If you’ve ever walked down Ocean Drive with a drink in your hand and the bass from a nearby DJ booth thumping in your chest, you’ve seen it. The Clevelander bar South Beach is basically the unofficial mascot of Miami's Art Deco District. It’s that massive, open-air courtyard where the party starts at 11:00 AM and doesn't really stop until the sun starts thinking about coming up again.
Honestly, there was a point recently where people thought the party was over for good. In late 2023, the owners, Jesta Group, made headlines by announcing they wanted to tear down a big chunk of the legendary site to build a 30-story tower with affordable housing. People freaked out. The Mayor was mad. Preservationists were stressed. But as of early 2026, the Clevelander is still very much the Clevelander. It’s still loud, it’s still serving those famous frozen coladas, and it’s still the center of the universe for anyone who thinks a vacation isn't a vacation without a poolside dance-off.
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What it’s actually like inside right now
Forget the "refined luxury" you find at the fancy hotels further north. This place is about energy. You walk in and you're immediately hit by a wall of sound and the smell of saltwater mixed with fry oil. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.
The layout is centered around the Beach Club, which is basically a massive patio with three different bars and a pool that’s usually surrounded by people who spent way more time at the gym than I did. They have this massive 20-foot LED screen that stays on for every major game. If there’s a Dolphins game or a big UFC fight, this is the headquarters.
The vibe check
- Crowd: A wild mix. You’ll see bachelor parties from Ohio, European tourists in designer swimsuits, and locals who just want a $10 frozen drink on a Wednesday.
- Noise Level: High. Very high. If you want a quiet place to read a book, literally go anywhere else.
- Dress Code: During the day, it's "South Beach Casual"—bikinis and board shorts are fine. At night, things tighten up a bit, especially if you’re heading to the C-LEVEL rooftop.
The redevelopment drama you probably heard about
So, what's the deal with the 30-story building? Basically, Florida passed something called the Live Local Act. It’s a law that lets developers bypass local zoning height limits if they include enough affordable housing. The Jesta Group saw an opportunity to pivot. They proposed a massive residential tower that would essentially swallow the current low-slung Art Deco vibe.
The City of Miami Beach fought back hard. They didn't want a "skyscraper" on Ocean Drive, which is famous for its mid-rise, neon-soaked 1930s architecture. After a lot of legal back-and-forth and some revised plans, the project is still in the "lawyers talking" phase.
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For now, the Clevelander bar South Beach continues to operate under its 5:00 AM liquor license—a right they fought for and won in court back in 2021. They are one of the few places left on the strip where you can legally drink that late (or early, depending on your life choices).
Eating at Shuckers (Yes, there is food)
Most people come for the drinks, but you actually need to eat if you’re going to survive a Miami afternoon. They recently brought in the menu from Shuckers, which is a local legend in its own right.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, the Famous Shuckers Grilled Wings are the move. They’ve been a staple for over 35 years for a reason. They’re grilled, not fried, which makes you feel slightly less guilty about the three margaritas you just finished.
They also have this thing called "Hangover Eggs" on their all-day brunch menu. It’s two fried eggs over potatoes with bacon, jalapeños, and sriracha. It’s basically a medicinal meal designed to get you back on your feet after a night at the C-LEVEL rooftop. Prices are "South Beach pricey"—expect to pay about $23 for a burger—but that’s the tax you pay for sitting in the middle of the action.
Staying at the hotel: A warning
Let’s be real for a second. If you book a room at the Clevelander, you aren't booking it for the thread count. You’re booking it because you want to be in the party.
The rooms are clean and "sleek," as they like to say, but the walls aren't exactly soundproof bunkers. If there’s a DJ playing 10 feet below your window until 4:00 AM, you're going to hear every beat drop. If you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a room at their sister property, Essex House, which is just next door. It’s managed by the same team but tucked slightly away from the speakers.
But if you want to go full "Rockstar," they have suites specifically for that. You get a "Rockstar Host" who basically acts as your personal fixer for the weekend. It’s expensive, but for a 30th birthday or a blowout weekend, it’s one of those "only in Miami" experiences.
How to do the Clevelander like a pro
Don't just wander in and hope for the best.
First, if you're a local living in Miami-Dade, bring your ID. They usually offer a 25% discount on food and drinks for residents. In a city where a round of drinks can cost as much as a car payment, that discount is huge.
Second, timing is everything. Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. That’s the sweet spot where you can get $8 drinks and $6 bites before the night-time cover charges start kicking in.
Finally, check the event calendar. Tuesdays are for Rockstar Karaoke, which is way more intense than your local dive bar's karaoke night. They actually give out prizes like $100 food credits. Thursdays are for comedy nights, and Fridays are usually the "BaeWatch" pool parties.
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Moving forward with your South Beach plans
If you’re planning to visit the Clevelander bar South Beach in 2026, the best thing you can do is embrace the chaos. It’s a relic of an older, wilder Miami Beach that the city is slowly trying to "class up," but for now, the neon is still bright and the music is still loud.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Game Schedule: If there’s a big sports event, book a VIP table in advance. The pool area fills up hours before kickoff.
- Download the App: Use their official site to check for "Miami Spice" or seasonal specials, which can save you a ton on those $30+ entrées.
- Plan for Transport: Parking on Ocean Drive is a nightmare and incredibly expensive. Take an Uber or use the local trolley—don't even bother trying to find a spot near 10th and Ocean.
The Clevelander is an experience you either love or hate, but you haven't really seen South Beach until you've spent at least one afternoon under those umbrellas with a frozen drink in your hand.