Miami Beach Nightlife Tips by sue_stone

Nightlife Spot: Spire Bar

The Spire Bar is located on the roof top of 'The Hotel', on Collins Avenue, South Beach. It is the type of open air bar that you will not find in London, but instead somewhere like Miami that has great weather all year round.

It gets its name from the Tiffany Spire that shines above the bar, giving of a soft glow and helping to create a stylish atmosphere beneath the stars.

We visited the bar one evening for a pre-dinner drink. It wasn't crowded at that time, so we took a seat up at the bar. We got a friendly welcome from the barman and checked out the cocktail menu.

Alex chose one of the more adventurous cocktails and I stuck to something a little more sedate. We did get a surprise when the drinks arrived...they were glowing! There was a novelty 'ice cube' that changes colour...you could set it to be one colour or change intermittently - ok, a bit gimmicky, but it made us smile...and made for some cool photos!

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: No requirements, though you may want a light jumper/jacket if there is a breeze
Phone: 305 531 2222
Address: 801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Florida 33139
Directions: Roof top of The Hotel, South Beach
Website: http://www.thehotelofsouthbeach.com/spire.htm

Nightlife Spot: 1220 Bar

The 1220 Bar is located in the lobby of the Tides Hotel, on Ocean Drive in South Beach. This stylish cocktail bar runs along one edge of the 1220 Restaurant, and continues outside, at the front of the hotel.

Sitting outside of an evening at the 1220 Bar is one of THE things to do in South Beach. Relaxing on a comfortable sofa or at a table, sipping a delicious cocktail and watching the beautiful people parade by is a must do!

They have a full cocktail menu of intriguing concoctions, along with the usual selection, plus a few wines by the glass (and bottle of course). You can order food as well and make a night of it.

Alex sampled a couple of their Mojito's and declared them the best he's ever had, which was backed up by the waiters claims that they make the BEST Mojito in Miami. I sipped on my Margherita and just soaked up the atmosphere.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: Anything from a bikini to an evening gown seems to be appropriate for this bar
Phone: 800 439 4095
Address: 1220 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Directions: The Tides Hotel, South Beach
Website: http://www.tideshotel.com/
Other Contact: tides-concierge@korhotelgroup.co

Nightlife Spot: The Lounge Bar at The Setai

One night during our stay in Miami we had dinner with Alex's Aunt and her husband, who live locally. After dinner they were keen to take us for a drink at a fab newly renovated hotel bar - who were we to say no!

The bar in question was the Lounge Bar at the Setai Hotel. This a classy bar, with a fabulous tropical courtyard for those warmer nights.

We headed straight for the courtyard, which has a large central Asian-style pond surrounded in candle lit seating areas. We found a corner and took a seat, sending the men to the bar to get some drinks.

This is one seriously beautiful bar, with an amazing atmosphere. A place for a romantic drink, or to catch up with a few friends. It really is one of those places worth making the effort to check out. But make sure you bring your credit card...one round of drinks cost us 90USD...though it was worth every dime!

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: You will get away with smart casual, but dress to impress if you want
Phone: (305) 520-6000
Address: 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Directions: In the Setai Hotel, South Beach
Website: http://www.setai.com/

Nightlife Spot: Bar at Smith & Wollensky

One night during our stay in Miami we had drinks and dinner with Alex's Aunt and her husband, who live locally. They had chosen somewhere really nice to have dinner, and were keen to get there early for a drink. When we arrived, I could see why, as this was one special bar.

Part of Smith & Wollensky restaurant, the bar is located right by the water. The 'water' is actually the Government Cut shipping channel, and we arrived just in time to watch numerous large cruise ships heading off on Caribbean adventures.

The bar area is quite large, with some seating, room to sit or stand at the bar, and also a grassed area where you can mingle by the water. We pulled up a couple of seats at the bar and enjoyed the early evening sun.

We had been warned that mixed drinks were served very strong...and that was no lie.. I had a Gin & Tonic that must have been 85% gin! There was a cocktail menu and large wine selection, along with all of the usual mixed drinks and beer.

It was a perfect place to unwind after a long day, catch up on family gossip and watch the cruisers depart.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: There was a mix of day time casual and more formal evening wear, so take your pick.
Phone: (305) 673-2800
Address: 1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Directions: Smith & Wollensky, at South Pointe Park
Website: http://smithandwollensky.com/LOC-MiamiBeach-Hours.asp