Come to Hoy Como Ayer for live Cuban music, mojitos, and a proper sample of Havana nightlife.

Broken Shaker in Mid-Beach is where to go for drinks on a tree-lined patio by a pool and to get away from the nearby clubs.

Mac’s Club Deuce is Miami Beach’s best (and oldest) dive bar, with a Happy Hour that goes from 7am to 7pm.

Gramps is a fun bar in Wynwood with a big patio, excellent drag nights, and surprisingly good pizza out back.

NIU Kitchen is a tiny spot in Downtown Miami serving excellent Catalan food. Bring someone you really want to impress.

Lost Boy is a pub in Downtown Miami with a great Happy Hour, solid cocktails, and an old piano you’re allowed to sit on.

All Day serves the best coffee in the city, and some solid breakfast/lunch food, in an unexpected corner of Downtown.

Ball& Chain is a popular and historic bar on Calle Ocho with live music, very good mojitos, and no cover.

Ariete is one of Coconut Grove’s best restaurants, but still casual enough for a nice weeknight dinner.

Monty’s in Coconut Grove feels like a Key West raw bar, minus the annoying drive. Come here for the views, but don’t expect the city’s best seafood.

Lokal in Coconut Grove makes the best burgers in Miami, has a nice beer selection, and is a great place to stare at some adorable dogs.

Taquiza is one of the rare affordable spots in South Beach that also makes some of the best tacos in the city.

The Anderson on 79th is part trip to the 1980s with animal print and a disco ball, part tiki-bar with palm trees and rum cocktails.

Phuc Yea is one of the most creative spots in Miami, with a Vietnamese-Cajun menu and a colorful space in MiMo.

You can’t leave Miami without eating Cuban food at Versailles - head there during the day for a sandwich or for dinner in their ornate dining room.

Serving Persian food in a bright space, Fooq’s in Downtown Miami is great for anytime you need good food and a “cool place.”