Sometimes, the best seat in the house isn’t at a table—it’s at the bar. Whether you’re looking for a quick solo bite, a lively spot to chat with the bartender, or a front-row view of the kitchen’s action, bar dining has its perks. Luckily, Miami has plenty of restaurants that serve up incredible food alongside a great bar experience. Here are five must-visit spots where you can eat at the bar in style.
Fox’s Lounge
Dark, moody, and effortlessly cool, Fox’s Lounge is a Miami legend. Originally opened in the 1940s, this South Miami staple has been revamped but keeps its old-school charm. The bar here is classic in every sense—strong martinis, dark lighting, and bartenders who know how to mix a stiff drink. The food? Even better than you’d expect. The French dip sandwich is iconic, the potato skins are perfection, and the French onion soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a low-key drink or a full meal with a speakeasy feel, Fox’s is the spot.
Fox’s Lounge is located at 6030 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143. For more information, visit their official website.
Kissaki
Sushi lovers, this one’s for you. Kissaki brings high-end Japanese cuisine to Miami Beach with a mix of omakase and à la carte options, making it a must for bar dining. Sure, you can go all-in on the chef’s tasting experience, but if you want to freestyle, the menu is packed with top-tier rolls, fresh sashimi, and standout dishes like char siu pork ribs and wagyu strip loin. Simply put, Kissaki’s bar is where you want to be for a night of exceptional sushi without the formality.
La Cañita
Big flavors and big energy are what you’ll find at La Cañita in Kendall. This is where you go for bold Caribbean-Latin cuisine with a side of live music. The bar is always buzzing, serving up mojitos, daiquiris, and margaritas that pack a punch. On the food side, you can’t go wrong with chicken empanadas, fresh seafood ceviche, or the lechon asado. If you want a bar scene that’s just as lively as the food, La Cañita is calling your name.
La Cañita is located at 8405 Mills Dr, Suite 203, Kendall, FL 33183. For more information, visit their official website.
LoKal
Sometimes, all you need is a damn good burger and a cold beer. Lokal delivers on both. This Coconut Grove staple is known for its creative burgers, craft beers, and laid-back, no-frills atmosphere.
The bar is where you get the real Lokal experience—bartenders who know their brews, regulars who know what to order, and a menu stacked with comfort food favorites. The Frita by Kush, a Cuban-inspired burger with guava jelly, potato sti,x and Swiss cheese, is an absolute must. Add a side of alligator strips, pair it with a local brew, and settle in for a bar meal that hits all the right notes.
LoKal is located at 3190 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133. For more information, visit their official website.
MC Kitchen
When it comes to solid, flavorful Italian cuisine, MC Kitchen nails it. From hearty pastas to the perfect pizza, it’s the kind of place where every dish is comforting and familiar but still exciting. Grab a seat at the indoor/outdoor bar, order their signature negroni, and enjoy the simple joy of great food done right. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, the flavors are spot-on, and the Italian classics are anything but boring. Just a great spot for a delicious, no-fuss meal.
MC Kitchen is located at 4141 NE 2nd Ave #101a, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Paperfish Sushi
Brickell’s favorite late-night sushi spot serves up Tokyo-meets-Miami vibes with dim lighting, neon accents, and a buzzy bar that keeps the drinks flowing. This is where you want to be if you’re in the mood for crispy rice, fresh sashimi, and cocktails that go down dangerously smooth.
The bartenders are quick with recommendations, whether you’re ordering a wasabi martini or enjoying their extensive sake selection. Izakaya-style small plates like wagyu dumplings and tempura rock shrimp make it the perfect spot for a casual bite with friends, but if you’re rolling solo, the energy at the bar is more than enough to keep you entertained.
Serena Rooftop
Sunset views, breezy vibes, and seriously good Mexican-inspired bites—Serena Rooftop is where you go when you want bar dining with a view. Perched atop the Moxy South Beach, this vibrant, open-air lounge feels like a hidden oasis with its colorful decor, lush greenery, and ocean-kissed breeze. Order a cucumber spritz, settle in, and work your way through shareable plates like tuna tartare tostadas, Baja fish tacos, or the queso fundido that’s practically begging to be dipped into. Whether you’re stopping by for a pre-dinner cocktail or making a night of it, Serena’s rooftop bar checks all the boxes for flavor and atmosphere.
Serena Rooftop is located at 915 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
