The 5 Best Spots for Casual Bar Bites

5 mins read
CJ Crab Shack

Miami’s bar scene isn’t just about refreshing drinks — it’s also about the bites! From Italian apps to seafood delights, the Magic City offers plenty of spots where the bar bites are just as exciting as the cocktails. Whether you’re out for a casual happy hour or want a laid-back night with top-tier snacks, here are five places in Miami where you can find great bar bites.

The Canvas Bar

The 5 Best Spots for Casual Bar Bites - CJ's Crab Shack, Kissaki, Margot Bar and Bistro, PaperFish Sushi Bar, The Canvas Bar - October 2024
Photo credit: The Canvas Bar

Canvas Bar is your spot for a laid-back vibe with a dash of fun. Nestled in Edgewater, it’s the perfect venue to unwind with retro arcade games, some pool, and decor that screams Miami chill.

On the menu? Chicken fingers, mac and cheese, beef bao buns, smash burgers, and other comfort food that will make you feel right at home. While you’re here, swing by the Kaona Room, a tiki speakeasy serving exotic cocktails for a change of pace. Whether you’re catching the game or sipping with friends, The Canvas Bar nails that neighborhood hangout feel.

The Canvas Bar is located at 1600 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website

CJ’s Crab Shack

Located right on Ocean Drive, CJ’s Crab Shack is the go-to for seafood lovers. This casual spot serves up some of the best crab legs in Miami. That said, crab legs can get a little messy at the bar. If you’re just popping in for a quick nosh, check out items like the crab dip, fried shrimp po boy, and grouper fingers. It’s the kind of place where you can dig into delicious seafood on the beach without paying an arm and a leg. 

CJ’s Crab Shack is located at 600 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website

Kissaki

If you’re craving sushi, Kissaki in Miami Beach has you covered. Known for its exceptional Japanese fare, the eatery serves up high-quality bites without the need for a full sit-down meal. Once you’ve gotten comfortable at the bar, order the spicy cucumber salad, hamachi tiradito, wagyu dumplings, and prawn yakitori. It’s delightful cuisine that’s perfect for sharing, whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full-on meal while enjoying the extensive cocktail and sake list.

Kissaki is located at 500 South Pointe Dr., Suite 160, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

Margot Bar and Bistro

Margot is an intimate bar and bistro in Downtown Miami that excels in wine pairings and small plates—and it won’t break the bank. The menu is filled with shareable bites like grilled cheese sandwiches, salmon and labneh, charcuterie and cheeses, and more. Although wine is one of the main draws here, there is a full bar with plenty of tasty cocktails to be had. In short, Margot is the ideal place for those who appreciate carefully curated flavors in a chic yet cozy setting.

Margot Bar and Bistro is located at 21 SE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official Instagram

Paperfish Sushi 

Tucked away in Brickell, Paperfish Sushi is a trendy spot where the ambiance matches the creative flair of the dishes. Their bar menu features an array of exquisite Peruvian-Japanese options. The menu is large, so we’ll make it easy for you: Must-trys include the tempura rock shrimp, tuna crispy rice, salmon hand roll, and smoked rocoto ceviche. Pair these with a craft cocktail like their wasabi martini, and you’ve got the perfect pre-dinner snack or late-night nibble in one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods.

Geoffrey Anderson

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. is a contributing/staff writer for Dish Miami. For over six years, he has covered the South Florida dining scene with his wife for the award-winning local food blog Miami Food Pug. When he's not writing about food, he's eating it—or attending rock concerts and traveling.

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