Soft partying in the Magic City
For when you visit Miami but don’t want to get crazy.
Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not familiar with the heavy party scene of Miami. However, I do like to go out and have fun, in my very own way. So here’s a couple of places I would be at on an average weekend night:
Ball & chain, dancing at PALO!
Any party you get at the legendary Little Havana venue would be your perfect fix for salsa dancing, but I personally think the PALO! group raises the bar high every time with that awesome Afro-Cuban Funk flavor of theirs. I’d go wherever they are playing. If they’re not around, you can also go club hopping in this cuban neighborhood, and will likely find a great party to join.
The Living Room at Faena Hotel, with drinks and live music
The Faena is not only the Floridian home of a restaurant by the same Francis Mallmann you saw on that breathtaking Patagonia episode of Chef’s Table. This luxurious place is also worth a visit if you want to see how opulent Miami can be. And don’t be deceived by the looks of it, you could easily pay a couple of drinks at the hotel bar and enter this sanctuary without being the best dressed. But first, check the live music program to make the most out of your visit.
Churchill’s Pub, having a punk beer
The first time I went to Churchill’s it was David Bowie night with an open mic and amazing bands playing covers. It was a full house on a weekday night, and the vibe in the bar surprised me. This is a Miami classic for true rock lovers, where you’ll find many dark-side rebels. Its said that Marylin Manson started his career there, as have many other not-so-legendary figures. Who cares, thing is this place has real punk vibes and an event for every night of the week.
Lagniappe, chatting and chilling
One of my favorite places in Miami, this bar has an outdoor setting that is just cozy and casual, with many plants and trees and tons of tables for you and your friends to just relax and have drinks or/and food (great house cheese and meat boards, wines, cider and beer). Inside, a small venue that looks like someone’s living room where I’ve seen some cool live bands playing jazz and blues. This is also on the indie, underground side of the city (aka hipster, close to Wynwood), so be warned.
Relaxing at the Wynwood Yard
On the same day I arrived to Miami for the first time, I went to celebrate my new mini-life here at the Wynwood Yard. It was the best welcome drink, at this outdoors hipster hub with a cool full-service bar surrounded by food trucks and a live music stage. There’s tons of space, plenty of seating and a cool vibe that’s perfect if you want to explore what Wynwood is about besides graffiti art. The founder of this place is a strong and creative Harvard graduate that created it to be the canvas for her business: Della Test Kitchen, one of the food trucks you’ll find with the most delicious bowls I’ve had in Miami. They’re on this lists of local bites of mine, if you’re curious.
Wondering about my favorite places in Miami, that have nothing to do with food, sports or fiesta?:
