If you hit up enough happy hours in Miami, you’ll soon realize that most bars and restaurants overpromise and underdeliver. So, to make sure that you make the most out of the time when you need a beverage the most, we’ve rounded up the best happy hours to try this season.
The brainchild of celebrated chef Michael Mina and actress/cookbook author Ayesha Curry, International Smoke recently opened its third outpost at the Aventura Mall’s new outdoor dining oasis. With a focus on global approaches to fire, the menu was inspired by both Mina’s and Curry’s travels. During happy hour, you can sip on specially-priced cocktails, wines, and beers, and sample some of the dynamic duo’s favorite small bites, including Michael’s mom’s falafel and jerk-spiced wings with crispy plantains. 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 786-254-0422, michaelmina.net
Looking for luxury on a budget? During twilight happy hour, which runs until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, Lobster Bar Sea Grille in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood has the hook up. This season, the menu features craft cocktails like the Morpheus made with gin, lavender petals and hibiscus flowers, as well as a register of delectable bites under $15 including lobster buns and jumbo crab cakes. 404 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-377-2675, buckheadrestaurants.com
If you’re looking for a classy spot in Wynwood for reasonably priced fare, head to Chef Norman Van Aken’s Florida-inspired restaurant for happy hour. The menu features bites like Key West shrimp cocktail and bacalao croquetas, and craft cocktails such the tequila and citrus-infused Norman’s Revenge. Head there any Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to enjoy. 50 NW 24th St., Miami, 305-748-4540, threewynwood.com
At Marion, the term happy hour is taken seriously. That’s because discounted eats and drinks are only available for a single hour (7 to 8 p.m.) on Tuesday through Friday. Although the window is limited, it’s the ideal spot if you work in the area, as you can drop in for decadent dishes like fire roasted lamb chops and popcorn rock shrimp and at least a couple rounds of cocktails, which start at only $5. 1111 SW 1st Ave., Miami, 786-717-7512, marionmiami.com
If you didn’t get to dig in to a final pie at Midtown’s PROOF Pizza & Pasta before it shuttered, you’re in luck! Chef Justin Flit’s signature dishes are now available at this Coconut Grove mainstay. While the PROOF dishes are also only discounted for one hour (specifically, Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 7 p.m.), getting to indulge in Flit’s classic pizzas and savory meatballs is worth the rush. Add a refreshing cocktail made with jalapeño-infused vodka and passion fruit, and we’re totally there. 3540 Main Hwy., Miami, 305-529-6523, taurusbeerandwhiskey.com
Chef Patrick Rebholz and the James Beard Award nominee pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith have combined forces at Ad Lib, a new modern-American eatery in Coral Gables. While we’d recommend trying the ricotta-stuffed zucchini blossoms any time of the day, this happy hour is still one that’s worth flocking to. Available until 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday, it includes specialty cocktails like a tangerine gimlet and a classic mojito, as well as elevated snacks ranging from grilled cheese made with gruyere and duck confit, and oysters with a passion fruit mignonette. 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 305-504-8895, adlibgables.com
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