Miami Nightlife - Search for Cheap Airfare to Miami

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According to many party aficionados, Miami is the nightlife capitol of the US. The high-energy clubs on South Beach and the ultra-plush lounges along the coast are trademarks of the city. Latin dance clubs range from raunchy meat markets to classy nightspots with live bands and nothing but top-shelf cocktails. And then there is the under-the-radar side of Miami, the blues bars and neighborhood pubs that escape the limelight but still offer a Miami-flavored good-time.

Here are the best after-dark spots in Miami.

Budget

Barracuda Bar & Grill (3035 Fuller Street) draws a diverse collection of clientele. The food is slightly above-average, and the bar is mildly classy and a great venue for socializing and people-watching. Only beer and wine are served, but the mix of white-collar workers, bikers, tourists and college kids is refreshing.

Laundry Bar (721 Lincoln Lane North) is not just a cool bar with an interesting name. Patrons can actually do laundry while imbibing. It's a gimmick, yes, but also a hell of a good time. The venue draws a mix of gay and straight people and the vibe is quite laid back.

Value

Tantra (1145 Pennsylvania Ave) is a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant and lounge. Aside from trademark offerings like a hookah and a collection of aphrodisiac-laced cocktails, this place is heavy on romance/seductive atmosphere. Booths can be closed off for additional privacy.

Mr. Moe's (3131 Commodore Plaza) is a Coconut Grove institution featuring numerous flat-screen TVs showing live sporting events. With over 40 beers on tap, as well as karaoke and pool, this is more than a mere sports bar. It's no wonder ESPN once talked up Moe's as one of the best sports bars in the nation.

Splurge

Some people complain about the lack of classy nightspots on South Beach. Perhaps they just don't know where to look. Once place is Larios on the Beach (820 Ocean Drive). Owned by Puerto Rican pop princess Gloria Estefan, this restaurant, bar, and dance club features great food, free-flowing mojitos and live music.

Opium Garden and Privé (136 Collins Ave) hold the honor of being the most exclusive nightspots in Miami. This is the original venue that launched the careers of some of Miami's most successful nightclub operators. Opium Garden is an open air patio, garden and dance floor, while Prive is an excusive upscale lounge where a table can cost nearly $300 to reserve. These places are not for budget travelers, but this is the absolute pinnacle of "the scene" in Miami.