126 Best Nightlife in Florida, USA

Established in 1935 and steeped in legends of gambling, Prohibition protests, the rise of budding entertainers Billie Holiday and Chet Baker, and the development of Cuban-centric Calle Ocho, this storied nightlife spot has been reestablished under its original name. The high-vaulted ceilings, floral wallpaper, black-and-white photos, and palm-fringed outdoor lounge nod to its torrid history and the glamour of Old Havana. Live music flows freely, as do the Latin-inspired libations and tapas of traditional Cuban favorites.

This DJ-fueled, underground adult playground, below The Miami Beach EDITION hotel, features a micro version of famed Studio 54, a four-lane bowling alley, and a very small ice skating rink. The 2,000-square-foot rink might be too tiny for Olympic-quality skaters, but it's a priceless visit if only for the memory of how you skated on your Miami Beach vacation.

At this hip Hamptons-esque scene, society darlings crowd the lounge, sipping killer cocktails like the French Pearl (gin, Pernod, lemon juice, mint) and Buccan T (vodka, black tea, cranberry, citrus, basil, and agave nectar).

Although it's only open till 10, this is still a place to see and be seen. It's dark and a little mysterious, and the wine, wood-fired pizzas, cheese pairings, meats, and fondues are five-star worthy. Sit at the bar, on a couch, or at a high-top, and be transported to somewhere other than a typical, tropical Keys venue. The daily happy hour offers a "pizza and pitcher" special that's a hit with locals.

When it was the original Sloppy Joe's in the mid-1930s, Hemingway was a regular. Later, a young Jimmy Buffett sang here and made this watering hole famous in his song "Last Mango in Paris." Captain Tony was even voted mayor of Key West. Yes, this place is a beloved landmark. Stop in and take a look at the "hanging tree" that grows through the roof, listen to live music seven nights a week, and play some pool.

Offering the fruits of the adjacent Cigar City brewery, this large tasting room puts Tampa on the map for craft beer enthusiasts. On tap, it offers mainstays like Jai Alai IPA and Maduro Brown Ale as well as an interesting rotation of seasonal beers. The staff is friendly, and the music is generally good, but beware: happy hour can be packed.

Bands play in the living room of this historic house, though much of the action is outdoors on the lawn in fair weather, where huge trees and lanterns make it a fun stop for drinks or a group night out. It's a place where those who don't drink will also feel comfortable, however, and excellent gourmet nibbles are a huge bonus (a full dinner menu is available, too). A bohemian, younger crowd gathers later, into the night.

The back of a gas station is perhaps the most unexpected location for a wine bar, yet for 30 years a passion for good food and drink has kept this family-run business among Miami's best-kept secrets—although they've added a sign outside. Tables are in the Old World–style wine cellar, stocked with bottles representing all parts of the globe (and at excellent prices). A waiter takes your order from the menu of exquisite cheeses and charcuterie, hot and cold tapas, paellas, and, of course, wine.

It's not hard to see why LIV often makes lists of the world's best clubs—if you can get in, that is (LIV is notorious for lengthy lines, so don't arrive fashionably late). Past the velvet ropes, the dance palladium impresses with its lavish decor, well-dressed international crowd, sensational light-and-sound system, and seductive bi-level club experience.  Men beware: groups of guys entering LIV are often coerced into insanely priced bottle service.

Smoky, dark, and delightfully unpolished, this complete dive bar (cash only) is anything but what you'd expect from glitzy South Beach. Once a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain, this spot is decorated with neon signs that were a gift when they hosted the Miami Vice wrap party in the '80s. Happy hour takes place from 8 am to 5 pm, and you'll always find an eclectic crowd at the bar at all hours.

This edgy bar has a retro vibe most evident by its bright-red carpeting, "No Regerts" mural, and twinkling ceiling. The party lasts until 5 am seven nights a week with a menu full of bold cocktails like the popular pornstar martini and sparkling Tommy's margarita. Late nights a DJ sets the vibe, and on the last Sunday of every month, there's an emo night that draws a massive crowd.

In the last few years, Rocco's has taken root in numerous South Florida downtowns and become synonymous with wild nights of chips and guac, margaritas, and intoxicating fun. This is more of a scene than just a restaurant, and when Rocco's in the house and pouring shots, get ready to party hearty. With pitchers of margaritas continuously flowing, the middle-age crowd is boisterous and fun, recounting (and reliving) the days of spring break debauchery from their preprofessional years. Get your party started here with more than 220 choices of tequila. There's another branch at 5250 Town Center Circle in Boca Raton, at 110 Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, and in Palm Beach Gardens in PGA Commons at 5090 PGA Boulevard.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is a Vegas-inspired gaming and entertainment complex in a fairly forlorn area of town. Once inside the Hard Rock fortress, you'll feel the excitement immediately. In addition to the AAA Four Diamond hotel, there's a monster casino, and a 7,000-seat performance venue (Hard Rock Live), plus dozens of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.  The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is not to be confused with its neighbor, the Seminole Classic Casino.

There's history and good times at the successor to a famous 1937 speakeasy named for its founder, Captain Joe Russell. Decorated with Hemingway memorabilia and marine flags, the bar is full and noisy all the time. A Sloppy Joe's T-shirt is a de rigueur Key West souvenir, and the gift shop sells them like crazy. Grab a seat (if you can), and be entertained by the bands—and the parade of people in constant motion.

This skyscraping rooftop bar, hands down the best in the city, is the essence of Brickell: futuristic, worldly, and beyond sleek. Draped in tropical flora, it crowns the 40th floor of EAST Miami, the luxury hotel tucked inside Brickell City Centre shopping complex. The sunsets here are spectacular, as are the Southeast Asian bites and cocktails. Pop into the Tea Room on the same floor for late-night brunch with bottomless drinks.

This tropical-chic, come-as-you-are cocktail lounge and restaurant has won all kinds of national and local awards for its incredible spirit-forward cocktails and fresh-and-funky vibe. For something extra special, reserve the Bartender's Table, which operates like a chef's table, but here you're in the thick of the bar action, tasting libations. Food from a full menu created by co-owner and James Beard Award winner Michelle Bernstein is served until 4 am.

Popular with the cool crowd, this indoor-outdoor craft cocktail joint lures in droves to revel in creative mixology and fabulous people-watching. Everything at the vintage-chic hot spot is perfectly Instagrammable, from the daring and beautifully presented drinks to the twinkle lights over the pool. It's no wonder the venue has been awarded national titles such as America's Best Bar.

Beloved by locals, The Social is a great place to see touring and area musicians. Up to seven nights a week, you can sip trademark martinis while listening to anything from indie rock to rockabilly to music mixed by DJs. Fans love the venue because the stage is low, the bands are close, and the enthusiasm is high. Hours vary, and there is usually a cover.

On tap at this local craft brewery, set in a converted industrial space, is a spate of excellent in-house creations (the Bimini Twist IPA is a favorite). There's live music some nights, as well as a few game options. The brewery is also close enough to Central Avenue to walk (or take a short trolley ride) to or from Tropicana Field and Grand Central District restaurants.

Northern Pinellas County is a hotbed for craft brewing. This small tasting room features this brewery's offerings, largely Belgian-style, spirit barrel-aged sour beer as well as IPAs, and a handful of others. It's near downtown Dunedin's shopping, dining, and nightlife and isn't too far from the Pinellas Trail.

The Aleworks always seems to be filled with students and visitors taste-driving the microbrews and other selections from the full bar. Seats on the second-story balcony provide a great view of the marina and bay across the street. It's a little like being on Bourbon Street—but clean.

On a clear, starry night it's nice to retreat from the crowded street-level drinking establishments to this spot atop The Social music club. Surrounded by some of Orlando's tallest buildings, it exudes hip, trendy vibes that are just right for those looking to dance to a DJ outdoors. Ladies' nights, theme events, and even yoga classes are offered.

Fans of IPAs, saisons, stouts, you name it (even kombucha) will find their brew of choice on the lengthy list of draft beverages at this cornerstone of St. Petersburg's exploding exploding craft beer scene. Live music is also regularly on tap, and although there's some seating inside, the action tends to happen out in the courtyard, where there are plenty of tables and space for listeners to gather when there's a band playing. Although the place is a late-night draw, kids and dogs are welcome, and you can grab food from one of several nearby restaurants to accompany your brew.

Billed as the oldest continually operating dinner theater in the United States, the Alhambra offers mostly musicals such as Singing' in the Rain, Jersey Boys, or the family-friendly Beauty and the Beast. It's dark on Monday.

Housed in the historic Walker Library building, Bar 1903 has a Library of Cocktails that spans 160 years of mixology tradition. Small plates, sandwiches, and sweets—often made with ingredients sourced from the urban farm that the bar shares with its sister dining establishments—are on offer in a warm, cozy atmosphere, where service is attentive, but unobtrusive. With a seating capacity of only 36, this is an ideal place for a quiet chat.

This dive bar strung with twinkling lights is complete with a pool table, nightly DJ, and karaoke. They're known for never having a menu but employing bartenders who can make any drink you're thirsty for, whether it's a simple vodka soda or an elaborate Corpse Reviver #2.

For a taste of Florida, consider trying the Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat Beer at this satellite location of the Sarasota-based brewery. Of course, if you aren't sure what to order, bartenders happily offer free samples. Beer flights and packaged beer are also available, as are sandwiches, burgers, and bar snacks. The brewpub also hosts trivia or beer-Bingo nights, as well as Saturday and Sunday brunches that feature bottomless mimosas. If you're a sports fan, you can catch games on multiple TVs in the bar; if you want to relax, head to the quaint outdoor seating area.