Don't Blow it Miami: 10 Ways to Enjoy Your Sizzling Summer Nights

Image via Complex Original

Working up a sweat may seem like a counterintuitive way to spend a summer evening. But when the sizzle is being generated from the heat between you and your dance partner, well, we can live with that. At 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, the second floor of Lincoln Road’s YUCA restaurant is transformed into salsa central when the experienced hoofers from Salsa Fever Miami arrive to show you how it’s done. If you’re looking to carry the party into the early hours of the morning, opt for a Friday night session, as the dance lessons are merely a prelude to the restaurant’s signature Salsa Fridays, where four hours of live music and dancing kick off (literally) at 11 p.m.

Miami’s reputation as one of the world’s most artist-friendly cities is a longstanding one, as evidenced by the arrival of Art Basel more than a decade ago. But the city’s appreciation for all things creative extends far beyond that one week of madness in December. In Wynwood, the second Saturday of every month brings the Second Saturday Art Walk, in which thousands of art fans descend on the neighborhood’s many galleries, studios, and other art-related businesses to take in the work of some of the city’s most talented artists—and be plied with free drinks, too. Which turns the neighborhood into something more akin to a block party. (Tip: You don’t have to know a thing about art to attend—or enjoy yourself.)

Bowling may not be the world’s sexiest sport, but it’s got a few big advantages over more outdoorsy types of gameplay. Like that you spend most of your time sitting. In an air-conditioned facility, no less. And that drinking is practically in the rulebook. (All of which allows us to forgive those damn shoes.) But Lucky Strike—whose motto is actually “bowling optional”—has done a fine job of elevating the game by adding a chic nightclub element to its North American chain of bowling alleys, complete with gourmet bites and a full bar. And on Mondays, you can bowl all you want, from 5 p.m. until close, for just $15.

If the idea of bingo elicits images of grandmas at the local Elks Lodge, forget everything you know about the game. Because The Standard does it differently. Much, much differently. Hence this monthly night out’s moniker: Not Your Standard BINGO. (Though Naughty Bingo might be a more appropriate description.) On the first Sunday of each month, fun-loving crowds gather to compete for a range of prizes that might include a free night’s stay at the hotel, a much-needed spa treatment, or beyond. Bingo! (Just practicing.)

When it comes to master mixologists, Miami attracts the best of them. And while sometimes you don’t mind shelling out $20 a pop to sample their liquid wares, other times you wish you could just replicate them at home. Which is where the kindly cocktail-iers at The Social Club come in. Every Sunday evening, beginning at 6 p.m., a member of the lounge’s bar team—led by resident mixologist Chad Phillips—will teach guests how to muddle, shake, stir, and serve at home, using The Social Club’s own forward-thinking cocktail menu as its guide.

There’s never a bad time to pay a visit to South Beach’s venerable Bass Museum of Art. But every other Friday night, guests of the museum are treated to live jazz performances, appropriately titled “Hot Nights, Cool Jazz.” The two-hour concerts kick off at 7 p.m. promptly, and beverages are included in the $10 non-member admission price. Art and music combine again at the Pérez Art Museum Miami as part of its “PAMM Presents” series. Held every third Thursday beginning at 6 p.m., the event brings together a fascinating mix of international artists for an outdoor music series that celebrates the essential role sound plays in the greater creative landscape.

Nothing says “summer” like an old-fashioned barbecue. And celebrity chef Daniel Boulud has got you covered at dbQ, the seasonal barbecue series from db Bistro Moderne and executive chef Jason Pringle. Through August 29th, the restaurant’s lounge and terrace will set the stage for a nightly barbecue series, happening from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Just don’t expect to see burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad on the menu. Grilled oysters with spicy garlic butter, shrimp paella black rice, and baby back ribs spoon bread are much more likely. And on Fridays, Pringle himself will be in attendance, manning the grill and sharing his tips for how to create your own al fresco feast at home.

When we talk about going to the drive-in in Miami, we’re not talking about any old drive-in. We’re talking about the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In, a totally unique, Austin-imported concept that takes the “mini” in its name seriously. You won’t find a huge parking lot at this drive-in; the intimate space is right behind the Coconut Grove Playhouse. You also won’t find a double-bill of the newest action movies. The Blue Starlite is all about nostalgia, so think The Blob paired with Mars Attacks or Swingers with Night of the Living Dead. (Yes, really.) Just remember that space fills up quickly, so purchase your tickets ahead of time.

Kick off the weekend in sky-high style with Beehive Thursdays at Touché Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant. The new weekly dinner party is hosted by Touché’s executive chef (and former Top Cheftestant) Carla Pellegrino, who is serving a three-course menu of small plates on the restaurant’s sleek rooftop. If the fabulous views of downtown Miami aren’t enough to keep you in your seat, drink specials, tunes courtesy of resident DJ Wasabi, and a 5 a.m. closing time might just do the trick.

Eating out in Miami’s constantly evolving food scene is always an adventure. And usually an expensive one. But there are two very specific factors that make summer dining the best kind of dining in Miami: First is the fact that it’s off-season as far as tourists go, so getting a reservation at the city’s hottest tables isn’t impossible (try saying the same during Art Basel Week). Even better? Many of those restaurants partake in Miami Spice, a two-month dining event (throughout August and September) where a three-course meal—not including drinks—costs just $39 a pop. Thirty-nine dollars. Bâoli, here we come! And Hakkasan… And Juvia… And Villa Azur…