You’ve seen it. Even if you’ve never set foot in Florida, you’ve seen the neon. It’s the backdrop of every "Welcome to Miami" montage and the neon-soaked centerpiece of Ocean Drive. The Clevelander Bar and Grill isn't just a place to grab a burger; it’s a living, breathing, loud-as-hell piece of Art Deco history.
Honestly, it's a miracle it's still here.
In a city that loves to tear down the old to make room for the shiny and new, the Clevelander has survived since 1938. But there is a lot of noise right now about its future. Is it staying? Is it becoming apartments? If you walk up to that poolside bar today, what should you actually expect?
The Elephant in the Room: Is the Clevelander Closing?
Let’s clear this up first because the headlines have been pretty wild lately.
The owners, the Jesta Group, have been caught in a massive tug-of-war with the city of Miami Beach. They proposed a plan to turn this legendary party spot into a residential high-rise with affordable housing. Why? Because the city keeps trying to shut down the party early, and the owners basically said, "If we can't be a world-famous bar, we'll be an apartment building."
As of early 2026, the Clevelander is still very much open.
The redevelopment plans are tied up in the "Live Local Act" legalities and debates over historic preservation. While there might be a day when the famous pool is surrounded by luxury condos and workforce housing, today is not that day. The frozen drinks are still flowing. The DJ is still at 100% volume.
What it’s actually like inside the Clevelander Bar and Grill
If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate dinner where you can hear your partner whisper sweet nothings, please go literally anywhere else.
This is a sensory overload.
📖 Related: Weather in Girard KS: What Most People Get Wrong
The heart of the experience is the Pool+Patio. It’s an outdoor stage and bar area where the sun feels hotter and the music feels louder. You’re sitting right on Ocean Drive, watching the parade of exotic cars and tourists, while a dancer on a podium probably has more energy than you’ll ever have in your life.
The Kush Partnership
One thing that changed recently and actually made the food good—not just "good for a bar"—was the partnership with Kush Hospitality Group. For years, the Clevelander had standard, forgettable tourist food. Now, Matt Kuscher’s team has taken over the kitchen.
They brought in the Kush at Clevelander sports bar concept. It’s located just behind the main pool area. You can get a legit burger there.
- The Clevelander Burger: It’s a classic, but they do it right with cheddar and white onions.
- All-Day Brunch: The "Hangover Eggs" are a local favorite for a reason—potatoes, bacon, avocado, and sriracha.
- The Famous Frozens: You can’t leave without a "Miami Vice." It’s half strawberry daiquiri, half piña colada. It's a cliché, and it's delicious.
Why locals and tourists actually fight over this place
It’s rare to find a spot on Ocean Drive that locals don't completely avoid. The Clevelander manages to pull it off by being unapologetically itself.
They offer a 25% locals discount (you need a Miami-Dade ID), which is a huge deal in a neighborhood where a cocktail can cost as much as a small appliance. Because of this, you’ll see a mix of European tourists in speedos, bachelor parties from New York, and locals who just want to watch the Dolphins game on the massive 20-foot LED screen.
The Atmosphere
It’s "adults only" for a reason.
It's rowdy.
There is topless sunbathing allowed on the SPF4 Sun Deck.
There are "Rockstar Suites" where the party literally never stops.
If you’re staying in the hotel, don't expect to sleep before 5:00 AM. The rooms are clean but "minimalist"—which is hotel-speak for small. But you aren't booking a room at the Clevelander to spend time in the bathroom. You’re there to be in the middle of the chaos.
💡 You might also like: Getting the Most Out of Cabins USA Pigeon Forge Without Overspending
Navigating the Prices (and the "Tourist Traps")
Let’s talk money. Miami Beach is expensive. The Clevelander is no exception.
A 45-ounce "Famous Frozen" cocktail will set you back about $40. Is it worth it? For the photo and the experience of drinking a fishbowl-sized margarita while people-watching on the world's most famous street? Probably once.
Pro Tip: Go during Happy Hour. Monday through Friday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. They have bites starting around $6 and drinks for $8. It’s the only way to experience the vibe without feeling like you need a second mortgage.
The Legacy of 1020 Ocean Drive
The building was designed by Albert Anis. He was one of the heavy hitters of the Art Deco movement. When people talk about "Art Deco," they are talking about the lines and the "ziggurat" style of the Clevelander.
It was named after its original owners, the Ratner family, who were from Cleveland, Ohio. It’s a weird bit of trivia, but it explains why a tropical paradise bar is named after a city known for lake-effect snow.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Skip the car: Parking in South Beach is a nightmare. Valet at the hotel is nearly $50 a day. Use a rideshare or the free trolley.
- Respect the "Adults Only" rule: Don't try to bring the kids. Security is tight, and they won't let you in.
- Check the schedule: Saturday pool parties are the peak. If you want something slightly (only slightly) calmer, Tuesday night is "Rockstar Karaoke."
- The Rooftop Secret: Everyone crowds the pool. Head up to the C-Level Rooftop for better views of the Atlantic and a slightly breeze-ier experience.
- Stay "Classic" for sleep: If you are staying at the hotel and actually want to rest, book a "Classic Room." They have no windows, but they are the only rooms shielded from the 100-decibel bass of the patio.
The Clevelander Bar and Grill is a polarizing place. Some people hate the noise and the flash. Others think it's the only place that still feels like "Real Miami." Whether it eventually becomes an apartment tower or remains a neon-lit party palace, it's a piece of history you have to see at least once.
Just make sure you bring your sunglasses—the neon is bright.
✨ Don't miss: Searching for a Picture of a Tasmanian Devil: What the Photos Don’t Tell You
Your Next Step: If you're heading down this weekend, check their official site for the DJ lineup, as they often host big-name Florida residents on Saturday afternoons. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and arrive by 2:00 PM if you want any hope of snagging a poolside table.