7 Absolutely Incredible Speakeasies in Miami/Fort Lauderdale
Consider this your passcode to the best speakeasies in South Florida! While hidden bars once allowed people to imbibe forbidden libations in secret, they stand today as last refuges from the loud, commercialized bars that dominate the Miami area’s nightlife scene. The hardest part about finding the best speakeasy bars in Miami and Fort Lauderdale is getting “in the know.” These hot spots don’t come with brightly lit neon signs. Luckily, we’ve done the deep dive to uncover the best “unlisted” drinking spots in South Florida. Let the punch-bowl glasses clink! Let’s check out the seven best speakeasy bars hidden throughout Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Dante’s HIFI
519 NW 26th Street Miami, FL
Dante’s HIFI is a truly unique “vinyl listening” bar with heavy speakeasy vibes. Be sure to book a reservation at this spot so you won’t have to wait long for a table. Once you’re seated, you can enjoy a great night of sipping mezcal cocktails while listening to music among a crowd of people who were clearly audiophiles. This will be a fun spot for your group for sure, and it’s the perfect place to pregame before a night out in Wynwood.
Koana Room
1600 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL
Koana Room brings to life the concept of a tiki-themed speakeasy. The bartenders here are serving up some wild cocktails! You’ll appreciate the soulful, mystical atmosphere that occupies every corner of this hidden tiki bar. The Tahitian Itch cocktail made with whiskey aged in a rum barrel is a great choice to start off with. Or your group can indulge in the shareable Mokopuni Tiki Bowl made with Nicaraguan rum, passion fruit purée, and blue agave nectar.
Mama Hank’s
704 NE 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 769-1881
We loved the intriguing experience of receiving a message with top-secret instructions for accessing our table at Mama Hank’s after making reservations. We also loved the amazing food, drinks, and ambiance at this speakeasy bar. The World’s Best Mojito from the cocktail menu definitely lived up to its name. While loading up on lobster tail, kale salad, and cocktails was incredible, the true treat of the night was the humongous chocolate chip caramel bourbon cookie from the dessert menu. Overall, Mama Hank’s provides a fun experience with a lively atmosphere. You can also enjoy some axe throwing once you’ve settled in!
Room Nine01
100 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 353-1234
Roaring 1920s is the theme of this gorgeous speakeasy bar. In fact, this may be one of the most beautiful bars in all of South Florida. Savor sultry lighting, velvety furniture, gorgeous artwork, and glowing halos from retro lamps when you pop in. The elegant menu at Room Nine01 boasts lamb lollipops, pan-roasted octopus, beef carpaccio, truffle-mushroom flatbread, and many more high-class gems. The craft cocktails match the elegance of the setting. Be sure to dress to impress when heading out for a night at Room Nine01!
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery
1120 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
(347) 977-6428
This speakeasy keeps things vibrant with help from world-class mixologists ready to whip up memory-making drinks. It’s no exaggeration to say that every cocktail served here is presented like a work of art. If you need a little something to eat, the goat cheese cream from the “small bites” menu is a great option. Overall, ambiance is a 10 out of 10 here. The low lighting and low-key vibe of this bar really makes it feel like you’re a part of a secret club while sipping your El Presidente cocktails made with tequila and mezcal.
Unit B
551 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL
(754) 200-8648
We fell in love with the moody, red-tinged ambiance waiting for us when we climbed down the steps to reach the entrance of Unit B. Located in the Flagler Village area, this speakeasy is a great spot for drinks, music, and quiet conversation. While the drink prices are a little high, you won’t find a better old fashioned in Fort Lauderdale. The bartenders here are true whisky and scotch artisans. Unit B also stands out for offering what feels like the most authentic speakeasy décor of all the bars we tried. This bar transports you to another era without giving off the impression of “trying too hard.”
The Wilder
701 East Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 683-9453
The Wilder is what you might call a “mainstream” speakeasy. While this bar doesn’t maintain the secrecy and exclusivity offered by the other bars on the list, it does have a fun, glitzy 1920s vibe. The nice part about this speakeasy-themed spot is that you don’t have to be a night owl to party like the rebels. Boozy brunches make it easy to break the rules in broad daylight. A cocktail called Never Ending Summer that featured New Amsterdam vodka, Caribbean pineapple, hibiscus tea, orange blossom water, and tropical Red Bull is fan favorite here. The Wilder also has an incredible food menu that includes grilled lamb lollipops, guava-glazed pork spare ribs, and a root vegetable salad.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale page, here!
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