Getting into the Thursday night party is not unlike taking a ride on Space Mountain. Partygoers line up at street level, hope to get past the discriminating doormen, then follow the velvet ropes to the elevator. They are then shot up 18 stories, where doors open up to the rooftop bar pool, crowded with the sexiest folks in Miami. The club is also busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Alternately, stop in during the day for a lychee mojito.
For more information: Gansevoort South
Lenny Kravitz designed this intimate space inside the landmark Art Deco hotel. A classy piano lounge with a speakeasy vibe, it attracts celebrity guests like Mariah Carey and the judges from American Idol. If you're lucky, your schedule will coincide with a set by eclectic musicians; Little Louie Vega and Perry Farrell are among the artists who have recently performed here.
For more information: Delano Hotel
Nicola Siervo, one of the co-owners of Mokai, recalls an evening during the Super Bowl as "the most memorable night in nightclub history. There were 75 celebrities in one room." Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Kid Rock and even Katie Couric were there, he says. How were Couric's dancing skills? "She was moving!" The club is packed with out-of-towners every Friday and Saturday night, but there's a hot locals scene on Tuesdays.
For more information: Mokai
Since 2007, SET has provided a reliable weekend party, led by local nightlife impresario Michael Capponi. Out-of-town DJs bump up the hype factor and velvet ropes are in full effect. Look for celebs like John Mayer hanging out in the Trophy Room.
For more information: SET
Dark and loungy Bella Rose is popular among anyone cool enough to know it exists—like artists, musicians, hipsters, and Dennis Rodman. It's busiest on "Black Sundays," when the owners put on a "pop-art murder night" and faux-kill a different South Beach local each week. It plays out like a real life game of Clue.
For more information: Bella Rose
This new bar is a testament that "exclusive" doesn't necessarily mean "expensive"—visitors needn't break the bank, but they had better look cool. This Brit-inspired hangout also serves as a live venue for cutting-edge music. One-man electro-soul genius Jamie Lidell stopped by for a live set; Italian house music wizards The Crookers will play in November.
For more information: Heathrow Lounge
Celebrities frequent The Forge steakhouse for dinner; afterward, the action moves to its adjacent nightclub called Glass, which is packed on Wednesday nights. Even more exclusive is a new every-other-Friday dinner party called Swoon. One regular described the Swoon crowd as "the cool, creative minds of Miami. It's almost like a fraternity of artistic souls."
For more information: The Forge
It remains to be seen whether Cabana One will remain a celebrity draw, but on opening weekend last month, Jamie Lynn Sigler and Michelle Rodriguez showed up. This rooftop club in Coconut Grove is one of a few notable hotspots off of South Beach.
For more information: Mayfair Hotel
Locals unwind poolside on Sundays ($25 admission for non-hotel guests), and during the rest of the week, crowds gather for events around the amazing Art Deco pool. It's a hotspot for fashion shows; Diesel and Chanel recently unveiled new lines here.
For more information: The Raleigh
Its owners envisioned Casa Tua as a restaurant and lounge that feels more like a home, or what it would be like "if fairytales had bars in them." Prospective members must pay $4,245—and fill out an application (photo required). We hear that Luke Wilson once challenged Owen Wilson to a backgammon tournament inside.
For more information: Casa Tua