Working in the financial district of Miami can get a little stressful at times. Luckily there are plenty of spots in Brickell/Downtown Miami to enjoy a drink and unwind on a budget. If you’re not blessed enough to be ordering $15 drinks, or simply don’t want to, we’ve got you covered. All of the following bars have drink specials under $10 and meet at least two of the following criteria: great service, cool environment/ambience, and/or food specials.
1. SoCal Cantina
One loyal customer had this to say about SoCal Cantina: “My favorite place ever, I visit everyday after work, rain or shine, margaritas are always on point.” The small outdoor bar is located outside of the popular Brickell restaurant, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita. Like a true Mexican bar, they offer delicious tequila and mezcal drinks along with tacos. Specialty cocktails will run you $7 on the daily from 4- 8 p.m. If you’re not up for liquor, take advantage of $4 beers. And if you’re having one of those days, you can skip all the pleasantries and go straight to business with $5 shots.
2. American Social
The famed waterfront restaurant/bar is known for boozy brunches, good vibes, and lit game days. Located on the Miami River, American Social welcomes a diverse crowd looking for good food, drinks, and scenic views. Their daily happy hour occurs weekdays from 4 – 8 p.m. and features $10 cocktails along with half off well drinks, wine and beer. They have more than 30 beers on tap, $6 plates, an indoor area that resembles a sports bar, and outdoor relaxed seating by the water. What more can you ask for?
*Don’t forget about $5 burger Mondays.
3. Casa Tua Cucina
Inside the new Saks Brickell City Center you’ll find a large, stylish Italian food hall with a 300 seat restaurant, 30 seat full bar, and a small market. The bar sits right at the center, serving 48 different wines by the glass, beer on tap, and specialty cocktails. You can enjoy $8 cocktails, $6 wine, and $4 beer every weekday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. The cool vibe is complemented by $5-10 tapas and dishes including focaccia and pasta. The only catch? You have to be seated in one of the 30 spots at the bar to enjoy this happy hour.
4. Area 31
As featured in our list of the best rooftop bars in Brickell & Downtown, Area 31 is one of Miami’s gems. The views alone are enough to warrant a visit, especially if they are accompanied by a beat the clock happy hour. Every Friday, guests can enjoy specialty cocktails, select rum, and champagne starting at $5. The price of the drink corresponds to the time of purchase; $5 at 5 p.m., $6 at 6 p.m., and so on. Isn’t it nice to be on time? If that isn’t enough, they have a regular happy hour weekdays from 5 – 8 p.m.where you can order $7 specialty drinks and bar bites.
5. Sweet Caroline Karaoke Bar
Want to know what it feels like to be Beyonce for 3:00 minutes? Head over to Brickell’s first Karaoke Bar, Sweet Caroline and warm up your vocal cords with their drink specials. Enjoy $2 champagne and beer from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. every day. You can also stay for $4 beer and $6 cocktails until 9 p.m. and sing the night away in a judgement-free zone.
6. Stone Sports Bar at CMX Movie Theaters
You may be wondering why a movie theatre bar is on this list. “How old are you, 12?” Nope, we’re not 12, and this isn’t AMC theaters. Stone at the CMX theater in Brickell City Center is far from your average bar at the movies. This sports bar retains the same upscale look and feel of Brickell City Center while offering great specials. Enjoy $6 cocktails, $5 beer and wine, and $9 wine slushies from 3 – 7:30 p.m. on weekdays or catch the big game on their giant projector screen.
7. Barsecco
Barsecco offers happy hour daily from 4-8 p.m. featuring $6 craft cocktails and tapas, along with live music. On Tuesdays, you can enjoy live musical performances by Thug Sinatra at 7 p.m. in the lounge. It’s all part of a new concept called The Cottontail, happening every Tuesday starting at 5 p.m.
8. Pubbelly
If you are looking for a quick bite and cheap drinks, head over to Pubbelly every Monday-Saturday as they offer a happy-hour menu featuring rolls and sashimi priced from $10-$15. You can also get $4 beers, $6 sake and wine by the glass, and $8 cocktails.
9. Blackbird
Blackbird offers a different kind of two-for-one deal. Head over to this popular bar everyday from 3 – 8 p.m. and you’ll receive a Blackbird Ordinary poker chip with the purchase of any drink. The cool part is the chip can be redeemed for a free drink any time (yes, even on weekends). If you’re wondering what to order, we recommend the Tipp Top, a potent combination of Pierde Almas La Puritita Verdá mescal, passion fruit, lime, agave syrup, mint leaves and habanero peppers.
If you’re looking to *wine* down after a hard day at work or a simple way to switch up you’re after-work routine, we suggest choosing one of the places above and ending your long day on a sweet note.
Image Credit: blackbirdordinary.com
