The Gale Bar (Closed)

Words by Simon Difford

Address: Gale South Beach & Regent Hotel, (corner 17th St), Miami, Florida, 33139, United States
Tel: +1 305 673 0199
Website: view The Gale Bar (Closed)’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Hotel bar
Food: Set menu

Review

Built in 1941, the Italian Riviera-influenced design of the Gale Hotel pays homage to its vintage Miami roots. The bar area sits at the front of the hotel, spilling across the lobby towards the reception area. Below this in the basement you'll find the more clubby but sill intimate lounge known as the Rec Room, inspired by Amy Sacco's No. 8 Rec Room in New York.

The Gale has been lovingly restored to its 1940s glory with oak floors and panelling, vintage chandeliers and white marble window frames. The bar, with its planked grey stained walls and white marble bar counter has a luxurious but relaxed feel as befits South Beach.

Classic Italian bites and plates are provided by Dolce, the hotel's restaurant and are delicious, as are the cocktails on the classically led list. However, perhaps best of all is the relaxed buzz the bar at the Gale has - this isn't a hotel bar set off of a hotel's lobby - it's more an integral part of the lobby and the constant traffic of glamorous people coming and going adds vitality.