Lagniappe

Lagniappe is a wine bar and live music venue on NE 2nd Avenue, just south of the Miami Design District, and it is a relaxed place to spend an evening. Its name is a Louisiana word for a little something extra, and the bar's mix of wine, food and nightly music fits the idea well. The music leans towards jazz, funk and blues.

The format is simple. Wine and food are served throughout the evening, and live music plays every night from 9pm to midnight. Because there are no reservations, it pays to arrive before the music starts if you want a good spot, particularly on Friday and Saturday. Browse the wine list, order something to share, and settle in for the set; this is a place for lingering rather than a quick drink.

Lagniappe opens at 6pm every day. It closes at 2am from Sunday to Thursday and at 3am on Friday and Saturday. Early evening is the calmest time, good for a glass of wine and conversation before the music begins, while later in the night the atmosphere becomes livelier as more people arrive for the band.

The bar suits couples, groups of friends and solo travellers who enjoy live music in an informal setting. It is a good alternative to the louder clubs of Miami Beach and downtown, and it works well after dinner in the Design District or at nearby restaurants on NE 2nd Avenue. Musicians who want to play there can contact the bar through its website.

Because the bar does not take reservations, it is best to treat a visit as an open-ended evening rather than a fixed plan. On busy nights, a group is more likely to find space if one person arrives early to hold seats while others finish dinner nearby.

Lagniappe is at 3425 NE 2nd Avenue. COTE Miami at 3900 NE 2nd Avenue, Mandolin Aegean Bistro at 4312 NE 2nd Avenue and Michael's Genuine Food and Drink on NE 40th Street are all close by for dinner beforehand, and Boia De is further north on the same road. Taxis and ride-shares are the easiest way to get home late at night.