Miami Beach is to sports bars what the Super Bowl is to football: the ultimate destination, where every block along Ocean Drive offers a winning lineup, with hidden gems tucked between the palms. You could wander into any joint and catch a great game—but why leave it to chance? Let this guide be your playbook to the top spots serving wings, brews, and unbeatable atmosphere.
Mickey Burkes
$$ | (305) 747-7505 | WEBSITE
Here’s a rule of thumb: if you’re trying to watch your carbs, don’t order the veggie burger at Mickey Burkes, since it’s impossible to resist finishing every last bite. Assuming you’re not counting calories, we’d suggest sticking with the classic burger at this welcoming sports bar. Like the reliable friend who always shows up with good stories and a round of drinks, it’s near textbook satisfaction, and our favorite burger in the area.
Each bite of juicy, seasoned patty perfectly balances the crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, melted cheese, and soft toasted bun.
Ted’s Hideaway
$ | (305) 532-9869 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, we forget what it’s like to feel alive. When that happens, we go to Ted’s Hideaway. Yes, the atmosphere here usually packs a good amount of fun—but the place has so much else going on that it also jump-starts the spirit in our souls. The crispy fries, with cold beers, friendly bartenders and long happy hours, for example, are a galaxy unto themselves. Get them, try the solid pub grub as well, and bring a friend or two to help you drink everything at this classic beach dive bar.
High Tide
$$ | (305) 604-1800 | WEBSITE
High Tide is one of Miami Beach’s best sports bars, and it’s also the one that feels most like a local favorite hangout, with big games playing on the screens. The atmosphere near the boardwalk is so relaxed it’ll convince you that all you ever wanted was to lounge by the pool view in front while sipping their ‘eye of the storm’ cocktail.
Drift away on this chilled vibe while eating your watermelon sushi, a dish that tastes as if fruit and seafood spent a little too much time listening to ocean waves.
Sand Bar + Kitchen
$$ | (305) 397-8375 | WEBSITE
On its own, Sand Bar + Kitchen’s BBQ brisket will satisfy something fundamental in your meat-loving soul. It’s smoked low and slow, piled high on a soft bun, and served with a side of fresh, crunchy coleslaw. But pair it with one of their craft beers from the bar and you’ll understand why the combination of tender meat and hoppy refreshment qualifies this meal for the imaginary Best Bar Food Playbook Edition One. It’s a winner—one of the top casual dishes you can enjoy in North Beach.
Clevelander South Beach
$$ | (305) 532-4006 | WEBSITE
It’s essential that you come to Clevelander South Beach on a Saturday night, because you’re going to experience an unforgettable party atmosphere. We can say this with absolute confidence, since it’s what happens to us every time we visit this lively spot with a large patio, a dance floor, and a vibe that’s perfect for Miami. Enjoy the amazing food, the decent drinks, the fantastic location near the beach, and be sure to seek out Michelle and Ubbi for their positive energy and attentive service.
Kantina Restaurant
$$ | (305) 534-7100 | WEBSITE
You shouldn’t leave Miami Beach without trying a sports bar, and at least considering a frozen margarita. And you shouldn’t leave this restaurant without eating shrimp in some form, like the shrimp tempura tacos, a crispy delight with fresh ingredients that have turned the color of a sunny beach day.
Kantina Restaurant serves some of our favorite bar food in Miami Beach, and it’s where you should go for a big plate of paella or crispy calamari with friends while you soak up whatever lively energy or friendly chatter is filling the space.
On the Rocks Bar
$ | (305) 864-2444 | WEBSITE
The On the Rocks Bar has practically the same lively dive bar atmosphere as the best spots in Miami Beach, with multiple TVs showing various sports events and no food service but a bring-your-own policy. Get the Modelo beer, which is as affordable as a six-pack from your bargain-hunting friend’s fridge, and the shots around $9 with a buzz that’s slow-creepingly pleasant.
Venezia Grill, Pizzeria & Bar
$ | (305) 868-2267 | WEBSITE
We like to head to this cozy spot for a more homestyle Italian-American meal in Miami Beach. Fittingly, it’s in a quieter, family-friendly area than the bustling restaurants on the main strip, and if you go in the afternoon, you might see a few families enjoying meals at one of the restaurant’s small tables. Not only can you eat a generous BBQ chicken pizza, or delicious lasagna here, but you can also enjoy ice-cold beer and margaritas.
Order whichever of the pizzas, fajitas, or burgers you’re in the mood for, but definitely get a portion of the finger-licking good wings to go with your drink.
Bikini Bar
$$ | (305) 728-9423 | WEBSITE
For a lively night out in Miami Beach, head to Bikini Bar. During peak hours, you might encounter a short wait, because the compact, intimate venue is often full of groups of friends and regulars, each enjoying the energetic Latin pop and reggaeton music. That’s what you’re here for too, and it’s worth hanging about until you’re inside.
Start with a drink from the friendly bartenders—we like the margaritas, which are refreshing and well-balanced—and then enjoy the talented Latina dancers, with a few exceptional ones that really add to the fun atmosphere. Someone will come around and offer you excellent service from the staff, including dancers, bartenders, and security—take advantage of this until you’re way past ready to call it a night.
Limonada Bar + Brunch
$$ | (786) 605-8927 | WEBSITE
At Limonada Bar + Brunch, the drinks come out quickly and the staff are incredibly diligent about keeping your glass full of extremely refreshing cocktails. And those are just two of the reasons why we like this place. The brunch food here is also very good, it’s a great spot for a casual group meal, and you could spend an hour or two trying to decide between things on the delightful menu. Whatever you choose, get some sweet pancakes and the savory eggs benedict for the table.
Also, bring your appetite.
Kaboom Fried Chicken & Pizza
$ | (305) 306-8685 | WEBSITE
Walk into Kaboom Fried Chicken & Pizza, and you’ll smell two things: fried chicken and fresh pizza. This place specializes in a Miami version of quick comfort food—and it’s the only thing on the menu. A single serving comes with a big mound of crispy fried chicken paired with a pepperoni pizza slice from the Kaboom Special. Along with some chicken strips or a fried chicken po’ boy sandwich on the side, it’s a very substantial meal for slightly less than $15.
Grab some quick takeout from the order kiosk, or hang out at one of the kid-friendly tables in the little space next to the club to enjoy your overachieving weeknight meal—just expect a bit of noise.
Norman’s Tavern
$$ | (305) 868-9248 | WEBSITE
It’s hard to think of anywhere other than Norman’s Tavern where you can get such delicious food with such excellent service in such a cool atmosphere. This selection of sports bar classics at this vibrant place includes standout dishes like the smash burger and the salmon with lemon and herb seasoning. You’ll find everything cooked to perfection in the open kitchen, and we strongly suggest you get at least one burger—like the classic smash or the beyond beef version. Or just order both.
For roughly $18, you can get a burger with fries and a drink. They have Latin Night with Matías singing just a few nights a week, where the atmosphere gets even better: you can enjoy things like refreshing drinks and friendly conversation there, and a bunch of sports on the screens throughout.
Lost Weekend
$ | (305) 672-1707 | WEBSITE
Lost Weekend is a laid-back sports bar on Miami Beach, and much of the appeal involves grabbing a beer and playing pool with friends. Order the Philly cheesesteak, which has tender beef, melted cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and a soft roll that holds everything together. All of their signature dishes cost about $15, have about three satisfying savory and crunchy textures happening at once, and will keep you fueled for the better part of the night.
The wings are also a standout, crispy outside and juicy inside, perfect with a cold beer from their reasonably priced selection. With Waleska behind the bar providing friendly service and the lively atmosphere from the pool tables and vibrant music, it’s easy to see why this place has been a long-standing institution. The recent menu updates, like the steak tacos and loaded nachos, only add to the experience, making it a popular spot for happy hour drinks and casual hangs.
Customers love the relaxed vibe and the unique ability to smoke inside, rounding out a truly enjoyable visit.
Finnegan’s Way
$$ | (305) 672-7747 | WEBSITE
Finnegan’s Way? More like Finnegan’s Wow. We apologize for the obvious pun, but it’s important you know that, in terms of its location, this spacious sports bar is delivering an experience that lives up to its prime spot across from South Beach. The Irish-inspired empanadas here are hearty, flavorful and undeniably one of the best things you can snack on in this area, and the tomato sauce in the mussels tastes like the distilled and perfected essence of comfort.
Order both of these items, and start with a plate of the appetizer combo featuring calamari and coconut shrimp.
The Clevelander Bar
$$$ | (305) 532-4006 | WEBSITE
The Clevelander Bar is first and foremost a sports bar—but there’s also an incredible patio and energetic dance floor that keep the atmosphere buzzing. Grab a drink and some good food, which costs between $12-22 and comes with your choice of appetizers or entrees (one of which should be their signature burger), plus a side of fries or salad. You can watch the game inside, or hang out on their vibrant patio.
Either way, make sure you say hello to the friendly waitresses like Michelle and Miss Eileen on your way out.
