Although Miami may not be the epicenter of live music, it still has its fair share of venues. Sound factories like The Fillmore, BankUnited Center and American Airlines Arena have each had their significant amount of big name artists perform and fill up every seat. One area in which Miami doesn't get too much credit or notability for are the local haunts that offer live music, a characteristic that's beginning to show as the talent in the city continues to progress.
We’ve compiled a list of the best live music venues in Miami for local and national artists, from a legendary English pub to the colossal home of the Miami Heat.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #10
Jazid
With a tagline like “It’s all about the music,” Jazid takes their sound seriously. With live music and drink specials every night, there’s no miss with going. With music ranging from hip hop to Latin-infused funk and American jazz to reggae; it’s actually the longest running nightclub on Miami Beach, going strong for 11 years. The New York style lounge’s intimate vibe is what’s unique and key for most visitors. Recently remodeled, Jazid is the best small-scale live music venue on the Beach, bar none. If the Mansion’s and Cameo’s don’t work out at the end of the night, it’s good to know that there’s always a place to go where live entertainment is always provided.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #9
The Van Dyke Cafe
A staple in South Beach and one of the main attractions for tourists on Lincoln Road, everything about The Van Dyke Café is magnetic, pulling everyone in for a drink or a bite to eat. But what many might not know about is The Van Dyke’s Up Stairs, featuring some of the best jazz that you can find in an intimate and attractive setting in the city. From 9PM to 1AM on every single night of the week, jazz and sometimes the blues are served up for guests. A perfect place for a date who’s into relaxing sounds and a sultry atmosphere, The Van dyk Café is definitely one of the hidden live music gems in the city for the untrained eye or ear.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #8
Churchill’s Pub
Found in the heart of Little Haiti is Churchill’s Pub, a true rock and roll establishment that plays host to some of the best local music that Miami has to offer, not to mention they also feature great beer selection and a classic bar menu that features fresh Indian cuisine...yes Indian. With one of the best jazz nights in the city, the Best of Miami Jazz Jam, and an amazing acoustic scene due in part to Wednesday’s ‘Raffa and Rainer’s Can You Rock a Little Softer’, this true English gem is arguably the best small-scale music venue you can find. Home to local greats such as Rachel Goodrich, Raffa and Rainer, Awesome New Republic and Sam Friend, the talent that’s graced the stage here is endless. Churchill’s little known fact; Marilyn Manson’s first gig was there.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #7
Tobacco Road
Not only is it the oldest bar in Miami, opened in 1912, Tobacco Road is an all around perfect venue. With four stages located on the premises, at times it's difficult to choose where to catch the act; inside, outside and even upstairs. Once again, this is yet another venue that offers live music every single night of the week. Apart from the music, the bar offers up great beer selection and happy hours, but the kitchen is what’s the kicker. With some of the best burgers you can find in the city and dinner specials that range from Maine lobster to all you can eat ribs, this is the perfect place to grab a great bite and enjoy live entertainment on any given night.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #6
Hoy Como Ayer Bar and Lounge
Definitely the best underground Latin club you can find, Hoy Como Ayer Bar and Lounge in Little Havana plays host to some of the best local acts you can find. This is arguably the best place to go on Thursday nights as it’s The Spam All Stars residency. The dimly lit room quickly fills up to catch DJ Le Spam and company provide their usual Latin and funk infused sound. Other residents include Luis Bofil, Malena Burke and Christina Rebull. The room itself, with walls lined with some of the greats (Celia Cruz and even Aretha Franklin), has great sound. There’s no other intimate place that’s sure to keep couples in close quarters and moving around to the salsa and merengue leaking out of the speakers.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #5
The Titanic Brewery and Restaurant
This place is mostly known for their in-house brew, but should be noted for the small stage that’s constantly supplying live music. With one of the best blues nights on Wednesdays and stellar live music on Thursdays and Fridays, including karaoke on Sunday’s, the Titanic Brewery and Restaurant is as good as it gets if you’re in the Gables. Wednesday’s Blues Jam also features $2 award winning Triple Screws from 10PM to close, but it’s their handcrafted IPA’s that you have to look out for. A few of those and you’ll want to get up on stage with the band.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #2
Revolution
This is the only venue on our list that’s not actually in Miami, but it sure as hell is worth the 25-minute drive north. Revolution is without a doubt one of the best live music venues that South Florida has to offer. It’s brought in some amazing names like Spoon, Kings of Leon and The Walkmen. I know we may be cheating a by throwing this out-of-town curveball into the mix, but trust us, if you ever happen to catch a show at Revolution, you’ll definitely understand why.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #3
American Airlines Arena
This is the coliseum of venues in Miami. Seating up to 20,000 attendants, many who come to cheers on the Miami Heat on a weekly basis, when a music artist steps into town and books a gig here, you better believe that it’s a big name. The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and even Luis Miguel have all played here, and each of those names can easily draw more than the amount of the capacity. Some of the biggest stages in the world can fit in this place, and the perfect example was given when Britney Spears brought her Circus act into town.
Best Miami Live Music Venue #1
The Fillmore
Why is the Fillmore ranked as our number one live music venue in the city? Well, because it’s not too big, but not too small. Sometimes the big venues just turn off many visitors who want that sense of intimacy with the music artist, while other times the smaller venues just don’t have the space for these guys to really put on a show. Although the list of names that have visited this place is still growing, we’re pretty sure that come this time next year, it’ll be stacked and the Fillmore will definitely be seen as the best live music venue in Miami.
