5 places where the rhythm is gonna get you in Miami

Hugely popular on Calle Ocho, especially on weekends, this historic bar was established in 1935 as a saloon, then as a nightclub featuring live jazz. Today it’s a mainstay that books acts ranging from Grammy-nominated headliners to salsa bands to DJs. Always colorful, always representative of Miami culture. No cover but often a wait; 21+ after 8 pm.

Trova music was created by roving musicians in Cuba. In Café La Trova, they move around from stage to bar, with bartenders whipping out extra instruments to join in. Patrons dance not just on the dance floor but all over. With mixologist Julio Cabrera in charge of cocktails, you’ll be hard-pressed to roam elsewhere.

Get a sense for Miami’s local music scene by taking a seat in this cosmopolitan living room. Live music nightly includes bands with original songs to DJs spinning vinyl every Tuesday. Accompany the beats with eggs from Caviar Russe and a stellar selection of cocktails. Reservations strongly suggested.

A favorite with the locals, Gramps features a different genre, from indie punk bands to DJs to R&B, nightly. It also features drag shows, game nights, and arts events. And to be clear, there’s a warning to those who imbibe too many Gramps Old Fashioneds: Tip automatically applied to tabs left open overnight.

This pan-Asian restaurant is a steady forerunner (make reservations to dine). But for music, take your Golden Geisha, Samurai Jack and Pikachu cocktails upstairs on the third floor, where owner and nightlife aficionado David Grutman books live musicians and DJs on the weekends. The names are always a surprise, but expect celebrities.