Miami’s Five Best Rooftop Happy Hours by Miami New Times

Rising to the top is never a bad thing, and in this case, think rooftops. Naturally, the best way to enjoy captivating skyline views is with a cocktail. If you need a reason to grab a drink, here’s a list of Miami’s five best rooftop happy hours.

1. Whisper Cocktail Lounge. The W Miami’s rooftop terrace on the 50th floor, previously known as Club Fifty, has been rebranded as Whisper Cocktail Lounge. A $5 happy hour featuring on-trend frosé is offered Wednesday through Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. The lounge’s weekly event lineup is what really makes this rooftop rise above the rest. Ladies’ night is every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m., when women drink the weekly rotating cocktail for free. Thursdays are dedicated to the ’80s and ’90s during Bounce Back Thursday; the themed happy hour features local DJs spinning the best throwback hits, and guests can relive their youth through childhood games and free passed bites. 485 Brickell Ave., Miami; 305-503-4400; wmiamihotel.com.

2. Juvia. This Lincoln Road destination has been recognized by USA Today and the New York Times for offering some of the best views in Miami Beach. Gaze from the polished and chic terrace during “sunset hour” from 6 to 8 p.m. daily. High-end cocktails are discounted to $11 each, including the Juvia Mockingbird, made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, watermelon, ají amarillo, agave, basil, and lime; and Juvia punch, prepared with Kettle One vodka, passionfruit, pineapple, lime, grenadine, and wild cherry liqueur. For the ultimate experience, pair a glass of Heidsieck Monopole Brut ($18) with bar bites ($9 to $11) by Nobu alumnus chef Sunny Oh. 1111 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-763-8272; juviamiami.com.

3. Area 31. This rooftop bar at the Kimpton Epic hosts one of the strongest happy-hour deals in the area. Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., bubbles, select beer and wine, and premium well drinks cost $7 each, while bar bites run $8 each including truffle fries and pork belly steamed buns. Fridays, Area 31 offers Chase the Clock Social Hour. Beginning at 5 p.m., house cocktails start at $5 and go up $1 every hour until 11 p.m. The party really starts around 6 p.m., when resident DJ Kristian Caro begins spinning. 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami; 305-424-5234; area31restaurant.com.

4. Pawn Broker. Inspired by the Prohibition era, this bar is appropriately hidden inside downtown’s Langford Hotel. Beverage manager André Chirinos, who is also responsible for the cocktail program of Pubbelly Sushi. sticks to the classics. Enjoy drinks such as a traditional old-fashioned, daiquiri, or paloma for $7 Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Wines by the glass cost $6, and craft beers are $5. Chef Jose Mendin created a bar-friendly menu of savory snacks such as crispy short-rib mac ‘n’ cheese, Wagyu beef tartare sliders, and yellowtail taquitos ($6 to $12). 121 SE First St., Miami; 305-420-2200; pawnbrokermiami.com.

5. Edge Steak & Bar. Not only is Edge one of the top steakhouses in Miami, but it also hosts one of the best happy hours. At the Four Seasons Hotel in Brickell, Edge’s terrace is ideal for large groups and the after-work crowd. The space offers communal tables, a lounge area, and a retractable awning. Happy hour is daily from 4 to 7 p.m. and brings a selection of $1 oysters, half-priced draft beer, discounted specialty cocktails, and a selection of wines. Save room for two-for-one bites by chef Aaron Brooks and delight in decadent bar snacks such as beef tartare with a fried egg and truffles, house-cut fries with truffle aioli, and foie gras tartines. 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami; 305-381-3190; edgerestaurantmiami.com.