Miami heat: Nightspots that sizzle

Nights in Miami sizzle as much as the days and when the sun sets, you can find the temperatures rising on dance floors throughout this tropical and trendy city. Miami’s international flair is obvious at its nightlife venues, where hip hop meets merengue and Hollywood glitterati, supermodels and other A-list celebrities are frequently sighted.

The Miami nightclubs mentioned below have attracted such well-known celebs as P. Diddy, Paris Hilton, Jamie Foxx and Kelly Osbourne, to name just a few. Whether you’re in the mood for live music or want to hear some of the world’s best DJs spin hot tunes, there’s a party place in Miami for every taste.

South Beach

In a city where nightclubs come and go and many venues change names (and often owners), it’s refreshing to find a hangout with staying power. One such place is the intimate Jazid ( 305-673-9372, http://www.jazid.net/ ) located near some of the most stylish dance clubs and bars in Miami’s best-known party precinct – South Beach. Jazid, a mellow spot to unwind, offers live music seven nights a week. The music list includes jazz fusion, Latin, reggae, house, funk and R&B. You know you’ve found a jewel when you see local musicians enjoying the set here.

Downtown

The ever-crowded party mecca of South Beach has sent some entertainment entrepreneurs to the mainland, seeking locales that offer better parking for their guests, as well as other bonuses.

The Pawn Shop Lounge (305-373-3511, http://www.thepawnshoplounge.com/) is one of the most exclusive nightspots downtown. Housed in an old hockshop, its name aptly describes its façade. Step inside and you enter a fantasyland, where costumed partygoers dance to hip hop, indie rock and new wave alongside casual chic-dressed guests. The place definitely has an artsy flair. The décor alone – a jet fuselage, an Airstream trailer and a school bus, all transformed into lounge areas – makes this club worth checking out. The club often has by-invitation-only nights, so you’ll want to call ahead and get on the guest list for an open-party night.

The buzz surrounding the opening of Nocturnal (305-576-6996, http://www.nocturnalmiami.com/) was electric. So is the three-floor nightclub, which strives to be a “nightlife destination.” From the main dance floor to the glass lounge to the rooftop terrace and all the areas in between, you’ll sway to some of the most hypnotic house and hip hop beats. Performance artists and live music provide additional entertainment. Reservations are recommended, but in a refreshing departure from the modus operandi of many South Florida nightspots, Nocturnal boasts that it wants every guest to feel like a VIP. It promises a party without pretentiousness.

Another joint that’s heating up Miami’s nights is the Oxygen Lounge and Sushi Bar (305-476-0202, http://www.oxygenlounge.biz/). The minimalist, contemporary décor includes a light wall that changes colors to reflect the vibe. Open six nights a week (closed on Sundays), the venue is a popular spot for fashion shows, so don’t be surprised to spot a supermodel among the crowd. You’ll also be treated to a pulsating rotation of Latin, international, hip hop, pop rock and funk and soul music.

West Miami

La Covacha (305-468-9460, http://www.lacovacha.com/) is a perennial favorite for enjoying Latin grooves including merengue, salsa, soca, songa and samba. Live musicians and DJs serve the musical feast on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday night partygoers may want to call ahead to add their names to the guest list.

By Adriane Glenn Grant

Courtesy of VISITFLORIDA.com