The Best Bars For Office Cocktails In Miami 2014 | Tasting Table MIA
The office holiday party can be a thing of organized chaos (no matter how good the planning, someone's bound to make a bad decision).
So this year, we recommend grabbing your co-workers and getting a few impromptu rounds of drinks and snacks, hopefully on the holiday dime. Here are our favorite spots for last-minute holiday parties, with no reservations required. You're bound to create some water cooler-worthy memories.
The Rum Line, Miami Beach
Our of-the-moment favorite outdoor bar, located on the patio of the St. Moritz tower of the Loews Hotel, is already decked out in holiday merriment, string lights included. It also has one of the most elaborate cocktail menus in the city (seriously, it'll take you some time to look over), so our advice is to order the Tug Boat ($14)—Mt. Gay Black Barrel, Allspice Dram, honey, ginger and Wray & Nephew Overproof—for everyone, and watch the sparks as your co-workers sip from adorable tiki skull mugs garnished with a fuchsia orchid.
Crown Room at the Thompson Hotel, Miami Beach
The new addition to hotel row in Mid-Beach has an all-star cast helming its Florida-chic, retro establishment. To celebrate the recent opening (and if you've got a corporate card), start with dinner at Michelle Bernstein's Seagrape and walk over to the library-esque, marbled-countered Crown Room bar, where Julio Cabrera's proteges are trained to provide the most hospitable experience, along with first-class cocktails. The studious atmosphere is just a facade—loosen your tie and get comfortable.
1930's House at the Thompson Hotel, Miami Beach
If you're looking for something with a bit more glamour to impress the boss, head to the restored historic bungalow on the same property as No. 2. It serves Cabrera's bespoke collection of artisanal drinks, such as the Ain't Misbeehavin' ($15)—with Bulleit, lemon juice, honey syrup, egg white, orange bitters—and you'll also find chef Bernstein's tasting menu and small plates like the sea urchin sashimi with shaved cucumber-shisho ($MP) from the crudo bar found inside it.
The Regent, South Beach
The original craft cocktail bar in Miami sets a cool and classic scene for your holiday soiree. Each night's rotating menu of five cocktails celebrates a different part of the world (be it Barcelona Nights on Mondays, Havana Nights on Wednesdays or the recently added Brazilian Sunday nights). The bar also hosts an accompanying musical act to dance along to—so ask your cube-mate crush to cut a rug.
27 Restaurant, South Beach
If you haven't stopped by the new neighboring addition to Broken Shaker at the Freehand, here are your working papers: The second story of a renovated 1930s Florida home has a cabana-like ambiance; boozy drinks concocted by Bar Lab's super duo will get conversation flowing. Impress your boss by ordering an El Duque ($12): cold-brewed Panther coffee with manzanilla sherry, gently stirred with Atlántico Private cask rum.
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Bar Centro at the SLS Hotel, South Beach
The beautiful deck terrace of the SLS Hotel is usually under the radar, so it's the perfect spot for a relatively quiet work gathering. Did we mention José Andrés is behind the cocktail menu? Expect reinventions of classic cocktails made with liquid nitrogen; organic emulsifiers; and fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. Just make sure you can expense it first.
The Mezzanine at Cafeina, Wynwood
After the Art Basel madness dies down, Cafeina will go back to being that hidden spot in the back alleys of the artsy neighborhood. The two-story bar offers a great spot to gather after work, with its velvety couches and dark lounge-y area downstairs. If you need to get away from your boss, escape to the oasis-like outdoor patio adjacent to the small gallery, usually exhibiting impressive photography collections.
Swine Southern Table, Coral Gables
The pork-centric establishment has a perfect second-story loft bar to cater to your holiday shenanigans. Did we mention the array of house-infused bourbons to get everyone in the spirit? Seasonal old-fashioneds ($15) for everyone! You're bound to find some mistletoe in the rustic, barnlike decor.
Sidebar, Brickell
The art movement is spreading like wildfire through the city, even in our more traditional neighborhoods. Sidebar brings that Wynwood feel to the cusp of Brickell and Little Havana without any hipster pretenses: What you'll find is an indoor area with a stage, plenty of dancing and lounging room and a backyard for more casual get-togethers. The best thing is that the drinks are affordable—especially if you're financing your own party.