Ten Miami bars our editors recommend for February 14 — without a forced two-hour table or a red rose surcharge.
Valentine's Day is when most Miami bars suspend their normal menu and replace it with a four-course set lunch that requires a deposit. The picks below are different. These ten Miami venues run Valentine's Day the way they run any other Friday — great cocktails, normal pricing, an honest welcome — which is exactly what makes them better Valentine's bars than the ones charging double.
The Miami bars our editors send Valentine's Day bookings to
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
In Mid-Beach, Broken Shaker the aperol spritz arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Coral Gables, Bar Italia Miami the italia negroni is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Employees Only Miami sits in South Beach, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At Glass & Vine in Coconut Grove, the garden spritz is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
The Regent Cocktail Club (in South Beach) the regent daiquiri arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.5 of 5.
In South Beach, Bar Lab at Goodtime Hotel the goodtime margarita arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.5 of 5.
Order: Goodtime Margarita
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Bazaar Mar Bar (in Brickell) the bazaar spritz is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.5 of 5.
Pintxo Bar (in South Beach) the basque g&t is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.5 of 5.
Sweet Liberty (in South Beach) the pina colada is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Baby Jane Miami in Brickell, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.4 of 5.
Order: Baby Jane Spritz
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More Cocktail Bars in MiamiThe full editor-curated list of Cocktail Bars in Miami, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
Two Valentine's Day notes. Book a 6.30pm or 9.30pm slot — the 7-9pm window is overrun. And ignore venues that require pre-paid set menus on Feb 14; the cocktail bars on this list do not, and the experience is better for it.
Other seasonal Miami guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Miami occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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