South Beach’s Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road strip is loud, dense and open late, with live music and karaoke woven through the party scene rather than set apart from it. It’s not a subtle scene, and it isn’t trying to be. Every venue below links to its full profile in our venue directory.
The Clevelander South Beach
A South Beach institution since 1938, The Clevelander South Beach on Ocean Drive runs a resident DJ on Thursdays plus karaoke nights, pool parties and live entertainment in a non-stop party atmosphere. It’s the single most photographed bar facade on Ocean Drive for a reason.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe
Also on Ocean Drive, Mango's Tropical Cafe has brought live Latin music to the sidewalk every night since 1989, with the Miami Fusion house band playing Monday through Friday afternoons and a live salsa band on Sunday afternoons.
Bodega South Beach
A secret door in the back of this Ocean Drive taqueria leads to Bodega South Beach, one of South Beach’s most eclectic karaoke rooms, running a themed DJ party on Thursdays and open until 5am on weekends.
Hotel Gaythering
On Lincoln Road, Hotel Gaythering runs Karaoke Monday every week, led by comedian Blamie Forret, in a welcoming LGBTQ friendly setting a few steps from the pedestrian mall. 21 and up (get directions).
Kill Your Idol
On Espanola Way, Kill Your Idol is a rock and alternative dive bar with a Thursday karaoke night, a different pace from the Ocean Drive strip a block away and a good option for anyone who wants South Beach without the Ocean Drive price tag. 21 and up (get directions).
South Beach nightlife gets a reputation for being all velvet ropes and bottle service, and plenty of it is, but the karaoke and live music scene here runs on a totally different, much more accessible track. Nobody’s checking a guest list at Bodega’s secret karaoke door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there karaoke on South Beach?
Yes. The Clevelander, Bodega South Beach, Hotel Gaythering and Kill Your Idol all run karaoke nights, on different nights and in very different atmospheres.
What is the most iconic bar on Ocean Drive?
The Clevelander has been a South Beach nightlife landmark since 1938 and is one of the most recognizable bars on Ocean Drive.
Is South Beach nightlife only for tourists?
Ocean Drive skews tourist heavy, but a block or two off the strip at spots like Kill Your Idol on Espanola Way, the crowd is much more local.
