stone menu. Best of all, you can make your entrance by car or by boat!

1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
Verde, the haute bayfront coffee bar enjoying pride of place in the newly launched Perez Art Museum in the heart of Downtown Miami, offers guests a variety of seasonally-inspired dishes served with an amazing view of Biscayne Bay. Chef Kaytlin Brakefield, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute who trained at San Francisco’s famed Quince and Cotogna, offers brunch, lunch, dinner and specialty cocktails plus food-friendly wines for guests of the museum as well as the general public. Admission to PAMM is not required to take advantage of the awesome vistas at Verde.

300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL
With a newly updated menu and an impressive happy hour, Monty’s Sunset at the Marina is one of South Beach’s most popular afternoon drinking destinations. Off-price bar specials run Monday through Friday from 4pm – 8pm including half off all liquor and 30% off wine and draft beer. Guests can sit under the shade of a tropical thatched tiki bar or take advantage of the public pool deck where the view of Miami’s amazing sunsets is second to none. Enjoy selections from the raw bar menu, fresh Florida stone crabs and the lobster burger – a juicy beef burger topped with Maine lobster and crispy onions.

1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Master Mixologist Ramsey Pimentel welcomes you to the DiLido Beach Club at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, a breezy seaside enclave serving beach-friendly fare and classic cocktails seven days a week until 8pm. Popular with sun worshippers by day, the alfresco lounge is especially “DiSocial” from 3pm – 8pm when carafes of cocktails and bottle service are half off and a small plate menu is just $10. The restaurant offers raw bar service and a variety of ceviche, plus platters of hummus, sweet & spicy wings and sliders.

1020 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Spring Break All the Time
The pool bar at the Clevelander Hotel is awash in Art Deco neon and crowded with happy tourists who appreciate the slow buzz of a frozen Rum Runner 365 nights a year. Surely one of the Must-Sees on any South Beach bar crawl, “The Cleve” celebrates Spring Break year round with loutish cover bands, wet tee shirt contests, roving sexy shot girls and an intoxicating ocean breeze that reminds you why you chose Miami in the first place. Belly up to the bar to watch sports, grab a lounger facing the pool to check out the dancing girls or find a secluded umbrella table to work your magic on your date.

1220 16th Street, South Beach
Vibe: Hipster Speakeasy
Visitors to the residential west side of town are discovering the kitschy hidden hangout built behind the Mexican food truck that is the centerpiece of Bodega Taqueria. Tucked away on a side street across from Dunkin Donuts, this former warehouse has been transformed by the Menin Group into an adult’s only Frat Party with loud dance music, a popular pool table and plenty of cool kids smoking out in the alley. Stop in for a taco and grab a cold cerveza from the ice chest before making your way through the secret door that leads to all the fun. There you’ll find a full bar and a laid back dress code that’s definitely not like any other place on South Beach.

900 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Shake Your Bon Bon
Ocean Drive’s most popular nightspot, Mango’s Tropical Cafe might quicken your heart rate with potent rum drinks, live Latin music and curvaceous Salsa dancers bouncing happily on the bar tops. This crowded indoor/outdoor hangout features reasonably-priced entertainment that captures the imagination of visitors from all over the world who get caught up in the giddy energy of sexy showgirls and thumping music. If you’ve never sampled a Mojito, have your first one here. A powerfully potent cocktail that’s sweet, minty and refreshing, the Mojito packs quite a punch. Friendly bartenders take a highball glass and add sugar, fresh lime juice and whole fresh mint leaves to get things started. Crushed ice is piled on top of the muddled ingredients along with rum and a splash of soda to create the perfect island-style drink. Be aware of the local legend, “One Mojito, Two Mojito, Three Mojito… Floor!” Approach the mojito with extreme caution!

500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Waterfront Sophistication at it’s best
This decidedly upscale bar at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel is also one of our picks for the best waterfront bars in Miami. It’s location in Miami’s Brickell Financial District ensures that you won’t find the Ocean Drive/Spring Break crowd hanging out here, even though Mo Bar’s weeknight happy hour menu includes $8 cocktails and $5 snacks. It’s a top notch drinking establishment for sophisticated clientele.

222 14th Street, South Beach
Vibe: Down and Dirty
For a real dive bar experience, Mac’s Club Deuce is South Beach’s most popular dark and dingy escape serving drinks around the clock to a host of regulars straight out of a Fellini Movie. Happy Hour starts at 8am. That’s not a typo. While the rest of the city dresses for the workday or starts to stir with thoughts of hotel brunches and chilled mimosas, the Deuce is pouring off-price cocktails to the truly hardcore. It’s tough to be a dive in the heart of the Deco District when all about you beams soft, friendly pastel colors and buzzy neon lights. It’s tough to maintain a surly growl when families, spring breakers and celebrities frolic through sun drenched streets anxious to have a good time. Who wants to be the grouchy Goth at the heart of Beach Blanket Bingo? The Deuce certainly tries to maintain a level of dark decorum no matter the hour. That’s why Tony Bourdain likes it here.

1811 Purdy Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Surfers & Hipsters
On the fashionable west side of town, Purdy Lounge takes pride of place with local hipsters and a new stream of visitors to the bay side scene. Locals once dubbed this out-of-the-way surfer bar the “Dirty Purdy” but that seems like a distant memory now that the west side of South Beach is booming. With popular theme nights like Chocolate Sundays, Kulcha Shok Surf Nights and Drunken Spelling Bees, the Purdy leveraged its niche as everyone’s favorite corner bar. Much busier in recent years following the renaissance of the Standard Hotel and Spa and a number of new restaurants, the bar remains a stalwart anti-velvet rope hangout by the Bay. Dimly lit like a basement rec room, there’s no cover, no door drama and no pretentious behavior. Stop in for a drink or a game of pool and meet the locals.

124 2nd Street, South Beach
Vibe: More Pub Than Club
Ted’s Hideaway has a bit of a frat party atmosphere with a retro rock jukebox, cheap beers, sports on TV and a busy pool table. This popular pre-game spot gets mighty crowded with well-dressed club goers because the price of a velvet rope round of drinks can equal the tab for an entire night at Ted’s. As the evening wears on, the air fills with cigarette smoke and 80s rock and folks tend to get pretty loud. Consider this the antidote to overpriced drinks and overblown egos. Ted’s is SoFi’s “Cheers.”

1265 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Dark Like Guinness
The Playwright is a fun place to eat and drink while cheering your favorite team to victory. Flat screen TVs surround the bar and pride of place is given to a giant projection screen that’s reserved for the evening’s main event. While there are indeed better and more authentic pubs in Boston where Irish populations are more significant, for South Beach the Playwright gets high marks. Its proximity to the velvet rope nightspot Mansion makes it the perfect foil for non-club fun. Drinks are 2 for 1 and appetizers are half price at happy hour weekdays.

1344 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Seaside Pub
An Irish pub with an ocean view, Finnegan’s Way is a Gaelic themed sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating facing busy Ocean Drive. There is a full kitchen and a weeknight happy hour with specials on appetizers, cocktails and select dinner entrees. Considering the busy Art Deco strip has more than it’s fair share of overpriced cafes, Finnegan’s offers a decent respite after a hot day at the beach or a hot night dodging pricier tourist traps.

760 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Total Brain Freeze
Hot nights on South Beach call for extra strong refreshment and Wet Willies provides just the kind of mind erasing fun you’re looking for tucked inside the two-level bar. Fortify your belly with some tequila-soaked chicken wings before pondering which lethal frozen concoction to modify your mood. Choices include the Attitude Improvement, an orange slushy spiked with grain alcohol, vodka and rum, or the Call a Cab, a drink so strong you need to surrender your car keys. More traditional flavor combinations like fruity daiquiris or pina coladas still pack quite a punch so sip slowly and don’t be fooled by the chilly deliciousness. These slurpies are a mental vacation inside a plastic cup!

With that in mind, here’s a nightlife guide designed especially for you ladies wishing to further your amorous adventures during your next visit to South Beach.

While Miami Beach is known worldwide for its raging clubs, you must keep in mind that many of the coolest scenes around are found in hotels, restaurants (after midnight) and lounges. The key to Miami Beach nightlife is knowing where and when to find “the scene” on any given night. Here are the places to go…

Vibe: West Coast Cool
Starting at sundown Friday night, after work crowds gather at this haute watering hole overlooking Star Island and the Downtown Miami skyline to mix, mingle and not to be single! Ladies on the prowl should dress to impress because the name of the game here is ACTION. Set off by the stark white lobby, the whimsical design of Marcel Wanders’ pool deck creates an “Alice in Wonderland” atmosphere for strutting your stuff or disappearing behind a well-manicured topiary for a little private conversation. Tropical cocktails from the poolside menu top out at nearly $20 a pop, so sip slowly and enjoy the scene. Mondrian Sunday afternoons are also popular with bikini clad model types frolicking around the marina. Stop by the restaurant for brunch and then enjoy the giddy poolside scene. – Mondrian Hotel, 1100 West Avenue, South Beach.

Vibe: Beachfront Bliss
On weekday evenings, girls in the know hit the DiLido Beach Club, the sandy oasis behind the swank Ritz-Carlton South Beach Hotel where happy hour prices span four luxurious hours from 4-8pm. Master Mixologist Ramsey Pimentel crafts tropical cocktails like watermelon and peach sangria and the chef’s Mediterranean light bites are just $8. On Sundays from noon until 8pm, hip chicks sip $20 bottomless Rose and feast on fresh seafood while a live band plays. Check the Ritz website for upcoming seasonal promotions. To help you and the girls prepare, Thursdays from 3pm – 8pm, the Ritz spa offers “Primp & Prosecco” – a champagne soaked night of pampering to help make sure you’re putting your best look forward. – Ritz-Carlton South Beach Hotel, 1 Lincoln Road, South Beach.

Vibe: Rich & Well-Behaved
At the end of a busy work day on Thursday from 8-11pm, slip into something loungey and stop by the Setai Bar & Courtyard where $12 gets you a chilled flute of champagne or a specialty cocktail and a variety of complimentary canapés that will surely carry you over until dinner. The crowd is quiet, moneyed and cool and the atmosphere is way more sophisticated than the usual South Beach hotel bar. Designed with an elegant Asian influence, you’re sure to find things relaxing and serene as you sip your bubbly, nibble your snacks and watch the sunset sparkle over the surface of the swimming pools. – Setai Hotel, 2001 Collins Avenue, South Beach.

Vibe: South of France meets South Beach
For girls on the go, Sunday afternoons at La Piaggia Beach Club provide the ideal combination of Riviera chic and Ibiza cool. Order a bottle of chilled rosé and a few French bistro treats and enjoy that ooh-la-la moment. Located directly on the beach and also sporting a super-sceney swimming pool, this is the spot to flaunt those celebrity shades, stiletto heels and that expensive bikini you never intended to get wet. Service is as laissez faire as you might experience in France, so be prepared to simply sit & sip while your perfectly blown out hair wafts softly in the breeze. Most of the men on site want you to think they are millionaires. Like any smart investor in the current market, it might be best to watch from the sidelines rather than swim with the sharks! – La Piaggia, 1000 South Pointe Drive, South Beach. – La Piaggia, 1000 South Pointe Drive, South Beach.

Miami has possibly the widest array of nightlife options of any city around. From ultralounges like Haven and Baoli to full-blown dance clubs such as Mansion and STORY, the choices are limited only by the City’s 5AM closing time. Here are the bigger clubs you ladies may find more to you’re liking.

Vibe: Big, Bold & Bouncy
LIV at the Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach LIV at the Fontainebleau Hotel Vibe: Big, Bold & Bouncy While the original Fontainebleau Resort was designed to appeal to wealthy snowbirds who spent their winters in South Florida, the new resort is all about Las Vegas Glam. Part of that charm lies in the huge nightclub called LIV which is a HOT stop on the international DJ circuit that makes South Beach sizzle! Stealing the thunder from the SoBe nightclub district, LIV has a strict door policy so dress smart and be prepared to wait at the door (or Bleau Bar) unless you’ve booked bottle service with the club’s VIP concierge. Check the club website to see who is performing before you run the gauntlet at the door. – Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL.

Vibe: Crazy, Sexy, Cool
The trendy W South Beach is an upscale adult’s playground by the sea with private VIP cabanas, WET – an outdoor poolside lounge and WALL – a laid back boutique dance club that keeps things moving all night long. Crafted by the nightlife impresarios behind some of South Beach’s hottest clubs and chicest restaurants, WALL is more intimate and upscale than the South Beach scene along the Washington Avenue district so you and the girls won’t feel quite like you have been thrown to the wolves! Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the venue’s FaceBook page is your best resource to see who is performing during your trip. This is the place to work that Little Black Dress! – W South Beach Hotel, 2201 Collins Avenue, South Beach.

Vibe: Crowded, Electric, Energetic
To escape the younger, rowdier club scene on South Beach, some of the best spots for girls on their own are located in the Collins Park District near the W Hotel around 21 Street Beach. That’s where you’ll find Mynt, a pretty unassuming spot by South Beach standards that still attracts a great-looking crowd. Many visitors opt for bottle service but well-dressed women who arrive before midnight should have little trouble getting in. The scene is centered on those few haute tables, the hot (hot!) go-go dancers and the tanned and toned people dancing super close together well into the night. Drinks teeter around $20 a pop so pre-gaming is a great idea if you’re thirsty. Not much to look at from the street – the club is small, the crowds get tight and – in spite of all this – the energy is always electric. That’s what keeps Mynt so fresh!– Mynt, 1921 Collins Avenue, South Beach.

The best South Beach nightlife often begins with a transition from fine dining at a trendy restaurant to a foray into clubland. Here are a few of the hottest places for you ladies to try …

Vibe: Alfresco Chic meets London Cool
Founded in London in 1995, the Soho House Group is a chain of private clubs for people in film, media and the creative industries. On the golden sands of Miami Beach, private club living at the Soho Beach House is limited to members but (lucky for you) the divine alfresco restaurant and bar Cecconi’s is open to the public. Grab the girls and gather at the bar at sunset to sip pricey cocktails and check out the fashionable crowd. The cicchetti (Italian tapas) menu features rustic Italian favorites prepared with precision and served from 11am daily until close. Because this is an upscale club, remember that cocktails are crisp, refreshing and may induce sticker shock. But surrounded by thousands of twinkling Tivoli lights that rival the Miami moon, chances are you will be feeling so romantic you will hardly notice the check. – Soho Beach House, 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL.

Vibe: Nothing but Glam
Poolside at the Fontainebleau La Côte – Poolside at the Fontainebleau Vibe: Nothing but Glam The design team tasked with updating the landmark Fontainebleau Resort & Spa turned their eyes toward Las Vegas when crafting the opulent pool deck where VIP cabanas with flat panel televisions just might divert your gaze from the sun, the wading pools and the great-looking crowd. Book the girls into the Lapis Spa for a day of pampering which includes complimentary access to the giant fitness center and all of the Fontainebleau pools! Surrounded by all of that golden skin, it’s tough to imagine having much of an appetite, but La Côte Restaurant – inspired by the Côte d’Azur – is really more about the scene than the cuisine. Overlooking a vast stretch of Atlantic surf, the place is pure French Riviera with a little Miami Beach shimmy thrown in for good measure. A DJ spins, a bartender whips up fashionable cocktails and the kitchen serves up tapas-style snacks from 11am – 6pm. Wrap your hips in a gauzy pareo, order a frosty Kir Royale, and savor one of the best views in town. – Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL.

Vibe: Hot Like a Buttered Biscuit
The current hit among South Beach restaurants is YardBird Southern Table & Bar just off Lincoln Road. This down-home restaurant on South Beach offers a full (50 brand!) bourbon bar that’s ideal for meeting your rugged Mr. Right. That Southern Sipping Whiskey is all the rage right now and the bar is filled with hot looking single men nearly every night of the week. We suggest you pull on a bright white tee (to highlight your tan), some tight jeans and belly up to the bar to check out what’s cooking! Steps away from Lincoln Road Mall, the menu is pure deep-fried goodness. – Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, 1600 Lenox Avenue, South Beach.

Vibe: Co-Ed Summer Camp
One of the top spots for a girl’s getaway weekend, the Standard Hotel is like an adult sleepaway camp with do-it-yourself spa treatments, a co-ed Hammam steam bath, and sexy private soaking tubs on the terrace of many guest rooms. While you and your besties are finding your inner bliss, explore the action at the Lido Bayside Grill where Chef Mark Zeitouni’s healthy fare isn’t too good for you and the eye candy lounging poolside isn’t either! Meet and mingle over an alfresco yoga class or celebrate Sundays overlooking Biscayne Bay with beer, bocce and a Brazilian BBQ. Day trippers can rent a Lush Garden Cabana from 11am-8pm which includes a 3-course lunch and a spa day in the sun. – Standard Miami Hotel, 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

As Copa Room’s entertainment director Tatiana Stewart hurries through the crowd on her way backstage, we compliment her on the polished intensity of tonight’s performance and query her about the effort it took for her performers to achieve the level of energy and finesse we’re seeing. She flashes a big smile, snaps a selfi of us together, then hustles off to more pressing business. Later she tells us about the arduous process of talent auditions, selection and rehearsals which culminated in tonight’s performance. Tatiana, who also owns Aura Entertainment, tells us …

“I had an idea of a team in my head based off of talent I had worked with previously. I auditioned every person that is on the team to give [owner Shawn Shahnazi] an example of their independent talent. Ultimately, he entrusted me with the ability to hand pick the group of talented professionals at Copa. [We] didn’t receive the green light to begin rehearsing until within a month of our preview opening… obviously, that presented a lot of stress and challenges amongst the team to deliver what we felt would be a suitable performance to our audience. [The] Copa Family came together rehearsing 5-6 days a week into the wee hours of the night throughout the holiday season.”

Asked if producing a show on the scale of Copa Room is worth all the hard work she and her team put into it, Tatiana says …

“Being able to wake up and live your passion everyday is a gift both myself and the performers don’t take for granted.”

Moments later the curtain opens and headliner Lexa Paige takes the stage flanked by four shirtless males as they launch into Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” silhouetted by Copa’s giant LED screen. Before the night is over, Lexa will also work her way through Madonna’s “Vogue” and “Express Yourself,” along with J-Lo’s “On the floor.” Busy night for a sexy 26 year-old who’s been dancing all her life. As Lexa puts it…

“I love being in the spotlight, I always have ever since I was a child… the feeling that takes over me when I’m performing for a crowd. In that moment, I step away from who I am and become whoever I want to be on stage… I believe it was something I was put here to do… I feel most alive when I have a chance to perform.”

Lexa’s enthusiasm for the stage is well-founded, especially for this particular stage here at Copa Room since it’s one of the most famous nightlife venues in all of Miami.

Copa Room’s 1235 Washington Avenue location was originally built as the French Casino supperclub, a luxurious theater-restaurant based on Clifford Fischer’s Les Ambassadeurs in Paris, along with its sister clubs in New York, Chicago and London. It opened on January 22, 1936 when the extravagant French inspired Folies Parisienne Revue relocated from the New York club down to Miami Beach for the winter season.

After closing on November 22, 1937, the French Casino morphed into the Cinema Casino movie theater as part of the Paramount Theaters chain, and after a stint as a combination movie house and live Yiddish Theater venue in the 1970s, it re-entered the nightlife arena as Club Z in the early 1980’s.

During South Beach’s Miami Vice years it was a series of dance clubs including Prince’s Glam Slam and the uber-flamboyant Paragon, a gay club often frequented by South Beach resident Gianni Versace. The late 1990s belonged to Gerry Kelly’s Level nightclub up until 2004 when it became Mansion, then finally Icon.

But, now it belongs to Copa Room owner Shawn Shahnazi who intends to market South Beach’s flash & glam to each and every one of the 15.5 million tourists that pass through Miami every year. Approximately half of those visitors come from South America, which is why Time magazine recently christened Miami “the Capital of Latin America,” a title which helps to explain why Miami hotels are able to charge the highest room rates in the United States, fifth highest in the world, as of 2015.

Opening up a non-VIP, non-DJ-driven club in Miami is a big gamble, but Shahnazi, who also operates Prohibition Restaurant & Speakeasy in Wynwood, is taking a fresh approach to nightlife with a venue that focuses on visual entertainment. Performances occur every half-hour, either on the main stage or as vignettes on the center stage with characters such as Beetlejuice, Charlie Chaplin and Chewbacca (accompanied by two seriously sexy Stormtroopers). Between stage shows, four aerialists do their thing high above the dance floor, while Copa’s voluptuous bartenders strut their stuff, often arm-in-arm with patrons. It’s actually a helluva show … especially after your third cocktail.

I asked owner Shawn Shahnazi how he feels tourists will respond to Copa Room …

I think they will be ecstatic. This is probably the only place in Miami they can afford in South Beach and it’s the only place in they can go in hassle-free. If they have shorts on, t-shirts, flip flops or a suit, you don’t have to worry about a bouncer being nitpicky at the door. They will actually get the Miami nightlife experience… they come from all around the world and expect the megaclub with the sound system, light system, beautiful people and you get to experience all of that in one venue. Everyone will be able to go in and have a great experience.

With a total of approximately 51,000 hotel rooms available nightly in Miami, I was also curious if the hotels had been receptive his plans for Copa Room, to which he replied …

They have actually been pretty receptive. They’re a pretty big part of our promotion. We’re lining up about 90 hotels to sell tickets inside the locations. Nobody has said “we don’t want to be a part of it.” They’re actually excited to join in. Not just because of the financial benefits, but they like the fact that they can tell guests to go somewhere and they’re guaranteed to get in. They don’t have to worry about guests coming back to them and saying “you sent me somewhere I couldn’t even get in to” or “they tried charging me a thousand bucks!”

They also like that we’re giving them an avenue of having a special concierge guest entrance. We will serve as an extended amenity to the hotels and their guests will be well taken care of. It’s going to be a long-term relationship and we will ensure their guests have a Trip Advisor-proof, hassle-free experience.

But, booty-shaking bartenders and flashy stage productions aren’t the only thing unique about this new club. Copa Room Show & Nightclub is an “All Inclusive Entertainment Complex” where guests pay a flat fee (currently $100, $80 for Florida residents) and enjoy Las Vegas style performances along with a premium open bar all night long. The massive club’s six well-staffed bar areas ensure drinks keep coming your way without hesitation. (We checked)

Copa Room’s CLUB LEVEL admission (currently $300) is billed as the club’s Super Premium product and entitles guests to special access through a separate entrance to avoid lines, personal attention from servers, premium seating in the upper CLUB LEVEL area with a prime view of the show, and ULTRA PREMIUM open bar until 4:00 am.

With a Grand Opening scheduled for January 27th, 2017, it is now Copa Room’s turn to make its mark on Miami’s clubland history, and if tonight is any indication, I’m expecting great things from this flashy nightlife newcomer. Copa Room Show & Nightclub is highly recommended.

Copa Room Show & Nightclub
1235 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Doors Open at 10pm, Shows Begin at 11pm
Open Bar All Night 10pm-4am

2341 Collins Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Lofty & Lovely
An adults-only enclave high atop the 1 Hotel South Beach, Watr at the 1 Rooftop encompasses a unique dining and lounge experience serving Japanese and Polynesian delicacies fresh from the sea. Enjoy healthy salads, creative snacks, poke and sushi plus cocktail pairings including the “Rinse Off” with vodka, green grapes, shisho and lime or the “Whiskey a Go Go” flavored with lemon, honey and coconut syrup. Serving lunch poolside starting at 11am and lounge hours until 1am weeknights and 2am weekends.

270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami
Vibe: Downtown Chic
The perfect spot for a downtown Happy Hour, Area 31 at the Epic Hotel is a popular gathering spot for well-dressed professionals Monday through Thursday nights from 5pm – 8pm when drinks and snacks cost $7. Thursday and Friday nights feature a Beat the Clock Happy Hour deal with prices elevating by the hour starting at $5 at 5pm, $6 at 6pm plus classic tunes and rum and cigar pairings as well. Full bottles of Tattinger Champagne start at $50 at 5pm, $60 at 6pm on Thursday nights.

1111 Lincoln Road, South Beach
Vibe: Modern Mecca
A 10,000 square foot open air restaurant and lounge high atop the city’s first designer parking garage, Juvia is the perfect spot to toast the sunset before a glorious night on South Beach. Start with a specialty cocktail like a Jalisco Flower, a Perfect Yuzu or a Hurricane Juvia and enjoy a few snacks from the kitchen where French, Japanese and Peruvian specialties inspire the menu. The dazzling space opens for lunch on weekends and serves as a late night destination weeknights until midnight and weekends until 1am. Dress to impress.

4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Vibe: Oceanfront Elegance
You don’t have to be registered at the Fontainebleau Resort to enjoy the breathtaking oceanside restaurant La Cote, an elevated dining terrace and lounge designed to inspire thoughts of the South of France.  Sip a Ginger Mint cocktail or a tart Raspberry Collins and watch the world go by at the opulent resort pool deck or order something from Chef Michael Hawk’s French-meets-Mediterranean menu.  For a truly romantic escape, check out the once monthly full moon dining experience that captures all the magic of Miami Beach.

FIFTY Ultra Lounge at the W Miami

485 Brickell Avenue, Miami
Vibe: High Altitude
A chic nighclub high atop the stunning W Hotel, FIFTY offers breathtaking views, an alfresco reflecting pool and DJs spinning nightly for your dancing pleasure. Located in the Brickell Financial District, the bar attracts a well-dressed and somewhat older crowd who enjoy the air of exclusivity one gets when whisked up 50 floors in an express elevator to an intimate club-style lounge space. Layered in opulent marble and sparkling glass, FIFTY is a perfect date night option before or after dinner in the heart of Downtown Miami.

Pawn Broker at the Langford Hotel

121 SE First Street, Miami
Vibe: Downtown Aerie
One of Miami’s hip new drink spots, Pawn Broker at the Langford Hotel attracts a who’s-who of Miami’s movers and shakers who gather for happy hour weeknights from 5pm – 7pm to enjoy strong cocktails and Ivano Bellini’s soothing soundtrack. Very much a trending presence on Instagram, Pawn Broker is open until midnight weeknights and 2am weekends when a brand new boozy brunch service starts Sundays from noon until 4pm featuring the Pubbelly boys tasty sweets like French Toast sticks in chocolate dipping sauce, seasonally flavored doughnuts and all-you-can-drink cocktails for $25 per guest.

HIGHBAR @ Dream Hotel

1111 Collins Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Retro A GoGo
While most Art Deco Hotels barely qualify as high-rises, the Dream does its best to create an exclusive beach party vibe at HIGHBAR, the rooftop pool deck that’s all about high style and low dress code. Enjoy the swank and sophisticated disco atmosphere Mondays through Thursdays from 9am – 11pm and weekends until midnight. Savvy travelers nip up to the rooftop daily from 5pm – 8pm to take advantage of happy hour pricing and snacks provided by the hotel’s Mexican eatery where signature margaritas and mojitos flow freely in strawberry, watermelon, passionfruit and pineapple.

Gale South Beach

1690 Collins Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Clever Clubhouse
(Available to hotel guests only.) An enclave of classic cocktails, throwback tunes and friendly patrons, the Gale South Beach offers a choice of watering holes from lobby to rooftop including the Rec Room, the Regent Cocktail Club and the Rooftop Pool Bar. Start at Rec Room, the hotspot inspired by a New York nightclub where DJs spin selections from the club’s massive vinyl library or take a mixology class at the Regent Cocktail Club where the fine art of “Shaken, Not Stirred” rises to an art form. With sweeping views of South Beach, the rooftop pool deck features 5,000 square feet of party space for sunning, star gazing and enjoying a tropical drink from the Rooftop Pool Bar.

Rooftop at E11EVEN

15 NE 11 Street, Downtown Miami
Vibe: Urban Enclave
Eat, Drink and Dance the night away at E11even Miami, the city’s exclusive ultralounge where the party keeps rolling 24 hours a day! Inside, you’ll discover top DJs spinning for a bevy of sexy burlesque dancers and acrobats suspended from the ceiling on a flying trapeze. Outside, the vibe is sophisticated and seductive as the Rooftop lounge offers nearly 5,000 square feet of romantic loungers and firepit tables plus a menu filled with American comfort food, tapas and small plates perfect for sharing. Sample specialty cocktail menu options like a Cool Cucumber Martini, a tart Raspberry Lemon Drop or an eye-opening Fire Bull. The rooftop is open Wednesday through Sunday 7pm – 1am.

Wet Willie’s

760 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Sloshy Slushies
More sundeck than rooftop, the bar at Wet Willie’s is a popular gathering spot on Ocean Drive for particularly potent frozen cocktails spun to frosty goodness inside a line up of dedicated Slurpee machines. Sample plenty of colorful rum-infused slushies like the Attitude Improvement (grain alcohol, rum and orange juice), the Monkey Shine (a banana daiquiri on steroids) or everyone’s favorite – the Call a Cab (cherry and strawberry mixed with lots of rum). Be aware that these sugary delights pack a significant punch, so leave your car keys at home and let a taxi driver take you wherever you plan to go afterward.

Culinary Director Matz consults on the menus of a number of South Beach restaurants, and his contributions to Ricky’s incorporate “American Fairground Favorites” like Smoked Corn Dogs, Nashville Hot Popcorn Chicken & Waffles, Waffle Mac n’ Cheese, Lamb Burger Smash Sliders, a Sloppy Pig Burger and Fried Apple Pie Rings. Adding to the atmosphere of casual fun (truly alt-South Beach), the venue serves tableside beer bongs, more than 150 kinds of whiskey and hosts South Beach’s only live Country & Western shows on Sunday nights.

Randy Singer, who serves as Musical Director at both Ricky’s and Bodega, describes the venue’s place in the Miami nightlife scene as “leading the live music renaissance in Miami by hosting bands five nights a week.” Indeed, South Beach Magazine photographed one of the club’s first “Ricky Bobby Sunday” performances featuring “Steeltown Religion,” a Pittsburgh-based band headlined by Aimee Jane and Eddie Willer. Other nightly programs at Ricky’s includes sports watch parties, karaoke nights, Reggae Fridays and game day weekends.

Ricky’s South Beach is located at 1222 16th Street in Miami Beach, and is open Monday through Friday 5pm to 5am and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5am.

270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL
A perfectly grown up alternative to the techno scene, Lilt Bar & Lounge offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Downtown Miami Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6pm to 2am. Stop in for an after-work cocktail, a pre-dinner drink or a cozy nightcap and enjoy a curated cocktail menu plus small plates to share with friends. For fans of Miami’s tight-knit music scene, the bar offers live performances Tuesday and Wednesday after 9pm and Thursday through Saturday after 10pm.

2 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
South Florida celebrates sun, sand and sparkling surf while this remarkable speakeasy brings live music to a quirky cellar space in Downtown Miami. Start the evening in the upstairs piano lounge enjoying drinks and bar bites until around 10pm when the Jazz gets going on the lower level. A $10 cover charge affords you an opportunity to enjoy some of the city’s most talented musicians who jam until the wee hours in Le Chat Noir’s romantic, candle-lit hideaway.

3425 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL
A lagniappe is a small, unexpected gift bestowed upon a customer as a show of good grace. In Miami, that good grace is defined by Lagniappe, a New Orleans style music club serving wine, charcuterie and entrees from the garden grill Sunday through Thursday 7pm – 2am and Friday and Saturday until 3am. Before your visit, check out the club’s online music schedule to find a roster of Gypsy Jazz, Hipster Funk and even Folk Bluegrass bands who kick off their jam nightly at 9pm.

1513 SW Eighth Street, Miami, FL
A hip nightspot on Miami’s Calle Ocho, Ball & Chain has a storied history dating back to the 1930s where jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Count Basie once graced the stage. These days, you’re likely to find friends and families swaying under the stars enjoying live musical performances on the Pineapple Stage or gathering around wooden tables laden with Cuban-style tapas and strong drinks. Check the bar’s website for details about Ladies Night, Happy Hour, Karaoke, Salsa Classes and Live Bands.

2007 SW Eighth Street, Miami, FL
An Art Gallery, Wine Bar and Coffee Shop in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana, Habana 305 offers indoor and outdoor seating, live music, tasty tapas and a hip young crowd. Supporting the vibrant Cuban music scene, the venue mixes live performance with top DJs to keep the energy level high Thursday through Sunday nights until 3am. Wednesday nights are Brazilian Nights when Ladies drink free. Stop in for Happy Hour with house wine by the glass priced at two-for-one and mimosas & bellinis just $4.

2325 Galliano Street, Coral Gables, FL
Enjoy live Jazz Mondays at the Open Stage Club where the Miami Jazz Cooperative will knock your socks off with their decidedly world class sound. Offering a full liquor bar, a talented kitchen staff and friendly service, the club hosts a two-for-one Happy Hour, Karaoke Night, Comedy Shows and more seven lively nights a week. Follow them on Twitter or visit the online events calendar where Ladies Night Thursdays and Dance Party Fridays just might lure you out of the house more often! $10 cover Mondays.

5556 NE Fourth Court, Miami, FL
One of the city’s most appealing dining spaces, Soyka sits at the edge of Miami’s Design District and offers good food, classic cocktails and excellent company seven nights a week. Under the watchful eye of Mark Soyka, a Miami restaurateur with deep roots in the musical community, the restaurant features live performances Friday and Saturday nights that encompass Brazilian Jazz, Gypsy Funk, Cuban Ritmos and fine vocal performances. Check the website for details. No cover, no minimum.

1035 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
Tucked away in Miami’s Park West District, The Corner brings new life to the nightclub scene Sundays through Thursdays until 5am and Fridays and Saturdays until 8am. Stop in for live Jazz Tuesdays plus a full bar and kitchen service for hungry nightowls who enjoy hearty sandwiches, soups and salads plus clever bar snacks like Deviled Eggs and Tapas to pair with a variety of craft beers, wine and cocktail creations. Happy Hour weeknights from 4-8pm features $3 beer & Chicago Hot Dogs. No cover charge.

174 East Flagler Street, Miami, FL
A landmark playhouse dating back to Miami’s very beginnings, the Olympia has hosted live performances from Ella Fitzgerald to Elvis since 1926! Crafted in Mediterranean Revival style, the carefully preserved auditorium is part of the National Registry of Historic Spaces. Wednesday nights in the Lobby Lounge, enjoy cocktails, tours of the theater and FREE performances by comedians, spoken word artists or live Jazz bands who fill the night with music. See the website for details. Doors open at 6pm.

5501 Northeast Second Avenue, Miami, FL
Downmarket and dirty, Churchill’s Pub remains one of South Florida’s favorite live music destinations since 1979. Located on the edge of Little Haiti, the bunker-like dive bar features rowdy rockers, throwback punk bands, heavy metal headbangers and also live Jazz on Monday nights starting at 9pm. Log onto the club’s website or Facebook page to see who is performing or just stop in for a pint from 3pm – 3am Sunday through Thursday and 3pm – 5am Friday and Saturday.

Editor’s Note – Miami’s nightclub scene is subject to last minute changes in schedule and pricing. When planning your visit, be sure to check websites to verify specific artists, prices and start times.

Editor’s Note: The Cabaret is now located at the Shelborne Hotel at 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Lexa Paige, Mailyn Soulfree, Saskya Sky and Fernando Castro are now appearing at Copa Room Show & Nightclub.