Travel to the '90s or mingle with fellow sneakerheads at the best themed bars in Miami
Locals know that there is much more to Miami's drinking scene than Instagrammable hotspots. The city is full of craft beer bars, trendy cocktail lounges, and incredible restaurants serving refreshing Cuban cocktails. But not many know of the city's quirky themed bars hidden away in corners only seasoned city-scourers can dig out.
Cool new themed bars are opening in Miami every other week, but there are some that transport you to a different world within themselves.
Here are a select few of the finest themed bars in Miami:
Grails Sports Bar
The self-proclaimed sneakerheads and owners of the Cocktail Cartel have created a sports bar decked out in sneakers on the walls and a ceiling laden with flat-screen TVs. Watching a game in the comfortable South Florida climate is a joy on Grails' shaded back deck. The Satisfy Your Sole cocktail (made with watermelon, ginger, and vodka) poured into a ceramic shoe is just one of many delicious concoctions on the menu.
Nathan's Bar
A disco ball-studded, TV-themed gay bar is the perfect remedy after a long work week. The patio seating at Nathan's is limited, but the restaurant itself is narrow, cozy, and deliciously retro. There's a narrow space between the bar and the booths that's supposed to be a dance floor, but most people use the spot for meeting and greeting potential dates.
Lost Boy Dry Goods
If you've ever gone to a huge Texas bar decked out in American flags and cowboy boots, you'll recognize the similarities between this two-story space and those in the Lone Star State. The prices are another surprising twist that is very unlike Miami. You can get single-liquor beverages for less than $10, and at happy hour, they drop to $5. The friendly and easygoing patrons and the astounding amount of books stocked in the walls make Lost Boy a great themed bar and place to escape the city.
The Anderson
The Anderson will take you back to your senior prom. Gen-Xers will fit in perfectly here, with the cocktails paying homage to their youth, décor featuring posters from their favorite '90s films, while the Spice Girls serenade them in the distance.
The freshly remodeled and extended Anderson continues to impress with a seasonal menu, various indoor and outdoor lounge areas with unique themes, and free jazz performances on Sunday evenings. If you're craving Mexican food, head out the back door to the El Toro Taco truck outside.
Over Under
Over Under is a colorful homage to the Sunshine State, serving dishes with a local twist and a décor that is a jumble of styles and unique thrift shop finds. Co-owner Brian Griffiths, a former bartender at Broken Shaker, is reinventing Miami's cocktail culture. He creates original drinks with catchy names and innovative twists like the frozen Paloma topped with your favorite floater.
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery
Swizzle is a thriving business located down a little staircase off the Stiles Hotel lobby, far from the hustle and bustle of Collins Avenue. More than 150 different types of rum cover the walls of the compact, cozy chamber, which are meant to feel like you're on board a pirate ship.
Word for the wise: Though their cocktails look and taste lovely, they pack quite a punch. Make yourself at home at the intimate bar with your significant other, or round up some friends for a night of small sips and jolly banter.
Tune in to Calle Ocho news for more themed bars and recommendations on the best places in Miami to enjoy a delicious meal or a night out with the boys. Follow our newsletter to stay on top of the latest trends, news, events, and much more in Miami.
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