Sleek New Cocktail Bars Elevate South Florida's Drinking Scene

From a speakeasy lounge to a rooftop bar with $750 caviar, these new hotspots are redefining the region's bar culture.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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South Florida's bar scene is evolving with the opening of several new high-end cocktail lounges and wine bars, including a 1920s-style speakeasy in Fort Lauderdale, the tallest rooftop bar in Broward County, an Italian aperitivo bar pop-up, and a Spanish tapas spot in Delray Beach. These sleek new establishments are offering creative cocktails, rare wines, and elevated food menus that are transforming the region's drinking culture.

Why it matters

The emergence of these sophisticated cocktail bars and wine lounges signals a shift in South Florida's bar scene, moving away from generic party spots towards more curated, experience-driven drinking destinations. This reflects a growing demand for elevated, high-quality libations and dining options among the region's discerning clientele.

The details

The new bars include Bar Betty, a 1920s-style speakeasy atop Sunness Supper Club in Fort Lauderdale; Ibis Sky Lounge, Broward's tallest rooftop bar with a $750 caviar dish; ViceVersa, an Italian aperitivo bar pop-up at the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale; and Barcelona Wine Bar, a Spanish tapas spot in Delray Beach's Sundy Village featuring an extensive wine list. These establishments are elevating the drinking experience with creative cocktails, rare wines, and elevated food menus.

  • Bar Betty opened on December 18, 2025.
  • Ibis Sky Lounge opened on December 18, 2025.
  • ViceVersa is in residency at the Four Seasons Hotel through May 2026.
  • Barcelona Wine Bar opened on January 18, 2026.

The players

Michael Stanley

The owner of Sunness Supper Club, who transformed the upstairs space into the speakeasy-style Bar Betty.

Fabian Vazquez

The manager of Ibis Sky Lounge, Broward's tallest rooftop bar.

Cristian Mosquera

The executive chef at Ibis Sky Lounge, who oversees the global tapas and caviar menu.

Valentino Longo

The acclaimed bartender who is operating the ViceVersa Italian aperitivo bar pop-up at the Four Seasons Hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

Javier Narvaez

The executive chef at the new Barcelona Wine Bar location in Delray Beach's Sundy Village.

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What they’re saying

“This place was built to hide things. I think it was a den of iniquity.”

— Michael Stanley, Owner, Sunness Supper Club

“They could have a full meal if everyone shared, we see it as somewhere people go before or after dinner. These are intricate bites with sweetness and crunch that pair well with cocktails.”

— Cristian Mosquera, Executive Chef, Ibis Sky Lounge

The takeaway

South Florida's bar scene is evolving, with a new generation of sophisticated cocktail lounges and wine bars that are elevating the drinking experience through creative libations, rare wines, and elevated food menus. These sleek new hotspots are redefining the region's bar culture and catering to a discerning clientele seeking a more curated, experience-driven night out.