Though Miami has year-round good weather, spring is the optimal time to do anything outside in the city. It’s not too hot, and afternoons are usually accompanied by a welcomed breeze that makes outdoor activities enjoyable. So nothing is better than drinking with friends in German-style beer gardens. The Magic City has a few, and here are the five best. Gather some drinking buddies and participate in a cultural exchange.
5. The Butcher Shop
Located in Wynwood, the Butcher Shop is as close to a traditional German beer garden as you'll to get in Miami. The menu boasts an impressive selection of meats and appetizers, with the German pretzel with béchamel sauce ($7) and the assorted sausage platter ($28) being among the most popular. The beer menu features 14 draft and 19 bottled beers, and specials happen often. The outdoor courtyard, with its tea lights and picnic tables, creates a friendly vibe ideal for mingling.
4. Buck's Beer Garden at the Raleigh
Every first and third Thursday of the month, the pool at the Raleigh transform into a German beer oasis. The offerings involve a rotating beer menu, which you can enjoy by purchasing drink tickets for $5. Food favorites include German potato salad that's made fresh daily and can be purchased with food tickets for $10. With a relaxed-meets-swanky atmosphere and stunning ocean views, Bucks Beer Garden is a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle surrounding it.
3. Brick House
Another Wynwood spot is Brick House. With its craft beer selection and live music offerings, it’s a unique take on a beer garden. It offers a variety of pub grub and specialty bourbon ideal for late-night snacking. Popular items range from barbecue-laced mac ($5) to a chicken waffle sandwich ($8). The tree-lined patio lends a classic feel, while the murals remind you that you're in the city's artistic hub.
2. Lou's Beer Garden
The good spots in Miami Beach tend to be hidden, and Lou’s Beer Garden is no exception. Found behind an old boutique hotel, Lou’s has a beer selection that is so massive it offers craft tastings ($12) for those who can't choose just one beer. Lou's is also known for its pub-style food, especially the mini crabcakes ($15). The ambiance is best described as a cross between laid-back, thanks to its tropical vibe, and classic, owing to its poolside proximity.
1. Bikini Hostel Beer Garden
Bikini Hostel (1255 West Ave., Miami Beach) is the place to go if you’re looking for drinks and food that won’t break the bank. The craft beer menu features 42 selections from countries ranging from the UK to Mexico and Costa Rica. The Israeli Maccabee ($3.15) and Spanish Mahou ($3.95) are favorites. Bikini's relaxed South Beach style has made it a go-to among those in the know. But the menu and friendly hostel atmosphere are what keep locals and visitors alike coming back time after time.
