I had heard a lot of great things about Bar Kaiju so I was excited to try it. It was a little difficult to find it because it's located on the Mezzanine floor of the building and the first floor is a food court. Once I found the elevator, Kaiju was clearly labeled there tho. The entire bar is dark and has cool red lights all around. We went to the bar to get seated and were led to an open table for our group. Our waiter immediately filled our water glasses and brought the menu. The menu is super cool because each drink is presented as a Pokémon card. There's a lot of info especially on how they compare to classic cocktails. Everything on the menu looked good so my friends and I got a bunch of different drinks. Some of my favorites were the Rodan, Guije, and the pandan drink (I forgot the name). The Michelangelo was also good but a little spirit forward for my taste. I'm excited to come back and try some more of the menu. read more

Bar Kaiju was recommended to us by our server at Walrus Rodeo (great restaurant just 10-15 minutes away, by the way). Her recommendation was spot-on because we really liked this place. This is a fun, trendy bar with delicious drinks and solid service. It's totally worth checking out. First, I love the theming. Kaiju is Japanese for "movie monster." Ever seen Pacific Rim (2013)? The logo looks like a rough outline of Godzilla. The menu is designed to look like Japanese monster (e.g., Pokemon) trading card books. Each cocktail has its own card art, stats, and tasting notes. Neat. And the vibe of the place is like - I don't know - Japanese neon Blade Runner. It's cool. The four of us got a variety of drinks and were welcomed to our table with complimentary shots. I had the Guije cocktail which cost $24 after tax and tip. Yes, that's the one thing about this place - the drinks aren't cheap. Tasting notes: "Guije is a savory, tropical, and funky cocktail featuring Chairman's Reserve Rum spiced with Mojo Criollo, offering hints of bay leaf, pepper and garlic. Along with fresh mango, lime, Maduro, to round out the robust yet tropical flavors." It was strong, refreshing, and fantastic. All of our drinks were presented beautifully too. My wife thought she left her wallet here. The next day, I DMed @bar_kaiju on Instagram and they got back to me in less than a couple hours. Whoever got back to me was responsive and kind. (Luckily, the wallet turned up elsewhere, but their help was appreciated.) Bar Kaiju is located on the 2nd floor (mezzanine level) of the Citadel food hall. It opened in December 2022. I found out after the fact that they were ranked #77 on the "North America's 50 Best Bars" extended list in 2025. read more

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I almost don't feel like this place even needs a review. Bar Kaiju is a 10/10. No notes. They leave no crumbs. Hands down, some of the best cocktails in the world. This is one of those spots where you don't overthink it--you just trust the process. The level of creativity, balance, and precision behind every single cocktail is honestly unbelievable. I've seen some of the top chefs in the world come through just to taste and experience what they're doing here. I've also walked in on groups ordering every drink on the menu, passing them around just to sip, taste, and understand the range. That alone says everything. I'm a regular, and this is very much a neighborhood spot for me, so I already know the philosophy, the techniques, and the intention behind most of the drinks. My advice for first-timers: come with an open mind. Don't get hung up on the types of alcohol listed--because the way these cocktails are built, you won't even feel or focus on what you're drinking while you're drinking it. You'll just feel the experience. Go before dinner. Go after the spa. Go to end the night. Have two cocktails--no more, no less. You'll leave feeling amazing and slightly confused about what you just experienced... in the best possible way. If I had to offer the only piece of feedback at all--and this is minor--it would be around how the drinks are introduced. Sometimes the explanations are a bit mumbled, and you don't fully catch the story or vibe behind what you're being served. A little more clarity and intention there would elevate the experience even further. Outside of that? World-class. Just needs the tiniest bit of refinement. read more

Bar Kaiju was a fantastic experience. The atmosphere feels like a bar made for geeks and nerds, with unique props everywhere you look. The drinks were excellent, and our bartender, Ian, was incredibly professional and clearly knowledgeable about his craft. What really stood out was that each drink came with its own story, which made the experience feel much more immersive and memorable. I highly recommend trying the Yeti. Cheers! read more

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Bar kaiju has one of the most unique and delicious cocktail programs in miami. a bar where each cocktail is dedicated to a monster whose personality shines through the flavor profile of each cocktail. The bartenders are all super nice and service is great! I love the ambiance and decor, it's a great place to visit with friends! read more

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Had a blast at this bar. Of course when staying in Miami I was looking for any unique bars and drinks. Had freta service and they walked me through the menu and different flavor profiles each drink had. There was many too choose from and each had their own unique art and story based on the different "Kaiju" monsters from around the world. I had the yeti which was smooth and delicious. They even sell a pack of trading cards with the art of each drink to collect. The inside had a nice japanese izakaya feel to it and while they don't serve much food they do have special collabs like their Korean fried chicken sandwich. Out the bar they do have a lot of street parking which is affordable per hour. They don't have a private lot but can get expensive per hour. If you like unique drinks and bars, check this place out. read more

Best drinks in Miami hands down!! Amazing staff, really fun experience reading through the menu, and great ambiance. Perfect date spot!! read more

Super cool vibes and drinks here! The bartenders really put their craft making each drink and it shows! Will def be back again sometime! read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Stopped in after an event at the roof top. Idk what took me so long to visit. Such an amazing vibe for date night or just to gab with the girls. Every drink I had was so well balanced. I had a daiquiri, the mezcal cocktail on their list (it is garnished with a lollipop they make in house) my friend got the pizza martini which is kind of like build your own. After the martini is poured you can choose a few pizza inspired flavors to add that are made in house. The bar I noticed fills up quick but there are couches you can sit at . Will absolutely be back (sorry for not remember the names of the cocktails I had a few too many) read more

Bar Kaiju - Pizza martini ! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

100% must visit The drinks are very creative and delicious and the bartenders do a great job explaining the stories and tasting notes. It's a little dark but that adds to the ambiance. Best espresso martini Ive ever had. And Yara-Ma-Yha-Who had layers of flavor that were incredible, especially with the white chocolate wafer. We were shocked that drinks were only $18 each. For the entire experience and sophisticated drinks, we expected them to be a lot more expensive. There's also a food hall downstairs if you want some food or ice cream for dessert read more

Bar Kaiju - Maskinganna - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Found this bar by coincidence and it was such a good idea. Bar was very different than typical, all monster themed and honestly it was pretty cool. Sat the bar and service was impeccable. Bartenders assisted by showing us the Pokémon inspired menu and giving us the best recommendations. Had a few different monster themed drinks which were all very unique. The clear Espresso Martini was definitely a fave. Would definitely return again it was the perfect date night place. read more

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I cannot emphasize enough how impressed I was with Bar Kaiju. If you haven't been, stop what you're doing and pick a date to go and enjoy this amazing cocktail bar. Located in the Citadel, this spot is a monster-inspired cocktail bar that is serving up some VERY interesting drinks. The menu is so well thought out, with pages upon pages of drinks with stories that explain the why behind the cocktail and its flavor profiles. I opted for their version of the espresso martini - this really blew my mind because they put it through some sort of machine to remove the coloring of the cocktail ingredients so it comes served completely clear. It is a total mind game because while it looks like a bone dry regular martini, it tastes like coffee and what the espresso martini of my dreams would taste like. WILD! My friend got a cocktail that was tiki-inspired and had mojo and garlic in it. You'd think that would be gross, but it worked perfectly in here. You can tell they not only know what they are doing, but that they are super proud of their menu (as they should be). We had two servers help us, and both were so knowledgable about every drink and the flavors it got me and my friend excited to order our drinks. The bar seats about 12, but there is some lounge seating as well. I can't wait to go back and sit at the bar, I loooooved it here! read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Let me start by saying I love Godzilla--my absolute favorite movies growing up--as well as some other famous Kaiju. So this bars theme is right up my alley. They also have amazing artisan cocktails, dudes behind the bar are cool, and it's at the Citadel--one of my frequent hangs. read more

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Very cool concept bar. The theme is clear from the moment you walk in, and they fully commit to it in the best way. The entire menu is based around monsters, and every item is described with a level of detail that makes you want to try everything just to see how the story plays out in flavor. The drinks are creative and well balanced, and the craft behind them is obvious. This is NOT just a gimmick spot, they actually know what they are doing behind the bar. The anime-inspired art covering the walls gives the whole place a unique personality. As someone who is into anime, it makes the experience even more fun. The illustrated menu, the monster theme, and the overall vibe feel like a place made for people who appreciate both great cocktails and thoughtful design. The staff is super friendly, and they really add to the experience. They even offer you a welcome shot when you arrive, which is a fun touch that sets the tone for the night! A solid way to do it is to start downstairs at The Citadel with some food, and then head upstairs to this bar to keep the night going. It is definitely a good place to bring a date. It's different, memorable, and fun without being over the top. The only thing to keep in mind is that seating can be limited. I have been here with a group before and we ended up leaving because there just was not enough space. So it is probably not the best idea to base your whole night around staying here unless you plan to show up early or roll with a smaller crew. Overall, though, I really like this place. The creativity, the energy, and the attention to detail make it one of the more interesting bar experiences in the city. read more

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This is an incredible bar. We've been twice and been able to try 8 cocktails across those visits - without a doubt these are consistently best cocktails we've ever had, including one cocktail (no longer on the menu, but from a year or so ago) that I think may have been my best ever. Each one is so unique, creative, and incredibly balanced (I swear they have a different, silky mouthfeel) and the menu is a mesmerizing artwork in and of itself. The bartenders take their craft very seriously, but are also very friendly and engaging. It's a cool, intimate vibe with great music too - being tucked in a corner overhanging a food court adds to the feeling you've happened across something really special. Now one thing I'd like to add that is very serious, but may or my not have anything to do with this bar. My partner and I only went two places the evening of our most recent visit and he was roofied by an employee at one of them (there was no one else even close to us at either venue and our drinks were never out of our sights). Thankfully he is okay, but it was a scary ordeal. I leave this here as we don't know which place it happened at and I don't want the wrong spot to get any undue flak for it, but if someone else has this experience (or if the employees at either place have noticed something off), a pattern has the opportunity to emerge - fingers crossed though that no one else has to go through this. read more

Ahh where do I start! I saw a friend that posted about this bar on IG a while back and I've been wanting to check it out since it's close to NBV. I love the Citadel, but this unspoken, hidden speakeasy on the Mezzanine level of the Citadel is just what a local wants to experience. The whole time it was an experience. We went for a date night and got a seat at the bar (they have lounge chairs on the side as well). Our bartender Jose was amazing and so knowledgeable! It's Japanese themed hence the name. The menu is a well thought out book with descriptions of all the drinks with a story. It's very intimate and has a great vibe. I hope it continues to stay local honestly. But they are on the world's 50 best discovery bars so props to them! I'll definitely be a regular here. Great service from everyone read more

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Speakeasy bar hidden away on the second floor of the Citadel food hall. Now rated one of the top bars in America for unique cocktails, ambience and monster hentai theme. Stop by for an intimate conversation with the knowledgeable staff. read more

Came here thinking it was just going to be a hipster bar with your average bar drinks. Wrong. It's a full on pop-up cocktail/mixology experience above The Citadel. The mixologists ensure you have a seat before explaining the menu concept and offering their guidance based on your taste preferences. These guys know each cocktail like the back of their hand and the coolest part is that they all have their own spin on them based off of different monster characters. Their attention to service and detail was impeccable. They even offered us welcome shots and goodbye shots on the house that were both delicious. Every drink on their menu is unique - even the espresso martini will not be what you're expecting - they put some painstaking work into making the drink entirely clear. Definitely check these guys out! read more

Bar Kaiju - Left tiki-style cocktail has taro and mead! Right cocktail was their spin on a cosmo. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Pros: fantastic atmosphere, top notch libations, fun decor, excellent service. I tried three drinks and they were 10/10. Cons: pricey, it's Miami after all! Can't wait to return! read more

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Had a great experience with Joe, our bartender, who was not only a terrific miixologist, but a great conversationalist. We were there early and were able to monopolize his time somewhat. The drinks were interesting, and spot on delicious. A fun, intimate cocktail lounge on the 2nd floor of The Citadel. For an elevated cocktail experience, give it a try! read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Okay so you know I love speakeasies. I was unprepared to experience one just 5 minutes from my airbnb! My friend and I took a break from Carnival life to experience something unique... and slightly nerdy. We drove to The Citadel food hall's parking lot, and no spoilers, but I saw the speakeasy entrance almost immediately, not even knowing what I was looking for. You'll know it when you see it :). It was a red color with lots of cool kaiju stuff, and you could overlook the entire food hall (and see and hear the DJ crankin'). The bar had space, since we got there not long after 7:00 -- that's when they open! I had two very unique cocktails. My first one was the Sinsimito AKA "The Savage", which had Patron, Tepache, Amaro and spiced corn foam. Let me tell you -- that corn foam was DELICIOUS!!! The second one was definitely dessert -- it had mini french toast crunch cereal pieces on top of the ice, and there was biscotti-flavored liqueur in it, among other things. It was called the Taotie. It was deeeeeeeliicious!! On top of the taste, I loved how passionately the bartenders talked about the cocktails and the ingredients that went into each one after they provided them. The overall vibe was great, and I cannot wait to return this place when I'm in Miami again. read more

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Drinks were great! Very creative and we'll priced. I think I got roofied here. 5 stars

We were told groups bigger than 6 were not allowed. Then we were told it was allowed, but it had to be one check and it had to be minimum of $80 per person. They turned us away, so I guess this place is not for the common folk. Bad choice on their end considering the place was empty. read more

Bar Kaiju - Entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Top two experience. very impressed with the staff drink knowledge and overall enthusiasm for the products. Very cool setting to introduce yourself into unique drinks. read more

A hidden gem in citadel, great stop after sunset drinks on the rooftop, and fun spot to bring out of towners. The bartenders were knowledgeable and helpful. The menu was fun and elaborate, thankfully the drinks were not overly crazy looking or tasting. This place serves straight up great cocktails, with a nice spectrum of complexity to choose from. Would gladly return to try more of the menu. read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

What a fun location! I came here with family - one of which is a pretty big Godzilla fan. We had a great time. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and let us take our time as we combed through the menu to pick our drinks. The decor is cute and the drinks are honestly a work of art. Never would I have thought to order a drink (Guije) with mojo criollo in it - but it works! read more

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Love this bar! Been here 2x before but forgot to put in the review. Excellent service and unique drinks. People at the bar are friendly and the owner is super nice! Miami native btw! I had the Godzilla cocktail and my date got the Chupacabra cocktail. Had a great time. Hopefully these guys can open up their own bar location down south. read more

Bar Kaiju - Owner was so nice! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

I didn't expect to love this spot as much as I did. This is a new monster themed bar where all the drinks are based off a monster- so fun! DRINKS Hadori the tiger: rum based fruitier drink. The ingredients really cut through the sweetness though so it's well balanced. Bigfoot aka Sasquatch: they somehow made Black Forest cake into a whiskey drink- ingenious. SERVICE I really liked our bartender (didn't catch his name unfortunately). He explained all the drinks to us and made great recommendations. He was also friendly and up for conversation (which I'm not really used to anymore living in Miami haha). Also didn't make us feel pressured into leaving or buying multiple rounds. AMBIANCE Perfect spot for a night cap. There's some bar seating as well as tables around the corner. It can get pretty loud if there's live music. Since this is in citadel, no need to dress up (but go for it if you want to!) read more

Bar Kaiju - Hadori the tiger (left), Bigfoot (right) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Secret's out - this little gem is def my kind of vibe. No pretense, cool theme, intimate, great folks behind the bar - winning combo. This ain't a place to "be seen" it's a place to pull up with a few folks, drink, talk some shit, and vibe. S/0 to Derrick and team, definitely a new fave of mine! Keep it cool Miami, pórtense bien! read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Wow! I had no expectations going in here (much like the rest of the Citadel) but I was blown away. The area is actually pretty spacious with a seating area outside the main bar area but the bar itself is intimate and dimly lit, with old Godzilla movies playing in the background and lots of kaiju themed decor. The menu is a highlight, with inspired cocktail creations themed after famous movie monsters like King Kong and Godzilla. The bartenders were knowledgeable and nice to talk to. Our cocktails were delicious. Would definitely go back. read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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This place is so cute . It's located in the. Second floor of citadel. The drink menu is super extensive and has so many cool drinks and their menu is awesome cause the drinks are named after "monster" creatures and it gives a little explanation of where the drink originated from. They even welcome you with a welcome shot of their choice for the night and a goodbye shot as well. Overall it was a fantastic experience . It's a nice place to talk and catch up with friends read more

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Hidden gem! Very clever cocktails. Bartender was very knowledgeable and presented us the drinks with a passion. The atmosphere is a little dark but that's sort of the point with a speakeasy type establishment! Really enjoyed our time! read more

This is such a cool bar with a unique ambiance, decor, and theme. All their cocktails are crafted with detail, care, and passion. The theme is set on monsters such as Godzilla, Big Foot, etc. Haven't experienced something like this before and have to say this is one of the coolest small cocktail bars in Miami. It's a little hidden, tucked away in the Citadel up the elevator in case you're trying to find it. If you're looking for good cocktails, and a quick drink to the end the night. This is a solid spot and such a cool and unique concept. read more

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I can't rate this place because they turned me and my friends down because we were more than 6. On top of that, they wanted to charge us a minimum of $80 per head. The place was empty and lost our business. read more

Best secret in Miami! Love how creative the drink menu is and the ambience is amazing.

Very cool vibe for a Friday night with many craft cocktails to choose from. Kind of difficult to find but I like the hidden bar feel to it. The theme of the bar is based around mythical creatures and the drink menu lays out a great story and makes you want to try every cocktail. Don't be basic, order one of their speciality cocktails. read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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You pay for what you get and yea they aren't cheap but the flavor profile and quality and service proves why .just overall creative and awesome .Mixeology at its core with great execution read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Interesting bar with attentive service! I loved the dark, intimate ambiance - it's great for a date or for a hangout with friends! Each drink has a backstory that your waiter tells you about, which I thought was a nice touch. The music is amazing and the drinks were delicious! read more

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I've got to say, Kaiju is a different and super creative type of bar. It gives me a hipster vibe, kind of funky, story telling mood, and the service is a killer ! They're all genuinely wanting to please you! Please go there, those guys are really doing something right ! read more

Bar Kaiju - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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The best cocktail bar in Miami. Ditch the stiffly hotel lobby and come enjoy the vibe at this Godzilla theme bar inside the Citadel. OPEN UNTIL 2AM. The bar is small yet provided an intimate connection with Joe, our attentive mixologist. After we got our drinks (along with a perfect explanation of how they were made) we chilled at the more spacious table service area with a nice view of the 1st floor Citadel restaurants. The decor and chill music are killer but the drinks are clearly the stars of the show. They elevate various brands of liquor with unique homemade infusions. Thier deft use of the handheld smoker brings the Monster theme full circle. Need to come back to try each one read more