Tobacco Road boasts the oldest liquor license in Miami--it's been operating since 1912. During Prohibition, it was even a speakeasy and gambling hall. These days, everything is above-board, and the indoor/outdoor venue is dedicated to live music every night of the week. The genres represented vary from day to day, but at least two nights a week you can hear live blues from artists like Big Poppa E or Graham Wood Drout and Iko-Iko. Weekly listings change, however, so check the club's website for the latest schedule.
Tobacco Road
626 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33130
(305) 374-1198
tobacco-road.com
The Fish House is a humble venue in the far reaches of Kendall, a suburb in southern Miami-Dade County. Most nights, it functions as a basic neighborhood restaurant and bar, but on Monday nights, it hosts a serious blues jam. Local artists who have taken the stage include Papa Joe, Steve Stacey, George Caldwell, Darrell Raines and Curmit Sibert. It's also an open jam, so bring your instrument if you're so inclined.
The Fish House
1000 SW 56 St.
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 595-8453
thefishhouse.com
Downstairs, the Van Dyke is a bustling restaurant and cafe on South Beach's buzzing Lincoln Road pedestrian mall. However, up a narrow staircase is the Upstairs at Van Dyke, a small but serious venue for real music connoisseurs. Jazz usually rules here, but there are also regular blues bookings from artists like Pat De Leon. What's more, admission is free--although to get a table, you'll have to order some moderately priced drinks.
Van Dyke Cafe
846 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 534-3600
thevandykecafe.com
This small but spotless venue in Coral Gables is popular with students from the nearby University of Miami. It's a cozy place that boasts its own microbrewery and a full restaurant, as well as live music nearly every night in its bar room. Wednesdays are the nights to go here for a blues jam.
Titanic Brewery and Restaurant
5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 668-1742
titanicbrewery.com
The Downtowner Saloon is a popular spot in Fort Lauderdale located smack in the heart of the city's bar district along the New River. Many come for the outdoor dining--the bar offers a full dinner menu--and then stay for the live music, which is offered here seven nights a week. At least one night a week is dedicated to blues, often hosting performances by the acclaimed local guitarist Albert Castiglia.
The Downtowner Saloon
10 S. New River Drive E.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(956) 463-9800