If you’re from South Florida and you have an Instagram – like myself – then you can probably relate with seeing almost everyone you follow hang out at the same five spots every weekend. We live in South Florida which makes finding cool, new places to spend a Friday night incredibly easy, but for some reason everyone I know remains loyal to the places they know best. There’s obviously a reason these spots are so heavily frequented, and it’s because each place offers something special that can’t be replicated anywhere else. This list includes everything from family friendly lounging with a view to a filthy bar packed with college students and colorful cocktails. I know where all your friends will be this weekend, and so do you. Keep reading to find out why you should join them.
The Wharf
This place was literally made for people who use the weekends to decompress. The Wharf is closed Monday through Wednesday, and opens at 12:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you can’t find a babysitter or want to enjoy an ice-cold mojito while your little ones run around, children are welcomed at The Wharf before 6:00 pm if they are accompanied by an adult. The Wharf overlooks the Miami River and is surrounded by eight food vendors as well as a huge bar that sits in the center of all the fun. If you’re looking for a place that embodies everything South Florida has to offer (great weather, well-dressed people, and tasty food), then The Wharf is your spot.
El Patio
El Patio is trendy, authentic, and everything out-of-towners seek when they visit Miami. If you like Latin music and being surrounded by great energy, this is the place for you. The aesthetic of the bar and restaurant is meant to mimic the patio of a typical home in Latin America, with some of the furniture coming directly from Colombia. El Patio is open every day until 3:00 am, and offers great happy hour specials every day of the week except for Fridays. Everyone you follow on Instagram will probably be at El Patio this weekend, so why not head over there too?
SHOTS
SHOTS is super grungy and sweaty and doesn’t pretend to be anything else, which is what makes it so great. This shot bar specializes in shots (duh), with countless numbers of uniquely named shots to choose from. There is an outdoor area as well as an indoor area that exclusively plays hip hop music. SHOTS was featured quite a bit on MTV this year when the cast of Jersey Shore was in town filming one of their more recent seasons of their reality show. You never know who you’ll run into at SHOTS or what might happen there, but it’s safe to say it’s always an interesting time.
1-800-Lucky
1-800-Lucky offers a unique eating experience with their cafeteria style dining. The dining hall, located in Wynwood, is made up of seven Asian restaurants, two bars, and a karaoke room. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, as well as round-the-clock music courtesy of their in-house DJ. If you’re lucky enough (pun intended), you may even spot a celebrity enjoying a Vietnamese meatball sandwich from Le Banh Amis, as they’ve been known to frequent this spot. Just this past September, David Beckham stopped by to try Taiyaki’s famous matcha green tea and roasted black sesame ice cream. There’s always a crowd at 1-800-Lucky, so if you’re heading over to Wynwood this weekend, I recommend planning your visit accordingly.
American Social
Located on the Miami River, American Social is both a sports bar and the perfect brunch spot. Whether you’re meeting up with friends after a long work week, or looking for somewhere to watch the big game, American Social has it all. AMSO claims to have the “best brunch in Miami” and honestly, they’re not wrong. Their brunch menu includes their famous “hangover” breakfast sandwich and all you can eat omelets. Once you’re done brunching, feel free to head out to the patio and watch the yachts go by. Sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon, if you ask me.