1. Berries In The Grove
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 448-2111
Address: 2884 SW 27th Ave.
Description: Smoothie shop by day, hip cafe by night, Berries in the Grove is a laid-back alternative to the Miami bar scene. The rotating dinner menu is full of healthy, fresh entrees. Ladies should especially take note as Thursday night is free drinks from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.—drinks are half off for everyone during the 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. happy hour Mon through Fri.
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Address: 3468 Main Hwy.
3. Coco Cigar
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 442-9188
Address: 3015 Grand Ave., Suite 208
Description: Besides the panoply of imported cigars, this shop carries lighters, humidors, and other accessories. The staff is well versed in all things cigar and the store carries several budget-friendly brands. Both the shop and surrounding outdoor mall is 100 percent smoker friendly making it one of Coconut Groove’s few safe havens for cigar lovers.
4. Sandbar Sports Grill
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 444-5270
Address: 3064 Grand Ave.
Description: Don’t have time for an excursion to the Florida Keys? Sandbar is also reminiscent of Hemingway’s old hangout—a laid-back Florida feel. In case you couldn’t tell from all the jerseys, helmets, and various memorabilia, sports is a centerpiece of the bar. Outside seating on the deck provides refuge for non-sports fans during big games. The bar’s light, Baja style cuisine is a refreshing change from the meat-heavy menus most Miami bars offer. The rum-based cocktail, Hurricane, can be ordered by category with a category 5 Hurricane causing the most damage (to your liver). With drink deals like this, it’s no wonder the bar is so popular with the college set. Those not in fraternities are best advised to visit this bar early before it’s overrun by intoxicated coeds.
5. El Carajo International Tapas And Wines
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 856-2424
Address: 2465 SW 17th Ave.
Description: This wine store/wine bar offers a variety of aperitifs: sparkling, dessert, ports, sherries, and red and white flavors from all over the world. A tapas menu is also available and most guests go home with a few bottles of their favorite flavors. Wine tastings are Fri and Sat from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
6. Improv Comedy Club
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 441-8200
Address: 3390 Mary St., Suite 182
Description: Up-and-coming and mid-level comedians ridicule themselves and others at this popular comedy club. Ticket prices are in the $15 to $25 range and a two-drink minimum is typically enforced. Improv’s well-appointed decor, with its dark leather couches and posh bar is reminiscent of the big-name comedy clubs found in Chicago and New York. While it might not make the comedians any funnier, it does provide a nice change of scenery for a night out. For those who live farther north, take advantage of the Ft. Lauderdale Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre (5700 Seminole Way at Seminole Paradise, Ft. Lauderdale; 954-981-5653; www.improvftl.com), which has an equally solid lineup (perhaps identical!), the same two drink minimum, and an 18+ policy at some shows.
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Address: 3119 Coral Way
8. Mr. Moe’S Restaurant And Bar
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 442-1114
Address: 3131 Commodore Plaza
Description: Friday and Saturday nights, Mr. Moe’s features live music, mostly rock and alternative bands. This place has the only mechanical bull in the city, so there are definitely a fair amount of visitors who come to ogle and/or drink before they ride. A game hall and pool tables are available, as are drink specials throughout the week.
City: Coconut Grove, FL
Category: Nightlife
Address: 3015 Grand Ave.