With nearly two dozen colleges, Miami is a huge college town with endless things for undergrads to do like hit up the city’s famous beaches. Although they certainly enjoy having fun in the sun, college students still love to go to bars where they can grab drinks with friends, meet new people, and have a good time. Miami has no shortage of bars as Party Central in South Florida, and we've compiled a list of the best college bars in Miami.
Coral Gables
The Bar is your neighborhood place with Happy Hour Saturday through Monday from 4-8 p.m. and daily drink specials throughout the week. They also have a delicious menu by Chef Josh Marcus that has the usual bar fare plus upscale creations like lamb and fois gras sliders, yuca mozzarella fritas, and pretzel quesadillas. Stop by The Bar for lunch, dinner, and drinks anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. If you want delicious variety at any hour, The Bar is the place to be!
Coconut Grove
A true dive bar, Tavern in the Grove offers a homey atmosphere where you can grab drinks, shoot darts, and listen to live music. They’re open seven days a week, and Happy Hour is every day from 3-7 p.m. Catching a game at the University of Miami? Score a free drink here with a UM sporting event ticket stub from that day! Whether or not its game day, the Tavern is the perfect place to relax and have fun.
Rock the boat at Barracuda Taphouse and Grill- unlike other beachy bars, it’s decorated entirely from wood salvaged from an old Florida shrimp boat for a truly seaworthy atmosphere. They’re known for their impressive selection of craft beers, ales, and lagers as well as a full menu with a mean Mahi sandwich. The Barracuda also has a great Happy Hour and drink specials throughout the week like Thursday College Night. Like a dive bar, they also have pool, darts, and beer pong as well as watch the game on a flat screen. Music plays all the time whether it's from a live band or the old jukebox, adding a great soundtrack to all of the memories you’ll make at The Barracuda!
Named after the biggest party day of the year, Fat Tuesday is legendary with its frozen daiquiri bar serving all kinds of flavors up to 40 oz. You can also hit up Fat Tuesday in South Beach. This bar is filled to the brim with fun and drinks, so check it out and put “Tuesday” on your calendar!
South Beach
Escape to Ted’s Hideaway, a hole-in-the-wall where you can play pool, watch the game on a flat screen, and enjoy two-for-one drinks specials from 10:00 PM til midnight. They also have great deals for those who are in the hospitality business, military, or coast guard, so get ready for a steady stream of alcohol and appreciation at this hidden gem!
The oldest bar in Miami, Mac’s Club Deuce knows how to have a good time; in fact, Playboy named it as one of the best dive bars in America. Mac’s has a laid-back ambiance with rustic decor, pool tables, and jukebox, and they definitely know how to party with their legendary two-for-one Happy Hour starting at 8:00 all the way to 7:00 PM!
A frozen daiquiri bar, Wet Willie’s is ideally situated in the Art Deco District overlooking Miami Beach and Ocean Drive. Their frozen daiquiris come in all kinds of flavors including the popular strawberry and pina colada, but they also have strong drinks with fitting monikers like Attitude Improvement, CALL A CAB, and Shock Treatment.
Tired of studying Shakespeare for your lit class? Take a guilt-free break and head over to The Playwright, an authentic Irish bar named after the bard. In addition to great cocktails and beer (including Guinness, of course) the Playwright also has an authentic Irish menu serving favorites like shepherd’s pie and fish n’ chips. Happy Hour is two-for-one drinks and half-price appetizers Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. They also have late night Happy Hour on Thursday nights from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. and you can also play darts and foosball all night long. A bar by any other name wouldn’t be as sweet as this one! (Bonus points if you know which Shakespeare play we're alluding to).
South Miami
In the heart of Miami, Bougainviella’s is more than just a bar; it’s a hotspot on the South Florida Live music circuit. Grab drinks at this infamous laid-back music venue and enjoy live music five nights a week Tuesday through Sunday with no coverage. Their extra-late happy hour runs to 12:00 a.m.
Miami is a huge college town with endless things for undergrads to do besides hitting up the city’s famous beaches. Miami has no shortage of bars and this is a great start! Did we miss your favorite place? If so, tell us in the comment section below!
Stay Connected to Things to Do in Miami, Nightlife, Restaurants and more - Register on 305area, it's free!
