Rene Reid
Found a new speakeasy in Miami, South Beach and don’t want to be cagey about it.
Sagamore Hotel.
Step up a few stairs, walk through the main entrance door and beyond the sofas in the foyer is the entrance which looks more like an entrance to an office. The door gives way to slightly dim warm lighting, which creates an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.
I sat at the bar with my husband and heard the bartender, Phillip taking repeated orders of old fashioned and espresso martini. I saw a group polished glasses and glasses of wines and then came the surprise – the selections! Their selections were smaller than expected but thoughtfully chosen. We asked Phillip for his recommendations, along the lines of red & bold. He gladly pointed us to a wine that was not on the menu. It seems they offer a menu selection and off-menu/rotating selection from unique wine regions. We had a red blend from China (yes that’s correct, it surprised me equally). But then I realized, I haven’t had wines from most of the regions they offer and the curiosity sets in. Looking forward to explore the menu and off-menu selections.
Perfect spot for date night or post dinner drinks and for all the wine explorers out there.
… moreMaureen Bernard
My husband and I spent 4 nights at the Sagamore and our last stop of each evening was at the Water Lion. I cannot find enough praise for this sweet little spot in South Beach. The bar is intimate and cozy, but what really makes this such a special place is the very kind and engaging owner, Philip. Philip was both welcoming and gracious. He paid special attention to details, such as the charcuterie plate that he assemble for us. His business partner and wine sommelier, Joshua, has what seems an unlimited knowledge of wine, their regions across the world, and how wine growers have approached wine making—both the good and the bad. Be sure to visit Water Lion and let Joshua or Philip guide you through their unique wine list. You won’t be disappointed with what they help you select.
… moreMaryia Pakhomava
Water Lion Wine + Alchemy is a true gem for anyone who appreciates thoughtfully curated wine, beautifully executed food, and an atmosphere that feels both intentional and inviting.
The wine selection is exceptional – unique, well-chosen bottles with a clear point of view, and staff who genuinely understand what they’re pouring. Every recommendation felt tailored rather than generic, which makes the experience stand out.
The food complements the wine perfectly: refined, balanced, and clearly designed to elevate the overall tasting experience rather than compete with it. Nothing felt overdon- just confident, high-quality flavors.
The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and stylish without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where you want to slow down, have meaningful conversation, and enjoy every glass.
A must-visit wine bar for anyone who values quality, intention, and a beautifully curated experience. I’ll absolutely be back! As much as I can!!!!!!!!!!!
… moreLyudmil Zdravkov
This is hands down one of the best places to visit. We spontaneously found this gem while here on vacation. It is a sanctuary where you can have some amazing wine, while learning about where it came from. Joshua and Abbey are both some of the best bartenders we have had. Highly recommend coming here. Also suggest sitting at the bar so you can get to know Joshua and Abbey. They are both a blast to hang with while you enjoy your wine.
… moreJoel Carlberg
Great little wine bar inside the Sagamore. Bartenders were extremely polite and helpful. Came in for the oysters and we were not disappointed. The bartender recommended a pairing with bottle of champagne that when they looked they were out of. He quickly suggested an alternate pairing to a white wine based on his own experience and he nailed it. Highly recommend this bar for a quiet evening with great drink options and oysters.
… moreWilliam Walsh
I don’t have the words to describe how great a night I had. Mindblowing epically good wines. I learned more about wine in one night than I have in my whole life. I would move to Miami just to be friends with the guys behind the bar. Awesome drinks. Awesome food. Beyond awesome people.
… moreDeanna Cada
We stop in at Water Lion every time we’re in Miami Beach. We went around the world with wine including Mexico, Serbia and China. All delicious and funky in the best way. The vibe is super friendly, by the end of the night we made tons of new friends with the other happy patrons. It continues to be a highlight of every trip.
… moreMeredith Harris
Best place in Miami Beach. Wine is carefully selected and you will only get a glass you love. The small 3 person staff has deep knowledge of every product they serve. Cannot recommend enough. Made our whole trip.
… moreDoug Jackson
Water Lion is everything a wine bar should be – accessible to newcomers without being boring to oenophiles, fun without being noisy, chic without being pretentious. I opted for the flight of five (after a glass of piquette to open the palate ) and Joshua not only chose five fantasic wines, he knew the science and stories behind the grapes, vineyards, and producers of those wines. This won’t be the largest wine list you’ll find in Miami, but it is definitely among the best curated, and the hospitality, ethos, and knowledge of the staff truly set it apart from the overpriced “see and be seen” bars so common in South Beach. If you want the high vibes and Instagrammable decor of South Beach without sacrificing the quality and value of your wine experience, definitely make Water Lion your first stop.
… moreJohn Stephenson
We just had a tremendously satisfying experience at Water Lion. We stopped in for a drink before dinner and ended up having three! I tried 3 different sake-based cocktails and the quality and creativity was immediately apparent. The place has a nice vibe and Abbe and Filip were excellent hosts … they even let us sample their prosciutto & melon as well as a spicy deviled egg (best I’ve ever had). We enjoyed it so much that we returned after dinner for one more drink AND a plate of the prosciutto & melon. Highly recommended!
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