Mac’s Club Deuce

Mac's Club Deuce is a South Beach institution that has been pouring drinks since 1926 and calls itself Miami's oldest bar. In a neighbourhood known for glossy hotel bars and clubs, it is a rare survivor: a laid-back, unpretentious dive with rustic decor, a pool table and a jukebox. Anthony Bourdain, quoted by the bar, described it as one of the last true dive bars.

There is nothing complicated about a visit. Order a beer or a simple mixed drink, put some songs on the jukebox, and play a game of pool if the table is free. The appeal lies in the atmosphere and the mix of people, from neighbourhood regulars to visitors who have heard about its history, rather than in elaborate cocktails. The 2-for-1 happy hour runs from 8am to 5pm every day.

The bar is open every day from 8am to 5am, so it can be a morning stop, an afternoon refuge from the heat or the last stop of a long night. As a general rule, late nights are livelier, while afternoons are usually calmer and better for conversation. Bring identification, as you should for any bar in Florida.

Mac's suits solo travellers, groups of friends and anyone who wants a break from the polished side of Miami Beach. It is not a place for families, and if you are looking for a view or a dress-up night out, a rooftop or hotel bar will suit you better. Come with an open mind and a relaxed attitude and you will understand why it has lasted so long.

Because it opens so early and closes so late, it is one of the few bars where you can drop in almost any time you are passing. Keep your expectations simple: this is a casual, long-running bar rather than a place for views or elaborate cocktails.

The bar is at 222 14th Street in the heart of South Beach, so it is easy to reach on foot from the Art Deco district, Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road. The Betsy at 1440 Ocean Drive and the Wolfsonian-FIU on Washington Avenue are both nearby. Taxis and ride-shares are easy to find in the area late at night.