Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita photo
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Miami doesn’t exactly need another excuse to show off, but here’s one anyway: two of its most popular rooftop bars have just landed among the ten best in the country. According to a new ranking from Mandoe Media, a South Beach hotspot and a classic Brickell gem are among the very best rooftop bars in the nation, and for good reason.
The study compared hundreds of bars across the U.S., weighing everything from design and atmosphere to how well each place captures its city’s personality. Miami was one of only a few cities with more than one entry, fitting for a town that treats rooftops like a competitive sport.
Mila photo
No. 4 – Mila, South Beach
Perched above Meridian Ave., Mila overlooks Lincoln Road, somehow managing to stay elegant amid the tourist crush below. The restaurant, which was recently named the ninth most beautiful in the U.S., blends Mediterranean and Japanese influences with dishes like grilled lamb skewers, miso-marinated fish, and sushi that appear to be made for golden-hour lighting. The space is minimalist yet warm, featuring pale stone, soft lighting, and just enough polish to feel luxurious without feeling cold.
The cocktails are sharp, the service steady, and for all its glitz, Mila remains one of the few South Beach rooftops that delivers drama without tipping into being too over-the-top.
Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita photo
No. 6 – Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita, Brickell
Across the bridge, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita occupies a 1923 Mediterranean Revival firehouse at 1000 S. Miami Ave., a remnant of Brickell before the towers and Mary Brickell took over. Its rooftop terrace sits above the traffic with string lights, skyline views, and a loyal, mostly local crowd. The menu stretches from Argentinian churrasco to tuna poke and tacos, and the sangria still flows like it’s 2010. Weekends bring DJs, brunch, and the kind of easy chaos Brickell thrives on. There’s even a tucked-away garden for parties and showers that somehow still feels like a secret.
Dolores, winner of New Times‘ Best Restaurant in Brickell 2025, has outlasted many flashier neighbors by refusing to overdo it. It is a rooftop with charm instead of pretense and still one of the few places in Brickell where you can drink under the skyline without paying a cover.
Mila. 1636 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach; 786-706-0744; mila-miami.com.
Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita. 1000 S. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-403-3103; passionrestaurantgroup.com/restaurants/dolores-lolita.
