For such a compact area, Wynwood hosts a large portion of the best bars in the entire city. Whether you’re looking for a downbeat evening with vinyl records and a Japanese whisky highball, a festive soiree with coffee-infused craft cocktails, or a charming evening sipping vino with cheese, Wynwood has it all.
Dante’s HiFi
Miami’s analog audiophiles are likely to be found at Dante’s HiFi where vinyl records are spinning all throughout the evening while elevated cocktails are being poured. Being the first vinyl listening bar in Wynwood, guests can enjoy Hifi sounds in a Lofi vibe—intimate and low-key. Inspired by vinyl listening bars in Japan, with its leather sofas and dim lighting, this is the place you’ll likely want to spend your entire evening not noticing as the time is running by.
On the cocktail menu, highballs made of Japanese whisky take precedence, although wine and beer are also available. There’s also a short and sweet list of specialty craft cocktails that come served in quirky collector chalices. A notable standout: the Strange Fruit, made with vodka, melon liqueur, watermelon, cardamom, Chartreuse, citrus, and mint. Dante’s HiFi keeps the vinyl nights intimate and can only serve up to 50 people. Reservations are required and are secured by paying a $25 deposit, which can be used towards drink purchases. No food here, folks.
Dante’s HiFi is located at 519 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Higher Ground
Higher Ground is quite the lowkey bar located on the third floor of the Arlo Hotel. Located in the heart of the arts district, the indoor-outdoor jungle oasis is the ideal place to take refuge after a day filled with gallery hopping. The cocktail program here is helmed by industry leader Bar Lab Hospitality, who showcase their use of carefully crafted herbal elixirs, curious infusions, and fresh-pressed juices. Meanwhile, exquisite bar bites are provided by award-winning Chef Brad Kilgore.
If it’s your first time, allow us to put you on: the Lush Life is a cocktail of Palo Santo-infused Altos Blanco and Chinola shaken with Li Hing Mui, lime juice, and rimmed with black lava salt—a true sensory experience. There’s a rotating menu of small bites, stone-fired pizzas, and handheld munchies to go with the smooth sips. P.S. The HG classic burger served on a brioche bun is an exceptional treat not to be skipped.
Higher Ground is located at 2217 NW Miami Ct, Third Floor, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
J. Wakefield Brewing
For those of us looking for a stellar pint, J. Wakefield Brewing is the light at the end of the tunnel. It all started nearly two decades ago when founder John decided to experiment with a simple Mr. Beer homebrew kit. After winning a few homebrew competitions, John utilized crowd-funding to achieve his goal of opening a brewery, and the campaign goal was achieved within 30 hours of going live. Fast-forward to today, and John’s DFPF Berliner Weisse is ranked the number one Berliner in the world while crowds of beer enthusiasts flock to the taproom to try the unique craft brew creations.
To try the hops magic for yourself, step into the taproom, which boasts 16 beer taps and two TVs, or make your way into the shaded beer garden for a leisurely pint outdoors. J. Wakefield Brewing first-timers are encouraged to try the classic crowd-favorite El Jefe, a coconut-infused Hefeweizen. Or, go for one of the highly revered sours like the Yummy Yum sour-fruited Berliner Weisse. Snacks are provided by a rotation of local South Florida businesses to go with your brews, like Wolf of Tacos, Ted’s Burgers & Cowy Burger.
J. Wakefield Brewing is located at 120 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Ruka Winewood
Ruka Winewood is a charming wine bar specializing in small-producer wines mainly from Argentina, Spain, and Italy. Take a seat on their dimly lit spacious outdoor patio where live shows occasionally grace the ears of the city’s vino aficionados. The comfy yet classy vibe is ideal for cozy dates or laid-back girls’ nights.
While sipping on your glass of red, indulge in a charcuterie board of cheeses, olives, and homemade focaccia. For slightly more substantial noshes, find the wagyu pastrami sandwich, which is made with pastrami sourced from Tempesta Charcuterie in Chicago. The homemade empanadas, or the choripan, a classic Argentine chorizo sandwich, are also to die for and go mighty well with the libations.
Ruka Winewood is located at 51 NE 24th St Unit 104, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Spanglish Craft Cocktail Bar + Kitchen
If you didn’t know, Spanglish has all the vibes. The cozy speakeasy-style bar effortlessly combines whimsical yet luscious craft cocktails with a unique food menu and nightly entertainment. The space is decorated in the best Jazz Age fashion with leather booths and dim, colorful lighting, so put on your snazziest attire and head on over to Wynwood.
Here, the craft cocktail menu is as enticing as it is extensive. All-time favorites include the Cafetera Old Fashioned, literally served out of a cafeteria coffee pot, prepared with 1888 Aged Rum, cigar bitters, and a cold brew coffee reduction, or the Vuela Paloma prepared with an aromatic array of Dobel Diamante Tequila, yellow bell pepper, lime, grapefruit, ginger, and a cilantro tincture. To go with the suave sips, satiate in a tapas-style menu of Caribbean dumplings with pork and plantain stuffing, a coconut milk shrimp ceviche, or fresh tuna tostadas served on coconut arepas.
Spanglish Craft Cocktail Bar + Kitchen is located at 2808 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
