Miami is filled to the brim with hopping dance clubs. Here are a few of the best.

Liquid
1439 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
(305) 532-9154

One of the hottest clubs in the city, this late-night place is co-owned by Madonna pal Ingrid Casares. It caters to the trendier-than-thou 20-something crowd and celebs who are a tad older, such as Madonna herself, Jack Nicholson, and high-powered models Naomi, Kate, and Claudia. Ricky Martin hangs out here when he's in town and not at his own restaurant/club. To make it past the door guard into the dimly-lit club, you must be dressed in either chic or freaky clothing. DJs are flown in from New York to play frenetically-paced music. Friday night parties are co-hosted by local drag queens. Sunday is a night mostly for gays. Monday is high-energy hip hop night. Celebs retreat to VIP rooms with huge bottles of champagne. 

Don't come here hungry because there's no food available. Most drinks cost $5 apiece.

Hours: Wed.-Mon. 11 pm- 4 am

Cover: $10 week nights; $15 Fri. - Sat.

The Living Room at the Strand
671 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
(305) 532-2340

This comfy and upscale lounge is frequented by models and celebs, especially rock stars after Miami gigs.  It's not exactly easy to get into this place of Beautiful People. The doormen who guard the velvet ropes sometimes have a bad attitude. This is where the gorgeous go to escape the stresses of the fashion industry. So dress appropriately, preferably in Gucci. Don't even think about appearing in denim.

The Living Room's rich, warm atmosphere features red walls, velvet drapes, sweeping archways, and cushy couches. To plop down on a velvet couch, though, you have to buy a bottle of vodka or champagne that starts at $80.  If you're not up for that, try a mixed drink or glass of wine for $6.

Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 11 pm- 4 am

Cover: None

Bash
655 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
(305) 538-2274

Co-owned by actor Sean Penn and Mick Hucknall of the rock group Simply Red, this stylish, bohemian-style club takes fun to the extreme.  DJs spin Latin, reggae, loud disco, and world beat music in the tropical "magic garden." The dance floor is usually packed and there are three VIP lounges.

Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 pm- 5 am; Sun. 11 pm- 5 am

Cover: $10-15; none on Tues.

 

Groove Jet
323 23rd Street, Miami Beach
(305) 532-2002

Billing itself as "the only club that matters," Groove Jet is one of the trendiest hot spots on the planet. Voted best dance club in Miami, late night revelers start pouring in around 2 am.  Just a block off the beach, the 20-30-something crowd throbs to DJs in  three rooms with five bars.  Everyone marvels at the outdoor Crystal Lounge, named for the tiny mirror shards decorating every square inch, and the celebrity clientele. Matt Dillon, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Marilyn Manson have been known to show up to party.

Groove Jet is big enough so you don't feel cramped for space. The place pulsates with eclectic sounds on different nights - hip-hop, acid jazz, electronica. You can dance the night away in the main room, get away from the action in the back room, or enjoy a drink in the outdoor crystal lounge.

Hours: Tues., Thurs.-Sun. 11 pm- 5 am

Cover: $10 Tues. - Thurs.; $15 weekends

 

Marco's in the Grove
3339 Virginia Street, Coconut Grove
(305) 444-5333

Catering to 21-40 year-old urban yuppies, Marco's serves up Latin beats with classic Italian food. Tropical colors and a techno-hip light show highlight the dance floor. Dinner hour is frenzied, with DJs playing Latin and Top 40 tunes. Table hopping and table dancing are popular activities.  Marco's is a fun place with lots of theme parties and big crowds. There is a happy hour, nightly dinner specials, and free valet parking.

Hours: Tues.-Sat. 8 pm-1 am.; Dancing Thurs.-Sat. 10 pm- 3 am

Cover: Varies