"A longtime cocktail mainstay credited with helping elevate Miami’s drink scene; the team behind the bar and its approach are described as a major factor in growing Miami’s cocktail reputation from lukewarm to internationally recognized." - Allison Ramirez
"After more than a decade as a defining force in Miami’s cocktail culture, the bar—originally a scrappy pop-up in 2012 under Bar Lab founders Gabe Orta and Elad Zvi and later a mainstay at the Freehand Miami hotel—has entered a new era with New York’s Authentic Hospitality (the group behind Ray’s and Pebble Bar) taking over operations earlier this year after the Bar Lab team amicably parted ways. The new cocktail menu focuses on simple tropical drinks like the La Bamba Colada, made with tequila, and the Breakfast in the Moonlight, a passionfruit version of a zombie. Chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra from New York’s Wildair created the food menu, which includes dishes like shrimp ceviche with passion fruit and hominy, curry shrimp skewers, and a jerk chicken sandwich topped with pepper slaw on a potato bun. Designer Melissa Bowers preserved the tropical garden ambiance by enhancing the indoor‑outdoor space with vintage furnishings, updated lighting, and new greenery. The concept began in 2012 as an alternative to Miami Beach’s expensive hotel bars—serving well-made cocktails in a casual outdoor setting—and grew to locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York within Freehand Hotels. The original Miami location earned multiple James Beard Award nominations (Outstanding Bar Program in 2013 and 2014) and was named one of “The World’s 50 Best Bars” in 2014 and 2015. Bar Lab went on to open several other Miami spots, including the recently closed 27 Restaurant next door and wine bar Margot. As Generator & Freehand Hotels CEO Alastair Thomann said, “...has long been a space beloved by locals and travelers alike, especially in Miami Beach where the concept helped bring a new spirit to the scene.” It is open at 2727 Indian Creek Drive from Sunday through Wednesday from 4 p.m. to midnight and Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; the kitchen serves until midnight daily and reservations are available through Resy." - Olee Fowler
"If you are having dinner at 27, walk out the back door for drinks at Broken Shaker, a cocktail bar we love for all the same reasons. You can stand and mingle in the outdoor space, or sit down by the pool and share a humongous punch bowl with five friends. Wherever you end up, there’s not a bad seat on the patio. The tropical space is full of palm trees, a pool you’re actually allowed to swim in, and a crowd who’re all acting like they’re on vacation, even the locals. This place just has that effect on you." - ryan pfeffer
"So Broken Shaker is technically in Mid-Beach. But, it’s really not that far from South Beach, and if you’re looking for places to drink in the area it’s worth considering. The outdoor bar is immensely popular because it’s a beautiful space with poolside seating and a lush landscape. Broken Shaker also has one of the best cocktail menus in the city. If you’re coming on a weekend night, expect a crowd (and maybe even a line to get in). Still, it’s one of our favorite places to drink in Miami—when we can find an open seat." - ryan pfeffer
"Broken Shaker is a beloved cocktail bar known for its innovative cocktail program and laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. Despite a recent change in ownership, the bar will continue to operate as usual under Generator Hotel, which has committed to preserving and enhancing the brand's legacy." - Olee Fowler