The Cocktail Heatmap: Where to Drink Right Now in Miami, August 2015

Drink and be merry

by Olee Fowler@oleefowler Updated Aug 19, 2015, 10:00am EDT

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by Olee Fowler@oleefowler Updated Aug 19, 2015, 10:00am EDT

Here's a freshly updated version of Eater's Cocktail Heatmap, a guide to the hot drinking dens and restaurant bars of the moment in South Florida.

Rather than feature the perennial favorites and classic go-tos, this guide focuses on operations that have open less than one year. Happy drinking, and as always, feel free to write in with new suggestions to the tip line.

Ball & Chain

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What was once old is new again at this newly reincarnated bar in Little Havana. A hotspot in the 1930s, the updated version gives a nod to its past with whimsical rum-filled cocktails, live Cuban music and plenty of salsa dancing.

1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33316

(305) 643-7820

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Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

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Don't be fooled by its taco slinging front exterior, just go through the fridge doors (no, seriously) and you'll discover a late night drinking spot filled with plenty of pretty people and strong drinks.

1220 16th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

(305) 704-2145

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Matador Bar

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Sitting just outside the Matador Room in the swanky new Edition Hotel, this bar keeps up with its high-end rep making the much talked about pineapple elixir drink served in a large copper pineapple amongst other fancy concoctions.

2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

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Repour Cocktail Bar

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A homey feeling, laid back bar in the middle of South Beach isn't a sentence you hear every day, but Repour isn't your usual South Beach bar. Housed inside the Albion Hotel it features Mismatched couches, Salvation Army tables, booze-infused tea and even pour-it-yourself beers.

Albion hotel, Miami Beach, FL

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The Rum Line

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This Carribean-themed bar tucked away on the terrace adjacent to Lure Fishbar is an ode to all things - you guessed it - rum. Expect hand crafted cocktails by Rob Ferrara along with laid back vibes. You almost forget your on the patio of a hotel, almost.

1601 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL

Also featured in:

Essential Miami Cocktail Bars, Mapped

The Upstairs Bar at 27

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While the first-floor restaurant by the Bar Lab guys has gotten a lot of buzz, the second floor of 27 is still very much a laid-back drinking lounge complete with its own menu, comfy sofas and even some card games.

2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Vagabond Bar inside the Vagabond Hotel

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Right smack dab of the newly-opened Vagabond Restaurant sits its sunken in bar. Clearly one of the big focal points of the space, it features inventive cocktails in a retro-chic setup.

7301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

(305) 400-8420

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Also featured in:

The Best Miami Cocktail Bars, By Neighborhood

Bar at STK

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This "vibe-driven" restaurant is just as much about the bar as it is about the food. The space features two bars and a "state of the art" DJ space.

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2311 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL

Boxelder Craft Beer Market

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If you're a fan of beer, than we've found the spot for you. Boxelder this space is part beer market, part taproom with a large selection of local brews on tap.

2825 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

(305) 942-7769

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Coyo's Back Bar

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Dance the night away at this not-so-secret bar behind Lynwood's popular taqueria. The bar and lounge is open until the wee hours of the morning and offers some of the largest selection of mezcal in town.

2320 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127

(305) 573-8228

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