Let’s face it, Miami has one of the best nightlife scenes in the nation. While locals may take this for granted (or just don’t bother to care since they grew up on South Beach and downtown Miami), others around the nation and the world make Miami their destination for vacation getaways. But, while many of these people may enjoy the stereotypical club experience, bottle popping, huge dance floors, and door managers that’ll give you a hard time just for wearing a shirt they don’t like – there are places in the city that go against the grain that is Miami nightlife and opt for a different vibe, thus bringing in a better crowd and creating an alternative environment. Without further ado, here are the top alternative clubs in Miami.
The Vagabond
30 NE 14th Street
As soon as The Vagabond opened its doors, it was an instant success. Why? Maybe because many of the locals were getting a little sick and tired of the glitz and glam associated with the other clubs in the city. The Vagabond is definitely one of the top alternative clubs in the city, and their party formatting brings in the most eclectic crowd around. Whether it’s their jazz/blues Tuesday night party, Stone Groove, or their infamous Saturday night house party, Back Door Bamby, the crowd here is like none other. There’s never an attitude at the door, and once you’re in be prepared to enjoy some drinks as decent prices, something that’s hard to come by in the city.
Buck 15
707 Lincoln Lane
Buck 15 in South Beach is considered as the perfect plan B for anyone heading out to SoBe that may not have too much luck at the door of an exclusive nightclub. There’s never an issue getting up to Buck, and once inside you’ll definitely dig the low-key vibe. The music is always on point and drinks won’t set you back too much. Instead of going through the mission of trying to get into a tough club that may charge you an arm and a leg at the door, Buck 15 usually doesn’t charge cover. It’s located right above Miss Yip on Lincoln Road, so it’s more of a loungy attic than a bar.
The Electric Pickle
2826 N. Miami Avenue
When Circa 28 closed down, many in Miami believed that one of the best alternative clubs in the city was lost forever. However, they managed to resurrect the venue and change the name to The Electric Pickle, something that locals are still trying to get used to. No matter the name change, the Pickle is currently one of the best alternative nightclub in the city, offering up stellar hip-hop nights, some of the best techno events in the city, and a downstairs bar that’s great for a first date. They continue to impress us by booking top-tier electronic dance music talent, the kind of guys that will put good use to the Dynacord sound system upstairs.
PS 14
28 NE 14th Street
Basically attached to The Vagabond, PS 14 may look like a tiny little bar, but put the right party in the venue and it turns into one of the best alternative clubs in the city. They have an intimate outdoor area where local DJs set up shop and crank tunes that at times leak over to The Vagabond’s outdoor area. If you and a small group of your friends are looking for a good time and no hassle at the door, we recommend PS 14, where you’ll get music that’s across the board and sure to please everyone.
Jazid
1342 Washington Avenue
We’ve mentioned in previous articles that Jazid is one of the best live venues in Miami, but it’s also one of the best alternative clubs in the city as well. If you’re looking to enjoy a good night out in South Beach, and not be pestered by a collared shirt, high heels, or whatever you deem dressy is, don’t worry about any of that and come into Jazid. They have weekly musical guests, whether electronic or live, and if you’re not totally feeling the vibe downstairs, head upstairs and play some pool while you down some drinks. There’s a little bit of everything at this place.
