Miami is basically a furnace for ten months of the year. You walk out of your hotel on Collins Avenue and the humidity hits you like a wet wool blanket. It sucks. But then there’s Drinkhouse Fire and Ice South Beach, which is honestly the only place in the 305 where you’ll actually pray for a coat. It’s weird. It’s flashy. It’s quintessential South Beach.
Most people come to Miami for the beach clubs or the sprawling megaclubs like LIV, but Drinkhouse is a different animal. It’s located at 1791 Southern Drive, tucked inside the Shelborne South Beach. It isn't just a bar; it’s a sensory overload that splits your night between a literal freezer and a room full of fire.
The Ice Room: 100,000 Pounds of Frozen Art
Walking into the Ice Bar part of the venue is a trip. You don't just walk in wearing your linen shirt and flip-flops. They give you a faux-fur parka and gloves because it’s 23 degrees Fahrenheit in there. Everything—the walls, the chairs, the bar itself, even the glasses you drink out of—is made of ice.
They used over 100,000 pounds of ice to build this place. Think about that for a second. That is a massive amount of frozen water sitting in the middle of a tropical city. The sculptures are carved by master ice carvers, and they rotate them, so it’s not always the same frozen scenery. It’s crystalline, glowing with blue and purple LED lights, and it feels like you’ve been teleported to a Bond villain’s lair in the Arctic.
You’re usually limited to about 45 minutes in the ice room. Why? Because humans aren't meant to sit on a block of ice in a cocktail dress for three hours. Even with the parka, your nose starts to tingle after a while. The drinks are served in solid ice glasses. Pro tip: wear socks. I know, it’s Miami, nobody wears socks. But your toes will thank you when you're standing on a floor that is literally a giant ice cube.
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The Fire Lounge: Where Things Heat Up
Once you’ve had your fill of the cold, or your ears start to go numb, you transition into the Fire Lounge. This is the "Fire" half of Drinkhouse Fire and Ice South Beach. The vibe shifts immediately from "Ice Queen" to "Industrial Chic."
It’s moody. There are crystals everywhere—huge raw geodes and rare minerals that the owners, Sally and Nicole, reportedly sourced themselves. It feels a bit like a high-end occult shop that happens to serve really good vodka. The entertainment here is the big draw. They have fire dancers and "flaire" bartenders who do things with blowtorches that probably shouldn't be allowed indoors.
It’s a strange juxtaposition. One minute you’re shivering and the next you’re watching someone juggle fire while you sip a cocktail infused with chili peppers. It works because South Beach thrives on the absurd.
What to Drink (and What to Avoid)
The cocktail program is actually more sophisticated than you’d expect for a "gimmick" bar. They focus on craft spirits and molecular mixology.
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- The Fire Cocktail: Usually involves some sort of high-proof spirit that gets ignited. It’s flashy, but honestly, it’s a bit of a hazard if you’ve already had three drinks.
- The Ice Shot: Vodka tastes better when it’s viscous and freezing. Drinking it out of a glass made of ice is a rite of passage here.
- The Crystal Infusions: They use a lot of botanicals. It’s very "Miami New Age."
Expect to pay South Beach prices. We’re talking $18 to $25 for a cocktail. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for the electricity bill to keep a room at sub-zero temperatures in Florida. That can't be cheap.
The Reality of the Experience
Let’s be real for a minute. Some people find the whole thing a bit touristy. And it is. You’re going to see a lot of bachelorette parties and people taking selfies for Instagram. If you’re looking for a dark, quiet dive bar where you can contemplate your life choices, this isn't it.
However, if you want a story to tell, it delivers. There’s something genuinely fun about the absurdity of wearing a parka while looking out at palm trees. It’s a "once-per-trip" kind of place. You go, you get the photos, you feel the brain freeze from the ice glass, and then you head back out into the humid Miami night.
Practical Info for Your Visit
- Reservations are a must. Especially on weekends. You can’t just roll up with a group of ten and expect to get a parka immediately.
- Check the dress code. It’s South Beach. Even though you’re putting on a parka, they generally want you to look "upscale casual." No beachwear.
- The "Global Cooling" Package. They often sell packages that include entry to both rooms and a couple of drinks. It’s usually a better deal than paying cover and buying drinks a la carte.
- Timing. Go early if you want to actually see the ice sculptures. Go late (after 11 PM) if you want the high-energy fire shows and the DJ vibe.
Why This Place Actually Survived
South Beach is a graveyard for trendy bars. They open, they’re hot for six months, and then they disappear. Drinkhouse Fire and Ice has managed to stick around because it offers something tactile. In a world where everything is digital, sitting on a 500-pound block of ice is a very "real" experience.
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It also leans into the "wellness" and "crystal" trend that has taken over certain parts of Miami. It’s not just a bar; it’s a "social sanctuary." Whether you believe in the healing power of the giant amethyst in the corner or not, it makes for a cool atmosphere.
If you're planning a trip to Miami, skip one of the cookie-cutter hotel bars and try this instead. It’s loud, it’s cold, it’s hot, and it’s perfectly Miami. Just remember to bring your own socks if you're wearing sandals. Your feet will genuinely freeze.
Actionable Insights for Travelers
- Book the earliest slot: The ice is freshest and the room is cleanest right when they open.
- Use the coat: Don't try to be a hero. It is genuinely cold. Use the provided gear.
- Check for Florida Resident deals: If you live in the state, they sometimes offer discounts during the off-season.
- Combine it with dinner nearby: The Shelborne has great dining options, making this an easy "pre-game" or "after-dinner" stop rather than the entire night's destination.