For those looking to impress their date with top-notch cocktails and an elegant atmosphere, look no further than the Champagne Bar at Four Seasons Surfside. One of the most elegant bars in the city, with a menu that’s expertly prepared by a team of talented bartenders. Dine on Italian bites by chef Michael White while getting to know each other.

A Miami institution for cocktails, the Broken Shaker is an ideal place for a daytime first-date cocktail and maybe even a dip in the pool. The daily punch is a smart choice when browsing the menu in search of something to take the edge off and calm those first-date jitters. 

Located inside the Standard Hotel, Monterrey Bar pays homage to the hotel’s namesake roots, The Monterrey Motel, which opened at 40 Island Avenue in 1953. The dimly lit bar gives off retro-lux vibes with a menu created by the well-known bar veterans behind Unfiltered Hospitality. Cocktails include the Third Eye 19 with gin, ume, Violette, lemon juice, honey syrup, and egg white and the First Class 20 with rum, Italicus Bergamotto, clementine honey, and bubbles.

Meeting a first date for drinks after a long day at the office? Lost Boy Dry Goods is the place to go for a no-nonsense happy hour featuring classic drinks at fair prices in an ambiance fitting for a casual conversation between two people looking to get to know each other.

Tucked into the Urbanica hotel right off of 5th Street, thirsty first daters will find a tiny (mini, if you will) bar that’s the go-to watering hole for the cool kids living the South of Fifth lifestyle. The bar only seats about ten people, making it a cozy spot to start a potential relationship.

Rooftop cocktails set the bar for good first-date impressions. At Sugar, the cocktails are 40 floors up and surrounded by views of Brickell and Downtown Miami. The Asian-influenced garden bar features cocktails for every palate, from a lychee martini to a smoked apple old fashioned. And the worst case scenario, if the date is a total dud — spend it talking about the city views.

Home to one of the most breathtaking views in the city, Mo Bar is otherwise known as the lobby bar at the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key. Meet for early date drinks during the bar’s social hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily when a selection of cocktails and wine are just $9, and local beers are $5.

This South Miami haunt has been around for many first dates and will be for many more to come. The bar inside is small and loud, so it’s recommended to take the date outside to the back or to one of the cozy garden benches — unless dancing to the live band is the kind of date on the agenda. The cocktail menu is titled “House Prescriptions” and it might be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to a first date.