Hit the Bar

© Flickr / Jen SFO-BCN

Miamians don’t have to get all glammed up and head to South Beach to have a good time anymore. The new South Florida trend: ditch the club, go to a bar. And not just any bar, The Bar, to be exact.

In the heart of Coral Gables, The Bar can be a quick stop during lunch to grab a bite to eat, a happy hour hang out spot or, more popularly, a place to grab a late night drink. With a variety of beers, board games, live DJs, jukebox and enough space to either relax in a booth or dance, The Bar is becoming one of Miami-Dades’ favorite hang out spots.

A large rectangular mahogany bar centered in the middle of the room is the immediate answer to its name. Don’t be intimidated by the dimmed lights and loud music. The crowd is welcoming and the bartenders are ready to get you a drink; two very rare finds in Miami.

What to order? Choose from twenty-two types of bottled beers including Anchor Steam and Corsendonk, eleven brews on tap such as Guinness and Fosters, a choice from a list of eight pretty decent wines and cocktails made to your liking.

And don’t let the location fool you, your wallet won’t suffer. Although its in the middle of posh and pricey Coral Gables, The Bar let’s the ladies drink completely free on Fridays for two very happy hours and on Thursdays just say “super-size me” and whatever you order will be doubled on the spot.

The Bar's food doesn’t upset either. Choose from loaded nachos, full-pound burgers, chicken wings, salads for veggie lovers and a menu filled with choices. After drinking a couple of beers and chowing down, pick a board game, choose one of the 10,000 songs on the jukebox or dance to the sounds of a live DJ on Saturday nights.

Its growing popularity might make this neighborhood bar less attractive for regulars. But the owners don’t mind the fame. Some locals have noticed a hike in the prices. Even still, most consider it one of the cheapest spots in the Gables.

So if you’re looking to get rowdy or simply hang out with friends or co-workers head to the spot that has the audacity to call themselves The Bar. For over 60 years most believe it has lived up to its name.