Miami is a prime destination for nightlife, culture, and incredible rooftop bars. Sure, you can find al fresco cocktail lounges in most metropolitan areas, but no other place does it like the Magic City.
African, Caribbean, Indigenous, and Latin influences contribute to Miami’s melting pot atmosphere. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another locale that offers tiki drinks, a midnight brunch, and Peruvian-Japanese fusion, all within a five-mile radius.
Today, we’re serving up the scoop on Miami’s best rooftop bar hotspots.
Let’s dig in!
Check Out the Miami Scene From a Rooftop Bar
Miami is one of the most colorful places in the U.S. From white sand beaches and turquoise water to vibrant neighborhoods and stunning skylines, it earned its nickname as the Magic City. In fact, it’s chock full of adventure, culinary or otherwise.
Each of its well-known neighborhoods is like its own little universe. Visit South Beach to admire the Art Deco-era architecture, then head to Little Havana for incredible coffee and a game of dominoes. And be sure to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse heritage by visiting South Dade, West Coconut Grove, Little Haiti, and Historic Overtown.
If you’re craving art and culture, The Magic City has you covered. The Bass Museum, the Wolfsonian, and the Perez Art Museum are perfect for a day spent among paintings, sculptures, and experimental art. The Frost Museum of Science offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including a planetarium and aquarium.
But one of the things Miami does best is nightlife. With annual festivals such as Carnival, salsa clubs to dance the night away, and late-night food trucks, who needs sleep? Best of all, the year-round mild weather makes it the perfect spot for bar-hopping.
If your perfect night out includes outdoor cocktails with a view, this is the place for you. Here are seven of the best rooftop bars Miami has to offer.
#1 Copal
Copal is one of the best spots in Miami for casual drinks with friends. This eatery sits atop Pez Loco, an upscale Mexican restaurant. Although the two businesses have the same Flori-Mex flair, Copal’s top priority is serving delicious cocktails with fresh ingredients.
Try mezcal stirred with hibiscus and cucumber, or indulge in an agua fresca with fresh watermelon juice, habanero pepper, and vodka. The zero-proof menu features mocktails beyond the usual boring options. You can get a “No-Jito” made with fresh pomegranate and mint. And hungry visitors will love the bar’s small plates and weekend brunch.
Get a seat before sundown and take advantage of Copal’s fantastic happy hour. If you arrive later, that’s okay, too. You’ll be right on time for a DJ or live music act! No matter the time of day, you’ll have great views of the city.
#2 Watr
Watr is the kind of venue that’ll make you feel like a celebrity. Enjoy clear vistas of the Miami shoreline or lounge by the pool at this exclusive spot atop 1 Hotel in South Beach, which rises 18 stories. The outdoor patio has abundant trees and greenery for plenty of shade and privacy.
The menu at Watr is as elegant as the decor and scenery. You can order a classic piña colada or get adventurous with a dragonfruit and aloe vera tequila cocktail. Watr’s food is Peruvian-Japanese fusion and just as delicious as it sounds. Try the ceviche-style sushi roll or Peruvian chocolate cake with miso caramel and sesame.
In addition to food and drinks, Watr stays busy with special events. Check out their calendar and drop in for a tarot reading, special beverage release, or DJ night.
On the other hand: 5 Reasons to Avoid Miami Beach.
#3 Sugar
Sugar is another top choice for an upscale experience. Thanks to its location at the top of the 40-story EAST Miami Hotel, the views from this rooftop bar are unparalleled. It’s a great place to enjoy a sunset and the nighttime city lights.
The drink menu at Sugar focuses on house-made syrups and fresh ingredients. Indulge in a gin and soda with mango and ginger or a vodka and sake cocktail with elderflower liqueur and lychee puree. They also serve Asian-inspired small plates, which means you can snack on bao buns or Korean chicken wings while you sip.
Like many of the city’s establishments, Sugar starts the party once the sun sets. Hang out for a DJ night or sneak into the Tea Room, a former speakeasy on the premises. If you time your visit right, you can partake in their five-course midnight brunch!
#4 MILA
Looking for an out-of-this-world food and drink experience? Look no further than MILA, a rooftop bar in Miami Beach overlooking the city skyline. This cocktail lounge prides itself on its glamor and secluded feel.
With a menu created by two award-winning chefs, the drinks at MILA are imaginative and delicious. Try a savory margarita crafted with cilantro and peppers, or go for a dessert cocktail with whiskey, cognac, and a chocolate-cherry flavor profile.
MILA also serves beer, wine, mocktails, and a small-plates like charred avocado salads and tuna tartare.
Despite the elegant dishes and decor, MILA isn’t stuffy. On the contrary, they frequently host karaoke nights and live DJ sets.
For the morning hangover: 5 Best Doughnut Shops in Miami.
#5 Sipsip Calypso Rum Bar
At the top of Miami’s Mayfair House in Coconut Grove, Sipsip Calypso Rum Bar is changing the game for rooftop establishments. Accordingly, this hotspot’s name comes from a common Caribbean word for casual conversation. With its cheerful island decor, spectacular views, and refreshing menu, Sipsip really is the perfect place to talk the night away.
Rum cocktails are Sipsip’s main focus. The drink list features fresh daiquiris, piña coladas, and other tiki classics, but you can also order beer and wine. Hungry visitors can enjoy fried and grilled fish, salads, and burgers.
As if Sipsip wasn’t already cool, you can order your libations poolside! Take a dip, enjoy live music, or start a backgammon game with your friends.
#6 Rosa Sky
Rosa Sky is the dreamiest rooftop bar in Miami. With its pink and purple sunset palette, this outdoor oasis has truly perfected mood lighting. Take in a perfect view of the city lights, thanks to its spot on top of the AC & Element Hotel.
Without a doubt, the drink list is just as alluring as its atmosphere. Try their signature beverage, a strawberry and lemongrass vodka quencher with fresh citrus, or maybe an Old Fashioned with almond and a smoke treatment.
Their food menu has something for every appetite. Order a summer vegetable roll if you’re feeling virtuous. But if you’d rather indulge a little, dig into a short-rib grilled cheese.
Throughout the week, Rosa Sky has a fabulous late afternoon happy hour. And be sure to check out their Sunday Soiree. You’ll find small plates that aren’t served at any other time.
#7 Serena
Wishing you were on a beach in Mexico? Serena won’t actually transport you there, but this al fresco establishment is the next best thing. The South Beach rooftop bar has great drinks, food, and some of the best views of Miami.
You’ll find a cocktail menu heavy on tequila, mezcal, and rum here. Order Rosita la Margarita for a refreshing watermelon twist on a classic, or the Coco Loco, an entire coconut served with a straw and spiked with rum.
Serena’s full-service kitchen serves traditional Mexican dishes like pulpo and huitlacoche during lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch hours. You’ll love the outdoor kitchen and the incredible smells that waft over the patio!
Enjoy late-night live music and DJs, or get comfy on one of many outdoor couches to watch the sunset. If Serena’s neon sign reading, “Last one and we’ll leave,” is any indication, you probably won’t want to go home.
Want to mix your own inspired drinks? Try Miami Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of over 100 Recipes Inspired by the Magic City
Miami’s Rooftop Bar Scene Can’t Be Topped
The Magic City owes its appeal to its diverse array of cultures. From influences of the Caribbean to Africa and Central America, this metropolis is full of life and color.
And, of course, Miami’s rooftop bar scene is just as vibrant as the rest of the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a VIP vibe or a casual hang, there’s an al fresco cocktail lounge with your name on it. All you have to do is decide which one to hit first!
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