Miami's Hidden Speakeasy Scene: Why 9 Feet Under Stands Out Among the Rest
- Avery Stribling
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
Nestled discreetly behind Bellas Cabaret in Hialeah, 9 Feet Under emerges as one of Miami’s most captivating hidden speakeasies. With a blend of Prohibition-era elegance and modern flair, this underground lounge offers an unforgettable escape for those seeking something beyond flashy nightlife.
Scene Overview: Miami's Hidden Speakeasies
The city's secret bar culture is vibrant, often tucked behind unassuming facades—from hotel lobbies to back doors in Brickell, Little Havana, and beyond (Modern Luxury, Secret Miami). Classics like the Tea Room, Kaona, Swizzle Rum Bar, and Los Altos each offer distinctive themes—from Hong Kong‑inspired luxury views to tiki‑bar adventures (Secret Miami).
What unites them:
Secrecy and intrigue behind discreet entrances
Artisan-crafted cocktails in themed, immersive settings
Intimate environments emphasizing craft over spectacle
What Makes 9 Feet Under Truly Unique
1. Entrance & Atmosphere
Enter through a nondescript side door marked with a subtle "9," ring the bell, and descend a red-carpeted staircase into a world that feels more Gatsby than club (CitySquares, Secret Miami, 9 Feet Under). Inside, plush seating, dim lighting, and Art Deco accents evoke clandestine ambiance with Miami’s tropical heartbeat (revista-influencer.com).
2. Craft Cocktails with Local Flair
Signature cocktails include the Havana Sunset (guava + sugar cane), Black Gold (an espresso martini twist), Snow Bird (citrus-forward), Tour of Italy, Frank Lucas Old Fashioned, and more. Many feature Cuban coffee, tropical fruits, or house-made infusions (Secret Miami). Expect prices between $16–$25—higher than other Hialeah venues, but with elevated quality (Miami New Times).
3. Curated Weekly Entertainment
Each evening brings a different mood:
Wednesdays: Stand-up comedy hosted by Manny Garavito (The Soul Of Miami)
Thursdays: Karaoke from 9–12 AM (9 Feet Under)
Fridays: Live jazz sessions 9–12 AM (9 Feet Under)
Sundays: Tropical DJ sets from 5 PM to midnight (9 Feet Under)
These curated experiences shift the vibe—from laid-back comedy to elegant musical evenings to danceable tropical energy.
4. Atmospheric Refuge & Comfort
Beneath Miami’s heat, 9 Feet Under offers a cool, climate-controlled retreat with consistent temperatures, shielding guests from UV and summer swelter (9 Feet Under).
5. A Sense of Discovery
Its location behind a strip club and strict dress code (“smart casual”; no shorts, tanks, or sandals) add to its exclusivity (9 Feet Under). You feel like part of an insider group rather than just a guest.
Comparison Table
Feature | 9 Feet Under | Other Miami Speakeasies |
Location & Entry | Underground, red‑carpet descent | Hidden but often more accessible facades |
Design & Ambiance | Art Deco, plush, tropical touches | Varies: tiki, Asian, rum‑bar styles |
Drink Menu | Tropical‑Miami fusion cocktails, $16–$25 | Creative but less Miami‑centric |
Programming | Live jazz, comedy, karaoke, DJ sets | Often static or only occasional events |
Comfort & Climate | Naturally cool underground escape | Above‑ground venues can be hot |
Exclusivity & Dress Code | Enforced, elevated feel | Casts a wide net—less strictly curated |
Why It Stands Out
Unmatched immersion: Felt like stepping directly into another era, with tropical Miami soul.
Vibe Versatility: Whether you’re in the mood for laughs, jazz sophistication, or a danceable Sunday, this spot covers it all.
Beyond cocktails: It’s an experience, not just a bar—drinks, ambiance, entertainment, comfort all in one.
SEO-Optimized Section: Finding 9 Feet Under in the Hidden Speakeasy Miami Scene
Hidden Speakeasy Miami: 9 Feet Under embodies the essence of Miami’s secret bar scene—concealed, curated, and crafted for discovery.
Unique Bars Miami: Its blend of Prohibition elegance, tropical accents, weekly programming, and climate control catapults it above typical hidden bars.
Exclusive Miami Bars: With strict dress code, reservation requirements, and its underground location, 9 Feet Under delivers an aura of sophistication and exclusivity rare in the mainstream nightlife circuit.
Q&A
Q1: How do you get into 9 Feet Under? A: Head to 885 SE 14th Street in Hialeah (side entrance of Bellas Cabaret), look for the door marked “9,” ring the bell, and descend into the venue. Reservations are strongly recommended (Secret Miami, East Coast Traveler, Miami New Times, 9 Feet Under, CitySquares).
Q2: What’s the dress code? A: Strictly smart casual—no sandals, shorts, or tank tops. Embracing refined style enhances the experience (9 Feet Under).
Q3: What are the signature cocktails? A: Favorites include Havana Sunset, Black Gold, Snow Bird, Tour of Italy, Frank Lucas Old Fashioned—crafted with tropical ingredients and premium spirits (Secret Miami).
Q4: What entertainment can I expect?
Wednesdays: Stand‑up comedy
Thursdays: Karaoke
Fridays: Live jazz
Sundays: Tropical DJ sets (The Soul Of Miami, Miami New Times)
Q5: How does 9 Feet Under differ from other speakeasies? A: It’s more than hidden—it’s a climate-cooled oasis, blending vintage aesthetics with tropical Miami flavors, curated entertainment, and a feeling of discovery that most other bars don’t provide.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re exploring hidden speakeasy Miami, seeking unique bars Miami, or craving exclusive Miami bars, 9 Feet Under deserves your top spot. It's a multi-sensory journey—cool, secretive, sophisticated, and undeniably Miami.


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