You might want to visit some of the best rooftop bars in Miami when you visit. Afterall, it is a city with vibrant energy and great weather, making it the perfect place to indulge in the rooftop bar scene the entire year. But it can get very hot in the summer.
With both city and beach sceneries, diverse drink selections, delectable food options, these rooftops offer both residents and tourists an unparalleled dining experience.
Check out this comprehensive guide to the best rooftop bars in Miami that just might be your next city destination.
Table of Contents
Best Rooftop Bars in Brickell & Downtown
Sugar
Situated atop the EAST Miami hotel in Brickell, Sugar is a sophisticated rooftop with a Balinese-inspired atmosphere. It’s 40 floors up and has the best panoramic skyline views of downtown Miami.
The menu includes Asian inspired bites and delicious cocktails. My favorite cocktail is the B Positive, made with tequila, Mezcal Joven, blood orange, citrus, and a habanero tincture (herbal extract) but they have several excellent cocktails.
This is probably my favorite rooftop bar in Miami, but it’s definitely on the more swanky and expensive side as cocktails are generally $18-21 each.
Note: There is a dress code after dark (no shorts), and children under 21 are only allowed until 6pm.
Rosa Sky
Rosa Sky has a more casual feel with a skyline view from its perch atop the AC Hotel by Marriott.
The crowd can lean younger than some of the more expensive rooftops, and I’ve seen gatherings for University of Miami alumni hosted there. Cocktails are typically in the $14-16 range, with happy hour cocktails for $10. Because of this, it can be one of the busier rooftop bars in Miami.
Area 31 at Epic Hotel
Area 31 is on the 16th floor of Miami’s Kimpton EPIC Hotel and so it has an enviable panoramic view of the glittering waters of the Biscayne Bay, Miami River, and the Brickell financial district. You can watch the drawbridge being raised to allow boats to pass through the Miami River while sipping on cocktails from above. The view alone makes this one of the best rooftop bars in Miami.
Giselle Miami
Located in in the northern part of downtown Miami above the E11EVEN nightclub, Giselle is a chic indoor & outdoor bar and restaurant. The upscale menu includes things caviar, a seafood tower, and their flaming lobster thermidor in addition to a variety of seafood and steak entrees. Giselle has a strict dress code. Reservations are recommended but are not necessary to enjoy cocktails at the bar. They have a retractable roof in case it rains.
Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita
Built on what used to be Fire Station No 4 in Miami’s Financial District of Brickell, Dolores but You Can Call Me Lolita offers an eclectic atmosphere with a rooftop garden. Savor their signature cocktails and international fusion cuisine while enjoying the city view from this vibrant rooftop bar. It is only on the 2nd floor, so don’t expect amazing city views.
I’d consider it more of a rooftop restaurant with tables for dining vs a place to meet friends for cocktails. Although there is a small bar that seats maybe 8 people. No matter what you choose to drink, I highly recommend getting the skillet cornbread.
Best Rooftop Bars in Coconut Grove
Located in the heart of Coconut Grove above the Mayfair Hotel, SipSip Calypso Rum Bar offers Caribbean-inspired vibes and a diverse rum cocktail selection. Take in the laid-back atmosphere while trying some Caribbean cuisine and partake in the Caribbean art of the “sip-sip” – casual conversations that connect people with each other. It tends to be quiet during the week. But it gets busier on the weekends and especially at the Friday night happy hours known as Sunset at Sipsip. This is one of the more laid-back rooftop bars in Miami.
Level 6
Experience understated luxury at Level 6, the rooftop oasis above the Lebanese restaurant, Amal. With Spanish-inspired tapas and herbaceous cocktails, this 4,000-square-foot lounge offers nature views of Biscayne Bay and the greenery of Coconut Grove, creating a tranquil ambiance in shades of blue and green. Level 6 gets a good after-work crowd.
Bellini
Bellini offers upscale Italian dining atop the Mr. C hotel in Coconut Grove. Although the restaurant is located beside the hotel’s rooftop pool, the small 6-seat bar and many of the dining tables are located inside. The outdoor dining tables are on a terrace. It’s definitely more a restaurant with outdoor seating than a rooftop bar, but I have included it in this list anyway
Sip on the signature Bellini or try their mimosa/screwdriver concoction called the Mr. C Cocktail, made with Prosecco, Belvedere Vodka, and Mandarin juice.
Best Rooftop Bars in Little Havana
Terras
Escape to the lush tropical haven of Terras, Little Havana’s vibrant rooftop bar and restaurant above the boutique Life House Hotel. Delight in tapas-style street foods from South America and the Caribbean, complemented by crafted tequila, mezcal, and rum-focused cocktails, all amidst views over Little Havana. It’s a little of the beaten path, but Terras is worth going to find.
Best Rooftop Bars in Coral Gables
Cebada Rooftop
If you are in the mood for some seafood, then go to Cebada Rooftop, an airy rooftop oasis in Coral Gables. (and the only rooftop bar in Coral Gables). Their raw bar menu includes ceviche, crudo, caviar, aguachile, and Alaskan crab legs, along with a decent oyster selection. Or savor creatively named cocktails and upscale offerings like chorizo-spiced cobia or Wagyu bone-in rib eye while sitting over the famous walking street of Giralda Ave. Coral Gables is just a short drive from Miami, and is well worth it to explore for the day.
Tip: If you want to spend a full day in Coral Gables, make sure to check out the Venetian Pool in the afternoon before coming here for cocktails and then trying one of the many great local restaurants for dinner!
Best Rooftop Bars in Wynwood & North
Astra
Located in the vibrant Wynwood neighborhood, Astra provides a trendy and stylish rooftop experience. Indulge in craft cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a view downtown Miami in the distance.
Rooftop at the Citadel
The Citadel is a food hall, market, and event space all in one. It offers a unique rooftop where you can order from any of local artisanal food stands on the ground floor and have it delivered to your table. Embrace the feeling of community and creative ambiance while exploring its diverse culinary options.
Recommendation: Many of the food stands serve some great food, but Borti Pasta Bar might be my favorite casual Italian spot in all of Miami.
Elevar Wynwood
Elevar Wynwood is a casual rooftop bar above the AC Hotel. It tends to be a bit quieter than the other rooftop bars in Miami, with seemingly many of the guests staying at the hotel. But it’s a relaxing place with great views of the high-rise buildings in the Edgewater neighborhood.
Best Rooftop Bars in Miami Beach
The Roof at Esme Hotel
The Roof at the Esme Hotel offers a chic rooftop lounge offering craft cocktails, wine, and sangria just a block from the beach. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying a menu of small plates and salads. Like some of the other hotel rooftops, this tends to be quiet during the day with mostly hotel guests around the pool. But something about the vibe makes this one of my favorite rooftop bars in Miami Beach, especially since its open during the day and may others don’t open until the evening.
Watr at 1 Rooftop
Boasting breathtaking beach and ocean views from 18 stories above the 1Hotel, Watr provides a lively ambiance in which to enjoy its extensive drink selection. Alongside small bites of Peruvian-influenced Japanese dishes, you can indulge in craft cocktails while enjoying the energetic and trendy crowd vibe. Reservations are required for non-hotel guests. This is quite simply a top tier hotel with several other good restaurants and a beautiful pool. It’s one of the classiest rooftop bars in Miami, and I highly recommend stopping by when you’re in South Beach.
Highbar at Dream South Beach
Highbar offers a beachy and vibrant ambiance on the roof of the Dream South Beach Hotel. Try one of the many signature margaritas on the menu or other cocktails along with Mexican fare from Naked Taco. It’s generally pretty quiet during the daytime other than hotel guests lounging by the pool.
Serena has a festive ambiance on the 2nd floor of the Moxy Miami South Beach hotel. It is inspired by the outdoor dining in Oaxaca and Mexico City. It’s a great place to go for various tequila and mezcal cocktails and shared items like guacamole, queso dip, or tostadas on homemade tortillas. I actually prefer stopping in for brunch for the huevos rancheros or tres leches French toast with some sangria.
MILA Miami Beach combines modern elegance with Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Enjoy their sake cocktails while enjoying the view over the Lincoln Rd pedestrian street in a trendy atmosphere.
With such a diverse array of rooftop dining options, you can definitely take your choice of vantage points from which to enjoy Miami’s vibe. Embark on a rooftop bar-hopping adventure and soak in the stunning views while immersing yourself in the city’s culture and culinary scene.
