With the same songs playing on the radio across the country and every type of music available online, hitting the nightlife scene can start to feel repetitive no matter where you are—not in Miami. The Latin influence on Miami’s culture doesn’t just affect the food and the language, the Latin culture knows how to party. Almost anywhere you go, you’ll hear the beats and rhythm of Latin music. Read on for some nightlife spots to fill your nights with Latin flavor.

LOUNGES & RESTAURANTS

Start your night right with Latin-inspired bites in ambiance that will get you in the groove for a night out. Many of Miami’s restaurants have menu’s inspired by a Latin American culture that is distinctly Miami. Try restaurants like Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Ola, Casabe 305, Yuca Restaurant and Lounge and Larios on the Beach to start your night with new takes on classic Latin food. Then, move on and dance it off.

Kukaramakara is a Colombian restaurant and lounge in Brickell that is especially popular with Brickell’s young international business crowd. This mostly Spanish-speaking spot turns into a popular nightlife hangout by night with a cover charge.

Bongos Cuban Café, owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan is “Where The Rhythm Never Stops.” This Cuban café and lounge has locations right next to the American Airlines Arena, the home of the Miami Heat, and inside the airport. Get a taste of Latin culture, food and music right off of your flight. Bongo’s is a modern and colorful setting for a classic Havana tradition of live music and delicious Cuban food.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

At Hoy Como Ayer, in Little Havana, the name says it all; directly translated it means “today like yesterday.” Hoy Como Ayer has nightly music shows including Wednesdays with DJ Oscar G, an internationally renowned house DJ. There’s always a Latin spice, but it’s Thursday nights that makes it a must for those looking to experience authentic Latin flavor with local Afro-Cuban band the Spam All Stars. They’re an ensemble group of rotating musicians who perform a style of old-school music with a new-school twist that you just can’t find outside of Miami.

PAX, Performing Arts Exchange, is a launching pad for local Latin artists. The indoor/outdoor venue packs its schedule with live acts from internationally famous flamenco to funky Latin jazz. Tucked under a highway, just off of Downtown Miami, PAX hosts a weekly Tango Tuesdays and showcases contemporary takes on traditional Latin music like cumbia, latino-electronico and Spanish rock.

The Stage, located in the hip Design District, is a very Miami music venue. This indoor/outdoor space sometimes feels like a Cuban chill jazz lounge, a coffee house, a popping club or a laid-back lounge. The Stage regularly books the standout musicians on the Miami music scene, including Afro-Cuban jazz and rock acts, Spanish rap, Latin dance, young reggae talent and more. If you’re ready to take the stage, there are regular karaoke nights where you can make your Miami debut.

LATIN SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

In Miami, we know how to make cocktails right.

Order a Bacardi® Mojito, the official cocktail of Miami & the Beaches. It’s a traditional rum-based cocktail with of muddled mint, cane sugar, lime juice and sparkling water for a little bubble. The drink originated in Cuba and was made famous by Ernest Hemingway.

Another option for an authentic Miami drink is the Cuba Libre, which is rum and Coke. This delicious treat is as simple as it sounds. Your local Miami bartender will know just which variety of rum to use. It’s the best drink for a hot summer day—trust us.

For a lesser known traditional cocktail try, the Pisco Sour. This typical South American cocktail is attributed to the Peruvians and the Chileans. The base liquor is pisco, a grape brandy, then mixed with key lime or lemon juice, simple syrup, ice, egg whites and Angostura bitters. There are a few different variations that claim to be the authentic Pisco Sour. Go ahead and order a funky version at a restaurant that puts its own spin on it and see what you think.

Try cocktail spots like Bahia at the Four Seasons in Brickell, M-Bar at the Mandarin Oriental and Bossa Nova Lounge at Trump National Doral Miami.