Looking for Places to Drink in Miami? Try This Rooftop Gem
Miami has hundreds of bars, lounges, and rooftop spots competing for your attention. Finding the right one can feel overwhelming, especially when you want more than just a standard pour and a loud DJ. If you’re searching for places to drink in Miami that deliver on atmosphere, quality, and views, 818 Lincoln Road in South Beach is home to not one but two exceptional destinations: ORO Miami and Elixir Lounge.
Perched above Lincoln Road, ORO Miami offers panoramic skyline views, a business-casual dress code, and a globally inspired cocktail program that sets it apart from typical Miami bars. Just steps away on the same third floor, Elixir Lounge brings a completely different energy — a moody, velvet-drenched space that blends old-world luxury with a modern edge, plus DJs every weekend for guests who want their night to go deeper.
Together, these two venues make 818 Lincoln Road one of the most compelling drinking destinations in all of South Beach.
Hand-Crafted Cocktails Worth the Visit
With a cocktail menu built by skilled bartenders and a sunset-ready happy hour called The ORO Hour, our cocktail bar Miami Beach gem, is where locals and visitors go when they want something elevated. ORO delivers exactly that with its carefully curated atmosphere and craft cocktail program.
Oro’s bartenders approach each drink with chef-like precision. We source small-batch spirits, press house-made syrups, and fold in international flavors that reflect Miami's melting-pot energy. The result is a craft-cocktail experience in Miami where every glass tells a story. Gitnux bar industry data found that 55% of bar patrons choose venues based on cocktail menu uniqueness. That philosophy drives everything on ORO's menu.
Each cocktail feels intentional. The bartenders treat presentation like plating a dish, making every sip and every photo worth your time. For anyone exploring Miami cocktail bars looking for something beyond a basic mojito, this is where the search ends.
Signature Cocktails
The Shangri-La ($38) is an Umami Scotch Manhattan that blends savory and smoky notes for a bold, complex finish. The Red Ruby ($18) reimagines the Negroni with a raspberry twist that balances bitter and sweet. For something lighter, the Athena Gimlet ($18) combines cucumber and pomegranate into a crisp martini-style pour.
These South Beach cocktails are crafted to match the rooftop setting. They photograph well, spark conversation, and deliver layered flavor profiles that keep guests ordering a second round. You can browse the full lineup on the cocktails menu. This is what sets top Miami bars apart: intention behind every ingredient.
The ORO Hour: Not Your Average Happy Hour
The ORO Hour transforms happy hour into a refined rooftop ritual.
Built around an $11 Libations list and $15 Bites, this happy hour in Miami experience caters to guests who want craft flavor without cutting corners on quality. Industry research shows that 70% of bar patrons seek experiential venues with live music and elevated atmospheres. It ranks among the best happy hours in Miami options for anyone craving a mini tasting menu at sunset rather than a rush for discounted wells.
The ORO Hour was built on that exact philosophy, which is why it stands out as one of Miami’s most memorable happy hour experiences. For a deeper look at where to enjoy happy hour on the beach, explore ORO’s guide to happy hour in Miami Beach.
Happy Hour Cocktails
The $11 happy hour cocktails lean into bright, aperitivo-style flavors perfect for rooftop evenings. Citrus lovers gravitate toward the Peach Spritz, built with Ketel Botanicals, Savoia Orancio, Torresella Rosé, and San Pellegrino Peach & Clementine, or the Limonata Amalfitana, which combines Italicus with San Pellegrino Limonata and Torresella.
For guests who prefer deeper, bolder spritzes, the Rosso Passione pairs Savoia Americano with San Pellegrino Blood Orange and Torresella Prosecco. The MIAMERICANO rounds out the lineup with Savoia Americano, passionfruit, and soda for a tropical twist.
Beer and wine lovers also have polished options during The ORO Hour: Daura IPA or Daura Lager at $6, plus house wine at $11. Explore the full happy hour menu or browse the beer, wine, and spirits selection for details. These Miami rooftop drinks bring a taste of Italian aperitivo culture to South Beach.
Food Pairings
The $15 bites are crafted for pairing, turning upscale happy hour in Miami into a refined pre-dinner ritual. Caviar Bump and Caprese set the tone, while White Truffle Pomme Frites with fried egg aioli and Twice Fried Brussels Sprouts hold their own beside the richer Rosso Passione. Leaning citrus-forward? Oysters with Michelada mignonette or Passionfruit Crudo light up alongside a bright spritz. It’s a level of detail and intention you rarely see in a typical bar lounge in Miami.
This keeps the luxury energy while making it feel curated instead of listed. If you want it slightly more bold or more restrained, we can tune the dial either direction.
Blistered Shishito Peppers and Esquites round out the menu as shareable plates that keep the table lively. Every dish is designed to complement the spritz-forward Miami drinks menu, bridging the gap between a quick stop and a full evening. Check out the happy hour pairings to plan your visit.
Non-Alcoholic Options: Drinking Well Without the Alcohol
ORO's Free Spirit menu proves you don't need alcohol to drink well. House-made sodas and wellness-forward mocktails match the creativity of their alcoholic counterparts. The same premium ingredients and bartender attention go into every glass, making these options equal in quality and presentation.
These drinks are perfect for day drinking in Miami, rooftop sessions, designated drivers, or wellness-focused guests. You can also explore our coffee and tea menu for afternoon visits. Whether or not you're drinking alcohol, ORO delivers the full bar lounge Miami experience without compromise.
Elixir Lounge: Old Luxury Meets Modern Nightlife
If ORO Miami sets the stage for golden-hour cocktails and skyline views, Elixir Lounge is where the night takes a turn into something darker and more dramatic. Also located at 818 Lincoln Road on the third floor, Elixir Lounge is a separate brand with a distinct identity — a velvet room-inspired space that channels old-world luxury through a modern lens.
The atmosphere is moody and immersive. Deep textures, low lighting, and rich décor create the kind of environment that feels like stepping into a secret you weren’t supposed to find. It’s the natural complement to ORO’s open-air brightness — same building, completely different world.
Craft Cocktails with a Darker Edge
Elixir Lounge’s own cocktail menu matches its aesthetic: bold, considered, and built for sipping slowly. The bartenders approach each drink with the same precision and attention to quality you’d expect from a venue sharing a building with ORO, but the flavor profiles lean deeper and more complex, befitting the lounge’s intimate, after-dark energy.
Whether you prefer a perfectly built classic or something more inventive, the bar program at Elixir reflects genuine craft. For guests moving between venues, the contrast between ORO’s bright, aperitivo-forward menu and Elixir’s richer cocktail sensibility makes for a natural and satisfying progression through the evening.
Bottle Service & the Full Nightlife Experience
For groups who want to elevate the evening further, Elixir Lounge offers bottle service — a fitting option given the venue’s emphasis on atmosphere and occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply committing to a proper night out, bottle service at Elixir delivers the luxury hospitality that the space was designed around.
DJs Every Weekend Until 4AM
What truly separates Elixir Lounge from a standard cocktail bar is the programming. DJs perform every weekend, turning the velvet-wrapped room into one of South Beach’s more compelling late-night destinations. The music isn’t an afterthought — it’s central to the Elixir experience, shaping the energy of the space and giving guests a reason to linger long after their first drink.
According to OpenTable, 62% of Gen Z say they prefer rooftop bars when dining outdoors more than any other age group. Industry research also shows that 70% of bar patrons actively seek venues with live music and elevated atmospheres — Elixir was built for exactly that crowd.
An Elevated Night Out at ORO & Elixir
Picture this: you arrive at 818 Lincoln Road as the sun dips over South Beach. The skyline shifts from gold to violet while you settle into ORO’s rooftop with a Peach Spritz in hand. Small plates land at the table. Conversation flows. The atmosphere feels curated without being pretentious.
As the evening deepens, you move through to Elixir Lounge. The velvet room welcomes you with moodier cocktails, a DJ finding their rhythm, and an atmosphere that’s both intimate and electric. One building. Two completely different experiences. One exceptional night.
According to OpenTable, 62% of Gen Z say they prefer rooftop bars when dining outdoors more than any other age group. ORO delivers exactly that elevated rooftop experience.
What separates these two venues from other places to drink in Miami is the intentionality behind every detail — the design, service, drink quality, and atmosphere all work together, whether you’re in the open-air brightness of ORO or the moody warmth of Elixir.
For more inspiration on where to grab a drink in Miami, Miami and Beaches curates some of the best Miami bars across every neighborhood. The Miami Design District also has a growing cocktail scene for those exploring beyond South Beach.
Ready to Experience Two of the Top Places to Drink in Miami?
ORO Miami and Elixir Lounge stand out as elevated drinking destinations in a city full of options. The rooftop setting and craft cocktail program at ORO, paired with the moody nightlife energy and DJ-driven weekends at Elixir, make 818 Lincoln Road a must-visit destination in South Beach.
Whether you're planning a date night, celebrating with friends, or looking for a Miami hotel rooftop bar alternative with real character, ORO delivers. The dress code is business casual, so come prepared. Make a reservation at ORO Miami and experience why locals keep coming back. You can also read ORO's own guide to the best places to drink in Miami for more on the city's scene. For curated lists of top Miami bars, Resy's Miami guide and Kathryn Maier's cocktail guide are both great starting points.
Ready to experience one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Miami? At ORO, we offer an extraordinary culinary journey, blending international flavors with a refined, innovative touch. From our globally inspired, seasonal dishes to the elegant ambiance that defines upscale dining in Miami, ORO is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination. Reserve your table now and discover why ORO is the top choice for those seeking a luxury dining experience in Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Drink in Miami
What part of Miami is best for partying?
South Beach remains the top destination for nightlife, with Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue offering the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and rooftop venues. 818 Lincoln Road alone houses two distinct experiences — ORO Miami for sunset cocktails and Elixir Lounge for late-night DJ sets and bottle service. Brickell and Wynwood also attract crowds with their own energy.
What drink is famous in Miami?
The mojito is Miami's most recognized cocktail, rooted in the city's Cuban heritage. Spots like Ball & Chain serve classic versions well. Meanwhile, a modern cocktail bar in Miami Beach, like ORO Miami, puts creative twists on familiar flavors using house-made syrups and small-batch spirits. Craft spritzes and rum-based Miami drinks also dominate local menus citywide.
Can you drink openly in Miami?
Open container laws in Miami prohibit drinking alcohol on most public streets and sidewalks. However, designated entertainment districts and licensed venues with outdoor seating are permitted to do so legally. Rooftop bars, patios, and elevated lounges like ORO Miami in South Beach offer the best legal open-air drink experiences in Miami without worrying about citations or fines.
What area in Miami has the best bars?
South Beach, Brickell, and Wynwood lead Miami’s bar scene. South Beach offers rooftops and ocean views, with 818 Lincoln Road as a standout destination anchored by both ORO Miami and Elixir Lounge. Brickell delivers sleek happy hours for professionals, and Wynwood brings creative cocktail energy. Each neighborhood serves a distinct vibe, making the best choice depend on whether you want luxury, business-polished, or arts-driven nightlife.
What is Elixir Lounge?
Elixir Lounge is a separate bar and lounge located at 818 Lincoln Road, third floor — the same building as ORO Miami. It operates under its own brand and menu, with a distinct velvet-room aesthetic that blends old-world luxury with a modern edge. Elixir specializes in craft cocktails, bottle service, and weekend DJ programming, making it one of South Beach’s more compelling after-dark destinations. The dress code is business casual, consistent with ORO Miami.