1. Tarpon Bend
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 444-3210
Address: 65 Miracle Mile
Description: Wash down the raw bar food with a variety of drinks and specials throughout the week. The atmosphere is easygoing and leans more toward restaurant than bar, so the crowd doesn’t get overly rowdy. Mojito Madness Thursday attracts a loyal crowd, as does the weekly happy hour until 9 p.m. (weekends until 7 p.m.), which features two-for-one drinks.
2. The Bar
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 442-2730
Address: 172 Giralda Ave.
Description: This low-key bar with a straightforward name is a great spot to grab a drink with friends. An outstanding beer selection, board games, and an eclectic jukebox keep the atmosphere lively. There’s also more than adequate bar food like loaded nachos and mozzarella sticks for snacking. The bar’s extensive happy hour, which runs Mon through Thurs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., includes two-for-one well drinks, $1 off draft beers and $2.50 bottled domestics like Bud and Miller Light. Every Fri from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. well drinks and Yuengling drafts are free for ladies.
3. Fritz & Franz Bierhaus
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 774-1883
Address: 60 Merrick Way
Description: It’s been credited with having the city’s best beer selection, which is no surprise given its place as one of Miami’s token German drinking spots. Draft beers, dark beers, even non-alcoholic beers are available. Ambitious drinkers can order a boot and 16 oz. options are available. Top it off with the very traditional German grub, including favorites such as schnitzel and bratwurst. There are generous happy hours throughout the week for drinks and appetizers, which are two-for-one and half off (respectively) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
4. Titanic Restaurant And Brewery
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 667-ALES (2537) or (305)
Address: 5813 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Description: Brews are always on tap at this local brewery, which proudly serves all house beers in “proper” 16 oz. pint glasses. Take advantage of specials such as the Titanic Porthole Sampler, which includes six 5 oz. glasses of an assortment of beers. Handcrafted beer choices range from a German light ale and British brown ale to an oatmeal stout and an India pale ale. Take advantage of $1 off beers during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
5. Sabor Havana
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 444-1764
Address: 2309 Ponce De Leon Blvd.
Description: This popular cigar shop’s philosophy is to focus not just on the cigars, but on the lifestyle. It should come as no surprise then that the store is stocked with some of the best including Casa Magna Colorado Robustos, Arturo Fuentes, and New Padron 80ths. Housed in what was once Bill’s Pipe and Cigars, a lively crowd can almost always be found relaxing in the lounge area or gathered around one of the store’s domino tables. A selection of Spanish wines is also available for purchase. The shop has several other locations throughout South Florida, including one in South Miami (9891 Sunset Dr., 305-412-0720) and another in Doral (2600 NW 87th Ave., 305-436-8860), its flagship store.
6. Cafe Demetrio
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 448-4949
Address: 300 Alhambra Circle
Description: Enjoy a casual evening of coffee and chess at this quaint Coral Gables coffeehouse, which has been a Miami mainstay since 1997. There are also newspapers, live music, and a leafy patio to pass the time if your mind isn’t up for strategizing. On rainy days, cozy up with a book behind the cafe’s large windows and make the best of inclement weather. A variety of sandwiches, soups, and quiches are also available along with some fanciful desserts. Stop by on Friday nights for free live music; check the website for schedules.
7. The Globe Cafe And Bar
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 445-3555
Address: 377 Alhambra Circle
Description: The cafe component of The Globe transforms into the bar atmosphere later in the evenings, but because of its early opening (around 11 a.m. to noon daily) it’s a great place to sit and chat through to the evening. Coffees and teas are available throughout the day and an extensive alcohol menu (in addition to food) is more utilized throughout the day. Take advantage of happy hours and wine specials on Tues.
8. Uva Restaurant And Lounge
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 476-8111
Address: 2626 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Description: Those looking for a more international club scene should just check out this Coral Gables restaurant/discotheque. DJs spin a range of global music from salsa to house along with familiar 80s and disco tracks. The lounge’s menu is equally diverse with dishes highlighting Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean flavors. On Saturday nights, expect to see the taut abs of belly dancers who perform there every week. Other notable weekly events include Naked Sushi night on Wednesdays with models acting as tables and free drinks for clothed ladies. On Sun, the club hosts Ambiance—one of Miami’s few lesbian parties (of course gay men are welcome as well) with drag queens and go-go dancers.
9. The Bar
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 442-2730
Address: 172 Giralda Ave.
Description: Every Saturday this Gables bar hosts live music performed by local bands ranging from hip-hop and rock to electronica and soul. There is plenty of seating so patrons enjoy the music while eating and drinking. Beer, wine, and an extensive food menu are available. There is never a cover to get in.
10. Fritz & Franz Bierhaus
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 774-1883
Address: 60 Merrick Way
Description: After grabbing a beer and brat, stick around on Friday and Saturday nights for live music at this Bavarian beer joint. Other special events, such as Oktoberfest celebrations, will yield live music other days of the week. Call or check the website for schedules.
11. The Globe Cafe And Bar
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 445-3555
Address: 377 Alhambra Circle
Description: Live music takes place throughout the week, but this Coral Gables hot spot is best known for its Saturday Night Jazz event, which runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. While there isn’t a cover, per se, a $20 tab per person is expected. Local and international musicians are invited to perform and the event attracts serious jazz lovers, not just conversationalists who want background music. Call for schedules and show up early to get a good seat—there is a full menu so dinner before the show is a good idea.
12. John Martin’S Irish Pub
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 445-3777
Address: 253 Miracle Mile
Description: Stop by Fri at 9:30 p.m. for live music, ranging from blues to jazz and classic rock. It’s a laid-back pub, so covers and drink minimums are never an issue. In addition to a wine list, their beer menu includes 20 oz. drafts and 12 oz. bottled beers. Nonalcoholic beverages are also available but because of the pub status ID is often enforced.
13. Cosford Cinema
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 284-4861
Address: 1111 Memorial Dr. at the University of M
Description: The film school at University of Miami is well-known for its student-made films and good taste in classics. A year-round schedule at the Cosford Cinema on the main campus shows a variety of genres and is open to affiliates and public alike (though affiliates get a $2 discount off $8 tickets and students are admitted for free). Check the website or e-mail cosfordcinema@miami.edu for schedules.