First-Timer’s Guide to Miami Rooftops

Miami's diverse neighborhoods and their top-notch rooftop spots for drinks and grub.

I’ve been exploring Miami’s rooftop scene, sharing some gems along the way.

But, I realized something. Why not create a complete guide?

So I just decided to go deeper and check all those gems.

It was quite a journey the past few weeks.

I love how it all started spontaneously. During my time at Rosa Sky.

There is something special about these rooftops, and I simply want to share them with everyone.

So, let’s get started.

Brickell

 

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Brickell is quite an interesting part of Miami. It’s a mix of busy office life and the chill Miami style.

After talking about Rosa Sky, I saw that Brickell’s rooftops have more to offer than just one place.

At night, the area shines, and the view of the buildings is something you won’t see anywhere else in Miami.

On my latest tour around the city, I found a spot that’s worth talking about – Sugar at EAST Miami.

It’s way up on the 40th floor. Sugar is like a secret garden with an Asian twist, and the views of Miami’s buildings and Biscayne Bay are amazing.

The vibe is cool, with soft lights and stylish decorations that make it feel like you’re not in the center of the urban district.

The drinks at Sugar are just as cool as the view. Every cocktail is like a work of art, mixing flavors in a way that’s a real treat for your taste buds, just like the view is a feast for your eyes. It’s the ideal place for nights when you want to make your outing extra special.

And I always prefer sharing others’ people experiences, so that you don’t have to trust my words only.

Here are some of the latest reviews for Sugar:

“Amazing ambiance – rooftop, cool breeze even in hot Miami Summer, great music, expensive cocktails, small bites, all of what we love here in Miami. Perhaps Brickell’s finest venue, a true addition to this sexy burgeoning metropolis.”

“Amazing service!! Lydia at the door made sure we had the best table. Michael, the manager was extremely hospitable and took care of us throughout the whole night. And Joanne, our server, was magnificent!!”

Coconut Grove

Next on my list in Miami is Coconut Grove. It’s like a little piece of paradise, totally different from Brickell’s tall buildings.

It’s got a chill, artsy feel, with awesome views of the water and lots of history.

It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy, with peacocks walking around and the smell of the ocean everywhere.

After checking out the Grove’s cool little shops and comfy coffee spots, I’ve got a rooftop bar to tell you about – Sipsip Calypso Rooftop Bar.

It shows what Coconut Grove is all about. Sitting on top of the stylish Mayfair Hotel, Sipsip gives you a wide view of Biscayne Bay and the green treetops that make the Grove stand out.

What makes Sipsip special is its lively feel, which captures the Caribbean’s fun colors.

The rooftop is full of color, with vivid umbrellas and a mural that’s perfect for selfies.

The menu matches this tropical mood, with cool drinks and seafood that are like eating a bit of summer.

Downtown

Area 31 at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel - Downtown - best Miami rooftop places

This place is always buzzing, where the city’s work, art, and history all come together.

During the day, it’s non-stop action with tall office buildings, art museums, and busy parks.

But when night comes, Downtown Miami changes and shows a whole new side that’s ready for adventure.

Area 31 at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel is a standout rooftop in Downtown. It’s like an oasis up high, with unbeatable views of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay.

The atmosphere at Area 31 is classy yet inviting, making it an ideal place to chill out after a day full of discovery.

This place is also known for having occasional special events, such as the Gourmet gathering that happened in February.

Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed to the public that day, and I didn’t get my ticket on time, they got sold out quite fast.

What’s great about Area 31 is it mixes Miami’s lively vibe with a peaceful feeling.

The best spot is the outdoor terrace, where you can relax with a drink and see the city’s lights come to life.

The menu has eco-friendly seafood, showing off Miami’s seaside heritage, and the drinks are as creative as they are tasty.

Edgewater

Edgewater miami rooftop - miami rooftop guides

Edgewater is tucked right between the Design District and Downtown, and it’s got its own special mix of city buzz and a relaxed coastal feel.

It’s turning into a favorite spot for people who love the energy of the city but also enjoy the calm of looking out at the water.

While wandering through Edgewater, I came across a rooftop that really shows what this lively area is all about – Klaw.

It’s on top of an old building, and Klaw is more than just a bar. It’s a whole vibe.

You get amazing views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyscrapers, making it a great escape from the busy streets below.

Klaw really stands out with its surf-and-turf menu that’s just as amazing as the view.

The seafood is super fresh, and the dishes are made with a creative touch that fits right in with Edgewater’s artsy feel.

Little Havana

 

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After hanging out at Terras at Life House, with its awesome rooftop and lively vibe, I just had to come back to this vibrant area of Miami.

Little Havana is the soul of the city, with Calle Ocho pulsing with tunes, art, and tastes that whisk you away to Cuba. It’s a place full of life and color, where every corner has a story.

On this trip, I went off the beaten path and found a rooftop that showed a unique side of Little Havana – Casa Juancho’s rooftop.

Casa Juancho’s rooftop is all about authentic Spanish food and a friendly atmosphere.

It’s a well-known place in Little Havana for a good meal and a good time.

The rooftop might not be big, but it’s cozy, and the focus is on enjoying the food and the company.

Sitting there, with the best Spanish tapas and a glass of sangria, I really felt the vibe of Little Havana.

The live flamenco, the sounds of people dining, and the cheers from the bar mixed into a sound that’s all Miami.

Casa Juancho’s rooftop might not have those big city views, but it’s got the heart of Little Havana like no other place.

I went a step further to check out reviews while waiting for the food.

I was surprised with the number of highest ratings, here are some of them:

“Starting with Riviera del Duero wine and Spanish Sangria, the appetizers–Octopus, piquillo relleno de bacalao, caldo gallego, and tortilla española–were a symphony of flavors. The seafood paella stole the show for our main course, and the desserts (creams catalana, tocinillo del cielo, and torera) were a sweet finale.”

“We went for my birthday and had a wonderful time! We were seated promptly. Our server was very friendly and attentive. The ambiance there is always nice.
We shared a bunch of tapas- the croquetas de jamón and fish, the Pimientos del Piquillo Rellenos de Queso de Cabra, the calamari, a tray of jamón serrano and manchego, the pulpo a la plancha, and the solomillo encebollado.
All were delicious.”

Miami Beach

The next stop is the famous beach. It’s got that classic Art Deco look, clean beaches, and a great rooftop scene. It’s a unique spot where you can chill on the beach and then enjoy some rooftop luxury.

Honestly, I can’t tell which is better- laying in the sand near the sea, or watching others from a beautiful rooftop from nearby.

Juvia’s rooftop is a real highlight.

It’s got a cool mix of fancy and chill vibes. Right on Lincoln Road, you can grab a bite or a drink and get awesome views of the city and the sea.

Juvia’s place really shows off what’s special about Miami Beach.

It’s got this cool garden that goes up the wall and nothing but the sky overhead, making it a peaceful spot to hang out and eat.

The food’s a mix of French, Japanese, and Peruvian, and it looks as good as it tastes.

Up on the roof, you can take a break from the busy city life, relax, and enjoy Miami’s views. Every time I go to Miami Beach, I find something new, and Juvia just became one of its best parts.

Miami Design District

It’s a fancy part of the city that’s all about creativity. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, this place gives you a different vibe, with lots of style and great food that’s sure to impress anyone who loves beauty and good eats.

And between all those art spots, I’ve found another gem – Swan.

And before I start writing more about it, I have to mention that the owners of this place are Pharrell Williams and David Grutman.

It’s got a stylish look and lots of plants, making it a peaceful place away from the busy streets.

The drinks are creative, just like the local art, and they’re made with a bunch of different stuff.

Plus, the view is amazing – you get to see Miami’s buildings and famous spots, all lit up by the sunset.

Swan’s rooftop fits right in, mixing great tastes, cool style, and a vibe that hits all the right notes. A dining experience that was enjoyable from start to finish!

Midtown

Midtown rooftop - Miami rooftop guide and tour

The area is popular among both locals and tourists who want to experience what modern Miami has to offer.

The Rooftop at E11even is a standout place in Midtown.

It takes your evening to the next level with great views and a buzzing vibe.

It’s connected to E11even Miami, which is a well-known spot for nightlife in the city.

I’ve enjoyed tasty cocktails and bites under the stars while a DJ spins the latest tracks. Nothing more to add – just perfect!

North Miami Beach

It’s a place where every park bench invites you to sit and daydream. A perfect definition of this city. You can just sit here and relax. Distant beach bars, crowded streets, it’s all still there, but that didn’t bother me at all.

I took that time to continue exploring the skylines and complete my quest to find the best rooftop in each part of the city.

It didn’t take too long before I found a place to check out next. It was the Watr at the 1 Rooftop.

At 1 Hotel’s Rooftop, you get a clear, wide view of the ocean and the city. It’s a place that cares about being green and fancy at the same time.

You can try drinks and food that come from around here, hang out in a cozy cabana by the pool, or chat with people at the bar. It’s stylish yet easygoing, just like Miami’s beaches.

Here, the lively vibe of Miami blends with the chill of the beach, creating a special spot that locals and tourists both love for a real feel of Miami’s vibe.

Upper Buena Vista

And this was the next stop on my way around Miami. Right above the Design District, it’s a peaceful area with interesting shops, homemade food, and a relaxed, artsy atmosphere.

It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, enjoy the stories each corner has to share, and really appreciate the here and now.

So, about the rooftop I found here.

It’s called Vista Rooftop Bar.

Up on the rooftop, the atmosphere adds to the meal, with a gentle breeze and a scenic view.

The food is fresh and familiar, perfect for a relaxed brunch or a drink as the sun goes down.

And about the food, I chose Catch of the Day from the dinner menu, as it was a recommendation of the waiter. And he really hit the spot. Simply amazing.

This is, for sure, a place I will check again.

Wynwood

Wynwood ROOFTOP RESTAURANT - Miami Guide

This was the last part of Miami I checked for rooftops. The amazing detail is that each area was special in its own way, and Wynwood is nothing different.

Everywhere you look, there’s a piece of art staring back at you.

It’s not just about the art though. I see it as a place where you can find the coolest spots to hang out, grab a bite, and feel the vibe, all together.

Since everything here is shining with style, I expected nothing else from the rooftop I found in Wynwood. It’s called Astra, and I had a great time there.

I decided that it was the last day of my journey when I started looking for it. I was a little bit tired, to be honest. You know, I spent a few days going from rooftop to rooftop, so I thought to only take a quick look, maybe have a drink or two, and take a break.

However, I changed my plan the first moment I got the table.

The main reason is the ambient. It’s simple and relaxing. A place where you can stay for hours, and feel sorry to leave.

For the appetizer, I started with “Summer in Mikonos“, an interesting cocktail made with Greek lighting, fresh lime juice, and basil.

I wasn’t really hungry, so I was interested in something light, which would go well with the vibe there. My choice was Wild Caught Salmon Tartare. Mango, lemon, and lime are the perfect combo of spices for it.

On the other hand, I have to add that this place is far from being cheap. This meal was $26, yet it was only a starter. A dinner for two with a complete course of meals and a nice bottle of wine can easily pass $1,000.

I feel it’s worth noting the details about the prices, but I think Astra is worth the price. Especially for those who are planning some special event.

The Bottom Line

There you have it, a special spot in each part of Miami. For me, the last few days were quite an experience.

I am also preparing more detailed reviews for some of these rooftop bars.

So keep following my blog, I will share my hands-on experience with many places in this city. I am sure that many of you are already thinking of booking a trip to Miami. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with that!