The Best Live Music Venues in Miami

When you think of music in Miami, you probably think of DJ's spinning the latest EDM and hip-hop songs in one of the city's hottest clubs. And there's nothing wrong with that: Miami's party scene is what separates it from most of the country, if not the world. However, sometimes you want unfiltered vocals with live instruments. If that's your jam, then Miami may seem a bit lacking at a glance, but we've saved you the search and found the best live music venues in Miami.

Ball & Chain

Miami is melting pot of Latin culture, so it's no surprise that one of Miami's best live music locales is a Latin bar. Ball & Chain regularly invites live bands and performers to its venue, and the party gets so raucous you can often hear the music echoing off the streets of Calle Ocho. This bar originally opened in the 1930s and has forged a lasting legacy as music's luminaries have performed at Ball & Chain over the decades, giving it an energy unlike any other in Miami. 
 
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Churchill's Pub

Another Miami institution, Churchill's has been around for decades and is definitely a bit of a dive bar. But aren't dive bars among the best venues for live rock music? We think so. A bar with nightly live music is a rarity, and Churchill's Pub fills that niche no problem. And if you and your friends have hidden musical talents, Mondays are open mic nights.

Gramps

Gramps lies in the heart of Wynwood and offers a much-needed change of pace from its neighboring bars. While most of Wynwood caters to Miami's more mainstream sensibilities, Gramps gives the area a dose of counterculture. Indie bands and alternative rock rule here, so you may discover your new favorite band here as this venue is often frequented by live performers.

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Bardot

Bardot gives off major speakeasy vibes due to its nondescript presentation. Without the typical neon signs or large, wavering banners, Bardot is a low-key live music venue made for high-energy nights and performers. They favor local bands but open the floor for performers as diverse as the city of Miami.

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The Wynwood Yard

This warm, open space is ideal for live performances at the communal Wynwood Yard, throwing its own little festivals a few times a week. It's great spot to take in some of the best live music in Miami and, like most of these venues, they prefers local acts but definitely pulls its fair share of international stars. In fact, famous Columbian singer Shakira put on an impromptu show here in May 2017.
 
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Hoy Como Ayer Club

Another hip Latin club, Hoy Como Ayer regularly welcomes Latin musical talent into its digs with a steady stream of ultra-talented performers from the Caribbean to Central America. It goes without saying that there's someone worth seeing nearly every night of the week at Hoy Como Ayer.
 
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The Anderson Bar

Brought to you by the owners of Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami, The Anderson captures Broken Shaker's Miami tropical-chic lounge vibe but it combines it with samples of different musicians from across the spectrum. One night you could hear a charismatic singer-songwriter belting out a classic, and the next night a funky local DJ could be spinning some of their own break beats. You never what you're gonna get at this live music venue!

Bougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern

A wooden home converted into a bar, Bougainvillea's is another dive perfect for live rock music. While any night of the week is a good night to visit, we suggest Thursdays when they host their Living Room Sessions, a magnet for Miami's wealth of local talent from rappers to full rock bands.
 
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New World Symphony

Because we all need a little culture in our lives, heading over to New World Symphony is never a bad idea. In fact, it's fun, refined experience. But even if classical music isn't your thing, they still have you covered with Latin artists like Juanes and Juan Luis Guerra performing unplugged versions of their hits.

Corner

The Corner is one of Miami's hippest, most underrated spots, and it's a great to visit on any night, but Tuesdays are a real treat if you're a music aficionado. On Jazz Tuesdays, enjoy the smooth sounds of the genre and see true talent pop up from out of the The Corner. 
 
If you're an avid audiophile, check out one of the best live music venues in Miami for atmosphere and talent you won't find anywhere else in the city.
 
For more places that showcase live music, see our Nightlife page for more bars and clubs in Miami. Don't forget to also register on 305area for everything else Miami. It's free!
 
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash