Let’s face it, sometimes you want to go out, but loud speakers and crowded dance floors really aren’t as appealing as everyone makes them out to be. That’s right, sometimes you just want to lounge away somewhere low key. This can be a bar, a restaurant, and or maybe even a club, depending on the night of the week of course. It’s not all about going balls to the wall every time you step out of your front door on Friday night, try opting for something that’s a bit more intimate, a little less loud…you may actually be able to hold a conversation. Clubplanet’s compiled a list of the best low key hangouts in Miami, and you’ll definitely want to keep these handy, you never know when you’ll need some guidance.
The Room
100 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33109
You want low key? Well, The Room is absolutely one of the best low-key hangouts in the city. Located on the quieter side of South beach, 100 Collins Avenue, The Room is one of the few bars in the city that your girl will actually WANT to go to. It is sleek, sophisticated, and the music selection is great. The intimacy level used to be the best in the city before, but a lot of people have caught on. Not that it has become a problem, it still holds its place as one of the best low-key hangouts in Miami. Once you come here for the first time, we guarantee that you’ll go back for seconds.
Les Halles
2415 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Miami, FL 33134
This French hideout is known by those who really have good taste in the combination of food and atmosphere. Located diagonally from Houston’s on Miracle Mile, Les Halles is quite possibly one of the best places in the city to sit down and grab a glass of wine. We recommend their house red, at $30 a bottle it’s a deal once you get a taste of it. Their service is superb and the menu will have you ordering in seconds. This place may fill up on a Friday or Saturday night, but it’s the kind of ‘full’ that a low key hangout needs. A majority of the city is still catching on to this place, but we’re pretty sure that no matter how popular it gets, it won’t lose its allure.
Churchill’s Pub
5501 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33137
Yes, this legendary rock venue is definitely one of the most low key hangouts in Miami. Although they bring in bands that could wreck any sound system and leave your ears ringing for weeks, there’s something special about this venue and the way everything there seems to be home grown. If you’re not feeling like going to a club or a lounge, just head to Churchill’s where you’ll be treated like everyone else. The beer selection is great and if you’re feeling a little hungry, we suggest trying out their curry…it’s an all-you-can-eat affair. Stop by either in the day or at night. You can catch a game on the TVs in the day, or some good local acts on stage at night.
The Vagabond (Tuesday Nights)
30 NE 14th Street
Miami, FL 33132
As we all know, The Vagabond certainly isn’t a low key hangout, but what many people are catching on to still are their Tuesday night weekly party, Stone Groove. Featuring live jazz, spoken word and an atmosphere that will relax you once you step in, this is quite possibly the most low key weekly party that Miami’s had in quite some time. The party is confined to the front bar, and word on the street is that you better respect the performer who takes the stage, because if you don’t, security there will not hesitate in showing you the way out.
Nikki Beach Club
1 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
What’s great about Miami is that every citizen in this beautiful city is lucky enough to one of THE most low key and comfortable hangouts you could possibly have in this nation, Nikki Beach Club. Although their Sunday weekly party is known to last that entire day, with DJs raging music and moving people from dusk till dawn, come on any other day of the week and you’ll find yourself lounging on their endless white cabanas outside where mojitos will be brought to you as you bask in the sun. Sounds like one hell of an experience right? That’s because it is.
The Raleigh Hotel Bar
1775 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
The Raleigh is known for being one of the best hotels that South Beach has ever had, but it doesn’t end with their rooms. Their outside pool areas is one of the coolest looking places on earth…ok, maybe not earth, but certainly South Beach. You don’t have to be a guest in order to indulge in their atmosphere. This low-key hangout is filled with lush green plants and a bar that’s as inviting as any. The drinks may set you back a little, but we’re thinking that you pay for the atmosphere here more than anything else. The best part about it is, if you change your mind and do decide to go out, you’re already in South Beach, it’s only a short cab ride away.
Sky Bar at The Shore Club
1901 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33109
If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas’ Sky Bar inside of the Palms, then you understand that the bar and lounge puts its name to the test, giving guests one of the best views in the city. Well, Miami has its own Sky Bar inside of the Shore Club, however, this one is on the ground level. But the combination of the décor and all around aesthetics of the venue give its guests that ‘elevated’ feeling. Sometimes there’s a really happenin’ party at Sky Bar, and other nights the intimacy level is at an all-time high. Regardless of the situation, this is definitely one of the best places in Miami to have a low-key night.
The Standard Miami
40 Island Avenue
Miami, FL 33139
While many people opt to stay away from South Beach when it comes to low-key nights, what they seem to forget is that it has some of the best alternative hangouts. Yes, they also have some of the biggest and most prominent nightclubs in the nation, but there are dozens and dozens of small bars where you can take the night off. The Standard’s bar is one of these places, and even though it’s located right in the middle of downtown and SoBe, it has one of the most relaxing atmospheres. Grab a drink at the bar and head outside for a moment. There’s a Zen garden that will relax you and have you forget about all of your problems. It’s a great place for a solo drink, and even better for a group of friends.
