Found a new speakeasy bar in Miami, South Beach and don't want to be cagey about it. Sagamore Hotel. Step up a few stairs, walk through the main entrance doors and beyond the sofas in the foyer is the entrance which looks more like an entrance to an office. The door gives way to slightly dim warm lighting, which creates an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. I sat at the bar with my husband and heard the bartender, Phillip taking repeated orders of old fashioned and espresso martini. I saw a table polishing glasses and glasses of wines and then came the surprise - their selections! Their selections were smaller than expected but thoughtfully chosen. We asked Phillip for his recommendations, along the lines of red & bold. He gladly pointed us to a wine that was not on the menu. It seems they offer a menu selection and off-menu/rotating selection from unique wine regions. We had a red blend from China (yes that's correct, it surprised me equally). But then I realized, I haven't had wines from most of the regions they offer and the curiosity sets in. Looking forward to explore the menu and off-menu selection. Perfect bar for date night or post dinner drinks and for all the wine explorers out there. read more

Water Lion Wine + Alchemy - Red blend from China - Wine Bars Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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My husband and I are a bit of wine nerds and love finding local wine bars in whatever town we are in. We found Water Lion through Star Wine List's best wine bars in Miami and it did not disappoint. Our server set us up with some great wines after learning our preference and even introduced us to wine regions we've never tasted from before. The staff was great and gave us some recommendations for dinner. Water Lion will definitely be a spot that we'll return to when we're back in town! read more

We visited on the last night of our vacation. Maybe the one regret is that we didn't find this place sooner! Philip is an ace! We had the grande platter charcuterie that he prepared right in front of us. He took the time to tell us about his business and specialties. For drinks, we had the white sangria, healthy gut, and a Nicaraguan lager. All were fantastic! I was impressed that the bar had a very swanky appearance but the atmosphere was super welcoming. This one was quite the find! read more

Phillip is the man! Best bartender ever. Came here New Years Eve and he hooked us up with the best stuff. Really great dude. Not sure his coworker's name but also an awesome guy! Try the Lions Water pickle cocktail- it is quite sour but quite good. Great ambiance, best bar i've ever been to. read more

We didn't try the food but I could only imagine it being very good. The service was great Phillip did a great job recommending different wines and beverages. It was all amazing. I love the dim atmosphere and very quiet. read more

This was our first stop in Miami, and I'm so glad it was! The location is a bit unassuming because it's in the lobby of the Sagamore hotel, but it had a cozy and modern ambiance. We tried cocktails as well as the 5 pour wine tasting and some charcuterie. Everything was great, but the coolest part was that the main bartender was also very knowledgeable about wine and in charge of purchasing. He curated a great tasting, which focused on international wines, and everything was unique and delicious. I highly recommend this establishment. You'll probably have a great time and experience some very cool new wines! read more

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As a past server, my standards are high. Philip, the drinks, oysters,vibe... all of it was great. So glad I looked on yelp for "oysters" and wandered here. read more

Delightful Wine Bar and I'm assuming he was the owner/bartender was super knowledgeable and had a very interesting list. I can't say we tried any of the snacks but the wine was very well. Appreciated after a long day. read more

We happened to walk into this place by chance. The bartender, Joshua, was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable about the wines and places to go eat in South Beach! Check this place out, you won't be sorry! read more

What a wonderful hidden gem! I had the opportunity to check this out on a weeknight and really enjoyed my time there. Philip and Abby were wonderful bartenders - they were really friendly and provided great recommendations. I ended up drinking wines from Georgia and Turkey, which are two regions that I'd never tried wine from before. Both wines were absolutely delicious, as well. The space itself is small and cute - really great, low-key spot for wine tasting in South Beach. read more

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If you're in Miami Beach and you love cocktails, Water Lion Wine + Alchemy is an absolute must visit! It's in a cozy room off the Sagamore Hotel lobby with bar seating and a few tables. They've got a great wine selection as well as very tasty and unique cocktails. Wanna go off book? --they can make you a custom drink on the fly according to your preferences. Filip and Josh were excellent bartenders, among the best l've seen. read more

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What a cute spot!!! We stayed in a hotel with my husband and we had a drink at Water Lion for 4 nights straight. We are wine lovers and the wine selection is phenomenal. Their snacks were sooooo good, I couldn't believe the price. So happy to have met you guys. Cheers from NY read more

Water Lion Wine + Alchemy - Glass of phenomenal rioja - Wine Bars Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

Amazing wine bar. Great recommendations from regions I've never tried before. Highly recommended.

What a lovely surprise! I fell upon this un obscure sweet, hidden spot whilst in Miami beach. It has only been opened for two weeks. I had a nice time chatting to the new owners Filip (from Serbia) and Abbe, who endured my chat whilst I was there. They have re decorated this small quaint lil area inside the Sagamore hotel. It is a chilled, intimate little wine bar. I ordered a very nice chilled white wine from their Happy hour specials whilst I was there. It was the Seaglass sauvignon Blanc (central Coast), the price was a very reasonable 8 dollars. Their happy hours run from 3 - 6.30pm. It was perfectly chilled and poured from a de canter into a pristine glass. The place was intimate, smelled nice which I mentioned to them (Filipe told me he had just mopped the floor). The design inside and refurbishment was designed by Abbe, and then completed by both of them. They proudly showed me some before pictures of what the spot was like before (dark and dingy) they got their talented hands on it. It offers a cool vibe, that is intimate and cosy. They also offer some small delicious bites to go with their drinks. Filip kindly gave me a sample of a boiled half egg with some truffle on the top, (Spicy deviled egg with truffles) see my picture, which was very pleasant. He then gave me some Baba Ganoush to try - which was divine, perfectly smoked and decadent. Do try this dish. In case you do not know what this dish is, let me enlighten you. Baba Ganoush is a traditional recipe, in short an eggplant (aubergine for us Brits) dish. It consists of baked eggplant with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini sauce. Apologises for no picture of this particular appetiser, but my phone had died. Whilst I was there I over heard two New Yorkers say their cocktails - were delicious. I cannot remember what they were. Because of that, they then ordered two more, but different ones. I know those had melon in them. Be sure to go and check it out, and tell them you read Sarah P's recommendation of it and them on Yelp! read more

Water Lion Wine + Alchemy - half a boiled egg with truffles. - Wine Bars Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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Amazing wine selection and lovely and charming server. A bit expensive also including the service fee.

Really lovely ambiance here, perfect for a drink before dinner for those wanting to take a chill second before matching the high energy of a Miami night! The menu features very creative drinks that taste as good, or better even, then they look. I had the clarified milk punch, and a dirty martini that was 10/10 on both of these. This next bit is unexpected - but they make their own pickle juice and it was SO GOOD. Not something I ever expected to have at a bar! They have a short list of apps that we didn't try but would like to next time. This place was so good that we came back for a night cap after dinner. It wasn't busy when we were in there, so the service was top notch and personalized with friendly bartenders. read more

Water Lion Wine + Alchemy - Dirty martini with olive snack. - Wine Bars Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

Hidden gem! This wine/cocktail bar is an oasis from the party life of south beach. The ambience is very chill, the lighting is perfect, and you can actually have a conversation with people here. read more

My new favorite spot in south beach. Came here after dinner because we heard they have a great wine selection and it's absolutely true. Joshua was so knowledgeable about their wine and helped us pick out two bottles which were both amazing. He really took the time to explain the wines and where they are from which elevated the experience. They source some wines that aren't available anywhere else in the US. Great ambiance and decor as well. Will definitely be back! read more

Best wine bar in South Beach!!!! Great food, great service, and of course, amazing wine. I love their burrata and their cheese & charcuterie. The bartenders are always happy to chat and give recommendations. The vibe is so nice too. Warm lighting and great atmosphere!! read more

Excellent service, divine wine and tasty bites! The Orange Gold Rosé and the shrimp dip were incredible. Stop in and sit at the bar for a chill night and great conversation in Miami Beach. You won't be disappointed! read more

This place is inside the Sagamore hotel. What an incredible wine bar! Even if you know little about wine this is still a great spot for you. They can help guide you in your wine choice. If wine isn't your thing they have a good selection of other adult beverages. Their food is also incredible! From fresh and fantastic tasting oyster to deviled eggs with shaved truffle on them. Mind blowing menu to say the least, your taste buds will thank you! read more

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Amazing deviled eggs with prosciutto and oysters are extremely fresh. Drinks are great too. Definitely a great spot. read more

Water Lion Wine + Alchemy - Wine Bars Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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Truly excellent experience overall. Philip is an incredible expert and a pleasure to talk to. The wine list is the best I've seen in the United States and the small bites menu is inspired. We could have stayed there all night if we didn't have dinner plans. 10/10 will return and recommend to anyone traveling to Miami. read more

We came here two nights ago and had a blast. The staff here is incredible and very knowledgeable! We will definitely be back next time we're in Miami! read more

Great little place - relaxed and chill. Great happy hour 3-6pm. Staff is awesome and helpful and great to chat with. Check it out! read more

Water Lion Wine + Alchemy - Water Lion Wine + Alchemy - Wine Bars Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

Oysters were light and airy, & very tasty. The deviled eggs are fantastic!! Same with baba ganoush! The staff is super personal and friendly & attentive. We walked in thinking it was another restaurant and was pleasantly surprised with what we found. Water Lion is a hidden gem for sure! Will definitely be back, and highly recommended! read more

This place is amazing! Perfectly fresh & flavorful oysters, the best liver mousse in town, wine to die for, and an owner that makes you feel honored to patron the business. Do not pass this place up, unless, of course, you are a fool read more

Milan was the best server! So kind and so attentive to our group. Great service, fun & lowkey :)

If you're a wine and sake lover, this is your place. Fantastic owners who are not only knowledgeable but friendly and welcoming. Their wine list is exciting and adventurous without being pretentious. Trust in them. They won't let you down read more

This is a hidden gym. Newly opened within the Sagamore Hotel, it's the perfect setting for drinks and appetizers. The drinks were not only amazing but the conversation from the owners was exceptional. This bar is a must if you're in the area. They provide the small touches that other places rarely do. read more

My fiancé and I were feeling wine and charcuterie. Christian greeted us as soon as we walked in introducing us to the restaurant, he was quick to make us feel welcomed and explained the menu to us. Christian was very personable. We drank the Chateau Fonteateau Bordeaux and Sofia, Christian our bartender recommended the tramezzini (prosciutto di parama + parmigiana) along with describing Everything was delicious, prepared and presented delightfully! A must stop! read more

Great Micheladas, awesome snacks, impeccable service. Great place off the beaten path that focuses on the craft of service, food, and drinks. read more

Small, intimate bar with amazing cocktails and ambience. lychee cocktail was perfectly balanced and refreshing. Very creative spin on deviled eggs, prosciutto and parmasan, oysters were perfect. Service was excellent and very attentive to details. Highly recommend. read more

Phenomenal execution of food and drinks. Phil and Izzy were amazing. They educated us on oysters and drinks. Hands down an amazing experience. read more

This place is truly special! It was our first time in and I'm so glad we tried it. From the food to the service, Christian & Abbe really are exceptional. They took excellent care of us from the moment we walked in. The have a wonderful natural wine selection. I would encourage anyone to try a flight. Abbe carefully explained each and offered different selections we had never experienced before. We didn't have enough time to try a cocktail, but we'll definitely be back again!! read more

Unfortunately we had the worst encounter with the person whom later we found out is the owner of the bar. She rolled her eyes and huffed at us about guests of the hotel sitting down in the front of the hotel. When we asked if she wanted us to move, she said "no, I just arranged these for 'paying customers'." I guess $800 per night is not enough to sit in the front seats of the hotel. Not to mention we spent plenty at the bar the night before but never again. BEWARE...RUDE. read more