Bars with a 20-year old

Hi there,

Does anyone know of any bars/venues that we can take our 20 year in with us (obviously he can't drink) but I know the rules are very restricted out there!

We are staying in Brickell.

Many thanks!

Short answer: yes — you can take your 20-year-old to many Brickell bars if the venue allows minors (many restaurants with bar areas do), but nightclubs and many rooftop bars are 21+ after evening hours. Check policies before you go, and plan to sit in the dining area (not at the bar) or arrive early for rooftop spots that allow all ages during the day.

Below are practical tips, the types of places that usually allow a 20-year-old, and a short list of Brickell venues to try (with notes on likely age rules).

Quick tips

  • Florida law forbids selling/serving alcohol to anyone under 21 — venues will enforce this. Don’t expect the 20-year-old to be served alcoholic drinks.
  • Restaurants that primarily serve food (full menu, dining room) commonly allow minors; true bars/nightclubs and some rooftops set 21+ policies. If in doubt, call or check the venue FAQ.
  • Rooftops commonly allow all ages earlier in the day but switch to 21+ after a cutoff (for example, Sugar at EAST Miami allows all ages until ~6:00pm; Rosa Sky is 21+). Arrive early if you want a rooftop with a 20-year-old.
  • Bring the 20-year-old’s ID — venues will check IDs even if they aren’t drinking. Sit in the dining room (or an outdoor patio) rather than at a bar counter to avoid problems.
  • Avoid places that advertise themselves as “nightclubs,” late-night lounges, or “21+” in their FAQ — those are the most likely to refuse entry to under-21s.

Good venue types in / near Brickell for bringing a 20-year-old

  • Full-service waterfront restaurants with bars — lively atmosphere, patio seating, food-focused (these usually allow minors). Example: American Social (Brickell) is a waterfront restaurant/bar that sees families early and is generally kid/family friendly. Call for specifics.
  • Hotel restaurants & daytime rooftops (early) — many rooftop bars let all ages during daytime hours (Sugar explicitly notes an all-ages window before evening). Plan to go before the “21+” cutoff.
  • Peruvian / Latin restaurants with lively atmospheres — places like CVI.CHE 105 are food-first, often family-friendly, and offer great seafood/Latin flavors while allowing younger guests.
  • Casual bars connected to restaurants or plazas — bars inside mixed-use spaces (Brickell City Centre, Mary Brickell Village) tend to be more flexible earlier in the evening.

Specific Brickell picks & what to expect

  • Sugar (EAST Miami rooftop) — allows all ages before about 6:00pm and enforces 21+ entry after that; great for early-evening rooftop views with a 20-year-old. Reservations/tables often require minimum spend.
  • Rosa Sky (Rosa Rooftop) — marketed as a 21+ venue in their FAQ, so not a reliable option for a 20-year-old in the evening. If you want a rooftop that definitely allows minors, avoid Rosa Sky after dark.
  • American Social (Brickell) — waterfront, food-forward, and popular with groups and families during the earlier evening; a safer bet to bring a 20-year-old. Sit in the dining area or patio.
  • CVI.CHE 105 (Peruvian, near Brickell/Downtown) — excellent seafood and Latin flavors; restaurant environment that commonly welcomes younger guests (call to confirm). Good alternative to pure “bar” scenes.
  • Brickell City Centre restaurants & lounges — many restaurant-oriented bars here accept under-21s at earlier hours; pick a sit-down spot (e.g., many of the mall’s restaurants) rather than a nightclub entrance.

If you hit a 21+ sign or are refused entry

  • Politely explain you are with a 20-year-old who will not be served alcohol; if the venue still refuses, move to a nearby restaurant-style spot — there are many within walking distance in Brickell.
  • Have a backup: an early rooftop drink (Sugar before 6pm) then dinner at American Social or CVI.CHE is a good two-stop plan that keeps your group together and provides different vibes.

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