Bourbon and Beats: Miami Beach’s Craft Cocktail Scene

South Beach is famous for its high energy nightlife and exclusive club scene. But what if you’re looking for more of a laid back vibe? Known for its killer handcrafted cocktails, Radio Bar is the place to go for more of a lounge-style, hip local’s scene.

Located in the trendy SoFi neighborhood (area South of Fifth Street to South Pointe Park), Radio Bar is easy to spot from afar. Because well, there’s a giant, 600-foot radio tower that shoots out from the courtyard behind the bar.

Check out this photo I took, looking up from the bottom of the tower.

Once inside, Radio Bar’s ambiance is warm and friendly with kitschy decor, mix-and-matched bar stools and a pool table. It’s a great spot to enjoy a few drinks and dance to eclectic tunes.

I chatted with the head bartender Teddy Collins, who knows a thing or two about inventing the ultimate craft cocktail. “It’s all about using the freshest ingredients,” he said as he threw together a watermelon and bitters concoction for me. When I asked Teddy what makes Radio Bar different than most places in South Beach, he said that it’s all about the people. “Everyone drops their egos at the door. The energy here is amazing.”

He changes the cocktail menu on a regular basis, based on when local ingredients are in season.

Weekly Bourbon & Beats Special

Every Thursday during Radio Bar’s “Bourbon & Beats” event, you can order cocktails from a specially curated menu while also having access to rare, limited and hard-to-find spirits – and it’s for one night only. There’s also “snack bar” menu, complimented by XL Slices and catered by Menin Hotels Pizza Bar.

If You Go: Radio Bar is located at 814 1st Street in Miami Beach. The main entrance is located on 1st Street, but the back entryway east of the bar is recommended as a courtesy to residents after 11 p.m. Check out RadioSouthBeach.com for more info.