This is the season for dancing in Miami, especially with friends in town for the holidays. We have our picks of the top ten places to go. There are choices for everyone — from a mellow lounge setting and partytime with a DJ to shows, and of course the Magic City’s own salsa.

MIAMI BEACH

Bagatelle This place is best known for its brunch (Karen’s note, love it), but aside from having that meal that’s a bit breakfast and lunch, you’ll want to stick around because it’s a serious party affair. The music is lively, and the atmosphere even livelier with sparklers, colorful lights and even dancing on the tables. http://www.bagatellemiami.com

Faena’s Saxony Bar The fancy Faena Miami Beach is more than just a hotel, it’s a multi-entertainment complex and yes, there’s a place to go dancing. This place harkens back to the speakeasy days so slip into that little black dress and prepare to dance the night away to a live DJ and sip on classic cocktails. http://www.faena.com/miami-beach/bar/saxony-bar/

Basement Miami Yes, there’s a disco ball here because after all, it was developed by Ian Schrager founder of the legendary Studio 54 in New York City. So, come here to dance in the Edition Hotel with a different nightly theme and DJ. And if the mood strikes you, lace up ice skates and try out their ice rink or go bowling. http://basementmiami.com/

Brickell

Tea Room at East Hotel The views here are stunning, and the Asian food delicious, in this cocktail lounge. The late-night Asian brunch and cityscape  has been known to inspire dancing by those noshing on bang bang shrimp and tamarind duck bun paired with sake cocktails. http://www.sugar-miami.com/  

Komodo Lounge Founder David Grutman of the nightclubs Story and LIV fame, has brought his game to Brickell. The intimate lounge features unique art work throughout, pop-art inspired décor and up and coming DJs along with live performances by musicians and other celebrities. https://www.komodomiami.com/#komodo-lounge

S Bar in SLS Brickell If an intimate lounge setting is your speed, the S Bar in the lobby at the SLS Brickell is where you should be. Relax and enjoy handmade craft cocktails prepared by first-rate mixologists in the lounge area, or step out onto the outdoor terrace where the view and dancing’s event better. https://www.sbe.com/nightlife/brands/sbar/

El Tucán This is where you go for a post-dinner dancing night. The Latin nightclub burst onto the Brickell scene and was an instant hit with the late-night dancing crowd. Sit back and order bottle service, dance to the music of international DJs and enjoy special performances by El Tucan entertainers. https://www.eltucanmiami.com

Little Havana

Ball and Chain Even at 10 a.m., the trio of bongo player, guitarist and drummer are jamming right up front at Little Havana’s revived night spot. At night, the action heads to the back patio where an A-list of local and national Latin music acts perform in a pineapple-shaped stage. The party never ends at Ball and Chain. https://ballandchainmiami.com/

Cultural Fridays This monthly event which takes place every third Friday shouldn’t be overlooked as a dance spot. Walk along SW Eighth St. perusing art and you’ll most likely stumble upon a bar where great live music is permeating  the street. http://viernesculturales.org/mainvc/

Interested in salsa dancing in Miami? Check out my blogpost by clicking here.