This was such a pleasant surprise! Don't let it's hidden location fool you.. This place is awesome :) I went for happy hour & fell in love. They have a fabulous happy hour menu(daily 5-9pm)!! What's great about it? Umm.. everything! All the items were under $10 and both food and drinks were delicious. The lamb skewers & chicken skewers were to die for! Oh! And don't get me started on the sliders! But it wasn't just the menu that won me over, it was the entire package that made my evening. It was chic but not pretentious & I loved the fun/ laid back decor. This place is so worth trying!!
(4)
Tomasz M.
The place has that great industrial/ exterior tropical venue feel. The bldg. businesses spill out into a shaded exterior courtyard. The problem? If you're w/ a private party you're not allowed to go to the bar and order your drinks. You need to order from a designated waitress that will include the total in one bill at the end of the night. Ok... that seems to make sense..... Where's the waitress? Poor girl was swamped, had to take care way too many requests and was working two other groups. Please change that. Try the Happy Hour 5-9pm.
(2)
Janelle F.
For me, the News Lounge could potentially be great, but it always ends up just being "okay". The space is large, the decor is fun and different and the crowd is usually hit or miss. I like that they have a pool table in the back that is fairly inexpensive to use. Their shaded courtyard is a nice place to chill and have drinks with your friends and grab a couple appetizers. The food I've tried has been very good but their drinks are just okay. I'm normally a lightweight and I don't know what it is about the drinks here but I can have four or five and not even feel buzzed. I wish their pours would be a little more generous on the alcohol. One time I came here with a large (20+) group and we sat outside and someone got their phone stolen. Since then, I've been pretty cautious of leaving my valuables unattended. Will I return to News Lounge? Most likely. Mostly because its in a convenient location and it is no-frills compared to other similar establishments in Miami. 3 stars, nothing more, nothing less.
(3)
Nancy O.
Extra, Extra! Read all about it! Happy Hour at News is THE BEST! Sitting on the patio during happy hour is uber relaxing. Perfect lounge music, fans whirring, $5 martinis and decent bites like fried, bacon wrapped dates and fresh papaya, grilled octopus salad. The entire feel is "hipster-homey" (homey as in feel at home not yo-yo rapper homey) --- quirky, fun, affordable --- can't ask for much more than that when happy hour's concerned!
(3)
Marcos R.
This is a great annex to Soyka, since Soyka these days is only so-so in my book. The lounge makes for a great addition to the corner. You've got Andiamo right across the street, the sushi spot next door, and with the lounge; you can come to chill for a drink or two, maybe have a small appetizer. The outdoor seating is real cozy and comfortable and the decor does deserve some merit. I think they overdid it a little with the amount of decor. A little too much clutter on the walls, but some of the furniture items stand out. They've got some great couches, old train station art deco benches, and an antique booth inside. On Fridays and Saturdays they spin some pretty good tunes, so if you feel like hearing some beats without having to stand in line somewhere; well you can always come here and rock it a little!
(4)
Xixi D.
I had come here once and liked very much the vibe, the menu & above all the cocktails list!! Second time around it was even better than what I had remember. It's not super crowded so its a very relax intimate venue with a great energy to it. The crowd is not your typical SoBe people but more relax and just go with the flow vibe. I tried the Ginger Martini that is to dye for and the beef carpaccio that was absolutely yummy! GREAT SERVICE at the bar the bartender was very good and friendly and also give us a discount for being in the biz ( I'a also a mixologist) All and all one of those places to check out in midtown!
(4)
Billy B.
Happy Hour from 5-9 with tapas and drinks! Just can't beat that. Loved my Lycheetini! The place looks so chic.. great service, and the music is just enough to do a little shimmy while you sip your martinis and still able to make conversation with your friends or your date!. Maybe a perfect spot if you want to meet and catch up with friends and or meeting someone for the first time! You have a choice to sit outside or inside depending on your mood, wherever you choose, it surely would make you have fun!
(4)
Emily V.
Ok. I lied. I went back. But ONLY because it was the after party for Yelp's Anniversary. I seriously didn't think I would ever be back here. We actually went to the bar this time so our service was good. My only complaint that night was the bathroom. Two stalls and one didn't have TP. What the eff?
(3)
Ale R.
Drinks were amazing!!!! Food was good! Happy Hour prices are wonderful and cheap until 9 PM and then the DJ was really good! All in All a wonderful Saturday night!!
(5)
Hannah S.
The perfect place to ring in my 22nd year. ;) The gang gathered here for their stellar happy hour - cheap drinks & food, seven days a week. I sipped prosecco and lounged on comfy couches in all my birthday bling with my birthday twin. With swings, lanterns & tropical foliage surrounding us in a picturesque courtyard, the outdoor lounge couldn't be more Miami. We tried the tuna avocado, which I'd totally recommend. Half an avocado filled with raw tuna. A little challenging to eat, but delicious nonetheless. Our server was super accommodating, even as the night wore on and we became every more annoying by taking up couches with purses, moving around the restaurant and basically being a dispersed and challenging party. We did get a couple snipey comments from a female bartender inside, but overall the service was terrific. Post happy-hour, the drink prices get a little rich for my blood, so I probably wouldn't stick around again later in the evening, but HH was outstanding.
(4)
Andrej M.
Great spot to go to be around people. The service was horrible. I asked for a menu and half an hour later did not get it. I ended up going to the bar to grab a beer and sit with a friend. Good way to meet some locals, but not a good place to grab any food. Very slow response by the serving staff and definitely go there after dinner.
(2)
Daisy S.
I like it! I went for a late night birthday celebration on a Saturday night! I really wish i had stayed a bit longer, i was only there for about an hour.. it was a fight night (mayweather vs ortiz) and i had to get it going... I had two cocktails. Here's what stuck out from my short experience at The News Lounge, music and the outdoor seating. It reminded me of club bed in south beach but outdoors with a downtown vibe. They have really cool art on the inside. Cool place. Definitely will be back.
(4)
Patty W.
Cute outside setting with the swings and circular tables to sit at whether it's for a couple or a group of people getting together. The vibe was cool. People just chilling out and having a good time on a Saturday night. They had a wedding going on, which I thought it was kind of odd around people that didn't even know who the bride and groom was. It didn't bother me though since I enjoyed the pink lemonade. It consisted of vodka and lemons. Of course, I couldn't taste the liquor in it, so that's a plus. It was over priced for the size glass it came in, but we missed the happy hour. There was a good amount of people there, but it wasn't crowded. The inside was dimmed with some colorful artwork. It had a few tables in there, but there was hardly anybody in there. The weather was beautiful, so I guess that had something to do with it ;) We were pooped, so we didn't stay for long. The atmosphere was very welcoming and I'll try the food out if I make it back here again.
(3)
RM K.
I like this place. Not crazy crowd like most miami place. Its nice to go with your date. You will see a lot of couples! There's pool tables and cozy couch everywhere. This place is for you if you like to go some place on friday night without crazy crowd.. And want to grab some drinks :-)
(4)
Laurie H.
My boyfriend and I purchased the Living Social deal and everything was excellent from the endless mimosa to the eggs Benedict with salmon and spinach. Staff very attentive. Discovered a fun new spot as well as an area to explore.
(4)
Mark A.
This place is real chill. You come here for a patio jam feel to hang out with friends. Two for one drinks after 9p. The service was friendly. The crowd didn't make it out on a Monday after the rain so it wasn't very busy when I visited. The location is unpretentiously hidden between restaurants on 55th St Station. Where is 55th St Station anyway? Fortunately for me, technology lit a guided path for me to find the place to meet up and have a good time. You should definitely give it a shot.
(4)
Sebastian T.
This is a great place for happy hour. The only issue with the place is that the service can vary from great to mediocre. The Happy hour menu is excellent, the empanadas are great, the mango octopus salad is very refreshing. Awesome patio, bar and lounge are.
(4)
David L.
Outstanding. Outdoor bar, couches, great food, great music, a good time. Be sure to see Anna the bartender with the tattoos (and tip her well).
(5)
Paul M.
We've been to this spot several times and have nothing good to say. The layout is great, with both an indoor and large outdoor area to hang out in. We even celebrated a birthday here, gave the manager a call and he hooked us up with a prime couch seating area for our entire party of 10 even though the place was packed. Best part? No bottle service even required, just ordered drinks from the waitress. Great music on Friday nights, or just a mellow hang spot during the week. If you are looking to get a couple of drinks, definitely check out the News Lounge.
(4)
Vanessa S.
Very cool spot... parking showed just how cool by being pretty packed. Instead of the 2$ self park I had to go with Soykas' 3$ valet, not a big deal but worth mentioning. Our waiter was nice, but I guess as the night got busier for him we saw him less. Boy could that guy split a check though, and he was acknowledging of the times we waited and in my book that counts for something. The drinks are decently priced which is always a plus and the food was pretty good. My quesadilla had all the components going on, the fries were ok but skinny really isn't my style. Dessert... now that's note worthy! Chocolate fondue brought out with pound cake, strawberries and bananas! mmmmmm I love the decor here too, old movie posters, cement, steel and movies on the walls, very nice. Good times had by all!
(3)
Paula E.
okay so this place has got me sold. Yeah the expensive drinks suck and so does the $2 parking that should be FREE...grrr.....BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE their lounging terrace. There's nothing comparable in Miami. The swings and couches and lighting are all absolutely great to chill and hang out on a mellow Tuesday night with friends or a date or whatever. Also, I just found out that they have a pretty good happy hour, specially on Thursdays. The music is sick, and so are the soviet propagandaesque posters and art hanging from the walls inside. I love it, I just do, I can't help it....News Lounge has officially conquered my heart and trust me when I say it takes a lot to pull that feat.
(4)
Kendra W.
This is the best place to go and have a few drinks and have a great time with your friends. The hummus, the lamb skewers, the burgers, everything taste great at news lounge. I have practically eaten almost everything there, the house whine is great tea is great. It is just a great vibe and feeling at the news lounge you can have a great time with anybody. Even a bad date lol
(5)
Suzy V.
Nice place very intimate They have a calander of events; there are live shows and artists always there.
(3)
Frank E.
Looking for a place to hang out with some friends? This place has 4 areas... indoor bar, indoor lounge, outdoor bar, outdoor lounge... so whatever your mood they have you covered... Good appetizers, generally friendly wait staff (although they can sometimes be few and far between) and a good bar staff make News Lounge a great hang-out spot they also host a "drinking and drawing" every now and then which is a lot of fun...
(4)
B Lauren S.
I still come here often and I still hold a place in my heart for you, but ...the other night I'm here with friends and we ordered a Piraat, draft, and our server said "ok that's going to be a different beer, I'll bring it right out".. wait a minute.. what? "Yeah we're out of Piraat so it's something else now, but I don't know what it is." Just then, the busser is walking by, and hauks some monster snot from his nose, out his mouth into the bushes beside our table. Seriously? Did he just do that? We didn't order food after that, and left for sushi next door instead.. so gross. I was here a few weeks before this however, and had an amazing time, I love the sweet chili sauce with your wings, and the fries are super delicious.. just keep an eye on your staff.. :(
(4)
Janet D.
It was love at first sight when I saw the swings! I grabbed a few drinks and appetizer's here with a friend a while ago and keep meaning to go back. Its all about the ambiance here. I love how its tucked away with a large terrace and different kinds of seating. We were there on a Wednesday night and it was relatively quiet, but the music was good. Our waiter was attentive and my drinks (vodka tonic) were very nicely priced at $4. I ordered the ceviche appetizer which was huge and pretty tasty. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Mags M.
Came here on a date about a year ago. I really loved it. It was not loud and the setting is intimate. I have not been back since, its not because I didn't like it. Its because I honestly forgot it was there. I pass by the area all the time, it is really hard to see it in passing because it is tucked away. I do plan to go back soon maybe for happy hour.
(4)
Ximena C.
Nothing inspires me to return to a venue like a swing and a good drink. The area isn't the best in the world, but it's growing and there are small shops around to look at. The New Cafe is a pretty big lounge with something for everyone. They have an inside area for quieter parties, stools outside, swings for the romantic and/or childish (like myself) and a pool table for those who need additional entertainment. Their drinks aren't the cheapest, but they're not too bad. I even heard they had a good happy hour. I haven't been to it myself though. I also hear they have trivia nights... I would like to attend, so if anyone knows when the next one is, let me know.
(5)
judy n.
This funky little place, is a great spot for Trivia Night! $2 parking Awesome Film Noir type decor, felt like a french cafe for a few minutes, while outside seems like a tropical getaway with the swings Foodwise, it was decent, and kind of pricey. - sliders, there's 2 that come in with the 10 dollar order. We had the Cheeseburger, and its just your average burger. - The fries - were shoe string skinny fries. good - Union Station sandwich- tasty! It had pesto and brie and grilled chicken, i wish i ordered this one! - Hummus and pita- lotsa hummus for the 2 pieces of Pita bread you get, so we ordered a second plate of just pita bread... - Chocolate Fondue- the chocolate and bananas were yummy. but the pound cake it came with was UBER DENSE, and the strawberries were quite old and wrinkly already. But with good company, a great atmosphere, it kind of made up for the pricey mediocre food. I'll come back for the next trivia night :) Family Feud style.
(4)
AshleyMarie O.
I like it. The setting is pretty laid back, the bartenders are nice and friendly, I think they have a late night happy hour... not positive... but when I went again this weekend it was QUITE chilly so they had the heaters out and that made for a nice evening :0) We also had my friends doggy in tow and that made for mucho conversation with a bunch of randoms which is always fun! I also munched down on a breaded chicken sandwich that came with a side of fries which was good (but I was pretty toasted at that point... haha it was after art walk..) so I'm not sure how "good" it would actually be.... The fries are those little stick fries which are always kinda disappointing... They have a DJ inside not sure what kind of schedule that is on but he was there Saturday night. The service can be a little slow but we were kinda freezing after a certain point so that probably was just us being ready to hit the trail for somewhere warmer. The prices could be better but overall I bet I will end up here again and again, its a cool spot to catch some drinks.
(3)
Michael B.
The service sucks !!! The server disappeared for twenty minutes at a time on several occasions. They also charged me what they felt was opprpriate instead of what I signed for on the receipt.....bWARNING STAY AWAY THE SERVER NAMED BEATA ....... She is a con..
(2)
Christie A.
I've been here two or three times, each time just for drinks, and the most recent time being about 3 weekends ago. I love the outdoor seating area. It is so cute with all of the couches, swings, and fun/funky chairs and tables. The little hanging lanterns are also a nice touch. There's always a nice crowd and there is always good music playing too. The drinks are good and strong and not overly priced. The last time we were there, Carlos was our bartender and he was great...never let our glass empty out without checking to see if we wanted another. Whenever I drive up to this area, I do feel like if I am on vacation and far away from home even though I am only about a 15-20 minute drive away. I am looking forward o going on this "vacation" sometime soon again!
(4)
Miriam L.
We were just there this past Saturday and had a blast. I was looking for a casual lounge where we can dance & drink and we don't have to worry about the young-bucks to be around and starting up conflicts. The music was good but not great. The DJ was sort of stuck on a certain era and played the same song about 3 times in 1 hour I think. Also, they need to play a little reggae as well latin music such as bachata & merengue. Overall it was great!!! Another little tiny bit concern is the parking. But will definitely go again ...on my birthday.
(4)
Alejandra M.
Great atmosphere, cheap yummy food & wine bottles are very reasonably priced. What more can you ask for?
(4)
Elyse W.
This place is very much enchanted forest (not Santa's, I'm talking more like Hans Christian Andersen) meets French nouveau -- you've got this beautiful swirling outside patio filled with little trinkets in the trees and a funky hodgepodge of seating and inside is, like, well, let's just say the entire place is plastered in posters like Chat Noir, Cycles Gladiator, and others of that ilk. Oh and with plush seating. Food's decent, draft beer selection's pretty sweet. Vibe's the best thing they've got going. And they have the occasional fun event. Best to come on an off night so you can truly appreciate the ambiance. Coming on a crowded night can be a tad of a bitch. Oh, and I'm not a fan of the $3 parking, especially in a neighborhood like the one it's in. Seems pretentious.
(3)
JUstin M.
Love this place. I come here quite often and have always found good service, good company and good music. They have a limited but very good draft beer selection (Piraat is always a killer) and the food is quite good as well much. I definitely recommend the Victoria station sandwich, the Pate and Brie plate (though make sure to order more bread) as well as their french fries. Overall it's a very solid location for a casual night out with excellent ambiance. Tip....Drive just a bit further down the road past the 2 dollar parking for free parking on the left hand side (right next to the church)
(5)
Ivonne Marie C.
Since it changed management/owners I hadn't returned for food, luckily I am happy to say that we went for dinner with a nice group on Saturday to celebrate a birthday. I had my usual cucumber martini - which was great as always. So far this is the only place I've liked the way they make the cucumber martini. My primis had the pisco sour w/o the peach stuff and it was good, and my other cousin had the strawberry basil drink (recommended by the waitress as good and sweet) - um, I don't think the waitress knew what she was talking about, b/c there was nothing good or sweet about the drink - stay away from that one! For food, I got to taste the tuna tartare - really good (don't eat the dip it comes with if you can't handle spicy - it's crazy!); I ordered the beef carpaccio w/avocado - really good, I liked it a lot. My primis and hubs both ordered chicken sandwiches, however they chicken on both was quite dry. The sandwich with the brie was good, just as long as you had brie in your bite, otherwise, dry. So in general the food was good, but the service was unfortunately very slow. I am sure Mr. Slowinski from comcast would have delivered everything way quicker in every sense of the word. Slow service, brings this place down a star.
(3)
Mario B.
I'm a big fan of News Lounge's very charming outdoor area, though the interior is equally unique and welcoming. Outside there are plenty of seating that come in the form of comfortable couches, swinging swings, and oval ottomans. The sprinkled tree lights provide dim lighting that is just enough to see the person next to you and gypsy jazz playing help set the mood that you're in a Old Hollywood movie setting that goes with the venue's decoration. Drinks are moderately priced. Their happy hour consists of half select beers and half well drinks. Make sure you specify to your bartender you want the well drinks because if not you'll end up paying regular price. Food consists of some commonly found bar appetizers as well as sandwiches. If your hungry for something different you have right Sushi Siam and Soyka next door and Andiamo Brick Oven Pizza is across the street.
(4)
Erin A.
Came here on a Friday night. Ordered the quesadilla which was very good. The friends I was with also enjoyed their food as well. But.....the reason for the one star is because the service was HORRIBLE! And the place had plenty of empty tables and was not packed. Trust me, I am not even a stickler for good service here in Miami because I have grown accustomed to mediocre pretty much everywhere. But the News Lounge was the pits. Impossible to find my waiter, impossible to get another drink and impossible to get the check. It was like your doing them a favor just being there. Like I said, food was good and the atmosphere was new and different. But the awful service didnt make up for either. Never again!
(1)
Max J.
I went last night to The News Lounge. I love the atmosphere I sat outside and loved the decor. I wish the service and food were as good as the atmosphere. My whole party decided that the service, food and music were very bad. I tried one of the sandwiches (grilled chicken brie and basil pesto) and it was very poor. The sandwich was full of dry, flat, chicken, and too much bread. The french fries were fine, but nothing to write home about. Service was sloowww and I ended up going to the bar to get my drinks. The music was too loud, and really weird nothing that you would want to listen to for casual people watching. I'll give The News Lounge 2 stars because the service, food, and music didn't make me want to come back... The decor, and theme are really fun and will make me want to show it off - i'll just eat some place else.
(2)
Miranda D.
I've been twice, both times on a Friday night. They have good happy hour specials and a nice outdoor atmosphere. The inside is very cute also and one night I was there they had a band perform later in the evening. Apparently, kids are allowed on the premises but only until 9:00pm.
(5)
Adriana D.
I've been coming here fairly frequently as of late, mostly due to the really enjoyable patio area and most recently for the music. I haven't really gotten a chance to eat a full meal here, just picked at shared appetizers really, but what I have tried has been pretty good. The drinks are moderately priced, not cheap persay, but not outrageous. And during happy hour their specials are actually decent. The service has been pretty hit or miss - when it's good, it's good, when it's not...well, I've been known to have to chase a waitress down before. Another cool thing, which helps make the courtyard area even more enjoyable, is the fact that they have board games you can borrow (a la Transit Lounge), which have helped lead to some longer nights then necessary but also to some interesting fun (& games of course). The stand out this last visit, what prompted me to finally review it is the live band they had playing. This Tuesday they had two lovely and talented ladies, Steph and Nabedi Taylor, who call themselves 'The State Of'. They are really great and varied in their music selection and a lot of fun. They both have great voices and both play multiple instruments but it's mostly Steph on the keyboard singing and Nabedi on the drums singing back-up. They are definitely worth checking out if anytime they are here! (You can also check them out at Sweat Records playing with Afro Beta this coming Sat.)
(3)
A.L. S.
Really cute and casual
(4)
Renier C.
Great place for an idle weeknight with friends, in a European setting ambience with South Florida weather. I only wish the music was a decibel lower at times... JUST... ONE... DECIBEL PLEASE? Forgive me for wanting to hear and understand what others in my table are talking about, rather than smiling and laughing off whatever gibberish I heard. Call me old-fashioned. Despite great drinks, I would not come here for anything other than finger food, i.e. fries, chips, guacamole, hummus. I havent tried anything else, but I trust the reviews on yelp. Service can be slow too, so be patient or order your drink ahead of time. NOTE: Crack must have been added to the lychees so stay away; on every visit I lose control and find myself telling the server "One Lychee Martini, Two Lychee Martinis, Three Lychee Martinis... hmm, can i get a plate of lychee's as well please??"
(4)
Esther G.
News Lounge is an example of what I love about the Upper East Side. It's hip but not too cool, artsy but not fartsy. Great mixed drinks and welcoming, beautifully lit outdoor seating. I always bump into someone I know and it's a great place to round off art walk.
(4)
Joseluis A.
i just cant like this place ... it seems ... i was here last night with a group of friends. service took forever. the waiter forgot about my coffee. they are now serving burgers for about six million dollars each
(2)
Hector M.
very chill, great music, prices are fair, ambiance is my favorite, the people are beautiful. The only thing that is not great is the parking, i usually get there when it is loaded, so parking is a little hard, but they have a private parking lot, so that usually helps, although they are full at times too.
(5)
Aaron Z.
Like the outside seating. Like the parking situation. LOVE the ice in the urinals (I know...I'm weird). Don't really love how pricey this place gets. $5-7 for beer? This ain't da Beach. Either way, I've gone 3-4 times and enjoyed each. For lack of a better option, I'll keep going. BTDub...never had the food, but hear it's good.
(3)
Felecia W.
Went here last night with my Valentine Ashely. This place is awesome. Maybe a new favorite bar. The decor is really cool the bartenders know what they are doing ( and one in particular was unbelievably easy to look at all night), and the crowd is pretty fun to watch. I felt a little out of place because I left my fedora at home, but I don't think anyone judged me. The music was loud, but in a good way, and it was all so put together so nice. The outdoor area is also very cool with the fountains and Koi. That was a nice surprise as well. Im looking forward to hitting this place up again, but only after the memories of our drunken behavior are forgotten. :)
(5)
luis s.
ATTENTION THIS REVIEW MIGHT BE VULGAR!!! Ok, here we go. News lounge is a great littles spot. Its like a courtyard with a bar, pool tables, and colt classics flicks on a projector. It is one of a kind. It is pretty cool that this little plaza used to be a train station, giving it some historic nostalgia in a sense. The food is pretty good, and the specials are great. Now to the vulgarity. I give this place one star only because I'm a little grossed out and it actually has nothing to do with News lounge itself but it did leave a disgusting imprint in my mind. So I was here on a Friday I believe hanging out having a few beers. Indescribably my stomach really started to hurt so much though I really had to use restroom (mind you if you have scene American Pie I am like Finch I do not work well with public bathrooms its just nasty). My stomach thought otherwise so well I had to go. While sitting on my rented thrown Some guy walks in to the bathroom and taps his foot under my door! Im yelling WTF dude I'm taking a Sh** this douche had the testicular fortitude to peep his head not once over stall walls but twice. I have heard about this foot tapping (gay under ground scheme in restrooms before but damn). Nothing against gay people or anything I was actually there with two of my really good gay friends. There is a fine line with that you tap your foot and I say WTF means leave me alone. Needless to say once I was out of bathroom I literally walked to every person looking at their shoes to identify this guy. Lucky for him He was gone because if I had identified those shoes I might be in a cell somewhere writing this review. Needless today I will not be coming here again for a while, havent been able to sleep right since!
(1)
Maria T.
This place hit the nail on the nose in terms of maintaining a lounge-y, 'lax vibe. I went here last night for a drink with my family and absolutely adored the ambiance. DJ spinning house music? Check. Flattering lighting? Check. Fun people watching? Check. Adult-sized swings? Check. You've got to love that. Especially the swing part.
(4)
Ozzie H.
Ok quick review! I seriously enjoy this place. The atmosphere is very cool. Music rocks! Not crowded. No annoying crowds like the beach or ridiculous cover charges. Full of cool locals. Good food. Service could be better but one doesn't really come here to eat and run. Since I live in the neighborhood this has become one of my favorite spots to come and just enjoy the evenings. It's not exactly the cheapest but I guess it could be worse. Good parking. Enough said!
(4)
Andrew J.
Finally made it to News Lounge for the first time last night. It's a unique indoor/outdoor spot with quirky furnishings (mismatched, worn sofas and chairs) and decoration (sculptures, fish pond and disco ball). Dimly lit and very chill, it was perfect for a first date. Happy hour goes until 9pm. Had a few caipirinhas and some tapas. Service was OK. The 55th Street Station complex has several dining options and makes for a nice evening destination. Parking used to be free, now it's $3 for self park, $4 for valet.
(3)
Susan L.
this is a favorite of mine. Happy hour (food and drinks both) til 9 pm, 7 days a week? yes please! The massive outdoor seating area cant be beat. Lots of room, high tops, regular tables, big bar, and fun couches and swings and stuff too. The food isnt amazing but its good for what it is. I recommend hummus and the new veggie sliders.. havent eaten much else. I am vegetarian so I cant speak for many dishes. The service staff is always friendly, but on some visits has been very slowwwwwwwww. Sometimes they do live music inside or out. It gets really busy on weekend nights... i prefer the random weeknight happy hour because its just a nice chill place to hang out. Also, if you are looking for a place to get a drink and some food kind of late - its a win for sure. prices are very reasonable, too.
(4)
Charlie B.
Awful treatment last night by a rude homophobic, neanderthal door man. With the way the economy is you'd think people would have a better handle on customer service....
(1)
Sabrina M.
I went again for a friend's birthday. We sat inside because it had been raining and the outside area was wet...a bummer because it's such a great ambiance out there. The inside, however, fit the bill. Since it was a Monday there weren't that many other people outside which gave it the private party feel. It's great for lounging! I was hungry so I had the quesadillas. Their menu consists mostly of appetizers. Most people are really into the sliders and fries. I didn't order them because I didn't have anyone to share the fries with and I can't eat a burger without fries. I also had a glass of merlot... didn't drink alcohol because the drive home is long and I had to be up and functional early this morning! My fav thing about this place is it's ambiance.
(4)
Edwin P.
I came here for Alma H's happy hour birthday party. I was a little hesitant about this place based on some of the reviews I had read. However, as soon as I walked in through the outside terrace area most of my doubts were eased. We were located in the interior portion of the lounge. The lounge has a very relaxing atmosphere with the dim lights and music playing. What sets this place apart from other Miami lounges is the HH; it's not just the prices that are affordable, it's the fact that the HH goes until 9:00 pm which is unheard of. The drinks during the HH ranged from $5-$7 (including wines, cocktails, and beers) and the appetizers are around the same range as well. And one thing about this HH is that they did not skimp on the alcohol when serving drinks. The bites were amazing as well and at the end of the night the price for everything was around $20.00 which was very good. There is also valet parking for $5.00 or there is metered parking along NE 4th Street. i would definitely come back here for another HH.
(4)
Jessica G.
Alma H. chose The News Lounge as the site for her birthday happy hour, and although I am really not a fan of most things Miami (crowded, stressful, expensive are words that come to mind), I decided I had to make the drive down. I have to admit that knowing that there was a parking lot had a lot to do with that decision...and the happy hour prices, but I will get to that in a minute. Located on the west side if NE 4th in kind of a weird intersection type area that almost but not quite crosses US1 I took me an extra drive past to realize where I was supposed to be. I pulled into the lot and payed my $5 for parking and circled around to find the person in front of me had gotten the last parking spot. It worked out ok because the valet took my car and parked it quickly (incidentally valet is also $5 in this lot). Though I really don't like to valet, these guys were very friendly and prompt to get my car when it was time for me to go at the end of the night. The atmosphere at New Lounge is really cool. There is an indoor bar and an outdoor bar. The outdoor courtyard area was very pretty with a koi pond and had a nice garden party feel. Inside was broken up into kind of mini living rooms where there were comfortable couches and chairs all in mismatched style..but it just worked. There was one room with couches and mirrors all over the walls. The decor was just very unique and pretty. Alma had reserved her own birthday mini living room area and we all got to happy houring. The happy hour special here are great. Though I did not try any of the food there is a whole list of bites ranging from $3 to $7..and seeing other peoples food they were lighter portions, but at that price you can order a bunch of things. As for drink specials their fancy cocktails are only ~$5 and the same for glasses of wine. They also had a few beers for only $3. This place is definitely changing my mind about Miami happy hours. The best part is that this happy hour goes until 9! You can start your happy hour at the same time most places end theirs, and still have two hours to enjoy! As the night went on our group got larger and larger, and I have to say the staff did a great job accommodating us, lifting and bringing over more living furniture as it was needed. The drink service was a little on the slow side, but given the size of our group I was impressed that the waitress was able to keep up as well as she did. This was a great spot for a group to get some food and drinks and enjoy the night. They also do brunch here which I imagine would be quite nice with the patio area offered, and aside from the small plates offered at happy hour, there were a few sandwiches I would like to try.
(4)
David P.
Came for the organic brunch and left beyond satisfied. I was so hungry I totally forgot to snap pictures of out meal. Very cute venue, not fancy but the outside seating area is beautiful. The inside is decorated nicely but again not fancy. Awesome positive young vibes! The organic menu is to die for! Everything we had was fantastic. Great brunch drink specials. The service was very good, so glad we came :)
(4)
Sou M.
Ok, again, updating my review about service. My server is really nice and gave me lots of great suggestions for beaches, bars and restaurants! She is a 5 star herself. Now it makes me feel better to give this place a four.
(4)
Savanna M.
When my good friend Alma H. invited me to her birthday shindig, I immediately said yes. Of course, the Yelper in me then checked out the venue's reviews - the venue of course being News Lounge. Most of the reviews were old but mentioned service issues, but for our group I found the service and everything else to be quite wonderful, almost deserving of 5 stars! As I'm the only island person who doesn't run on island time, I arrived first. I grabbed one of servers and told him there was a reservation. He said he was aware of the reservation and he'd grab our actual server to show me to the table. Our actual server Mary then found me and told me she'd get me a drink while she figured out if we were supposed to be inside or outside. The outside area is quite cute btw, but in August, it's a bit too hot to be outside at 6pm without a dedicated fan per person, so I was glad when she showed me to our inside area. My initial glass of Rose ($5 on HH) came out very quickly and I took some time to look over the rest of the menu. Keep in mind HH here runs til 9pm, so this place is a steal! Other's started arriving and some options for the table were ordered. I did have a bite of the bruschetta and didn't like it, although to be fair it had sat around for awhile and the bread had gotten soggy. For food, I ordered the avocado ceviche and the stuffed peppers. The ceviche was quite good, and again for $5 during HH you really couldn't complain. The peppers, as Mary warned, were HOT (yes, SPICY), but if you like spicy things you'll definitely love these. Again, for $5, these were a steal! At this point I decided to switch to another drink, the Chili Passion, again the HOT warning was given to me, but maybe the hot peppers had already killed my taste buds, as I didn't find this to be at all spicy, and overall it wasn't anything special. I'd stick with the wine offerings here. Overall, I felt News Lounge was a great place to "lounge" with friends. As the group kept growing we were able to find couches and drag them in so everyone had space to sit. It's true that our server was a bit occupied at times with other tables, but I never waited more than 5 minutes or so from when I actually wanted to order something to seeing her pass by again. Highly recommend this spot for great happy hour deals, and with happy hour running til 9pm you'll definitely leave with a happy wallet! PS - Parking. I managed to park myself in the lot just north of here for $5. As other arrived shortly after me the lot had become valet only for $5.
(4)
Keith A.
I love their happy hour. The baristas and waitresses are super friendly. The food is always good and the drinks are great. The outdoor patio is welcoming and very cool considering that this is SoFlo. The location is great but hard to find. Ample off street parking for 3 bucks.
(5)
Felipe F.
The place is nice and the music is really good. But the drinks are not the best.
(3)
Juliana P.
Worst place to go out ever! I was roofied here a year ago. I had one drink and woke up the next morning not remembering the rest of the night. It was scary. Luckily, I was with my BF who got me home safely. I went back tonight with a group of people after eating at Andiamo (which was delicious). The bartender was so rude. I asked for a Stella. She walked away and I said "oh, wait, excuse me." Her response, "WHAT? What can I do for you???" WTF?? I just wanted to order another one. Never going back there again. This place sucks.
(1)
Jesica J.
I came here for Happy Hour on a Friday afternoon for a friend's birthday to have drinks and a bite. His wife had reserved a table outside for our small group (8 people). As soon as I walked in, I was really excited because the place truly has an awesome ambiance with the DJ and the outdoor patio (it helps that it was a beautiful day). However, The News Lounge seriously let me down with the terrible service. When we sat down, our waitress took our cards to open a tab and our order. For my first drink, I ordered the strawberry caipirinha, which arrived rather fast. It was absolutely delicious and authentic (and I lived a year in Sao Paulo, that's something!). I was excited to get a second round, but unfortunately the waitress was nowhere to be found. We looked around for her for about half an hour and ended up asking a busboy to call her over. It took her another thirty minutes to reach our table. Finally, when the second caipirinha arrived, it was very watered down and did not taste even half as good as the first one. I'm not sure if it was because it had been sitting at the bar while she was MIA or what. This place has a lot of potential, and I would have loved to have loved it! Unfortunately, the terrible service does get in the way of the experience and it's not worth the hassle of having to track down someone to order your drinks or pay.
(2)
Dan C.
Very nice chill place to go hangout with a group of friends. There is an outdoor area with a bar and tables and couches, and there is an inside area with bar and dance floor where a DJ is spinning great dance music. The prices of the drinks are reasonable.
(4)
Katrina W.
I've been here twice. The first time I came was about a year ago for brunch and we had a voucher deal for the four of us. It was a decent discount and we were content with the menu options. We all found something and bottomless mimosas were included! I ordered the benedict and was happy with my choice - usually when it comes to brunch food, I stick with the classics: benedicts, omelettes, steak and eggs. All in all, I don't remember anything being bad about the experience, but nothing really stood out either. I don't think I will be back for brunch purely based on the fact that there are too many other places in Miami that give more unique choices and I really hate to repeat the same thing twice. Anyways, my second visit was just a few days ago and my hubby and I decided to try the lounge out again for happy hour. We figured that we couldn't go wrong considering the happy hour menu could be easily found online and it was quite extensive (including food and drink options amassing to about 15-20 picks). Everything sounded really tasty: dates, stuffed peppers, hummus, cheeseburger sliders, Caipirinha's, mojitos, well drinks at $5; all happy hour items ranged between $4-10, which we thought was affordable until......................................... we saw the PORTIONS. Wow, each item we ordered was so tiny! OMG how terrible. We did the math and we were basically paying about $2 per date. The only okay part about this happy hour were the drink prices... We got old-fashioneds for $4 each and the bartender did a really good job making them. Happy hour is not truly happy if you have to throw down $100 just to feel satiated.
(2)
Irina G.
My least favorite place in Miami so far. Location: not the best part of town. There is parking which is nice and location looks pretty - there is nice outdoor seating, but nothing around. Food - terrible. I got poached eggs with potatoes. Potatoes were overlooked, dry like bad chips and very greasy. The salmon tasted like it past it's expiration date. It had a slimy finish to it. For brunch coffee the only option was Americano and it wasn't great. They didn't have any gluten free options. Service: it was four of us having brunch. We got 3 menus and 3 napkins. We had to ask for an extra menu. The waitress wasn't able to fully answer our questions about the menu either. Overall - I wouldn't go out if my way to try this brunch.
(1)
Marline P.
The News has great bartenders Megan being one of the very best in customer service and very knowledgeable with all types of drinks everyone loves her!
(5)
Jason P.
They have a great setup. They have a mix of tables and couches and have some pool tables. The long islands are pretty bad..it's just alcohol and a colored sweetener. The service isn't the best either
(2)
Lorin G.
Casually strolled by this hidden location and decided to check it out. Absolutely loved the atmosphere. It wasn't too packed when I arrived around 10pm. I took a seat and was immediately greeted by my server (I kept calling him Shaggy). Waters were brought to table promptly and when asked what was good to nosh on I was given great suggestions. I had the chicken skewers, salmon roll and the steamed buns. All was tasty, service was outstanding (shaggy was extremely attentive and polite and once he knew how much I loved Sriracha, he didn't stop bringing me ramekins full of it). It was "One Love" night, girls drank for free at the bar 10-11pm and they played Reggae music all night. I would def recommend this spot to friends and will def be returning soon!
(5)
Aylin M.
A favorite for birthday celebrations! Terrific outdoor bar with great music and drinking climate. Service is slow on the weekends, the food is tasty but wish they served it till later. Great for get-togethers or after work drinks.
(4)
Nadine W.
Went for happy hour. The drinks were great!!! Appetisers were not the best but the wait staff was spectacular. Definitely going back.
(4)
Fidel C.
I had a strange experience here as I came in not too long ago on a busy Saturday night. The doorman did not greet us, but instead sternly asked for our IDs before immediately asking if we had bottle reservations or were brought there by a specific promoter. The answer to both was no, and it didn't matter anyway considering he just let us right in. We found that very odd, considering you don't need a promoter to enter this lounge for free. We opted to sit at an open table and after receiving water, we looked over the menu....and waited. And waited for about 15 minutes before we decided it just wasn't worth it. The prices for drinks are fair, but being forgotten in a patio area full of mosquitos and humidity for that long is not fair. I give it 3 stars for the nice space and how busy they were, but maybe they are overstaffed? I'm not sure, but I would give it another chance during an earlier time of say.
(2)
Joe A.
Dropped in for brunch with a Travel Zoo deal and that's the last part that seemed to be simple. Upon arriving, the staff had a bizarrely convoluted way of figuring out their vouchers. First, there was a gentleman that greeted us, then passed us off to another woman to "check in". Then, we had to wait. And wait. Then, we had to sign in with our email address (shouldn't they have that from the deal site?). Then, we had to wait. Then get a voucher that said we were all paid. And the gentleman said, "so you don't have to deal with your waiter at the end." Cool, sounds easy, right? On to food. Ordered mimosas. Waited. And waited. Ordered food -- steak and eggs and salmon benedict, 2 classic brunch choices. The food actually came out quick, but that's really where the compliments stopped. The salmon was SUPER salty. The "steak" was more like what you'd find in a cheesesteak, though completely unseasoned, as were the eggs, as was (shockingly) the foccacia bread it was served on. Not even the splash of truffle oil helped. Oh yeah, half way through our meal we got our mimosas -- 90% champagne, splash of OJ. Barely chilled. Meh. Now our waitress informs us she has to "check the bill" to see if we've "gone over". Shockingly, we did, despite doing exactly what the voucher said. They added taxes, fine, but then gratuity at 15%, with no option to reduce it (as I likely would have given the lack of service with our drinks and overall handling). So it was an extra $10. Annoying more than anything. Bottom line? Just don't bother. The space is nice, maybe better for a quick hang out session during a nice night out, but brunch shouldn't be an option for you.
(2)
Walter H.
Food was good, but the service was so bad we all left a very small tip. It was nearly impossible to get the waitress's attention. We went for a couple beers and some food, but with all the waiting, it took us 2 and a half hours to get out of there! For example, we had been done a while when we asked for the check, but it took her 20 minutes to bring it! The place was nowhere near capacity so I can't imagine what took her so long. The food was very good. I had the prosciutto sandwich and a spinach empanada, both were excellent. We also ordered the stuffed dates, but they never came. We really wanted to eat more, but it wasn't worth the hassle of dealing with the waitress to get them. I would never recommend this place to anyone. The food is good and the place looks really cool, but none of that is worth it when you have to deal with the shitty service.
(2)
Danielle A.
Groovy spot, great vibe, good happy hour, yummy food, but average drinks.
(4)
Isis N.
I've been enjoying News Lounge's Happy Hours for more years than I would like to admit. To give you a hint, when I started to go, the parking next to Sushi Siam was FREE, and now they charge $4. Hmmm.... The drinks are consistently good and the $5 glass of Chardonnay can't be beat. Appetizers are great and after so many years I got to the conclusion that Thursday are the best nights. Fill with local Yuppies. Their indoor and outdoor areas are very pretty. But during the summer we hang out indoors, in the Mirror room. If you go on Fridays or weekends, the place gets really pack. But I'm still a fan.
(4)
Marc V.
I would like to thank the young lady (D.) behind the bar this past monday night for the excellent service. It was a fun environment and my wife and I cannot wait to return!
(4)
Jonah K.
Came here for some Friday after work drinks (not my co-workers, but Teresa K's) and we had a huge table outside. There is a excellent patio with a DJ outside. The DJ was so-so, but it was still entertaining. They have a great happy hour menu of food and drinks for everyone to choose from. The service was decent, and the place got packed as the night went on. Good spot, I'd go back.
(4)
Jesse S.
One star because you can't give zero drinks. Came so late I went to pick them up at the bar the server never came I asked three servers and busses for water nothing happen they brought my food very late and on top they didn't give us silverware I guess they expect us to eat with are fingers at the end they brought the water with the check. Never again !!!! Try something else
(1)
Carla M.
We came last Sunday for their bottomless mimosas. They were OK. I wasn't too impressed with the small brunch menu. I opted for a beer and ate else where. A friend of mine had their eggs benedict and she liked the food. Was put off by the waiter telling us the included tip breakdown. It wasn't a bad experience but with so many resturants in Miami, we probably won't be back.
(3)
Bernardo G.
It was very special. From the moment I walked in the service in The News Lounge was 5 stars. The drinks were very well prepared and the food was delicious. The staff was great, the hostess, chef, servers, bartenders, and specially Stacie M. She was very courteous all night, and always available when we needed to order more drinks or anything else. Good job for Stacie M. You can't find good friendly service like her very often.
(5)
mercedes m.
HERE YE! HERE YE! News Lounge is the place to be! This hip hideaway located just off of Biscayne and 54th Street is a perfect place to meet up with friends. Even if you miss the happy hour special, the mojitos, music and sexy ambiance is worth the trip. What makes this place extra cool is that it hasn't become a tourist trap (yet), so the prices are still reasonable. The service is a hit or miss; sometimes you will have a vigilant server, other times you better sip that drink slowly because it will be a moment before you see another. Nevertheless, the servers are always polite. There is free street parking but those go quickly because of all the other fun places surrounding the Lounge. There is also a self park lot for $3-5. So why not the five stars? Because they rope off the entrance after ten and start carding; translation babies are breaking the grown up flow. So before the teenies show, this is a great place for work friends, real friends and lovers.
(4)
Danny C.
Food and appetizers for happy hour were awesome. Drinks were amazing as well and cheap. Great atmosphere to get together with friends and chat it up
(4)
Reggie B.
Great Place for Happy Hour! Really Nice! Had a great time and fun ambiance!!! Food was great as well.
(5)
Tal T.
A true neighborhood bar. Awesome happy hour, seven days a week (until 9pm!). The Food can be hit or miss, but I'm thrilled to share that their new organic brunch is definitely on point. We tried the spinach omelette, croissant croque madame, eggs Benny (with salmon), and steak and eggs. Not one disappointed soul! I am on board with some happy hour apps, too: hummus especially. Drinks are good, strong, and cheap. Service is adequate, with some servers and bartenders clearly caring more about the quality of their service than others. The ambiance is what really makes the news stand out. But hurry! It gets hot soon and the mosquitoes will surely return. Bottom Line: The News is a fantastic local's spot offering great drinks and good food at reasonable prices in a lovely atmosphere.
(4)
Amber L.
What has happened to my beloved News Lounge? *cries* The last few times I've been, service has been less than.....not even stellar..... It's been less than just plain good. It's been poor, poor, poor. I went for a regular night out and had to stop the bartender because said bartender was so far from the cocktail menu ingredients list when making my drink that I was just shocked. After disagreeing with me, I had to show her the menu so that she could make it correctly. For real, girl? And please, let's not talk about brunch. Please, let's not. But ok, let's. I had been excited to try News Lounge's brunch because I love the ambience there and could only imagine the ambience on a Sunday afternoon with drinks. What a nightmare. And from reading recent reviews, it appears everyone is having the same experience - all the way down to a random person (owner, uncle, family friend) making the drinks at the bar. Our drinks - sangrias - didn't come out until we had finished our food and the plates had been cleared! SANGRIA?! Really?! There was even the same mimosa-spilling incident. Unfortunately, a little girl at the next table left with a mimosa hair treatment from this one. SMH Why is everyone experiencing the same issues? Why do so many customers have the same horror stories as of late? I can see here and there, but everyone? Hmmm..... Something is seriously amiss here. And it must be rectified soon before faithful customers give up and don't come back. I hope that doesn't happen because News Lounge has really been a favorite of mine over the years. Clean up your act, News Lounge. Please! Do it for us. Do it for yourselves.
(2)
Ernest G.
I've been coming here for years. With that said understand I've seen & heard many unreasonable and inconsiderate customers complain and write ridiculous reviews because they claim they were mistreated or ran into someone working here who was rude. Not true! Come on people if you're an idiot, live with it but don't try to make a business suffer for it. Anyway, the food, service and drinks are great here! I've even brought co-workers, friends here who also loved it and are now becoming regulars. Most of us regulars here know each other and will continue to patronize this heavenly place.
(5)
Chris D.
Go for happy hour! The outdoor seating area is awesome. The tapas and drinks are great and priced well. Their menu is pretty short I wouldn't go there for dinner. But if you're just there for happy hour for a few bites and drinks its wonderful!
(4)
Jose B.
Came here twice over the last month with a Groupon for each time and was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. Pros: 1. The food is excellent. Once your food arrives, you would most likely forget the long wait. 2. The drinks are fairly large and they make a great Bloody Mary. 3. The ambiance is too notch. They have fans to keep you cool if is too hot and the place is set up with lots of shade. Cons: 1. Redeeming the Groupon was a hassle since you have to give a lot of your personal information on a marketing list. 2. Food takes forever. 3. Food runners are a bit clumsy since the first time they dropped a small container of honey on us. The second time we saw another server dropped a tray full of dirty plates next to the guests he was serving.
(4)
Adolfo L. F.
Wow, what happened to this place? It used to be packed on Sundays which made service slow but at least you could drink and chill to the music while you waited. Now it's barely packed with only 7 tables and all the servers seem lost. Order a chicken wrap, get a chickpea garden wrap. Server gets lost for 15 minutes so good luck finding someone to fix your order. The kitchen is still good, putting out acceptable food, but the service is shit so its not worth it when you have Soika, Green Street, or even Berries just a few minutes away. Save your money go somewhere else. Edit: I forgot to add that people where getting up and leaving their tables due to waiting 30-45 minutes for drinks. So what does our server do? Asks us for a credit card half way through our brunch because they're afraid of more people getting up and leaving. What a slap in the face. You would think the restaurant was packed due to all the horrible things happening through out service... But I'm going to blow your mind right now... They only had 7 tables full. 7 tables for 4 servers. Wooow! Been here plenty of times... Never will return. This is my first post in years, and it was such a horrible experience that I just had to come back to Yelp to advise people to STAY AWAY!!
(1)
Maria V.
This place has great ambience and a lot if potential, BUT, the service is very, very slow and sloppy. My first drink arrived 30 minutes after it was ordered and it had watered down. It tasted like water and the ice was melting. It was probably sitting around for 29 minutes before the server picked it up and brought it to me. :$ My husband had to get up and go directly to the bar to order my second drink this time without ice just in case. The server told some people at my table that the bartender left and the owner was making drinks and had no idea how to make drinks and they were all fraking out... Really? Even if that's the case, I don't want to hear that... Get it together.. Well, I tried the mojito pitcher these people were having and boy.. That was not good. After waiting for a while the server showed up again and I ordered the avocado and bacon sandwich, very good, I really like it. It had been about 40 minutes after placing the order and my husband had to go to the bar again and ask about my food. The server showed up and said someone else at my table had ordered the same and that for whatever reason my order never got put in the system, so all the waiting was for nothing. Sandwich showed up 5 minutes after that and like I said, it was good. No one else at my table had ordered that sandwich, and even if that was the case, that's no excuse, it's just making your incompetence even more obvious. Next time you screw up just stay quiet. 15% gratuity is included on your tab... Well, no wonder. Good vibe, food was good. Service was terrible, a mess, just embarrassing. Enough said.
(2)
Letty M.
Nightlife: this place is nice at night. Good lounge to go to. Good music. Gets packed inside but that's normal. Nice patio atmosphere. Brunch: wouldn't recommend it. Lots if other places for brunch in Miami worth going to. Mimosas are little weak can be stronger. Their menu options are small. Ordered the steak and eggs wasn't all that. Just ripped steak on toast with 2 fried eggs on top. Eggs Benedict is pretty good. Too much spinach but tasty. Service wasn't a huge plus on that. Manager was alright, kinda rude at first had issues with our reservations. Gave our table away and had one last table in a corner stated their are "accommodating us". When they had a table open. Waitress inside was a little slow. Acknowledged us to apologize for the slow service so did the manager. Not horrible but maybe other had better experience. I recommend other brunches for a real brunch experience. They seem to be trying to be on the brunch chain.
(2)
Anthony S.
Fun place, nice atmosphere, fairly-priced drinks for the area. $10 cover for guys is a major downer...
(4)
Annette G.
I was here last night w/ some coworkers to watch the Heat game. I'll start off w/ the perks: this venue is beautiful and the atmosphere is always great, they extended happy hour for the duration of the game, the food was good but I wouldn't go there to eat & they were really good about cutting on and off the music during the game. Alright this is why it's a 3: the bartender was completely clueless and no one was at the bar for a while. Our beers were warm and took a while to get. Also I'm not a fan of their lychee martini. I asked for sliders and only 2 came in the order which is really not enough. Lastly these are the same issues I have when Ive been here in the past. I really wish the service and quality of food and beverages would improve.
(3)
Mark H.
Like most places in Miami, News Lounge doesn't understand the difference between a lounge and a club. This is disappointing, because Miami could really use a nice lounge. The good: Location: Improving area of Miami. This area feels like it's working on becoming the new Coral Gables. Decor: Lots of cool things to sit and swing on outside. Other than that, everything is nice enough, but nothing is particularly artful or original. I think Miami could use a lounge that dares to have some original flourish. The standard "fancy lounge" decor gets the job done, but isn't memorable. The bad: Drinks: Not a lot of beers on tap, and they're missing some ingredients for cocktails. Ordered a Manhattan - no bitters. Price: As expected for a place like this, things are overpriced. Music: Unreasonably loud club music makes it very difficult to speak with anyone who isn't sitting right next to you, and makes it outright impossible for groups to have conversations without shouting. Lounges are places people come to talk over drinks. The only reason to jack up the volume is for dancing. No one is dancing here, so blasting the music just serves to make conversation impossible.
(2)
Natasha A.
I want to love this place, I really do...They have all the ingredients for greatness: excellent location, great vibe, nice amenities..but something always falls -just- short. Sometimes it's the service that is off. Other times it's the food. Honestly, I keep coming back thinking that my last visit was just an anomaly, but considering how many times it has happened I have come to realization that this is pretty much just standard protocol here. Good, but not great.
(3)
Harlem M.
Probably one of the coolest Happy Hour spots especially on Friday grooving to the sounds of DJ Chilly. Love the outdoor feel and nice looking crowds. The Tuna Avocado app is really good and goes great with a Mojito. Watch the hot summer days and choose to hit the spot when the sun goes down.
(4)
Angelo R.
Love the late evening happy hour here...til 9! Bartenders are always nice. The place is not too crazy and decent neighborhood crowd. Outdoor seating is perfect for Miami December weather. They even have pool tables outside. Plenty of street parking and the strip plaza has a private lot as well and its only for 3 bucks. The martini specials are great...made with Absolut or Stoli even Lychee Martinis!
(5)
Kristen K.
Cool spot with a good brunch ... I mostly come here for brunch I feel like their brunch options could be a little more varied ... But they have bottomless mimosas and those are ok ... Bloody Mary was delicious food comes out in good time service has always been good
(4)
Saida L.
Nice outdoor atmosphere, good apps and nice drinks
(4)
Emma F.
This place use to be very American and a totally different crow use to come here . Now its more of a Latin place .
(4)
Christina C.
Love this place! Went here a few weeks back with some friends just to try it out... I had already heard great things :) We had a few drinks (martini's and such), ate some appetizers, and only spent like $50. Parking is free in a nice, well-lit lot, and there's other places around to choose from. Love the ambience! Love this area... will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)
Jessica C.
Recently stopped by for some drinks with a friend and had a great time. I absolutely love the decor, especially the art work inside by the bar. Great cozy little place to chill and hang out. While we were there, we decided to play some pool that was about $5 an hour which, now a days is unheard of. Drinks were reasonably priced but the overall flow and ambiance is what does it for me. Sadly as many times as i've gone i've never tried their food...definitely a must do next time!
(4)
Jillian M.
Went to this place on Saturday night, they were having an 80's flashback theme.....which we didn't know about till we got there! Overall the crowd was good....No one obnoxious....Music was awesome both inside and out.......the drinks are a little pricy but the bartenders are nice. A good place to have a drink and chill.......
(4)
Raymond R.
Today was a rarity. Once we received our meal and drinks (after physically getting up to seek our own server) the food and drinks were remarkably good. The cuisine was exceptionally tasty. Unique in presentation palatable and reasonable portions. The alcoholic beverages too are a force to be reckoned with. That said, upon finding our own server she was very friendly and apologetic. Initially we were a little upset blaming the server and then we thought-she takes her direction from a higher power - MANAGEMENT. Management was the absolute worst! The servers are running around doing their best, I could tell that they were genuinely trying however someone ultimately has to take charge. This wasn't happening. The manager could tell that we were upset and came over to follow up with our drinks. At the end of the night after thoroughly reviewing our check, we found an error with the amount of drinks we ordered - as anticipated. After addressing the issue with the manager she adamantly told us that she took the order and brought the drinks, not true. Our server took the first order, she took the second after following up. We ordered twice and followed up once. We didn't order 3 rounds. I started to get so upset that I almost stood up and demanded management. And then I thought - this would be a moot issue because SHE WAS MANAGEMENT. After a few minutes of exchanging words, she reluctantly offered us another round of drinks claiming that these were gratis. NO! I'm not appeased at all! It was already on our check, it's just that you're bringing it now! We really wanted to leave an additional tip for our server but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Ultimately this is a really nice establishment romantic, trendy, airy and well organized. However the powers that be either need to hire new management or retrain the existing staff thoroughly. Starting with service industry 101. The customer is always right! It's ill advised to raise your voice and exchange words unnecessarily because people like myself don't waste time debating frivolous issues - I'll pay it. However I will write a thorough and lengthy review addressing my unfortunate experience.
(2)
jen r.
recently went to news after hearing good reviews since last summer and i was definitely impressed. it has a great vibe, the eclectic indoor/outdoor seating is really creative and comfortable. you actually feel like you are not in miami, which is nice every now and then. its a little too dark outside, they could use some more lanterns or candles, but its not a big deal. the food menu is veryvery basic. there are literally about a dozen options, but everything i tried was decent. and the prices are affordable. i definitely plan on going back and making this a more regular chill hang out spot.
(3)
miamishopaholic m.
This is a great spot to start of the night with some drinks with friends or come here on a date. There's something sexy about this place. The lighting, the outside bar, the pool table and the ambiance are all factors that make this place very inviting. I think there's something romantic about a spot like this were you can look up at the stars and the moon at any moment and breathe in fresh air.They have a great selection of beer like Delirium and our drinks were perfect. Our bartender was knowledgeable, polite and very friendly. Every time I think of meeting up with someone for a drink, News Lounge always comes to mind now.
(4)
Ute L.
What the News Lounge lacks in food quality and speed it makes up for with ambience and general vibe. Groovin' Garden organic Sunday brunch is definitely groovin'. The DJ spins 70's disco tunes like Donna Summer and old school M.J. while you sit in the shade under the trees with fans blowing a nice breeze ever so often. The crowd is young and refreshingly diverse. Everyone seems happy, none of the usual stuck up Miami my- s**t- doesn't- stink attitudes. Be prepared to wait for your food for a while and don't expect large portions. Nosh on some of the drink specials ($15 bottomless mimosas, sangria or mojitos) and enjoy the music. Or have bartender Ben's homemade Bloody Mary made with fresh tomatoes, peppers, celery, Sriracha and some secret ingredients he won't reveal. The dishes are on the small side and are hit or miss. The crepe stuffed with bananas and loads of plump fresh berries is a definite yes. The eggs Benedict the nice ladies next to us ordered came out cold the first time (after an hour wait) and looked just okay. The smoked salmon was light pink, not the higher end dark red color and the eggs were served on thinly sliced multi grain bread instead of English muffins. Another couple ordered the Croque Madame, which came on the same bread, which is just totally wrong, as it should be thick sliced brioche. Egg white omelet with artichokes, wild mushrooms and red onions sounded really great in theory but was small and too oily. Visually not very appealing as it was more of a scramble than a fluffy omelet. Same with the side of potatoes: Oily, and we're not talking EVOO, we're talking Canola by the taste of it. Whether or not any of the food served is organic is questionable. Be sure to stop by the farmer's market to support the Urban Oasis project. The "market" in actuality is just a large table set up on the side of the patio. Picked up some beautiful dragon fruit, organic oyster mushrooms and raw fermented sauerkraut, after chatting with the guys about fermenting, hot peppers and other fun stuff. What can I say, I get excited about these things.
(4)
Chevonne W.
This is a great place for a first date. The obedience is very nice, there is an outdoor area with lights so at night its very nice. Also a lot of different seating areas with a pond with actual turtles in it and also roof hanging swings to glide through the air. Nothing is too expensive, so great for a first encounter, don't have to empty your wallet. The drinks are good. I prefer beer but they have a cocktail menu that is very nice. The atmosphere is trendy yet not too pretentious like a lot of areas in South Florida. The food is ok, but it is good if you are not too hungry and want a place to go and hang out and drink with some apps. I would recommend the sliders. Not much of a beef eater but they are good. The music is very nice and relaxing. Over all a great place to after work and chill out and a wonderful place to take someone new.
(4)
Lanie R.
We stumbled in here Friday night and our stumbling led us to a jack pot. The News Lounge was a great way to end our evening. They have seating everywhere and special sections that can provide you with a more intimate and quiet setting. They have an open patio with tables, chairs, and swings. The swings are a nice touch. The last time I sat on a swing at a Lounge/restaurant was at Touch. And that was a long time ago. The evening was perfect for swinging. The crowd was mellow and everyone kept to them selves enjoying the soothing music and cool night. Getting a drink at the bar was not a mission. That is always a plus. This is going to become a favorite spot for me.
(4)
Ali G.
This place is great ! I went last night in a huge group and had an amazing time. They have a parking lot right next to the lounge for only $4 ( although the parking man wasn't very friendly ) it was a good price. When we walked to the news lounge there was a friendly hostess greeting all of us and the best part was NO cover ! ( we didn't have to pay to get in). Totally free. They have a very nice outside area a outdoor bar. Outside they have couches and swings and inside they have a DJ. The lounge plays all types of music, rap,hip hop, trance, EDM, Spanish, oldies. They have a great variety!!! At one point the DJ even passed out large foam props with lights which was great. The drinks are not over priced for it's location. In the bathroom they have friendly staff opening doors, refilling paper and selling anything you need ! Overall we had a great experience and will definitely go back again
(5)
Rich S.
Came here on a Thursday night for drinks and some food. Happy hour is until 9pm which is great! Drinks were poured STRONG and the appetizers were good. We had the figs wrapped in bacon along with meatballs, hot cherry peppers and hamburger sliders. The outdoor space was huge, tons of seating. Had a DJ and service was good. Will come again!
(4)
Chris B.
Parking was a little tricky and the place was packed. The outdoor area is really cool. I wish there was an open seat. It was difficult to get a drink. And once you did, I thought they were a bit pricey and not well made. A decent option if you're a local. I wouldn't mind coming back if I was able to get a spot outside on a nice night!
(3)
Benazhir M.
I could not find the zero star, so I'm adding one. The first time I visited this place was about a year ago, I had a super yummy lychee martini, music was nice, service was great, and couldn't come back until recently. We were seated by a very friendly and welcoming hostess and that's it. We waited and waited while we watched how other tables were being taken care of, until I decided to ask the waiter: Hello! :D (smile) we would like to order. Are you our waiter :D (Smile) "Yeah" is what he replied. We were placing the order and he kept looking at us as if he was doing us a favor. May I remind you, waiters make their money on tips. Plus the place was nearly empty. We asked a couple of questions and he replied sarcastically as if we were supposed to know some items on the menu. Needless to say, we order two lychee martinis, which by the way, were disgusting and were served on whisky glasses. We were out of there faster than I can say ALOHA. I will not step a foot there again. Horrible service and horrible drinks.
(1)
Jose P.
Good sexy place, small portions with the food, good selections of beer &spirits. Ideal for dates or group gatherings.
(4)
Frances G.
Ok - let me start by saying I would love to give this place a 10 if I could for the atmosphere, outdoor setting, etc. i have been here plenty of times for happy hour and late nights and its absolutely one of my favorites. On the other hand, i would give a low rating for the new "brunch" menu they have. Im a vegetarian, and went excited to try the Organic brunch on Sunday! First, you need to make reservations and we didnt know but we were lucky enough that they were able to get us a place...personnel are very nice but the organic brunch sucks! In my opinion, they need a bigger selection also for non vegetarians. They do have meat but overall the menu should have more options but for vegetarians and carnivores as well.
(4)
Natalia D.
Seriously, the best happy hour in town. Or at least I think so, just because their deals are too good. Happy hour goes from 5-9 PM. Beers, alcohol and bites. CHEAP. We mostly kept to the bar outside, so it was a nice ambiance. Not your typical annoying Miami crowd you find at an extremely packed happy hour spot in the Gables. We did a couple of their happy hour bites, and gotta say was pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a different happy hour spot - thats cheap and good - try this place out. You'll be happy you did.
(4)
Laura B.
What a great time! The DJ was playing music that took me down memory lane all the way to middle school! The drinks were good. Everyone was dancing, and having a fantastic time. I can't speak for the food, but I'll definitely be back! Parking was $4. There was plenty of space to sit when we got there. Bathrooms were clean. This is an awesome place for a casual night out.
(4)
Jamie S.
Great ambiance, great music, always open. Sofas, swings, bars, pool tables, lounge chairs all throughout the outside patio makes this the perfect, chill spot to hang out, drink, people watch and enjoy a carefree night of fun. Next time, I'm coming for happy hour!
(4)
Anna M.
What a complete disaster! I was just at the News Lounge for brunch and waited over 30 minutes to get a drink or a menu. The place was crawling with servers but none of them competent. Once you got their attention thy were nice but a brunch should not be over 2 hours long.... I haven't seen this level if disorganization in a while. The food did not warrant the amount of time we waited. At some point the waiter comes and asks if we need the check. To which I replied, we're still waiting for the food! Total mess. I've liked happy hours at this place before but I won't come back for a sit down service and I suggest you don't either! It's literally a waste of time.
(1)
Angel F.
Love the Organic Brunch and atmosphere.
(4)
Jessica A.
What was suppose to be a fabulous afternoon with my family ended up being a nightmare at The News Lounge. I had purchased a voucher for brunch for 2. We decided to make it a family affair and bring along 3 more people. We arrived and the hostess immediately states there is a bit of wait we are understaffed and to take a seat. Ok no problem. Thinking about it now..we should have just gotten up and gone to Soyka next store. It was apparent there was something definitely wrong with the staff at this place. There were dirty dishes and cups that looked like had been there for a while. After about 25 mins of waiting I ask about the wait time and again the hostess says they are back up and short staffed how is that my fault, yet I saw she had the time to sit and just wait for more people to arrive. If there is a staff storage it should be all hands on deck. Doesn't matter of ur a hostess people coming in to dine shouldn't have to dirty plates and empty cups. That's just gross :( An another hostess came up to us, I guess she could tell I was getting annoyed we are now at 40 mins no table. Shelby was really nice and got us a table immediately. The waitress came quickly and the first thing she says is its a 45 min wait. WTF!!!!!!!!! No way I get up and now I wanna talk to a manager. What I thought was the manager tries to mediate the situation and asks if we would like mimosa. YES pls :) He comes back with 1 mimosa. What the hell!!!! No mimosa for the other 3 adults at the table. What a fail again.... I get it there busy, backed up and understaffed but that is no excuse for such poor service. The sweet hostess bless her heart she was trying to make it better for us. She took our order.. And handed it to the chef. The new hostess should take some lessons from Shelby..cause she was still just sitting up in the front while the ship is sinking. Even though Shelby really did try out orders were messed up the appetizers didn't come out first. My moms dish never even came. What I nightmare this place is!!! They need to get it together. I honestly wish this hadn't happen cause their menu looked good. Organic good! I had the steak and portobello sandwich like my dad.. And the tuna tartare was yummy I would skip the salmon carpaccio though didn't taste right. At the end of everything u would think we would have gotten a discount of some type or even an apologize...but nothing just a bad taste in my mouth :( just found a couple pics of the horrible day
(1)
Rachel P.
I like the vibe here, very hip, good drinks, nice after dinner hang out spot. What I don't like: Automatic 15% gratuity added to your bill A "Miami Tax" on top of the regular tax A minimum of $20 to charge to your card All of the smokers. I know it's outside, but I hate cig smoke either way.
This place is like a little hidden gem in Miami. I have been here twice and have loved both times equally. The first time we came here was for my Engagement party as weird as that may sound not the first place that would come to your head for an Engagement party. I reserved a room for about 20 or so friends, didn't have to pay anything to reserve which was awesome and we were able to choose between the room inside or a table outside. We met up with our group when we walked in and honestly we had such an amazing time. The drink prices are high but then again its Miami I am not surprised. I ordered a Amaretto Sour and my fiance got a Blue Long Island and we paid like $30. I don't know who was more lost the waitress who gave me a weird face when I said Amaretto sour or the bartender who prepared it because it tasted like crap. One of my friends got some shots 4 for $40 dollars ouch!! The environment is nice I liked the setup with the lounge chairs and big umbrellas its super chill. They have a DJ and that night they only played like lounge music. I went back 2 weeks ago on a Saturday because my fiance really loved this place and we didn't have to pay cover. I decided to order an Amaretto Sour hoping this time someone had gone to bar-tending school, and surprisingly I think the bartender they had today got an A in his bar-tending classes because it was on point. The DJ was on full blast and he played every single song you could ever imagine like I mean literally. It was like I was time traveling from Middle School to High school back to Elementary then back to Middle School, that is the only reason this place gets 4 stars because I think the DJ could do a better job in the transitioning of songs. That didn't stop us from dancing the night away, we had a great time and will be going back soon. I am telling you this is Miami's hidden gem, if you like a good Happy Hour which can't be beat, not paying cover most days, and dancing to you favorite songs from the 80s 90s and today, this is the place for you!!!!
(4)
Monica S.
I can't believe I haven't given love to my favorite happy hour locale in town. In typical fashion, you can find me bellied up to the outdoor bar sucking down a Caipirinha, Brazil's national bird. The discounted drink menu is quite robust and caters nicely to those leaning towards wine or beer as well. To properly set the scene, the outdoor lounge sits nestled between some adorably indie shops that flank the intimate space on the north side and the News Lounge's indoor cousin joins along the southside. You can sexily lay on couches, gab away with your girlfriends at a table setting or even cozy up to your after-work flame on the swing. Towards the back, there's a somewhat hidden pool table and the fact that it's outside, wins. For bites, there's a similarly ample selection of half-priced snacks and the proverbial slider joins the list. What's a happy hour without some sliders, after all. The happy hour menu has downsized over the years, but this spot still gets me every time. There's usually even a DJ playing some downtempo or Depeche Mode to keep the mood just right. Great spot for a casual first date or hangout.
(4)
Eduardo D.
Horrendous service at brunch. The server upon tilting his tray, spilled a sticky mimosa over us, glass shattered everywhere. These thing happen and are forgivable but to then charge us for said mimosa is despicable. The food takes a while to come out of the kitchen which I don't mind but it's nearly impossible to find your server while you are waiting for your food to order more drinks. So I would just go up to the bar to get my own drinks. The drinks were added to my tab but the kicker is that they impose a mandatory 15% tip. Wait, what? I'm tipping the waiter for the drinks I got myself and the one that got spilled on us? It was my second time there for brunch. The first was equally bad where it got the the point that we relocated from our table to the bar for better service. I've been going to News lounge since it opened years ago for cocktails and bites and I hate to say it but I'm never going back.
(2)
Antoine M.
Well, I wouldn't come back on my own... Staff was really nice and apologetic, but that wouldn't be enough... Kitchen was closed when we got there, at 2pm...? Why? Because the chef was overwhelmed, one of the burners apparently stopped functioning and he decided to close the kitchen for easily an hour and a half... Maybe even more... Drinks were good... Food is okay... just okay... flavor was alright, nothing spectacular, I'd go there if you're on weight watchers' portion control and got a fat wallet... I'm giving it 2 stars for the nice staff and the pleasant atmosphere (music & outside courtyard/patio)... I'd go there for drinks only...
(2)
Wendy G.
OMG, I can't believe I've missed The Best Happy Hour in Miami Everyday 5-9PM!. They have a groovy atmosphere cute antique looking lounge chairs inside, with a mix of comfy, eclectic furniture & art. Outside there is wicker patio furniture with comfy cushions. I love their lychee martini and almost all the appetizers on the Happy Hour menu.
(4)
Sandra M.
Nice ambiance for a sunday brunch, but the service was horrendous. The waitress was disorganized and appeared lost. She took our order and disappeared. After a long wait, I called the manager, who was very nice and professional, he made sure we got our order. After we finish eating, the waitress came back and asked if she could take our order... she was truly very lost. I wil not go back for brunch
(1)
Laure M.
Good place to go out. Good music and outdoor ambiance. Beware of the $10 cover!!!
(3)
Andrea W.
When i moved to this area I was pleased when the news lounge opened. Its the perfect place to go pick up your summer cocktails my choice for that is always their lychee martini. i had a bad experience one time coming here but since it was resolved there is no need to rehash that experience. I let some time pass and now find myself constantly coming here for a starter bar or a end of the night bar. The inside and outside are equally charming. Outdoor pool is great despite the fact that I have a pool table at home I still gravitate to come here to shoot pool. its great for groups and very accomodating.
(4)
Anette O.
I fell in love with this place!!! How have I never been here before?!! I'm in Wynwood a lot and found a flyer for this place on my car. I saw the happy hour specials and figured I HAD to go and check this out! Can't beat the hours and prices! I had a couple of apps..the stuffed dates and they were yummy. The ceviche, ehhhh. I saw a deal on Travelzoo for their brunch so I figured that I'd give their real food a try. Went this past Sunday despite the monsoon! I know the outside is beautiful and that WAS the original plan...but the weather had other plans for us! They had everything really organized for people that had purchased the Travelzoo deal. I have to admit that I was super disappointed at first that we couldn't sit outside..but the hostess asked us if we wouldn't mind sitting at the bar because it'd be way quicker. I'm easy so I said, hell yeah! It was awesome! The food was realllyyyy good! And the portions were big!! Absolutely LOVED the music!!! The vibe inside was nice! Go see Ben at the bar! He makes thee best white wine sangria and he was awesome as our server as well. I will definitely be back for brunch and just in general! Great new find for me.
(5)
Daniella S.
This place is in a very beautiful, cozy spot. But something about it just rubs me the wrong way... They have a decent happy hour, (tip included) but the service is non existent. If they had replaced the bartenders with robots, I would not even notice. I've yet to try their food which I hear is pretty great, but again not dying to at this rate... Overall this place is awesome to bring a group or a date preferably at night. I've had good experiences because my company is good, but not because of the place itself. I'm likely to come back but I wouldn't be the one to recommend it...
(3)
Rachel S.
4 stars for the location, layout, atmosphere and happy hour duration and pricing. 2 stars for the food. Service has ranged from phenomenal to wondering if we even had a server. It's a really great happy hour spot though, so I'll continue to come here. What to order and avoid (happy hour only): Hummus: Hard to fuck up. It's ok. Empanadas: One of the better things on the menu, the beef was our favorite out of all of them. Meatballs: Meh. Stuffed Dates: Pretty tasty. Sliders: Decent.
(3)
Tifito P.
We just had a birthday party at The News Lounge this past Saturday... I haven't been out in a bit and was hoping to have an enjoyable night. Well, I must say that I had an incredible night thanks to all the staff and the owner. We ended up closing down the place... They even gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne which was the icing on the cake... Thank you all for a wonderful evening!
(5)
Juan S.
Pretty nice place to come and relax and have a drink (if you go early). Had been to this place before a few times in the past. Very nice indoor and outdoor lounges. As the night continued though, the crowds started packing in with a doorman and everything...wasn't expecting this as I thought it was just a locals neighborhood place; however, it seems to be a hot spot. (crowded, loud music, etc.) I'd come again, but off peak hours to enjoy the outdoor space.
(4)
Mark T.
The News Lounge Cafe-(off Biscayne Blvd & 55th Street) Yelpers have spoken....only a handful of reviews & this establishment can't even attain more than two stars. That speaks volumes! I do not recommend this place and will not return. The small bar and business do not deserve one star....search Yelp.com for better! I do apologize, as I do not enjoy writing bad reviews....I truly wish I had something more positive to offer here. Parking: The owners of this restaurant and Soyka also own both the north and south parking lots (this info is public record). So why are they charging for valet & $3 bucks at there own lots? And, they don't validate. Small note to management: this is not Miami Beach, so please stop this legal but inappropriate charge-up ! Shame on you! Other: My typical review is much more catagoric, but I don't want to waste your valuable time. This business is stifled with rules: parking charges, 15% required tip, holding your driver's license to place an order, & holding your credit card to place an order. You read that correctly. My friends on my cell overheard the waitress requiring these credentials before placing an order. We all heard it twice since I politely requested the waitress to repeat the request.....not sure I heard it correctly the first time. But that is the honest and clear truth. Summary: Just in case you weren't sure of my humble opinion: I do not recommend this business and I will not return. And again, I'm so sorry for issuing such a poor review. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with owner(s), staff, and/or employment. I am not affiliated in any way with any restaurant.
(1)
Megan M.
I came to News Lounge the other night for a friend's party. When we got there, the girl out front asked if we were there for the party but couldn't tell us where they were. We walked around for a while checking the place out and looking for our friends. The place isn't huge, so it didn't take long, but it is a bit of a maze at night. There are tons of trees outside which makes for a beautiful setting to sit and lounge with drinks. Heading inside, we saw another bar and out party. The decor is beautiful with deep colors and dim lighting. Drinks are in the $10 range- reasonable and comparable to similar places in the area. It was so cold outside, so everyone seemed to congregate inside. It's pretty narrow, and once everyone started piling in, it became less cozy. We headed out soon after. News Lounge would be great to sit outside on a nice night, but overall, it wasn't the best place I've been in Miami. The music was sort of annoying with generic techno playing. The bartenders did their job, but lacked personality. The ambiance was nice, but quickly ruined with a crowd because of the cold weather. Eh, I may come back again, but it won't be my first choice.
(3)
Natasha T.
Stick to happy hour! The brunch is nothing special! The waffles were paper thin and french toast was just ok. Service was pretty slow.
(3)
Jessica B.
Wow, it was pouring rain when we got here but were greeted right at the door, by the manager and hostess really nice. We decided to sit outside in the patio area thinking it would stop raining but it didnt so we decided to go inside. Our waiter was really friendly and helped us decide our plates. I had the steak with foccacia bread and my hubby had the steak and portabello both wwere delicious with a mimosa. Their prices are great and have really good happy hour specials there too.
(4)
Diego M.
Anything Mark Soyka does, I am a fan of. Respect. The News is great. I've spent a good amount of time and money there already. Highlights: - Great Ambience, inside and out. - Interior design, attention to detail, original. - The bathrooms are great, check out the ceilings. - Great Beer Selection - Friendly Bartenders - Excellent outdoor - Great to go for a drink, or with a group of friends and hang outside. - Free Wi-Fi, I've set up a few lunch meetings here in the past and it was great for that sort of thing. - The mirror room Not so good: - The new summer hours they implemented killed the potential lunch crowd that live in the neighborhood, ie. me. My picks: - Turkey, Brie & Mango on the Baguette, it's off the chain. - The Tiramisu = ACE. - A glass or two of Duvel beer. Introduced to me by famed Miami Yelper Ramon C. (Who also got me into Yelping)
(4)
Debbi P.
Went here for a party and although we planned on moving on to a club, we didn't get further than The News. Only problem is that there weren't tables big enough for all of us to sit outside together, but who cares once you've had some of their great drinks and been on their swing chairs?! Great atmosphere and just a COOL place. TIP: waiters were a little busy so we just went to the bar - it was much quicker.
(4)
Rob F.
The News Lounge is one of those places where the atmosphere and decor can make it more memorable than the food. Their menu is quite uninspiring and some what lazy. When the most recommended dish is a Turkey, Brie, with Mango chutney sandwich you know the menu is limited. What saves this place is the atmosphere they have created. They have sitting inside as well as outside. There is music playing and decorative lights all around. They have sitting arrangements for every occasion: small tables, sofas, as well as bars stools outside. Just about every night there is a theme. On Mondays they have discounts for those who work in the food industry. Around 9 p.m. on the first Sunday or second Sunday of every month they play a silent movie with a live DJ and musician playing an original soundtrack to the movie. This is a great place to start of a night or meet a blind date. It's affordable and trendy enough to inspire you to come back, but not because of the menu. There is also a pool table all the way to the back left of the patio. Summary: Great atmosphere and ambiance. Menu is limited and though "creative" it is uninspiring. Prices depend on what you get, but it's nothing to brag about. Nights can bring some interesting characters to the News Lounge.
(3)
Carlos P.
This is the perfect place to come with a group of friends and grab drinks. The happy hour special is pretty unbeatable with beers starting at $3 a pop and well drinks going for $4. The interior of the place is bigger than it lets on. With vintage artwork and mannequins placed in peculiar settings, the inside gives off such a laid back yet elegant vibe at the same time. There are countless couches and seats everywhere to sit back and relax. And I'm talking about nice couches with designer pillows, not some wicker back-breaker. The outside patio is pretty big itself with different lounging spots with their own sofas and chairs and some swinging hammocks as well. There's a pool table also in the back which provides entertainment when you want to engage in some drunk competition with friends. All in all, a grade A place for get togethers with friends. And if you are feeling peckish, they have a nice selection of appetizers and burgers to choose from.
(5)
Ashley S.
I had heard amazing things about this place, particularly about the music from a fellow music phile so I knew I needed to check it out. Made my first gander this past Monday on a first date; not a great date but a total score on a new favorite hot spot. The music was as great as my friend said and very laid back, but pretty quiet understandably for a Monday night. Immediately told all of my friends that we had to return. After a strange twist of events Felecia and I found our way to The News (after some amazing pizza at Andiamo across the street). The music is great--very eclectic and totally hip. Great crowd--so great I forgot I was in Miami for a hot minute. Parking was a little tricky, but I'm kind of a parking savant and found a clutch spot down the street (and my car was still there at the end of the night). The prices were right, bar staff was fun, and mood everything I was looking for. Will definitely be back!!!
(5)
Ginna G.
Had never heard of this place considering it's a bit far from my area but I visited for the first time on Saturday and I'm so glad I went. I'm 21 so the crowd was a bit older, though pleasant. The drinks were incredibly inexpensive. I ordered two vodka tonics and a Black on the rocks for only $30. There's a large dancing area and the dj was on point, mixing all genres pretty well. I'll be returning sooner than later.
(4)
Christine P.
Second time hanging out here, and I loved it. There was a music festival going on.... some Brazilian Hip Hop group was playing, which was totally random, but it made it very festive. Very cool place to hang out, went after dinner, cheap and easy to park (ALWAYS a plus!), and fun, funky decor. Just walked around at first taking it all in, until we stalked one of the loveseat swings, and took it over for the evening. Enjoy the outdoor lights and palm trees, such a beautiful night that it felt like we were hanging out under a "fake sky". Drinks seemed a bit pricy ($19 for a mojito and malibu/pineapple). But love the vibe, and the neighborhood, so will definitely be returning with friends. It was a fun Thursday night, although I don't know what it's like there normally without the festival going on. Wonder what nights are good to hang out there...
I am borderline obsessed with this place, which has quickly become my favorite neighborhood hangout. I ended up here by happenstance one Friday night and was charmed by the festive lighting in the courtyard and wide variety of seating options inside and out. Before I discovered The News, I was worried that my front porch in New Orleans would be the last place I'd ever enjoy my cocktails on a swing. I've never been happier to be proven wrong! The ambiance here is top notch, parking is free in the adjacent lot (if you show up at the right time) and the clientele is an interesting blend of aging hipsters, chi-chi young professionals and quirky artsy types. The service is great too - my friends and I wanted grub one night when the kitchen had already closed, and our waiter managed to scare up some croissants topped with chocolate and honey that made our taste buds sing. If you enjoy wheat beer (Blue Moon, Hoegaarden, etc.), order a Tucher on tap - the glasses are huge and won't make a huge dent in your wallet.
(5)
Martin O.
This is a bar and lounge only with a very limited food menu. They have a few sandwiches, salads and desserts only. It is very nice inside and there are a number of tables and couches. It is dimly lit so it feels more like a club. It's a place you might go for drinks after work or for a group lunch meeting. The bar is located where the Gelatto store use to be and their space goes back all the way to the gym. For parking the best place is the free north parking lot. You can also park on the street. The parking meters are operational until 6pm only.
(2)
Danny M.
I was introduced to this place by my gf on a random friday night. And now, I am so thankful that she did. The place is an excellent outdoor bar venue, that one could relax in their many different styles of chairs ( incl. a rocking chair for 2) with their fav. adult beverage. The crowd was enjoying themselves, and the area is really cool. Overall, had an excellent time
(4)
Steph V.
Great place to have drinks and a bite. The service is a bit slow and a hassle when you're with a big party. But overall, a really great place to kick back, have drinks and talk with your friends. 2 for 1 drinks on Mondays!
(3)
Ian G.
This place is ok - Free pool if you can get a table, their "baked" fries are pretty good, but be careful with their weird ass beers on tap! I made the mistake of ordering Piraat on two different visits - What the hell? Piraat(e) beer should be good, right?! One night I came here they had some huge projection screen with Nintendo being played, don't know what that signifies though. All in all, this place is not too shabby - come with some friends and hang out outside on the patio or go inside and cool your balls with the iced-down urinals.
(3)
Daan K.
great vibe, great food, great staff = great night we met some really cool people, the owner / bartenders are very cool and not typical pretentious Miami snobs. the tuna tartar is amazing. definitely try Sasha's (the bartender's) Leblon Caipirinha's. Out door ambiance and live art on a Sunday night - definitely one of my favorite spots.
(5)
Liz R.
This just in: if you want to break away from all the Miami bar-scene bull crap and have a great time without all the pretentious hullabaloo, head on over to News Lounge on Biscayne, right next door to Soyka for a uniquely serious kick-ass time. I loved the place as soon as you walk in: The outside patio feels more like a vacationing spot with couches, a tiki-looking bar, and even an outdoor pool table!! A totally laid-back and cool atmosphere surrounds you while you sip on your beer/cocktail if you decide to park yourself at the outside bar. You can also feast your eyes and window shop or actually shop at the cool vintage jewelry shop right next door which is open until midnight. The sole purpose for our visit to this hidden little gem was to take part in the "Drink and Draw" event they were having that night inside the lounge. My understanding is that this event is held once a month so if you must get your butt to News Lounge for this amazingly fun and cool event. As its name describes, you drink and draw. The gist of it is that at the end of the drawing session, they animate your drawing!! Ok here's how this happens: you sit at a table of 8, make a sequence of 12 drawings and you need to tie your first and last card to your adjacent neighbors... while you drink! It's oodles of fun kids, try it! And then they join all the cards, animate them and display them on a wall inside AND outside the bar for all to see!! All this while playing awesome tunes like The Killers, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc!! The event was a huge hit with me and my friends! Make sure you arrive there with plenty of time to kill since you will be waiting a while for your turn: trust me, it gets packed! Oh, and be very alert not to miss your turn! The only hiccup was the service. We had a couple of drinks at the outside "tiki-bar" and the bartender was awful. He kept asking if we were closing our tab while we were clearly not since we were drinking and had an awful attitude the whole time we were there. Don't know how the service inside is but I hope the bartenders in the lounge are more hospitable and nicer than the tiki-dude. The drinks are fairly cheap which was great! Overall, I had a blast and highly recommend News Lounge. We had great fun at such a uniquely cool event and the place is just rad. If you haven't visited News Lounge, please make a point to do so soon. You don't wanna miss out on this home-away-from-Miami gem. Back to you in the Miami studio.
(4)
Ali Z.
Love the atmosphere here. Kudos to the designers. The outdoor porch-type swings are an especially nice touch. It's a great place to go and hang out for a while, although as the night goes on, it gets a little loud. (But then what hip Miami spot doesn't?) The menu is pretty limited and definitely overpriced. Decent snacking if you're not too hungry and have some cash to burn. $10 for a glass of wine felt like a bit much. Still, I will go back because the space is so great. I just might stick to coffee or a smoothie next time. I'm hoping it has more of a cafe vibe during the day, which would be nice, since Miami's really hurting in the cafe/coffee house department. If anyone has any recommendations, other than the Out of the Blue Cafe, please post.
(4)
David D.
Great food , great crowd. Definetly a place to be on Saturdays
(4)
Bonnie V.
If you enjoy doing COKE this is the place for you thats all I have to say!
(2)
Patrick W.
I'm giving this little joint a 3-star review because I loved the space but think they can do better on the bar service. I'm basing this on my first and only visit thus far. But hey, first impressions are important! I recently went there to attend a political event and lucky for the place it was not a large crowd. My biggest (and only) complaint is that the bar service took a horribly long time. I've gotten faster service at bars that were slammed. There was only one bartender when there should have clearly been two knowing they were hosting an event that evening. The cause of my wait seemed to be a rather complicated order placed by some people camping out at the bar as well as the same people insisting on chatting up the barman. They struck me as the sort that thought they were long-time regulars and thus deserved to "hold court" ...in spite of the fact that the place is still too damn new to have regulars. Jeesh! But honestly, I'm less bitter over the imperfect service than I am at the fact that these douchebags were just being obnoxious...knew they were monopolizing the barman's time and inconveniencing the rest of us. But oh well...that's what one does at a bar. ;-) I'll be giving the place another shot. I hope the service turns out to be fantastic because it's an awesome space. It has the potential to be a great local watering hole, and would be a great lounge version of Soyka (next door). With the area's large gay population, this place could easily turn into an accidental gay bar, which wouldn't be a great thing for the neighborhood. The News should get a clue, however, the next time they host an event and have an extra bartender on hand to handle the crowd...and the regulars holding court. Patrick needs his Guinness, dammit!
(3)
Kristin K.
Love this outdoor garden setting that offers fun apps perfect for sharing. Not too loud, but good music that you can still have a conversation over. The Chocolate Fondue with a bottle of Processo is a must.
(4)
Rachel S.
This was a great find. The outdoor area feels like a chill block party. Comfy outdoor seating and fun music. Love the swings. Simple, relaxed, unpretentious lounge. Go have a drink there.
(4)
Marce E.
Despite the abnormally tiny pool tables in the back and the fact that I yet to try anything on the menu, I LOVE this place! This is the perfect spot to relax with friends to take the edge off of a long, hard day at work. The lighting, seating and service are the best selling qualities about this venue! Great place!
(4)
Janine R.
The News Lounge at 55 Station is definitely one of those spots where its all about the outdoor lounge. From the lounge swings to the fountains with koi fish, it seems as if the ambiance at News Lounge trancends you into a cool, and chill vibe. They have a great happy hour that lasts until about 9 and the food is pretty good as well. I had the quesadillas when I went, and they were really tasty. The best part about this place is that its pretty much away from all the downtown and brickell crazyness, but also pretty close enough to drive back if you change your mind.
(4)
Karina G.
News Lounge is one of Miami's hidden gem. I feel like not a lot of people know about it, including me. I have never been to this place until my friend told me she was celebrating her birthday there. The ambiance of outside is phenomenal. I love everything about outside. Wish we could have been outside but it was about to rain and we already had a private section/room inside for the birthday girl. Inside is just as good. I love the soft lightening. It makes the whole place intimate. I ordered a sandwich for dinner and it was good. My favorite part had to be the ketchup that comes with the fries. Its a bit on the tangy side which took me by surprised and it tasted good. I recommend to go during happy hour. A lot of the food and drinks are discounted.
(4)
Marcello B.
Friday night at the News Lounge!!!! What can i say, it is our 11th year anniversary and Paolo Albertoni is spinning!!!!! Wow. If you want to listen to the right amount of soul and funk, with a dj who downs not only spins, but who can actually carry on a real conversation about music, this is your place. An amazing setting in an otherwise undescriptive area. An Oasis for you music lovers!!!! Come and make it your own. The management is friendly and they listen. It is a great spot outside the notable circle of known places.
(5)
Natalia G.
Love the decor, outdoor seating and ambient music - if you want a sexy hangout and are coming with a good group of friends, this is a reliable pick for nighttime. Order the chocolate fondue (comes with strawberries, bananas and pound cake) to compliment your cocktail. Perfection!
(4)
Rich K.
I was lucky enough to celebrate here with Jamie C.'s on her 30th birthday. The food (sliders) and drinks (lots of vodka) were great. The atmosphere was fun and lively. Only problem I had was getting hit on by the wrong sex, no one told me it was going to be alternative night. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have worn those tight jeans, but I they did get me some free drinks.
(3)
Jacob C.
I really like News Lounge...its a great laid back place to hang with some friends and drink the night away. I love the outdoor atmosphere with all the lounge-ish couches. The drink prices are pretty reasonable and service is pretty good. Last time I was there I drank the night away while sitting in one of the swings that they have outdoors. It makes for a great night.
(4)
Ralph W.
I left this place last night wanting to come back again. Both indoor and outdoor settings are welcoming. The staff is very attentive and friendly. The decorations inside set you back in time, images of locomotives are all over the walls. The seating is comfortable, you feel at ease. Didn't have the chance to try their food, I was told their menu is getting revamped. This is a nice lounge to come after a long day of working and enjoy a few drinks to release the stress. I definitely recommend The News Lounge Bar & Cafe.
(4)
Christine A.
Went to a surprise bday party and was pleasantly surprised at the good time that i had. Our server was efficient and had a great sense of humor. The drinks were good, the food was good, comfy seating. Good is good and nice to find in Miami.
(4)
Cristy M.
Honestly, I'd spring for 4 stars and, considering how often I end up here either for events or to meet up with friends who live and work in the area, I should consider myself an official "fan" of News but I'm deducting one star for the music--most of the time. Yeah, so a lot of people might enjoy the music and that's fine. I think that there's a big chance that living in Miami and opting to hang out in this area, you probably might actually like the music, you might actually ADD a star for it. But I won't. It wouldn't be honest of me. Regardless, this is a review of News, overall. I love coming to News Lounge. As a restaurant, it's tops. As a lounge, it's tops too. The food is great. I recommend several platters: the salmon mini-burgers/sliders, the ceviche ap (AMAZING), there are a couple of sandwiches that I've had there that are just great. Overall, the food is definitely 4 star quality. As is the ambiance. I love the look of News. It's a gorgeous location tucked away in the middle of 55th Street Station with optional indoor or outdoor seating. Moreover, there are both indoor and outdoor bars and sofas, hammocks, swings, etc. I often come to News, again, as a pit stop between locations or just to chat. I've also thrown down Scrabble games there on several occasions and, as a bonus, my friend hosts Miami's only Drinking & Drawing event at News (summer date is set for July 29th, Thursday, beginning at 9 p.m.). For all those things, News is most certainly a place you'd like to go if lounge is your thing. Also, if a really nice lunch, for instance, or dinner date has you stopping some place to grab a bite that's totally worth it.
(3)
Nicole H.
Excellent ambiance, relaxed, but not cheap. Great hangout for after work and after hours. Sometimes could ask for better service though.
(4)
Erik D.
Considering I was here for the opening I would say that I have a good grasp on what this News is all about. A sexy, Organic and hip spot that many continue to sleep on. I like the fact that its a unique and somewhat hidden lounge on the Mainland which I'm all about. I enjoyed its more rugged artsy begginings; live art, bangin' DJs, and silent movies with obscure music playing along side- bohemian in a word basically. Nowadays its under new management and the vibe at times seems a bit square, lacking the facets it once had ,(hence the 4 stars) but if you want that TRUE Lounge vibe, its your spot. There is still eye candy everywhere and decent music on a regular so I'm happy and you will be if you live or are visiting Miami proper/Design District/Little Haiti/Buena Vista/MIMO areas.
(4)
Jamie C.
I love this place, I celebrated my 30th birthday there, and everyone had a great time. They have really great food, and music, just a fun down-to-earth vibe. The outdoor area is beautiful and cozy if it's not such a hot night. Indoors is also cool, very chic and artsy. Sunday nights theres usually live music, great time to go and just have a glass of wine to get ready for your week.
(5)
Franky A.
Good for drinking and hanging out but the food menu is tiny and the service there is slow.
(3)
Ramon C.
Went for lunch yesterday. Love the ambiance. It's very cozy and comfy. I would love to see what it is like when its a bit busier. Regardless the 'Turkey , Brie and Mango Chutney' sandwich was really goood. Nice size (almost felt like I ate a full loaf of bread) and the mango chutney was a nice touch. The place has free WIFI for you folks looking to get some work done or just check to see if that application on your iPhone has a new version out in the app store. I will return to explore their other sandwiches and try the Tiramisu which looked quite inviting.
(4)
Gina I.
My friend and I got a good bottle of merlot...sat outside and chatted under the stars for a few hours....super laid back...great server.....was only there once, but enjoyed myself....ill be back.....
(5)
Mia S.
Went there today for a coffee, the place was empty, it was saturday at 7 pm. We walked through the outdoor siiting area without being offered a table, the same happened inside the cafe. The only waiter that approached us let us know that inside the place was actually a disco, but if we wanted to have something in the AC area we were welcome to sit in the bar area. So we sat at a sofa watching three girls chatting behind the bar without even noticing we were there. Needless to say, we just left.
(1)
Mina M.
The staff was friendly and the decor was interesting (a disco ball hanging next to a wooden wind chime on top of a fountain) but other than that, it wasn't a place I would go back to. Prices were too high for the location, food wasn't that great and the music was too loud to carry out a conversation.
(2)
frida k.
SOMETHING CHIC HAPPENING ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE.When I first walked in,Monday night,it was around 10 p.m.A good friend was introducing us to this place that we knew only by passing.I was under shocked.I've been living here in Miami for nearly 3 years now and never made the way to Soyka neither the other bars near by.I felt guilty and shame because I was a complainer when it comes to good bars and restaurants.Almost like a perfectionist.We end up walking into The News Lounge and I knew,this will be my new spot for meeting up with friends for a good wine and a tasty hummus plate.I couldn't complain about the bill either but maybe this will change soon.I got to say this,the bar tender a "she" is super friendly just like the server and the interior is inviting..there is nothing worse than a bad ambiente..but you'll come and judge yourself!
(5)
adriane G.
I went there once and had a horrible experience. The outside patio was nice just to sit and hang out. The service, however, was awful! I ordered one wine and it literally took over 30 minutes to get it. (not exaggerating) They really should hire more servers. They guy had to take my credit card and ID even though I was not running a tab (and keep it all night). To get my cards back it was another 10 minutes of playing Where's Waldo as the poor waiter had a fat stack of like 400 ID's he had to go through. Now, the wine ( which cost $12!!!) tasted like gasoline. If there going to serve wine for $12 they should at least use wine that's a little decent. The only good thing about that experience was that the waiter was really nice and I recognized him from Pasha's on Lincoln. He tried really hard so I gave him a $6 tip (half of that expensive disgusting wine). After my one wine I was done. I probably would have had a better experience sucking the fumes from my gas tank. (hey at least it would have been cheaper).......... in conclusion good: pashas waiter outside atmosphere bad: gasoline wine prices service wait time
(1)
Tina K.
Came here for happy hour - loved their patio. It's huge with seating from swinging benches, to rocking chairs, to huge lounge ottomans. Great place to hang out with friends when the weather's nice. I haven't tried their food so can't give it 4 stars but 3 stars for the wonderful service and happy hour drinks~ 4$ wells, 3$ beer.
(3)
Liz T.
the news finally opened this week... woo hoo! i'm not the biggest fan of soyka... mark soyka's other restaurant venture in the area (kinda right next door), but i'm excited for 'the news'. i went to pick-up sushi from sushi siam last night (right next door) and over course popped my head over as i have done every time i'm in the area and to my surprise... they were officially open. the place looks great. a bunch of tables outside in the little courtyard. the bar/lounge area was beautiful. very tastefully decorated. and the hosts/hostess were super polite when i walked in. def stopping here this weekend to eat. maybe for breakfast. mmmmm there's also no webpage or address listing i could find... so sorry for the vagueness on this listing. i'll update this weekend. UPDATE: tried to do dinner on friday and the power was out. :(
(4)
Christine R.
Although I am a frequent guest at News Lounge, I've never been prompted to write a review until now. This is definitely a great place to get together with friends for happy hour or spend the night enjoying the music provided by the DJ's on the weekend. Recently, there was a change in staff which is what inspired me to provide this review. My server, Yenthil was absolutely fantastic. She kept us informed on our drink and food orders and had a dynamic personality. So much so, that on that night, we made reservations for two parties to follow. These reservations were made with the manager, Rebeca. Her level of professionalism was truly commendable. She allowed us the opportunity to request Yenthil as our server for the parties and even made it a point to greet us on the day of each of the parties. If you haven't already been to News Lounge, you don't know what you're missing and if you have been, it's time to go back for more.
(5)
Mercy I.
It was my first time there and I Loved the atmosphere and decor.....BUT...One important thing, at the end of the night, the was a misunderstanding with the ticket of a friend. The waiter tried to explain but didn't get far. So the "Manager" was called to intervene. She's this very skinny tall girl with flowing brown hair...So anyways, my friend explained to her the discrepancy. And guess what, the Attitude of that manager was how can I say it?....Very be-littering. The way she addressed herself was completely not "customer is always right" . She turned around, because it was decided there was no mistake, and basically gave us the "Back" Not an "my apologies for the inconvenience" none of that.......So I must give her this review, she deserves it. Her customer service skills are on the floor. Horrible. I would appreciate if the owners would reprimand that so called "Manager". I most say, the Mojitos were quite delicious. BuT that "Manager" wow, I was impressed but quiet negatively by her....
(2)
Eileen G.
Cool hang out spot, can easily become your local go-to place for a drink after work. The outdoor area is great and they usually have live shows including the amazing duo The State Of!
(4)
Eileen A.
Even though I got sick after eating their ceviche last time I went, this place is cute and different. I haven't been back since so I don't know if they still have happy hour specials, but they used to have great deals. They never really change their style of music, so after a couple of hours of hanging out there, it gets quite monotonous. Overall, it's somewhere to try out at least once.
(3)
Holly S.
I've been here twice now, and it seems that my opinion is greatly influenced by the people I'm surrounded by. The first time I didn't know that many people there and I felt a little uncomfortable, so my feeling was a bit on the indifferent side. Last night however, I discovered how stupid I am and that that makes me one of the cool kids. I had a blast at the trivia thing and met some really cool people. MY food was fantastic and OTHER people's food was fantastic as well. Someone at the table ordered the chocolate fondue and let me say, people attacked it like lions attack a weak isolated gazelle. One of my favorite memories of the evening was when three people combined efforts to rescue a chunk of pound cake from a dark chocolaty grave. I am sad to say they were unsuccessful and the victim was slowly disintegrated by delicious molten chocolate. The waiter was very nice although a bit on the scattered and relatively unavailable side. I love the decor of the place. I love the mismatched furniture. The seating was very comfortable ( I got to sit in a plush upholstered chair with snuggley cushions). I have yet to partake of the outdoor amenities, I suppose I will discover this place in increments. As of now, I would definitely recommend it.
(4)
Justin F.
love this spot for drinks !
(3)
Andrew P.
great spot off the beach for a drink.
(3)
L B.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Great location. Great staff. Delicious food, drinks, and prices! Their happy hour is the best!
(5)
Brittany R.
I think this place is great. If you have people from out of town and want to give them a taste of real Miami, I think this place breathes that vibe. The outdoor setting and awesome happy hour really set the mood for the rest of your night. The happy hour food menu with everything being $4-6 is amazing. Order one of everything and don't break the bank. The service is really good. I love this place.
(5)
Keith P.
Cool outdoor seating area. You can play a game of pool, and have a nice conversation. They serve cappuccinos at night. If you are hungry, you can have sushi or pizza next door! What else can anyone ask for from a bar?! Only con is the $8 parking fee you have to pay if there is no street parking available (which happens to be a common occurrence at a Friday or Saturday night).
(4)
Krystal A.
I love the ambiance! Very cool vibe. Sit outside. The music inside was really retro, grade-A stuff. The outside DJ was on vacation. Great place to sneak away from the party traffic and have some fun.
(4)
Gaby B.
I finally made it out to The News Lounge for the first time last night (Saturday). I got there pretty early, around 8 because I wanted to take advantage of their daily happy hour which runs until 9. The place is super cute, perfect for a first date, or just some one you want to impress. The outdoor patio area is really nice (especially during the cooler months), complete with little swings to sit on while you enjoy a drink. The inside area was nice also although that looked more like a club scene with a bunch of couches, not many tables. Drinks are very reasonably priced and so are the appetizers from the Happy hour menu. They have pool tables and its only 5$ an hour which is a great price. Overall I am extremely happy I finally got to try out this spot, I will definitely be returning, next time with a little more time to enjoy their food and drink specials.
(4)
Yulissa M.
Absolutely LOVE this place! It is such a cute lounge right off of Biscayne and 55th street in the 55th street station. Parking can be a pain when they are busy but you can park next door in a small lot or anywhere on the street. Just be careful and lock your doors! As most things in this area you have little hot spots in the middle of a not so safe area. Happy Hour specials until 9 PM are a HUGE plus! Live bands, DJ's and shows happen regularly here.
(4)
Tiffany H.
Went for happy hour- great music played as we sat outside. Service was friendly and prompt for us- as the night continued I did see people waiting for much longer periods of time, so being there early seemed to be a good idea. The lychee martini was delicious at $6, bottled beers were only $3 but strangely lukewarm. We shared the bruschetta, $3, peanut chicken, $4 and sliders, $6, all of which were tasty and great values. Ill definitely come back here- good for groups or a casual date as at night it's lit with cute lights and candles at an outdoor patio.
(4)
Sergio F.
Let me start by thanking Maria for organizing a very fun and "educational" Trivia Night at the News Lounge! It was fun trying to come up with the answers without using our crackberries! I was on a team with Vanessa, Jessica, and met Jonathan P, Edson, Emily and her "Gator friend;)" Great collaborating with you guys and hope to see you at future events! Good seeing Eve and Ana as well. Besides spiciness of food, there's a very important criteria for which I review a place. A bad mojito can ruin an otherwise perfect meal. News Lounge did not disappoint! The mojito had the perfect lemony tang, and blended nicely with the sugar. It could have used a little more rum, but that's ok given I have to work tomorrow. The small amount of rum was made up for in the Chipotle ketchup that came with the fries we got. They were also tasty and not greasy, which means that I can still say Im sticking to my New Years healthy eating resolution. The bruschetta and quesadilla were excellent. Bruschetta bread was warm and crisp, and tomatoes were nice and tart. The chicken wad just plain delicious. Desserts: Although not to the "foodgasmic" extreme of some people at our table, the fondue was delicious with great tasting chocolate. The pound cake was a little dense but that's Ok. Artwork: As an engineer, I liked the industrial aesthetic, including the retro railcar looking toilet.
(4)
Jana E.
We went here for Sunday brunch and had mimosas (expensive ~$8). The food was ok but it was great weather so we enjoyed it.
(3)
Diana Z.
Went early on a Friday night and even then, there was a good crowd. Nice outside area. Drinks were pretty good too and not too expensive at all. I was pleased. Will be back. Oh, and service was pretty good! Attentive and charismatic employees.
(4)
Katy S.
Breaking News: This place is awesome! I went there on a Saturday night and really enjoyed myself. The music is typical Miami 90's...Stevie B, Cynthia, Lisa Lisa....Think "Hot Wheels." LOL. This place took me back to my past. I wish I hadn't felt sick the night I went otherwise I would've danced all night long! The drinks are pricey but they are STRONG. So if you want quality drinks, come to New Lounge! The crowd is late 20's, early 30's. No ghetto people (plus!) I heard they also have a great :) hour but I've never been. Overall, this place is cute! If you're looking for a chill night at a Lounge...this place is for you. Enjoy!
(4)
Nene M.
This was a very nice place. The only downside is that the chef always takes stuff off the menu. I just went last week for the salmon rolls and today it was off the menu. Also our waiter was really nice although he had to wait on like 10 different tables. he did an awesome job. the food doesnt take long to come out either. I only order off the tapas happy hour menu!
(3)
Priscilla R.
Went here with Travel zoo coupon that I bought online. Boy, the disorganization in this place is VERY obvious! First we got there and another couple was already complaining about the broken high chair they received for their 6 mo old baby. So guess what? When we sat down, they told us they didn't have another high chair, so we also had to sit with our baby in our laps for brunch. The waitress --some Russian girl, poor thing, couldn't wait tables to save her life. She kept bringing us the wrong drinks and the wrong food meant for other tables. I had asked her to turn the fans on --Miami Heat and guess what, she forgot. I had to ask someone else. Needless to say terrible service and the place was completely disorganized. No one seemed to know what they were doing AT ALL! Pity because the food wasn't bad, but they didn't have some of the items on the menu. We wanted the waffles and we find out later oops sorry miss we are out of waffles. ? How could that be we were like the 5th customers?
(2)
William O.
Came here once for Happy Hour. The deals weren't so bad. It's a limited happy hour menu, but your selection, ranging from beers to dirty martinis to some weird martini-like drink with a melon ball, is good enough. They also have some appetizers on the cheap. All in all, price-wise, it's not a bad happy hour spot. Couple that with a decently-sized outdoor area, and you have the fixings necessary for a fairly good time. Notice anything weird about my "review?" Pretty plain. Not really memorable. Most importantly, lacking in excitement. Why am I not excited? This place epitomizes that Miami attention to trendiness that seems to be more a focus of management than the product being delivered. One of the few things I remember from school is that the ambiance is part of the value offering, and if that's the case, then this place doesn't deserve the two-star rating I'm giving it. Why? It's so dark. Ridiculously dark. Uncomfortably dark. The kind of dark where you can't really tell what's being brought to you. The kind of dark where your waiter has to get so close to make sure you're there that you can smell the cigarette he recently made love to. And I was seated OUTSIDE. The interior has almost a haunted house feel to it. And it's not that it was adorned with skeletons and cobwebs. I just kept expected a middle-aged mummy wrapped in dirty bandages to jump out from behind some of the weird decor. That kind of dark. Am I being persnickety? Perhaps. I guess it's weird that I like to see my drink as I lift it to my mouth to make sure I haven't mistakenly picked up a Tabasco bottle. I mean, Purdy Lounge is brighter than this place. Purdy Lounge.
(2)
Jonathan B.
This place is amazing every time I go. Perfect place to get some drinks and converse with friends. There are certain nights where they have some events and it does get quite crowded, but still the people are not douchey, they respect your personal space. Drinks are superb! I always get the Long Island because they make it that good! Caprinha was very good as well. Will be coming back!
(5)
Aly G.
** HORRIBLE SERVICE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH** I bought a Travel Zoo coupon for Brunch and could not wait to try this place. Website states that reservations are required for Sunday brunch, so when I called hostess told me that they were all booked and could not take same day reservations but to try and come anyway worse case scenario we would wait a bit. When I got there place was half empty outside and we were immediately seated. It took our waitress 10 minutes to come and acknowledge us. She took our drink order and came back in 15 minutes with them watered down because the ice was almost all melted. She "apologized" took our food order and left. She did not bring us plates and utensils, not water considering we were seated outside in 90 degree weather! 20 minutes later our food arrived, I asked her for water and ketchup to at which point there was and eye roll and attitude on her face. My boyfriend had to get up and get us the plates and utensils form their outside serving area himself, had to ask for the water and ketchup 3 more times before she brought them when I was almost done with my meal. I ordered the eggs Benedict ( it was meh!) my boyfriend ordered the mini burger and tuna wrap (ok not anything exciting). Towards the end of our meal we were so aggravated that we did not have any dessert. Our bill came and an automatic 15% gratuity was applied, lucky for her because I she did not deserve it. Long story short: WILL NOT RETURN!!!
(1)
Kelsey M.
Definitely a great place to check out. Big outdoor area and art inside. Easy to get to (once you find the little street it's on) with a parking lot next door. Also near bus stops on Biscayne.
(4)
Michelle D.
Place is disappointing! Great ambience and decor, but that's it. Have been here about 4 times, with the expectation that it will get better, but not a chance. Have waited 30 minutes for servers, servers have brought out the wrong drinks, there was a minimum for credit cards that is enforced only half the time (guess depending on how you state your case to your server). Place has potential, but service is subpar, and it just ruins the experience.
(1)
Marion D.
Cozy place with good music. Perfect for drinks, but brunch is a hit or miss... Chef rather watches football than expediting in the kitchen... meanwhile my food was burned and my friends crepes were cold... come on, get it together!!
(2)
Abbigail W.
Perfect outdoor atmosphere. Quiet enough that you can have great conversation. Excellent heathy food such as hummus wraps with sprouts. BUT the mixed drinks are awful. The bartenders use way too much simple syrup in every mixed drink every time I go. They will temp you with strawberry mojitos and pitchers of sangria- but buyer be ware! You won't like it. Go for beer, wine, or champagne and avoid the awkwardness of sending the second drink back.
(3)
Bella B.
great happy hour! The food is pretty decent for it, and a wonderful price on beer/wine/liquor. Ambiance is very relaxed, by Friday around 6 it is pretty bustling with people. I love coming here to wind down.
(4)
Sara M.
I prefer the News Lounge earlier in the night before the crowd starts rolling in. You can appreciate the cool decor and sit on one of the couches and just relax with a date. Once it starts getting busy, eh, News is good but nothing to scream about. The crowd is a bit older, I would say the average patron is probably somewhere in their late 30's- young/mid 40's. Plenty of cougars on the prowl. There was a cute couple who were in their 60's sitting and enjoying the scenery outside.. and this was at about 11:30 on a Saturday night.. sooo... yeah. I like News to start off my night, but would not come down if it were going to be my only stop. I do have to compliment them on their drinks though. They expensive for the area, using more of the south beach pricing standards, but you definitely get what you pay for. 14$ for one of their menu drinks and 12$ for a rum and redbull, but they are delicious and pack a mean punch!! I've not had one bad drink here. From the signature drinks, I've had the grey goose pink lemonade, a strawberry Bellini, and creamsicle martini which were all great, and like i said, quite strong. They make the best lemon drops too. The patio area is great with pool tabless, swing chairs for two, ample couch and table seating, and a live DJ. The inside dons some awesome and unique decor and I love all the art which extends all the to the restrooms. The News Lounge is on the grasp of the ghetto. When I came here for the first time and my GPS told me to exit on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd I was like "whhhaaat?" But all of a sudden you're driving and it goes from schools parading their C- scoring, to lights in the trees. Parking outside was 3 dollars which they advertised as vallet , but you have to park yourself. Good place to start off the night.
(3)
Jackie S.
News Lounge...awesome for happy hour!!!! I love this place tons of seating, cute little hidden areas...very cool!! Whats not awesome is their regular prices :( Thing is if you had killer Mojitos I wouldn't mind paying full price but you don't. You have rum and seltzer water with leaves. At $4 a pop, I'll take it...at $10 ehhhh, you need to look for a better bartender!! Bottom line: I love your happy hour and I will return...for happy hour :)
(4)
Vivian L.
Good ambience. Good music. Great atmosphere. For my 26th birthday, I reserved a table. A bottle of vodka was reasonably priced. If I remember correctly it was $150, top shelf too. The waitress kept the mixers coming and was super sweet. Very attentive and informative. By the end of the night, who woulda thought she'd help me carry my friend to the bathroom (she got to the bottle before the rest of the group did). I told her not to worry about us and thanked her for her help. For the next 20 min, she checked in to make sure we were ok. Wish I got her name but I think she was the best waitress I ever had... It's been more than a year and havent been back since but as I write this review, these good memories flood my mind.
(4)
Jordan N.
Ah, had to knock off a star since they stopped having pisco sour in the menu. And for claiming that they still make it. And making it without egg white since they stopped keeping egg white in stock. Don't ask me why they bother even have pisco then - cuz I'm clueless, it's nowhere in the menu even as a different type of cocktail. And sorry - but pisco sour is no pisco sour without foam. Note: + I did love the raw tuna in the spoon. It had a good kick with the dressing! + strawberry caipirinhas were strong and good
(3)
MICHELLE C.
After several visits I have decided this is one very cool place to hangout. We were celebrating two Birthday's here the other night. So who else has a Happy Hour daily from 5-9 pm. Woah, and what a great Happy Hour it is. Beers as low as $3, wine, cocktails, and amazing app specials. Our group ordered many appetizers and drinks. We sat outside where they have large tables with very comfortable chairs and loveseats. Our waiter was terrific. He was fast at taking all of our order's and he had a great personality. Hubby and I ordered sliders, meat and cheese tray, and ceviche. Hubby really enjoyed the sliders, with cheese and grilled onions, he said they were very good. My favorite was the meat and cheese tray. Capicola, Salame, and cheese with olives and very good bread and breadsticks. Very nice platter and it hit the spot as I was hungry. It is such a nice place to just chill, have a few eats and drinks in such a nice warm cozy atmosphere. Non pretentious, just casual fun. They have a couple of double swings that are so comfortable to sit back take a load off and swing away. From service, to the very good food, at excellent prices this is a must try. Parking is $2 in the lot a few store fronts away. Really really like this place. Great cocktails, beautiful decor, good food, great prices, excellent service. Yes, looking forward to spending many evening's here. Thank you for a wonderful evening with some really cool people.
(4)
Priscila L.
The place itself is really cool: the outdoor patio is lightly illuminated, love all the trees and the seating. Also love the tiki hut bar. And the music is very good. HOWEVER,SERVICE by the bartenders is ATROCIOUS. They are sooo damn slow (went on a friday, wasn't that crowed and still waited 30 minutes), give you attitude, especially the chic with all the tattoos. Seriously, a place can be beautiful and have good music but if service sucks, it's not worth it.
(3)
karin c.
I was here with a party of 10 people at night for a friend's birthday! The ambiance was good even though there wasn't music outside or was very low ... The pool tables are kinda old but that wasn't a problem! The server or bartender which I remember is a blond girl was RUDE I asked her for more ice because the beers were not very cold and she answered me back with an attitude... Probably one of the reason we are not going back again... Tip was included unfortunately :(
(1)
Ann Marie M.
Just celebrated my birthday here on Saturday 2/23/13. I had a huge turn out and most of my friends that came had never been to The News Lounge. They all immediately fell in love with this place as much as I love it. I have been a fan for quite some time. I have come both for happy hour and also on the weekends to just hang out and listen to some good music. This place always has such a great crowd and the music is really good... I happen to know the DJ and can vouch for this! This is truly a hidden gem that everyone must check out. Their happy hour menu is a great deal! The food is good, the drinnks are awesome. But most of all the vibe is what won me over! And lastly, very nice and accomodating staff! Thank you Rebeca! It's the perfect spot !
(5)
Alissa W.
We we looking for a bar to gab a drink at Sunday night around 10. I clicked my yelp app and noticed there really was nothing open in the midtown, design district area. I have passed by this plaza numerous times eaten at Soyka, and sushi Siam. I never been to the news lounge bar and never would have even thought to go here. The place seemed very chill tons of outside seating, swings, couches, and tables. I Liked the vibe it was not crowded at all but it was Sunday night. This place is cool not sure I will run back, but definitely will have it in the Back of my head if I ever want a grab a late night drink in the area. The cool this is they have a fountain with Koi fish. It is definitely a cool vibe.
(4)
Rachel S.
A comfortable spot in Miami. Friendly service. Many different areas to sit, both outside and inside. Plenty of parking and other restaurants nearby to make you feel safe and increase the people watching aspect.
(3)
Michelle W.
Yay! I like this place. My first experience was a little rocky, so I held off reviewing it until I had a return visit. I was crabby upon leaving the first time because I couldn't get anyone to give me any water, but the rest of the time I was there I had a good time (it was waaaayyyyyyy back when we had a Yelp trivia thing there). Anyhow, I did not have any food on this visit. And I honestly don't remember what I ate the time before. The thing I REALLY like about this place is that they have happy hour EVERYDAY (yes, everyday, including weekends) from 5-9!! That's a long ass happy hour! Drinks range from $3 for a beer and $6 for a martini, not too shabby! They also have a few dinning options on the happy hour menu. The venue itself is super cute. I really like the outdoor patio bar area. You should check this place out. Service is a little slow, but about on par with standard MIA time.
(4)
Jen S.
Great spot for fun nights and good drinks. They have an outdoor courtyard with comfy seating and a pool table that's easy to get a turn playing. They also have indoor seating and bottle service on some nights. The crowd is a mix of eclectic hipsters and trendy Miamians. Saturday nights, they have a DJed party with really good dance music that includes hip hop, Spanish music, top 40s and 80s/90s rock. I've never had anything to eat here but they serve food too. Maybe next time I visit
(4)
Renee C.
Terrific, outstanding Food is small portion so weight control management perfect, light and service is outstanding Love it !
(5)
Mailin J.
This place is quaint and cozy. Love the swinging chairs, chill atmosphere and foliage nearby which makes it very cozy. Drinks were good, the food was decent and service was good. Great for a group of friends to grab some drinks.
(4)
Maria A.
Sitting on the one of the swings, looking up at the sky is the perfect way to close a week and relax. The News has become a reliable staple. Parking is simple and affordable. The drinks are reasonable and the food is filling. The cheeseburger slider was my favorite and my table ordered them by the three. While this place isn't fancy the open air location is charming and the music is never bad. If you have guests visiting this would be a great bar off the beach for a long night.
(4)
Kati E.
ehhhh... crowd is always iffy.... depends on what mood your in..... not my first choice. ..
(1)
Eve C.
I love The News. I really do. I've been here on many occasions, and until the recent Yelp Trivia Night, I'd somehow never made it inside... Interesting. But inside is the perfect setting for a rowdy night of trivia, attended by more yelpers and friends than I (for one) anticipated. The couches are super-comfy. There's plenty of chairs and space to make room for the late-comers. And there's easy access to both the bar and the bathrooms - very crucial! My friends and I managed to go through quite a number of bottles of wine - the lower priced Pinot Grigio, which was excellent (name escapes me...oops!). We also got some delicious food - sliders (the salmon was amazing, and the cheeseburger was quite tasty as well) and spinach/artichoke dip. And the bill turned out quite reasonable! Very, very nice. Yes, parking used to be free, but with $2 lot parking or $3 valet, you can't really complain too much!
(4)
Marisol S.
Great happy hour, food, music and ambience! Love the Cucumber Martini.
(4)
Katie K.
Very disappointed last few times I've been here. The service is just awful. I went for Sunday brunch recently and they really weren't that busy yet it took 30 minutes to get menus and almost an hour and a half to get basic American brewed coffee (mind you after our meal was over). We had to ask the hostess several times to send us a waitress and when we finally got a waitress our food came quick but never saw the waitress again until we got the bill - no utensils, no refills on water, no coffee even after about six requests (when coffee came my friend's cup had lipstick marks in it - gross) ...she was in total lala land. She mentioned they were understaffed yet I kept just seeing people wander aimlessly (manager included). When we finally got our bill she gave us the wrong table's bill and blamed it on the hostess. The food is just ok here, definitely not worth the frustration. I don't dine out very often and I am extremely easy going in restaurants, I usually let everything slide but I really feel like News Lounge needs to work on a lot with their customer service.
(1)
Paul W.
I've been back to The News Lounge a ton of times since writing my initial review and they've improved on the shortcomings I mentioned, but for some reason I hadn't updated and bumped them up to the 4 stars that I feel this place now deserves. Each time I've come here I've had a great time and there's always been a good crowd. They now have some food offerings beyond appetizers since they've added sliders and sandwiches to their menu. Also, the last few times I was here their beers were priced reasonably for Miami ($5 domestics and $6 imports) so it appears that they may have adjusted their drink prices a bit since I wrote my initial review. Now that they've corrected the few low points that I mentioned previously, I truly am a fan, just as it says when you click on the 4 star rating.
(4)
Melody Y.
All I needed to hear was happy hour until 9PM and I was HOOKED! I went for a birthday celebration and drank the night away. We had a few appetizers but nothing really blew me away. A great place to go for the atmosphere. Parking was a little difficult but I managed to get street parking. Will definitely frequent in the future (The very NEAR future!).
(4)
George P.
The News Lounge is one of my favorite bar/lounges to visit. The drinks are very fairly priced, they have a great happy hour, and they are very well staffed. In particular one of the mangers there named Rebeca (with one C) is extremely accommodating, helpful, and polite. Anna one of the bartenders there makes fantastic drinks (especially long islands) and is good at remembering faces. Mark is another employee that is always on his job you always get your drinks quick fast and in a hurry, and he delivers service with a smile. Desiree is new there but she is extremely personable and makes you feel comfortable. All in all I would recommend the News lounge for the menu items and great service, I work for a company in which clients utilize sites like Yelp to make reviews in regards to our service so I think it's important that when you have a good experience somewhere you should let others know and not just go online and bash someone when you have a negative experience. If you're looking for a good night with friends and some good drinks the News lounge is the place to be. Oh and make sure you order the bacon wrapped shrimp.
(5)
Michelle C.
Dude, other reviewers seem pissed about the no more free parking. Well, my first time coming was for the Trivia night last Thursday and I loved the place and $2 parking doesn't seem bad to me. I really like the ambiance, both inside and out. It's casual, but cool. Like, I'm smart AND cool kinda feel. The servers were a little scarce, but we were having a trivia night and I bet the service would be better on a normal night. I'd like to come back and find out. The sliders were good, and the french fries were different and good. Little french fries, almost matchstick french fries. But crisp and hot is what does it for me, and they were. Great night. Can't wait for next month!
(4)
Chris C.
I didn't get a true feel for this place either of the times I was here. The first time was an elite event, which was amazing, and the second time was a yelp trivia night, which was a lot of fun. What I can tell you, is that the food is very tasty, I didn't try anything that wasn't good either night. The space is comfy, seems like they aren't looking to fill the room, or the outside seating area, but make the costumers there comfortable. I'm really looking forward to coming back and trying them again on a normal night to see how they really do.
(4)
Aimeet T.
Went a couple of weeks ago for a group birthday gathering. 1st off the service was horrible. Only one waitress for a group of over 20. She got our food order wrong, our drink order wrong, came back making excuse after excuse. The food was not good at all really small plates of food. Like 10 items on the menu and expensive for the quantity. Let's just say we had a good time because we were a big group and once we had a few drinks, things got better. Don't think I will be back.
(1)
Felicia R.
Very packed, but nice crowd.
(3)
Albert M.
Music variation was great. VIP areas are extremelly small and in the way inside the club area. Two variations of music from the outside to the inside which was nice too. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar, 15+ minutes even though your standing right there waiting for them to turn your way. It seems like they bartenders although very nice couldnt handle a bar full of customers. Overall experience was great, parking seemed to be an issue. I will go back there though...
(4)
Greshka P.
My first impression of this place was I Love it. Cute outside seating setting, with 2 swings at the entrance - great atmosphere. It took them a while to sit us down... Still I'm not letting that bother me, you know, there's more people there, maybe they're busy. We get our table, waitress gets our drinks order. Takes her a while but, we decide to use that time to look through the menu - not extensive - just appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. Don't get me wrong, the food was good, but if you wanted dinner you're not getting it here. I ordered the chicken sandwich with brie and pesto - delicious. Chicken was a bit dry but still delicious. Others ordered the tuna tartar, really good. Sliders, other sandwiches, everyone was happy with their food. Drinks, that's another story. I ordered a Pisco Sour - not impressed. Asked for limes to make it a bit better, 30 minutes passed still no limes. Had to ask for them again. This happened several times with our drinks, we had to wait a lot for them and remind the waitress several times that we were still waiting. So, obviously, by now my "I love this place" impression has gone down to I like this place. I would come again, still like the atmosphere - good place to just hang out. Would just do drinks and maybe an appetizer, and definitely never come if you're in a hurry. Bring a good group of friends so you don't feel the minutes pass slowly while you wait for your order.
(3)
Deborah I.
Great spot for a drink with the SO for date night. Tasty bites to nibble on and very friendly and attentive staff. Definitely look at the Happy Hour Specials so you don't break the bank. Good music, fun ambiance and overall a great little gem stumbled upon by accident.
(4)
Gissi J.
Everytime I have visited The News Lounge I end up in the Patio, the music is contemporary, the areas to lounge are very nice and perfect to chat and catch up with friends, (even the swings). I cannot rate the food as I have never eaten here I always come for drinks, they are fairly priced and not hard to get. There is a bar inside, another one in the Patio and very friendly waiter/waitress service, so if you can't get a drink its because you don't want to. I definetly recommend this place to anyone that has friends from out of town (like Maria A. said) its a great bar off the beach for a long night. P.S. There is a well lit parking lot next to it and they charge $2 or meters on the street.
(4)
Karen R.
Last night we celebrated my husband, sister in law, and our friends birthday at The News lounge. We were a party of eight and I had reserved a table before going. We had such an amazing night! We were at our table drinking and hanging out until about midnight, and then the music got really good inside, lots of 90's freestyle music, so we went inside and danced until 4am! The service was superb, the prices are very reasonable and it was such a great crowd and atmosphere!! It's will definitely be our go to place when we wanna party!!
(5)
Kristiana W.
Happy hour drink and food specials from 5-9pm everyday is awesome! The service was great, the vibe is chill and quaint and the food was actually really good. I will definitely try again .. it's the perfect spot of a chill night or a jump off the night spot.
(4)
Jackie G.
I don't like to give bad reviews, but here I just have to. Bad news or good news first? I'll start with the bad. The service sucked! Ok, as someone who always wants to give people the benefit of the doubt, I will say that our waitress was stuck with two large parties with several split checks- however, grab another waitress or have a bus boy help because there were plenty of those just lounging around doing nothing- so the problem could have been solved. Fine, she was swamped- but there is still no need to have a snappy, I'm doing you a favor attitude. Especially since we reached out to her by saying excuse me and never disrespected her; at one point one of the guys in the group felt bad for shouting excuse me too loud and even apologized to her- which softened her attitude for a second but that nice temperament didn't last long. Then there was a terribly awkward debate with one of the girls in the group who wanted to have Chardonnay after finishing her Pinot Grigio. The waitress replied, "I see you've been drinking white wine, are you sure you want Chardonnay, since that wine is red?" The girl was like, "No, Chardonnay is white- I would like Chardonnay." The waitress snapped back, "Chardonnay is red wine."... The girl in the group just gave in by simply saying, "I'll have the Chardonnay." That moment was embarrassing and felt to have lasted forever. Then there were the group of waitresses lounging doing there hair and makeup, blocking the bathroom sink area who made it seem like we were in there way, and the other waitress who was pissed that the bathroom was closed when one of the girls in the party felt sick (I know, why lock the bathroom?- but it's a lil embarrassing ya know, and besides there was only one stall out of two with toilet paper so it really didn't matter that the bathroom was locked). Lastly, we were there celebrating a birthday and the dessert came out without a candle. The server went back and forth twice and forgot the candles. Finally he brought the candles by themselves, no lighter, but we managed... It was however upsetting to see the party next to us, have their birthday dessert come out lit with a candle with even a wine glass to block the flame- jeez that would've been helpful. God why the hell was the service so bad?! Ohhh here comes the check- well will you look at that?! The tip is included- 18% at that..... Sighs, oh all makes sense now. What a way to eff up the customers. Sooo... I said there was good news ya? Ok- well the setting is nice. The interior space with the posters, mannequins, double story height, art deco and contemporary-ish decor created a nice loungey ambiance even though the couches were prohibited since they were reserved for a party that never seemed to arrive. The outdoor courtyard created a relaxing and swanky tropical ambiance with it's angled outdoor bar, covered lounge areas, swings, overhead lighting, and pool tables, it was hot but they tried to help out with fans. We ate and drank from the happy hour menu which did have good deals with pretty fair prices and lasted for a long time from 5-9. It was surprising that they had this during the weekend, so that's really the reason why I gave them 2 stars instead of 1. The food and drinks were decent as well. They did serve me the best lychee martini I have ever had- it was refreshing and had a balanced lychee flavor so that's definitely a plus for them. The raspberry lemonade cocktail did however taste like pinesol. The meatballs with ricotta were pretty good, but four tiny meatballs is still a pretty small serving for I think $6 (maybe I'm just a cheapo- you decide). The crab stuffed portobellas were just ok with 3 small mushrooms for I think another $6. The best appetizer I tried were the stuffed dates which were wrapped with chorizo, battered and fried; they were good and that plate came with 4 for $6. Overall the 3 star food and drinks can't save this place if the service and atmosphere that the staff creates is worth 1. Will I ever make the trip to Little Haiti again to visit the News Lounge? Gosh, I would have to go with a small group- or be absolutely desperate after every other place in Miami has burned down. I'm sorry News Lounge, I had my reservations about you since you're part of the News Cafe family (another place with terrible service) and I was right.
(2)
Fabrizio A.
best lounge ever to hung out. Good drinks, new organic menu, thats the way to go!
(5)
Michelle M.
This place really needs to get their stuff together ASAP!!! I came here for Sunday brunch because my mom had a coupon from travelzoo, and apparently everyone else there did too. The outside area was packed so the hostess sat us inside (which is kind of dirty, has a lot of old broken sofas). We then proceeded to sit there for 20 minutes without being approached by anyone along with another table which sat down around the same time as us, my dad finally decided to approach someone who told him that one of their waiters left mid shift and he would send someone to us as soon as he could. Another 10 minutes later the chef took our drink order and I guess someone from the kitchen came after to take our food order. It's such a shame that the place is so disorganized and the service is so bad because the food was really decent, my avocado and bacon sandwich was delish....eggs Benedict was also very good along with the steak and eggs. When our check came of course it was wrong and they overcharged us on items included on the coupon we purchased. get your shit together news lounge, because your food is actually really good !!!
(2)
Irene L.
Need a cool spot for a first date? Check. Looking for a laid-back place to celebrate a birthday? Check. How about a much-needed drink after work because your boss was a complete ass? Check. Or maybe there's no particular reason and you just want to shoot the breeze with friends? Check. News Lounge fits all of the above. In fact, I've been to this place for all of these reasons and have always had a great time. Drinks and food are good -- but what I love most about it is the chill ambiance. And when it's a beautiful night, you'll find yourself relaxing on one of the swings, looking up at the stars.
(4)
Gabrielle F.
News Lounge, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The decor is awesome. Super retro, vintage indie. The couches are super comfy, the inside is such a home cozy vibe. The outside area has plenty of seating, including swings. There is lights hung in lines in the outside area that give it that perfect extra touch.The pool table is $5 an hour and it's located all the way in the back in a secluded place. It's a g great place to go with either a small or large group of friends, or on a first date. Food is pretty cheap, didn't have any so can't tell how good it is. I did see some waitresses with some on their trays and it looked really good. Next time I shall eat something and update the review Parking is $2 right next to the lounge. No cover, and prices at the bar look like 6.50 for ying ling on tap, $5 for miller lite, $12 Absoult vodka cosmo, just to name a few. The bartenders are really nice and do cool tricks when they make your drinks. Happy hour is 5-9 everyday with prices like $3 Heineken for example. The crowd varies. Some young and some older but the place is so fabulous that you really don't care. The music is excellent, but again, they can play whatever they want and it'll just feel right. The other great thing about this place is that you can go dressed up and super down and you will not feel out of place at all. I can not express how much I really LOVE this place. Only got 5 stars because I can't give more. If I could it would be 10 stars! If you go to this place it will be love at first sight. Love, love, LOVEEEEEEEE News Lounge!
(5)
Sabrina Anna C.
Dear News, I LOVE your vibe. Adore your ambiance. And DEVOUR your food. This has become a new hangout for my friends and I whenever we want to stay out of the beach and still be somewhere fun and with an atmosphere. Was here last Friday night and had a really great time. News, you really know how to rock it! Between the music playing, the crowd that was gathering, and the amazing food we put down, our night could not have turned out any better! :) Food - The tuna tataki/tartar dish was AMAZING. I love tuna and it was really tasty. The burger sliders were SOOOO good and perfectly hit the spot. And lastly we had the Turkey-Brie-Mango Chutney sandwich, which was just fantastic! It's MELT IN YOUR MOUTH perfect! Mmmmmmmm! A couple of rounds of beers later, and we were well on our way to a happy buzz and happy tummy. Thanks News! Cheers! Sabrina*
(4)
Laurelle C.
Great happy hour! My husband and I had the cold cuts and lamb scewers and they were both perfect. I was surprised that I liked the pinot grigio they offered. We plan on going back this weekend.
(5)
Gina H.
First of all...to the ultimate jackass driving the Hummer in the parking lot who called me a genius because his penile brain didn't figure out that you COULD drive around the lot in a circle...so what if there is an arrow pointing one way only..I got the next parking spot in seconds while your sorry ass was still driving around being a dickhead....survival of the fittest (or should that be smartest). Had a nice couple of beers here with friends after a Yelp event. It was still happy hour so $3 Heinekens rocks my world. Love the sitting room vibe. The waiter was enthusiastic. The resident lumberjack was unusual. It was starting to get busy when we left. I like it. I like the decor and I like the vibe. Nice place to chill out.
(4)
Vanessa P.
After going here for my first Yelp event back in February, I knew this was a great hangout spot. The ambiance and music make this a solid place to relax and enjoy an evening in Miami. We went back earlier this evening and walked into an event of some sort hosted by Chef Paul. Despite not being part of the event, we were given gift bags that included a Banks Caribbean Lager bottle, two Bacardi Limon travel size bottles, and Chef Paul stationary. As for the lounge itself, it was pretty busy the entire night and service was a bit slow, but I couldn't fault our waitress because she was literally running in between her tables getting everyone's orders. Drinks were ok but a little over priced for what they were. The outside is by far my favorite area of the lounge. The stringing lights add a simple yet South Beach-y feel (think Espanola Way). The wicker swing seats are also a nice touch. As for the food, their menu didn't really grab me as having anything worth ordering. I'd probably recommend hungry patrons checking out the nearby restaurants instead and hitting this place up as a post-dinner option.
(4)
Stephanie L.
Looking for a great place to come after work with friends and just relax? News Lounge is the perfect happy hour spot, with special running from 5 till 9. Although there is a bar inside, really the outside is the best place to be. You can grab a table, a larger sofa, or even make your way to the outdoor swings (maybe not the best idea after a few drinks). They have a couple of appetizer options, like a fresh and tasty $4 tuna ceviche or juicy sliders for $6. However, the drinks really steal the show. They really have something for everyone, with plenty of cocktails, wine, and beer (for as low as $3). The lychee martini is one of the best I've ever had, and for $6 during happy hour, you can't beat it. So good, and you really don't taste the alcohol! The only mediocre drinks I've had are caipirinha and mojitos, which sometimes don't have the best taste to them. At night they light up strings of white lights that give the place a dim glow perfect for relaxing. Can't say the regular menu is anything amazing, but the happy hour specials are more than worth checking out, and the place has a great vibe. The crowd is pretty eclectic, but you can manage to pull off casual or more dressed up without sticking out (good if you are coming here after being out elsewhere). It makes a great spot to come with a group, or for a more intimate gathering or date.
(4)
Jeane' M.
My bf and I came here for drinks and snacks on a Sunday afternoon. My bf ordered a Bahama Mama and I ordered a cappuccino with Kahlua and a hot fudge sundae brownie. My Cappuccino was amazing and the fact that it had kahlua in it made it even better. I tasted my bf's drink which was a little strong for me but I am not a big drinker. The sundae was good but it was huggeee. The waitress was attentive, but not annoyingly so. I don't think she spoke English too well but she did get our orders right. The bf and I sat outside, so I can say that this place is great for soaking in all the craziness that unfolds on Ocean Drive.
(4)
Liz R.
This just in: if you want to break away from all the Miami bar-scene bull crap and have a great time without all the pretentious hullabaloo, head on over to News Lounge on Biscayne, right next door to Soyka for a uniquely serious kick-ass time. I loved the place as soon as you walk in: The outside patio feels more like a vacationing spot with couches, a tiki-looking bar, and even an outdoor pool table!! A totally laid-back and cool atmosphere surrounds you while you sip on your beer/cocktail if you decide to park yourself at the outside bar. You can also feast your eyes and window shop or actually shop at the cool vintage jewelry shop right next door which is open until midnight. The sole purpose for our visit to this hidden little gem was to take part in the "Drink and Draw" event they were having that night inside the lounge. My understanding is that this event is held once a month so if you must get your butt to News Lounge for this amazingly fun and cool event. As its name describes, you drink and draw. The gist of it is that at the end of the drawing session, they animate your drawing!! Ok here's how this happens: you sit at a table of 8, make a sequence of 12 drawings and you need to tie your first and last card to your adjacent neighbors... while you drink! It's oodles of fun kids, try it! And then they join all the cards, animate them and display them on a wall inside AND outside the bar for all to see!! All this while playing awesome tunes like The Killers, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc!! The event was a huge hit with me and my friends! Make sure you arrive there with plenty of time to kill since you will be waiting a while for your turn: trust me, it gets packed! Oh, and be very alert not to miss your turn! The only hiccup was the service. We had a couple of drinks at the outside "tiki-bar" and the bartender was awful. He kept asking if we were closing our tab while we were clearly not since we were drinking and had an awful attitude the whole time we were there. Don't know how the service inside is but I hope the bartenders in the lounge are more hospitable and nicer than the tiki-dude. The drinks are fairly cheap which was great! Overall, I had a blast and highly recommend News Lounge. We had great fun at such a uniquely cool event and the place is just rad. If you haven't visited News Lounge, please make a point to do so soon. You don't wanna miss out on this home-away-from-Miami gem. Back to you in the Miami studio.
(4)
Ute L.
What the News Lounge lacks in food quality and speed it makes up for with ambience and general vibe. Groovin' Garden organic Sunday brunch is definitely groovin'. The DJ spins 70's disco tunes like Donna Summer and old school M.J. while you sit in the shade under the trees with fans blowing a nice breeze ever so often. The crowd is young and refreshingly diverse. Everyone seems happy, none of the usual stuck up Miami my- s**t- doesn't- stink attitudes. Be prepared to wait for your food for a while and don't expect large portions. Nosh on some of the drink specials ($15 bottomless mimosas, sangria or mojitos) and enjoy the music. Or have bartender Ben's homemade Bloody Mary made with fresh tomatoes, peppers, celery, Sriracha and some secret ingredients he won't reveal. The dishes are on the small side and are hit or miss. The crepe stuffed with bananas and loads of plump fresh berries is a definite yes. The eggs Benedict the nice ladies next to us ordered came out cold the first time (after an hour wait) and looked just okay. The smoked salmon was light pink, not the higher end dark red color and the eggs were served on thinly sliced multi grain bread instead of English muffins. Another couple ordered the Croque Madame, which came on the same bread, which is just totally wrong, as it should be thick sliced brioche. Egg white omelet with artichokes, wild mushrooms and red onions sounded really great in theory but was small and too oily. Visually not very appealing as it was more of a scramble than a fluffy omelet. Same with the side of potatoes: Oily, and we're not talking EVOO, we're talking Canola by the taste of it. Whether or not any of the food served is organic is questionable. Be sure to stop by the farmer's market to support the Urban Oasis project. The "market" in actuality is just a large table set up on the side of the patio. Picked up some beautiful dragon fruit, organic oyster mushrooms and raw fermented sauerkraut, after chatting with the guys about fermenting, hot peppers and other fun stuff. What can I say, I get excited about these things.
(4)
Chevonne W.
This is a great place for a first date. The obedience is very nice, there is an outdoor area with lights so at night its very nice. Also a lot of different seating areas with a pond with actual turtles in it and also roof hanging swings to glide through the air. Nothing is too expensive, so great for a first encounter, don't have to empty your wallet. The drinks are good. I prefer beer but they have a cocktail menu that is very nice. The atmosphere is trendy yet not too pretentious like a lot of areas in South Florida. The food is ok, but it is good if you are not too hungry and want a place to go and hang out and drink with some apps. I would recommend the sliders. Not much of a beef eater but they are good. The music is very nice and relaxing. Over all a great place to after work and chill out and a wonderful place to take someone new.
(4)
Katy S.
Breaking News: This place is awesome! I went there on a Saturday night and really enjoyed myself. The music is typical Miami 90's...Stevie B, Cynthia, Lisa Lisa....Think "Hot Wheels." LOL. This place took me back to my past. I wish I hadn't felt sick the night I went otherwise I would've danced all night long! The drinks are pricey but they are STRONG. So if you want quality drinks, come to New Lounge! The crowd is late 20's, early 30's. No ghetto people (plus!) I heard they also have a great :) hour but I've never been. Overall, this place is cute! If you're looking for a chill night at a Lounge...this place is for you. Enjoy!
(4)
Ali G.
This place is great ! I went last night in a huge group and had an amazing time. They have a parking lot right next to the lounge for only $4 ( although the parking man wasn't very friendly ) it was a good price. When we walked to the news lounge there was a friendly hostess greeting all of us and the best part was NO cover ! ( we didn't have to pay to get in). Totally free. They have a very nice outside area a outdoor bar. Outside they have couches and swings and inside they have a DJ. The lounge plays all types of music, rap,hip hop, trance, EDM, Spanish, oldies. They have a great variety!!! At one point the DJ even passed out large foam props with lights which was great. The drinks are not over priced for it's location. In the bathroom they have friendly staff opening doors, refilling paper and selling anything you need ! Overall we had a great experience and will definitely go back again
(5)
Rich S.
Came here on a Thursday night for drinks and some food. Happy hour is until 9pm which is great! Drinks were poured STRONG and the appetizers were good. We had the figs wrapped in bacon along with meatballs, hot cherry peppers and hamburger sliders. The outdoor space was huge, tons of seating. Had a DJ and service was good. Will come again!
(4)
Chris B.
Parking was a little tricky and the place was packed. The outdoor area is really cool. I wish there was an open seat. It was difficult to get a drink. And once you did, I thought they were a bit pricey and not well made. A decent option if you're a local. I wouldn't mind coming back if I was able to get a spot outside on a nice night!
(3)
Benazhir M.
I could not find the zero star, so I'm adding one. The first time I visited this place was about a year ago, I had a super yummy lychee martini, music was nice, service was great, and couldn't come back until recently. We were seated by a very friendly and welcoming hostess and that's it. We waited and waited while we watched how other tables were being taken care of, until I decided to ask the waiter: Hello! :D (smile) we would like to order. Are you our waiter :D (Smile) "Yeah" is what he replied. We were placing the order and he kept looking at us as if he was doing us a favor. May I remind you, waiters make their money on tips. Plus the place was nearly empty. We asked a couple of questions and he replied sarcastically as if we were supposed to know some items on the menu. Needless to say, we order two lychee martinis, which by the way, were disgusting and were served on whisky glasses. We were out of there faster than I can say ALOHA. I will not step a foot there again. Horrible service and horrible drinks.
(1)
Jose P.
Good sexy place, small portions with the food, good selections of beer &spirits. Ideal for dates or group gatherings.
(4)
Frances G.
Ok - let me start by saying I would love to give this place a 10 if I could for the atmosphere, outdoor setting, etc. i have been here plenty of times for happy hour and late nights and its absolutely one of my favorites. On the other hand, i would give a low rating for the new "brunch" menu they have. Im a vegetarian, and went excited to try the Organic brunch on Sunday! First, you need to make reservations and we didnt know but we were lucky enough that they were able to get us a place...personnel are very nice but the organic brunch sucks! In my opinion, they need a bigger selection also for non vegetarians. They do have meat but overall the menu should have more options but for vegetarians and carnivores as well.
(4)
Natalia D.
Seriously, the best happy hour in town. Or at least I think so, just because their deals are too good. Happy hour goes from 5-9 PM. Beers, alcohol and bites. CHEAP. We mostly kept to the bar outside, so it was a nice ambiance. Not your typical annoying Miami crowd you find at an extremely packed happy hour spot in the Gables. We did a couple of their happy hour bites, and gotta say was pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a different happy hour spot - thats cheap and good - try this place out. You'll be happy you did.
(4)
Laura B.
What a great time! The DJ was playing music that took me down memory lane all the way to middle school! The drinks were good. Everyone was dancing, and having a fantastic time. I can't speak for the food, but I'll definitely be back! Parking was $4. There was plenty of space to sit when we got there. Bathrooms were clean. This is an awesome place for a casual night out.
(4)
Jamie S.
Great ambiance, great music, always open. Sofas, swings, bars, pool tables, lounge chairs all throughout the outside patio makes this the perfect, chill spot to hang out, drink, people watch and enjoy a carefree night of fun. Next time, I'm coming for happy hour!
(4)
Anna M.
What a complete disaster! I was just at the News Lounge for brunch and waited over 30 minutes to get a drink or a menu. The place was crawling with servers but none of them competent. Once you got their attention thy were nice but a brunch should not be over 2 hours long.... I haven't seen this level if disorganization in a while. The food did not warrant the amount of time we waited. At some point the waiter comes and asks if we need the check. To which I replied, we're still waiting for the food! Total mess. I've liked happy hours at this place before but I won't come back for a sit down service and I suggest you don't either! It's literally a waste of time.
(1)
Angel F.
Love the Organic Brunch and atmosphere.
(4)
Jessica A.
What was suppose to be a fabulous afternoon with my family ended up being a nightmare at The News Lounge. I had purchased a voucher for brunch for 2. We decided to make it a family affair and bring along 3 more people. We arrived and the hostess immediately states there is a bit of wait we are understaffed and to take a seat. Ok no problem. Thinking about it now..we should have just gotten up and gone to Soyka next store. It was apparent there was something definitely wrong with the staff at this place. There were dirty dishes and cups that looked like had been there for a while. After about 25 mins of waiting I ask about the wait time and again the hostess says they are back up and short staffed how is that my fault, yet I saw she had the time to sit and just wait for more people to arrive. If there is a staff storage it should be all hands on deck. Doesn't matter of ur a hostess people coming in to dine shouldn't have to dirty plates and empty cups. That's just gross :( An another hostess came up to us, I guess she could tell I was getting annoyed we are now at 40 mins no table. Shelby was really nice and got us a table immediately. The waitress came quickly and the first thing she says is its a 45 min wait. WTF!!!!!!!!! No way I get up and now I wanna talk to a manager. What I thought was the manager tries to mediate the situation and asks if we would like mimosa. YES pls :) He comes back with 1 mimosa. What the hell!!!! No mimosa for the other 3 adults at the table. What a fail again.... I get it there busy, backed up and understaffed but that is no excuse for such poor service. The sweet hostess bless her heart she was trying to make it better for us. She took our order.. And handed it to the chef. The new hostess should take some lessons from Shelby..cause she was still just sitting up in the front while the ship is sinking. Even though Shelby really did try out orders were messed up the appetizers didn't come out first. My moms dish never even came. What I nightmare this place is!!! They need to get it together. I honestly wish this hadn't happen cause their menu looked good. Organic good! I had the steak and portobello sandwich like my dad.. And the tuna tartare was yummy I would skip the salmon carpaccio though didn't taste right. At the end of everything u would think we would have gotten a discount of some type or even an apologize...but nothing just a bad taste in my mouth :( just found a couple pics of the horrible day
(1)
Rachel P.
I like the vibe here, very hip, good drinks, nice after dinner hang out spot. What I don't like: Automatic 15% gratuity added to your bill A "Miami Tax" on top of the regular tax A minimum of $20 to charge to your card All of the smokers. I know it's outside, but I hate cig smoke either way.
This place is like a little hidden gem in Miami. I have been here twice and have loved both times equally. The first time we came here was for my Engagement party as weird as that may sound not the first place that would come to your head for an Engagement party. I reserved a room for about 20 or so friends, didn't have to pay anything to reserve which was awesome and we were able to choose between the room inside or a table outside. We met up with our group when we walked in and honestly we had such an amazing time. The drink prices are high but then again its Miami I am not surprised. I ordered a Amaretto Sour and my fiance got a Blue Long Island and we paid like $30. I don't know who was more lost the waitress who gave me a weird face when I said Amaretto sour or the bartender who prepared it because it tasted like crap. One of my friends got some shots 4 for $40 dollars ouch!! The environment is nice I liked the setup with the lounge chairs and big umbrellas its super chill. They have a DJ and that night they only played like lounge music. I went back 2 weeks ago on a Saturday because my fiance really loved this place and we didn't have to pay cover. I decided to order an Amaretto Sour hoping this time someone had gone to bar-tending school, and surprisingly I think the bartender they had today got an A in his bar-tending classes because it was on point. The DJ was on full blast and he played every single song you could ever imagine like I mean literally. It was like I was time traveling from Middle School to High school back to Elementary then back to Middle School, that is the only reason this place gets 4 stars because I think the DJ could do a better job in the transitioning of songs. That didn't stop us from dancing the night away, we had a great time and will be going back soon. I am telling you this is Miami's hidden gem, if you like a good Happy Hour which can't be beat, not paying cover most days, and dancing to you favorite songs from the 80s 90s and today, this is the place for you!!!!
(4)
Monica S.
I can't believe I haven't given love to my favorite happy hour locale in town. In typical fashion, you can find me bellied up to the outdoor bar sucking down a Caipirinha, Brazil's national bird. The discounted drink menu is quite robust and caters nicely to those leaning towards wine or beer as well. To properly set the scene, the outdoor lounge sits nestled between some adorably indie shops that flank the intimate space on the north side and the News Lounge's indoor cousin joins along the southside. You can sexily lay on couches, gab away with your girlfriends at a table setting or even cozy up to your after-work flame on the swing. Towards the back, there's a somewhat hidden pool table and the fact that it's outside, wins. For bites, there's a similarly ample selection of half-priced snacks and the proverbial slider joins the list. What's a happy hour without some sliders, after all. The happy hour menu has downsized over the years, but this spot still gets me every time. There's usually even a DJ playing some downtempo or Depeche Mode to keep the mood just right. Great spot for a casual first date or hangout.
(4)
Eduardo D.
Horrendous service at brunch. The server upon tilting his tray, spilled a sticky mimosa over us, glass shattered everywhere. These thing happen and are forgivable but to then charge us for said mimosa is despicable. The food takes a while to come out of the kitchen which I don't mind but it's nearly impossible to find your server while you are waiting for your food to order more drinks. So I would just go up to the bar to get my own drinks. The drinks were added to my tab but the kicker is that they impose a mandatory 15% tip. Wait, what? I'm tipping the waiter for the drinks I got myself and the one that got spilled on us? It was my second time there for brunch. The first was equally bad where it got the the point that we relocated from our table to the bar for better service. I've been going to News lounge since it opened years ago for cocktails and bites and I hate to say it but I'm never going back.
(2)
Antoine M.
Well, I wouldn't come back on my own... Staff was really nice and apologetic, but that wouldn't be enough... Kitchen was closed when we got there, at 2pm...? Why? Because the chef was overwhelmed, one of the burners apparently stopped functioning and he decided to close the kitchen for easily an hour and a half... Maybe even more... Drinks were good... Food is okay... just okay... flavor was alright, nothing spectacular, I'd go there if you're on weight watchers' portion control and got a fat wallet... I'm giving it 2 stars for the nice staff and the pleasant atmosphere (music & outside courtyard/patio)... I'd go there for drinks only...
(2)
Wendy G.
OMG, I can't believe I've missed The Best Happy Hour in Miami Everyday 5-9PM!. They have a groovy atmosphere cute antique looking lounge chairs inside, with a mix of comfy, eclectic furniture & art. Outside there is wicker patio furniture with comfy cushions. I love their lychee martini and almost all the appetizers on the Happy Hour menu.
(4)
Sandra M.
Nice ambiance for a sunday brunch, but the service was horrendous. The waitress was disorganized and appeared lost. She took our order and disappeared. After a long wait, I called the manager, who was very nice and professional, he made sure we got our order. After we finish eating, the waitress came back and asked if she could take our order... she was truly very lost. I wil not go back for brunch
(1)
Laure M.
Good place to go out. Good music and outdoor ambiance. Beware of the $10 cover!!!
(3)
Fabrizio A.
best lounge ever to hung out. Good drinks, new organic menu, thats the way to go!
(5)
Anette O.
I fell in love with this place!!! How have I never been here before?!! I'm in Wynwood a lot and found a flyer for this place on my car. I saw the happy hour specials and figured I HAD to go and check this out! Can't beat the hours and prices! I had a couple of apps..the stuffed dates and they were yummy. The ceviche, ehhhh. I saw a deal on Travelzoo for their brunch so I figured that I'd give their real food a try. Went this past Sunday despite the monsoon! I know the outside is beautiful and that WAS the original plan...but the weather had other plans for us! They had everything really organized for people that had purchased the Travelzoo deal. I have to admit that I was super disappointed at first that we couldn't sit outside..but the hostess asked us if we wouldn't mind sitting at the bar because it'd be way quicker. I'm easy so I said, hell yeah! It was awesome! The food was realllyyyy good! And the portions were big!! Absolutely LOVED the music!!! The vibe inside was nice! Go see Ben at the bar! He makes thee best white wine sangria and he was awesome as our server as well. I will definitely be back for brunch and just in general! Great new find for me.
(5)
Daniella S.
This place is in a very beautiful, cozy spot. But something about it just rubs me the wrong way... They have a decent happy hour, (tip included) but the service is non existent. If they had replaced the bartenders with robots, I would not even notice. I've yet to try their food which I hear is pretty great, but again not dying to at this rate... Overall this place is awesome to bring a group or a date preferably at night. I've had good experiences because my company is good, but not because of the place itself. I'm likely to come back but I wouldn't be the one to recommend it...
(3)
Rachel S.
4 stars for the location, layout, atmosphere and happy hour duration and pricing. 2 stars for the food. Service has ranged from phenomenal to wondering if we even had a server. It's a really great happy hour spot though, so I'll continue to come here. What to order and avoid (happy hour only): Hummus: Hard to fuck up. It's ok. Empanadas: One of the better things on the menu, the beef was our favorite out of all of them. Meatballs: Meh. Stuffed Dates: Pretty tasty. Sliders: Decent.
(3)
Tifito P.
We just had a birthday party at The News Lounge this past Saturday... I haven't been out in a bit and was hoping to have an enjoyable night. Well, I must say that I had an incredible night thanks to all the staff and the owner. We ended up closing down the place... They even gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne which was the icing on the cake... Thank you all for a wonderful evening!
(5)
Juan S.
Pretty nice place to come and relax and have a drink (if you go early). Had been to this place before a few times in the past. Very nice indoor and outdoor lounges. As the night continued though, the crowds started packing in with a doorman and everything...wasn't expecting this as I thought it was just a locals neighborhood place; however, it seems to be a hot spot. (crowded, loud music, etc.) I'd come again, but off peak hours to enjoy the outdoor space.
(4)
L B.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Great location. Great staff. Delicious food, drinks, and prices! Their happy hour is the best!
(5)
Mark T.
The News Lounge Cafe-(off Biscayne Blvd & 55th Street) Yelpers have spoken....only a handful of reviews & this establishment can't even attain more than two stars. That speaks volumes! I do not recommend this place and will not return. The small bar and business do not deserve one star....search Yelp.com for better! I do apologize, as I do not enjoy writing bad reviews....I truly wish I had something more positive to offer here. Parking: The owners of this restaurant and Soyka also own both the north and south parking lots (this info is public record). So why are they charging for valet & $3 bucks at there own lots? And, they don't validate. Small note to management: this is not Miami Beach, so please stop this legal but inappropriate charge-up ! Shame on you! Other: My typical review is much more catagoric, but I don't want to waste your valuable time. This business is stifled with rules: parking charges, 15% required tip, holding your driver's license to place an order, & holding your credit card to place an order. You read that correctly. My friends on my cell overheard the waitress requiring these credentials before placing an order. We all heard it twice since I politely requested the waitress to repeat the request.....not sure I heard it correctly the first time. But that is the honest and clear truth. Summary: Just in case you weren't sure of my humble opinion: I do not recommend this business and I will not return. And again, I'm so sorry for issuing such a poor review. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with owner(s), staff, and/or employment. I am not affiliated in any way with any restaurant.
(1)
Megan M.
I came to News Lounge the other night for a friend's party. When we got there, the girl out front asked if we were there for the party but couldn't tell us where they were. We walked around for a while checking the place out and looking for our friends. The place isn't huge, so it didn't take long, but it is a bit of a maze at night. There are tons of trees outside which makes for a beautiful setting to sit and lounge with drinks. Heading inside, we saw another bar and out party. The decor is beautiful with deep colors and dim lighting. Drinks are in the $10 range- reasonable and comparable to similar places in the area. It was so cold outside, so everyone seemed to congregate inside. It's pretty narrow, and once everyone started piling in, it became less cozy. We headed out soon after. News Lounge would be great to sit outside on a nice night, but overall, it wasn't the best place I've been in Miami. The music was sort of annoying with generic techno playing. The bartenders did their job, but lacked personality. The ambiance was nice, but quickly ruined with a crowd because of the cold weather. Eh, I may come back again, but it won't be my first choice.
(3)
Natasha T.
Stick to happy hour! The brunch is nothing special! The waffles were paper thin and french toast was just ok. Service was pretty slow.
(3)
Jessica B.
Wow, it was pouring rain when we got here but were greeted right at the door, by the manager and hostess really nice. We decided to sit outside in the patio area thinking it would stop raining but it didnt so we decided to go inside. Our waiter was really friendly and helped us decide our plates. I had the steak with foccacia bread and my hubby had the steak and portabello both wwere delicious with a mimosa. Their prices are great and have really good happy hour specials there too.
(4)
Gaby B.
I finally made it out to The News Lounge for the first time last night (Saturday). I got there pretty early, around 8 because I wanted to take advantage of their daily happy hour which runs until 9. The place is super cute, perfect for a first date, or just some one you want to impress. The outdoor patio area is really nice (especially during the cooler months), complete with little swings to sit on while you enjoy a drink. The inside area was nice also although that looked more like a club scene with a bunch of couches, not many tables. Drinks are very reasonably priced and so are the appetizers from the Happy hour menu. They have pool tables and its only 5$ an hour which is a great price. Overall I am extremely happy I finally got to try out this spot, I will definitely be returning, next time with a little more time to enjoy their food and drink specials.
(4)
Yulissa M.
Absolutely LOVE this place! It is such a cute lounge right off of Biscayne and 55th street in the 55th street station. Parking can be a pain when they are busy but you can park next door in a small lot or anywhere on the street. Just be careful and lock your doors! As most things in this area you have little hot spots in the middle of a not so safe area. Happy Hour specials until 9 PM are a HUGE plus! Live bands, DJ's and shows happen regularly here.
(4)
Sergio F.
Let me start by thanking Maria for organizing a very fun and "educational" Trivia Night at the News Lounge! It was fun trying to come up with the answers without using our crackberries! I was on a team with Vanessa, Jessica, and met Jonathan P, Edson, Emily and her "Gator friend;)" Great collaborating with you guys and hope to see you at future events! Good seeing Eve and Ana as well. Besides spiciness of food, there's a very important criteria for which I review a place. A bad mojito can ruin an otherwise perfect meal. News Lounge did not disappoint! The mojito had the perfect lemony tang, and blended nicely with the sugar. It could have used a little more rum, but that's ok given I have to work tomorrow. The small amount of rum was made up for in the Chipotle ketchup that came with the fries we got. They were also tasty and not greasy, which means that I can still say Im sticking to my New Years healthy eating resolution. The bruschetta and quesadilla were excellent. Bruschetta bread was warm and crisp, and tomatoes were nice and tart. The chicken wad just plain delicious. Desserts: Although not to the "foodgasmic" extreme of some people at our table, the fondue was delicious with great tasting chocolate. The pound cake was a little dense but that's Ok. Artwork: As an engineer, I liked the industrial aesthetic, including the retro railcar looking toilet.
(4)
Jana E.
We went here for Sunday brunch and had mimosas (expensive ~$8). The food was ok but it was great weather so we enjoyed it.
(3)
Diana Z.
Went early on a Friday night and even then, there was a good crowd. Nice outside area. Drinks were pretty good too and not too expensive at all. I was pleased. Will be back. Oh, and service was pretty good! Attentive and charismatic employees.
(4)
William O.
Came here once for Happy Hour. The deals weren't so bad. It's a limited happy hour menu, but your selection, ranging from beers to dirty martinis to some weird martini-like drink with a melon ball, is good enough. They also have some appetizers on the cheap. All in all, price-wise, it's not a bad happy hour spot. Couple that with a decently-sized outdoor area, and you have the fixings necessary for a fairly good time. Notice anything weird about my "review?" Pretty plain. Not really memorable. Most importantly, lacking in excitement. Why am I not excited? This place epitomizes that Miami attention to trendiness that seems to be more a focus of management than the product being delivered. One of the few things I remember from school is that the ambiance is part of the value offering, and if that's the case, then this place doesn't deserve the two-star rating I'm giving it. Why? It's so dark. Ridiculously dark. Uncomfortably dark. The kind of dark where you can't really tell what's being brought to you. The kind of dark where your waiter has to get so close to make sure you're there that you can smell the cigarette he recently made love to. And I was seated OUTSIDE. The interior has almost a haunted house feel to it. And it's not that it was adorned with skeletons and cobwebs. I just kept expected a middle-aged mummy wrapped in dirty bandages to jump out from behind some of the weird decor. That kind of dark. Am I being persnickety? Perhaps. I guess it's weird that I like to see my drink as I lift it to my mouth to make sure I haven't mistakenly picked up a Tabasco bottle. I mean, Purdy Lounge is brighter than this place. Purdy Lounge.
(2)
Jonathan B.
This place is amazing every time I go. Perfect place to get some drinks and converse with friends. There are certain nights where they have some events and it does get quite crowded, but still the people are not douchey, they respect your personal space. Drinks are superb! I always get the Long Island because they make it that good! Caprinha was very good as well. Will be coming back!
(5)
Tiffany H.
Went for happy hour- great music played as we sat outside. Service was friendly and prompt for us- as the night continued I did see people waiting for much longer periods of time, so being there early seemed to be a good idea. The lychee martini was delicious at $6, bottled beers were only $3 but strangely lukewarm. We shared the bruschetta, $3, peanut chicken, $4 and sliders, $6, all of which were tasty and great values. Ill definitely come back here- good for groups or a casual date as at night it's lit with cute lights and candles at an outdoor patio.
(4)
Abbigail W.
Perfect outdoor atmosphere. Quiet enough that you can have great conversation. Excellent heathy food such as hummus wraps with sprouts. BUT the mixed drinks are awful. The bartenders use way too much simple syrup in every mixed drink every time I go. They will temp you with strawberry mojitos and pitchers of sangria- but buyer be ware! You won't like it. Go for beer, wine, or champagne and avoid the awkwardness of sending the second drink back.
(3)
Bella B.
great happy hour! The food is pretty decent for it, and a wonderful price on beer/wine/liquor. Ambiance is very relaxed, by Friday around 6 it is pretty bustling with people. I love coming here to wind down.
(4)
Aly G.
** HORRIBLE SERVICE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH** I bought a Travel Zoo coupon for Brunch and could not wait to try this place. Website states that reservations are required for Sunday brunch, so when I called hostess told me that they were all booked and could not take same day reservations but to try and come anyway worse case scenario we would wait a bit. When I got there place was half empty outside and we were immediately seated. It took our waitress 10 minutes to come and acknowledge us. She took our drink order and came back in 15 minutes with them watered down because the ice was almost all melted. She "apologized" took our food order and left. She did not bring us plates and utensils, not water considering we were seated outside in 90 degree weather! 20 minutes later our food arrived, I asked her for water and ketchup to at which point there was and eye roll and attitude on her face. My boyfriend had to get up and get us the plates and utensils form their outside serving area himself, had to ask for the water and ketchup 3 more times before she brought them when I was almost done with my meal. I ordered the eggs Benedict ( it was meh!) my boyfriend ordered the mini burger and tuna wrap (ok not anything exciting). Towards the end of our meal we were so aggravated that we did not have any dessert. Our bill came and an automatic 15% gratuity was applied, lucky for her because I she did not deserve it. Long story short: WILL NOT RETURN!!!
(1)
Kelsey M.
Definitely a great place to check out. Big outdoor area and art inside. Easy to get to (once you find the little street it's on) with a parking lot next door. Also near bus stops on Biscayne.
(4)
Michelle D.
Place is disappointing! Great ambience and decor, but that's it. Have been here about 4 times, with the expectation that it will get better, but not a chance. Have waited 30 minutes for servers, servers have brought out the wrong drinks, there was a minimum for credit cards that is enforced only half the time (guess depending on how you state your case to your server). Place has potential, but service is subpar, and it just ruins the experience.
(1)
Marion D.
Cozy place with good music. Perfect for drinks, but brunch is a hit or miss... Chef rather watches football than expediting in the kitchen... meanwhile my food was burned and my friends crepes were cold... come on, get it together!!
(2)
Kati E.
ehhhh... crowd is always iffy.... depends on what mood your in..... not my first choice. ..
(1)
Albert M.
Music variation was great. VIP areas are extremelly small and in the way inside the club area. Two variations of music from the outside to the inside which was nice too. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar, 15+ minutes even though your standing right there waiting for them to turn your way. It seems like they bartenders although very nice couldnt handle a bar full of customers. Overall experience was great, parking seemed to be an issue. I will go back there though...
(4)
Sara M.
I prefer the News Lounge earlier in the night before the crowd starts rolling in. You can appreciate the cool decor and sit on one of the couches and just relax with a date. Once it starts getting busy, eh, News is good but nothing to scream about. The crowd is a bit older, I would say the average patron is probably somewhere in their late 30's- young/mid 40's. Plenty of cougars on the prowl. There was a cute couple who were in their 60's sitting and enjoying the scenery outside.. and this was at about 11:30 on a Saturday night.. sooo... yeah. I like News to start off my night, but would not come down if it were going to be my only stop. I do have to compliment them on their drinks though. They expensive for the area, using more of the south beach pricing standards, but you definitely get what you pay for. 14$ for one of their menu drinks and 12$ for a rum and redbull, but they are delicious and pack a mean punch!! I've not had one bad drink here. From the signature drinks, I've had the grey goose pink lemonade, a strawberry Bellini, and creamsicle martini which were all great, and like i said, quite strong. They make the best lemon drops too. The patio area is great with pool tabless, swing chairs for two, ample couch and table seating, and a live DJ. The inside dons some awesome and unique decor and I love all the art which extends all the to the restrooms. The News Lounge is on the grasp of the ghetto. When I came here for the first time and my GPS told me to exit on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd I was like "whhhaaat?" But all of a sudden you're driving and it goes from schools parading their C- scoring, to lights in the trees. Parking outside was 3 dollars which they advertised as vallet , but you have to park yourself. Good place to start off the night.
(3)
Jackie S.
News Lounge...awesome for happy hour!!!! I love this place tons of seating, cute little hidden areas...very cool!! Whats not awesome is their regular prices :( Thing is if you had killer Mojitos I wouldn't mind paying full price but you don't. You have rum and seltzer water with leaves. At $4 a pop, I'll take it...at $10 ehhhh, you need to look for a better bartender!! Bottom line: I love your happy hour and I will return...for happy hour :)
(4)
Vivian L.
Good ambience. Good music. Great atmosphere. For my 26th birthday, I reserved a table. A bottle of vodka was reasonably priced. If I remember correctly it was $150, top shelf too. The waitress kept the mixers coming and was super sweet. Very attentive and informative. By the end of the night, who woulda thought she'd help me carry my friend to the bathroom (she got to the bottle before the rest of the group did). I told her not to worry about us and thanked her for her help. For the next 20 min, she checked in to make sure we were ok. Wish I got her name but I think she was the best waitress I ever had... It's been more than a year and havent been back since but as I write this review, these good memories flood my mind.
(4)
Jordan N.
Ah, had to knock off a star since they stopped having pisco sour in the menu. And for claiming that they still make it. And making it without egg white since they stopped keeping egg white in stock. Don't ask me why they bother even have pisco then - cuz I'm clueless, it's nowhere in the menu even as a different type of cocktail. And sorry - but pisco sour is no pisco sour without foam. Note: + I did love the raw tuna in the spoon. It had a good kick with the dressing! + strawberry caipirinhas were strong and good
(3)
MICHELLE C.
After several visits I have decided this is one very cool place to hangout. We were celebrating two Birthday's here the other night. So who else has a Happy Hour daily from 5-9 pm. Woah, and what a great Happy Hour it is. Beers as low as $3, wine, cocktails, and amazing app specials. Our group ordered many appetizers and drinks. We sat outside where they have large tables with very comfortable chairs and loveseats. Our waiter was terrific. He was fast at taking all of our order's and he had a great personality. Hubby and I ordered sliders, meat and cheese tray, and ceviche. Hubby really enjoyed the sliders, with cheese and grilled onions, he said they were very good. My favorite was the meat and cheese tray. Capicola, Salame, and cheese with olives and very good bread and breadsticks. Very nice platter and it hit the spot as I was hungry. It is such a nice place to just chill, have a few eats and drinks in such a nice warm cozy atmosphere. Non pretentious, just casual fun. They have a couple of double swings that are so comfortable to sit back take a load off and swing away. From service, to the very good food, at excellent prices this is a must try. Parking is $2 in the lot a few store fronts away. Really really like this place. Great cocktails, beautiful decor, good food, great prices, excellent service. Yes, looking forward to spending many evening's here. Thank you for a wonderful evening with some really cool people.
(4)
Priscila L.
The place itself is really cool: the outdoor patio is lightly illuminated, love all the trees and the seating. Also love the tiki hut bar. And the music is very good. HOWEVER,SERVICE by the bartenders is ATROCIOUS. They are sooo damn slow (went on a friday, wasn't that crowed and still waited 30 minutes), give you attitude, especially the chic with all the tattoos. Seriously, a place can be beautiful and have good music but if service sucks, it's not worth it.
(3)
karin c.
I was here with a party of 10 people at night for a friend's birthday! The ambiance was good even though there wasn't music outside or was very low ... The pool tables are kinda old but that wasn't a problem! The server or bartender which I remember is a blond girl was RUDE I asked her for more ice because the beers were not very cold and she answered me back with an attitude... Probably one of the reason we are not going back again... Tip was included unfortunately :(
(1)
Ann Marie M.
Just celebrated my birthday here on Saturday 2/23/13. I had a huge turn out and most of my friends that came had never been to The News Lounge. They all immediately fell in love with this place as much as I love it. I have been a fan for quite some time. I have come both for happy hour and also on the weekends to just hang out and listen to some good music. This place always has such a great crowd and the music is really good... I happen to know the DJ and can vouch for this! This is truly a hidden gem that everyone must check out. Their happy hour menu is a great deal! The food is good, the drinnks are awesome. But most of all the vibe is what won me over! And lastly, very nice and accomodating staff! Thank you Rebeca! It's the perfect spot !
(5)
Alissa W.
We we looking for a bar to gab a drink at Sunday night around 10. I clicked my yelp app and noticed there really was nothing open in the midtown, design district area. I have passed by this plaza numerous times eaten at Soyka, and sushi Siam. I never been to the news lounge bar and never would have even thought to go here. The place seemed very chill tons of outside seating, swings, couches, and tables. I Liked the vibe it was not crowded at all but it was Sunday night. This place is cool not sure I will run back, but definitely will have it in the Back of my head if I ever want a grab a late night drink in the area. The cool this is they have a fountain with Koi fish. It is definitely a cool vibe.
(4)
Rachel S.
A comfortable spot in Miami. Friendly service. Many different areas to sit, both outside and inside. Plenty of parking and other restaurants nearby to make you feel safe and increase the people watching aspect.
(3)
Michelle W.
Yay! I like this place. My first experience was a little rocky, so I held off reviewing it until I had a return visit. I was crabby upon leaving the first time because I couldn't get anyone to give me any water, but the rest of the time I was there I had a good time (it was waaaayyyyyyy back when we had a Yelp trivia thing there). Anyhow, I did not have any food on this visit. And I honestly don't remember what I ate the time before. The thing I REALLY like about this place is that they have happy hour EVERYDAY (yes, everyday, including weekends) from 5-9!! That's a long ass happy hour! Drinks range from $3 for a beer and $6 for a martini, not too shabby! They also have a few dinning options on the happy hour menu. The venue itself is super cute. I really like the outdoor patio bar area. You should check this place out. Service is a little slow, but about on par with standard MIA time.
(4)
Jen S.
Great spot for fun nights and good drinks. They have an outdoor courtyard with comfy seating and a pool table that's easy to get a turn playing. They also have indoor seating and bottle service on some nights. The crowd is a mix of eclectic hipsters and trendy Miamians. Saturday nights, they have a DJed party with really good dance music that includes hip hop, Spanish music, top 40s and 80s/90s rock. I've never had anything to eat here but they serve food too. Maybe next time I visit
(4)
Renee C.
Terrific, outstanding Food is small portion so weight control management perfect, light and service is outstanding Love it !
(5)
Mailin J.
This place is quaint and cozy. Love the swinging chairs, chill atmosphere and foliage nearby which makes it very cozy. Drinks were good, the food was decent and service was good. Great for a group of friends to grab some drinks.
(4)
Maria A.
Sitting on the one of the swings, looking up at the sky is the perfect way to close a week and relax. The News has become a reliable staple. Parking is simple and affordable. The drinks are reasonable and the food is filling. The cheeseburger slider was my favorite and my table ordered them by the three. While this place isn't fancy the open air location is charming and the music is never bad. If you have guests visiting this would be a great bar off the beach for a long night.
(4)
Eve C.
I love The News. I really do. I've been here on many occasions, and until the recent Yelp Trivia Night, I'd somehow never made it inside... Interesting. But inside is the perfect setting for a rowdy night of trivia, attended by more yelpers and friends than I (for one) anticipated. The couches are super-comfy. There's plenty of chairs and space to make room for the late-comers. And there's easy access to both the bar and the bathrooms - very crucial! My friends and I managed to go through quite a number of bottles of wine - the lower priced Pinot Grigio, which was excellent (name escapes me...oops!). We also got some delicious food - sliders (the salmon was amazing, and the cheeseburger was quite tasty as well) and spinach/artichoke dip. And the bill turned out quite reasonable! Very, very nice. Yes, parking used to be free, but with $2 lot parking or $3 valet, you can't really complain too much!
(4)
Marisol S.
Great happy hour, food, music and ambience! Love the Cucumber Martini.
(4)
Katie K.
Very disappointed last few times I've been here. The service is just awful. I went for Sunday brunch recently and they really weren't that busy yet it took 30 minutes to get menus and almost an hour and a half to get basic American brewed coffee (mind you after our meal was over). We had to ask the hostess several times to send us a waitress and when we finally got a waitress our food came quick but never saw the waitress again until we got the bill - no utensils, no refills on water, no coffee even after about six requests (when coffee came my friend's cup had lipstick marks in it - gross) ...she was in total lala land. She mentioned they were understaffed yet I kept just seeing people wander aimlessly (manager included). When we finally got our bill she gave us the wrong table's bill and blamed it on the hostess. The food is just ok here, definitely not worth the frustration. I don't dine out very often and I am extremely easy going in restaurants, I usually let everything slide but I really feel like News Lounge needs to work on a lot with their customer service.
(1)
Paul W.
I've been back to The News Lounge a ton of times since writing my initial review and they've improved on the shortcomings I mentioned, but for some reason I hadn't updated and bumped them up to the 4 stars that I feel this place now deserves. Each time I've come here I've had a great time and there's always been a good crowd. They now have some food offerings beyond appetizers since they've added sliders and sandwiches to their menu. Also, the last few times I was here their beers were priced reasonably for Miami ($5 domestics and $6 imports) so it appears that they may have adjusted their drink prices a bit since I wrote my initial review. Now that they've corrected the few low points that I mentioned previously, I truly am a fan, just as it says when you click on the 4 star rating.
(4)
Melody Y.
All I needed to hear was happy hour until 9PM and I was HOOKED! I went for a birthday celebration and drank the night away. We had a few appetizers but nothing really blew me away. A great place to go for the atmosphere. Parking was a little difficult but I managed to get street parking. Will definitely frequent in the future (The very NEAR future!).
(4)
George P.
The News Lounge is one of my favorite bar/lounges to visit. The drinks are very fairly priced, they have a great happy hour, and they are very well staffed. In particular one of the mangers there named Rebeca (with one C) is extremely accommodating, helpful, and polite. Anna one of the bartenders there makes fantastic drinks (especially long islands) and is good at remembering faces. Mark is another employee that is always on his job you always get your drinks quick fast and in a hurry, and he delivers service with a smile. Desiree is new there but she is extremely personable and makes you feel comfortable. All in all I would recommend the News lounge for the menu items and great service, I work for a company in which clients utilize sites like Yelp to make reviews in regards to our service so I think it's important that when you have a good experience somewhere you should let others know and not just go online and bash someone when you have a negative experience. If you're looking for a good night with friends and some good drinks the News lounge is the place to be. Oh and make sure you order the bacon wrapped shrimp.
(5)
Michelle C.
Dude, other reviewers seem pissed about the no more free parking. Well, my first time coming was for the Trivia night last Thursday and I loved the place and $2 parking doesn't seem bad to me. I really like the ambiance, both inside and out. It's casual, but cool. Like, I'm smart AND cool kinda feel. The servers were a little scarce, but we were having a trivia night and I bet the service would be better on a normal night. I'd like to come back and find out. The sliders were good, and the french fries were different and good. Little french fries, almost matchstick french fries. But crisp and hot is what does it for me, and they were. Great night. Can't wait for next month!
(4)
Chris C.
I didn't get a true feel for this place either of the times I was here. The first time was an elite event, which was amazing, and the second time was a yelp trivia night, which was a lot of fun. What I can tell you, is that the food is very tasty, I didn't try anything that wasn't good either night. The space is comfy, seems like they aren't looking to fill the room, or the outside seating area, but make the costumers there comfortable. I'm really looking forward to coming back and trying them again on a normal night to see how they really do.
(4)
Aimeet T.
Went a couple of weeks ago for a group birthday gathering. 1st off the service was horrible. Only one waitress for a group of over 20. She got our food order wrong, our drink order wrong, came back making excuse after excuse. The food was not good at all really small plates of food. Like 10 items on the menu and expensive for the quantity. Let's just say we had a good time because we were a big group and once we had a few drinks, things got better. Don't think I will be back.
(1)
Felicia R.
Very packed, but nice crowd.
(3)
Greshka P.
My first impression of this place was I Love it. Cute outside seating setting, with 2 swings at the entrance - great atmosphere. It took them a while to sit us down... Still I'm not letting that bother me, you know, there's more people there, maybe they're busy. We get our table, waitress gets our drinks order. Takes her a while but, we decide to use that time to look through the menu - not extensive - just appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. Don't get me wrong, the food was good, but if you wanted dinner you're not getting it here. I ordered the chicken sandwich with brie and pesto - delicious. Chicken was a bit dry but still delicious. Others ordered the tuna tartar, really good. Sliders, other sandwiches, everyone was happy with their food. Drinks, that's another story. I ordered a Pisco Sour - not impressed. Asked for limes to make it a bit better, 30 minutes passed still no limes. Had to ask for them again. This happened several times with our drinks, we had to wait a lot for them and remind the waitress several times that we were still waiting. So, obviously, by now my "I love this place" impression has gone down to I like this place. I would come again, still like the atmosphere - good place to just hang out. Would just do drinks and maybe an appetizer, and definitely never come if you're in a hurry. Bring a good group of friends so you don't feel the minutes pass slowly while you wait for your order.
(3)
Deborah I.
Great spot for a drink with the SO for date night. Tasty bites to nibble on and very friendly and attentive staff. Definitely look at the Happy Hour Specials so you don't break the bank. Good music, fun ambiance and overall a great little gem stumbled upon by accident.
(4)
Gissi J.
Everytime I have visited The News Lounge I end up in the Patio, the music is contemporary, the areas to lounge are very nice and perfect to chat and catch up with friends, (even the swings). I cannot rate the food as I have never eaten here I always come for drinks, they are fairly priced and not hard to get. There is a bar inside, another one in the Patio and very friendly waiter/waitress service, so if you can't get a drink its because you don't want to. I definetly recommend this place to anyone that has friends from out of town (like Maria A. said) its a great bar off the beach for a long night. P.S. There is a well lit parking lot next to it and they charge $2 or meters on the street.
(4)
Karen R.
Last night we celebrated my husband, sister in law, and our friends birthday at The News lounge. We were a party of eight and I had reserved a table before going. We had such an amazing night! We were at our table drinking and hanging out until about midnight, and then the music got really good inside, lots of 90's freestyle music, so we went inside and danced until 4am! The service was superb, the prices are very reasonable and it was such a great crowd and atmosphere!! It's will definitely be our go to place when we wanna party!!
(5)
Kristiana W.
Happy hour drink and food specials from 5-9pm everyday is awesome! The service was great, the vibe is chill and quaint and the food was actually really good. I will definitely try again .. it's the perfect spot of a chill night or a jump off the night spot.
(4)
Jackie G.
I don't like to give bad reviews, but here I just have to. Bad news or good news first? I'll start with the bad. The service sucked! Ok, as someone who always wants to give people the benefit of the doubt, I will say that our waitress was stuck with two large parties with several split checks- however, grab another waitress or have a bus boy help because there were plenty of those just lounging around doing nothing- so the problem could have been solved. Fine, she was swamped- but there is still no need to have a snappy, I'm doing you a favor attitude. Especially since we reached out to her by saying excuse me and never disrespected her; at one point one of the guys in the group felt bad for shouting excuse me too loud and even apologized to her- which softened her attitude for a second but that nice temperament didn't last long. Then there was a terribly awkward debate with one of the girls in the group who wanted to have Chardonnay after finishing her Pinot Grigio. The waitress replied, "I see you've been drinking white wine, are you sure you want Chardonnay, since that wine is red?" The girl was like, "No, Chardonnay is white- I would like Chardonnay." The waitress snapped back, "Chardonnay is red wine."... The girl in the group just gave in by simply saying, "I'll have the Chardonnay." That moment was embarrassing and felt to have lasted forever. Then there were the group of waitresses lounging doing there hair and makeup, blocking the bathroom sink area who made it seem like we were in there way, and the other waitress who was pissed that the bathroom was closed when one of the girls in the party felt sick (I know, why lock the bathroom?- but it's a lil embarrassing ya know, and besides there was only one stall out of two with toilet paper so it really didn't matter that the bathroom was locked). Lastly, we were there celebrating a birthday and the dessert came out without a candle. The server went back and forth twice and forgot the candles. Finally he brought the candles by themselves, no lighter, but we managed... It was however upsetting to see the party next to us, have their birthday dessert come out lit with a candle with even a wine glass to block the flame- jeez that would've been helpful. God why the hell was the service so bad?! Ohhh here comes the check- well will you look at that?! The tip is included- 18% at that..... Sighs, oh all makes sense now. What a way to eff up the customers. Sooo... I said there was good news ya? Ok- well the setting is nice. The interior space with the posters, mannequins, double story height, art deco and contemporary-ish decor created a nice loungey ambiance even though the couches were prohibited since they were reserved for a party that never seemed to arrive. The outdoor courtyard created a relaxing and swanky tropical ambiance with it's angled outdoor bar, covered lounge areas, swings, overhead lighting, and pool tables, it was hot but they tried to help out with fans. We ate and drank from the happy hour menu which did have good deals with pretty fair prices and lasted for a long time from 5-9. It was surprising that they had this during the weekend, so that's really the reason why I gave them 2 stars instead of 1. The food and drinks were decent as well. They did serve me the best lychee martini I have ever had- it was refreshing and had a balanced lychee flavor so that's definitely a plus for them. The raspberry lemonade cocktail did however taste like pinesol. The meatballs with ricotta were pretty good, but four tiny meatballs is still a pretty small serving for I think $6 (maybe I'm just a cheapo- you decide). The crab stuffed portobellas were just ok with 3 small mushrooms for I think another $6. The best appetizer I tried were the stuffed dates which were wrapped with chorizo, battered and fried; they were good and that plate came with 4 for $6. Overall the 3 star food and drinks can't save this place if the service and atmosphere that the staff creates is worth 1. Will I ever make the trip to Little Haiti again to visit the News Lounge? Gosh, I would have to go with a small group- or be absolutely desperate after every other place in Miami has burned down. I'm sorry News Lounge, I had my reservations about you since you're part of the News Cafe family (another place with terrible service) and I was right.
(2)
Michelle M.
This place really needs to get their stuff together ASAP!!! I came here for Sunday brunch because my mom had a coupon from travelzoo, and apparently everyone else there did too. The outside area was packed so the hostess sat us inside (which is kind of dirty, has a lot of old broken sofas). We then proceeded to sit there for 20 minutes without being approached by anyone along with another table which sat down around the same time as us, my dad finally decided to approach someone who told him that one of their waiters left mid shift and he would send someone to us as soon as he could. Another 10 minutes later the chef took our drink order and I guess someone from the kitchen came after to take our food order. It's such a shame that the place is so disorganized and the service is so bad because the food was really decent, my avocado and bacon sandwich was delish....eggs Benedict was also very good along with the steak and eggs. When our check came of course it was wrong and they overcharged us on items included on the coupon we purchased. get your shit together news lounge, because your food is actually really good !!!
(2)
Gabrielle F.
News Lounge, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The decor is awesome. Super retro, vintage indie. The couches are super comfy, the inside is such a home cozy vibe. The outside area has plenty of seating, including swings. There is lights hung in lines in the outside area that give it that perfect extra touch.The pool table is $5 an hour and it's located all the way in the back in a secluded place. It's a g great place to go with either a small or large group of friends, or on a first date. Food is pretty cheap, didn't have any so can't tell how good it is. I did see some waitresses with some on their trays and it looked really good. Next time I shall eat something and update the review Parking is $2 right next to the lounge. No cover, and prices at the bar look like 6.50 for ying ling on tap, $5 for miller lite, $12 Absoult vodka cosmo, just to name a few. The bartenders are really nice and do cool tricks when they make your drinks. Happy hour is 5-9 everyday with prices like $3 Heineken for example. The crowd varies. Some young and some older but the place is so fabulous that you really don't care. The music is excellent, but again, they can play whatever they want and it'll just feel right. The other great thing about this place is that you can go dressed up and super down and you will not feel out of place at all. I can not express how much I really LOVE this place. Only got 5 stars because I can't give more. If I could it would be 10 stars! If you go to this place it will be love at first sight. Love, love, LOVEEEEEEEE News Lounge!
(5)
Sabrina Anna C.
Dear News, I LOVE your vibe. Adore your ambiance. And DEVOUR your food. This has become a new hangout for my friends and I whenever we want to stay out of the beach and still be somewhere fun and with an atmosphere. Was here last Friday night and had a really great time. News, you really know how to rock it! Between the music playing, the crowd that was gathering, and the amazing food we put down, our night could not have turned out any better! :) Food - The tuna tataki/tartar dish was AMAZING. I love tuna and it was really tasty. The burger sliders were SOOOO good and perfectly hit the spot. And lastly we had the Turkey-Brie-Mango Chutney sandwich, which was just fantastic! It's MELT IN YOUR MOUTH perfect! Mmmmmmmm! A couple of rounds of beers later, and we were well on our way to a happy buzz and happy tummy. Thanks News! Cheers! Sabrina*
(4)
Laurelle C.
Great happy hour! My husband and I had the cold cuts and lamb scewers and they were both perfect. I was surprised that I liked the pinot grigio they offered. We plan on going back this weekend.
(5)
Gina H.
First of all...to the ultimate jackass driving the Hummer in the parking lot who called me a genius because his penile brain didn't figure out that you COULD drive around the lot in a circle...so what if there is an arrow pointing one way only..I got the next parking spot in seconds while your sorry ass was still driving around being a dickhead....survival of the fittest (or should that be smartest). Had a nice couple of beers here with friends after a Yelp event. It was still happy hour so $3 Heinekens rocks my world. Love the sitting room vibe. The waiter was enthusiastic. The resident lumberjack was unusual. It was starting to get busy when we left. I like it. I like the decor and I like the vibe. Nice place to chill out.
(4)
Vanessa P.
After going here for my first Yelp event back in February, I knew this was a great hangout spot. The ambiance and music make this a solid place to relax and enjoy an evening in Miami. We went back earlier this evening and walked into an event of some sort hosted by Chef Paul. Despite not being part of the event, we were given gift bags that included a Banks Caribbean Lager bottle, two Bacardi Limon travel size bottles, and Chef Paul stationary. As for the lounge itself, it was pretty busy the entire night and service was a bit slow, but I couldn't fault our waitress because she was literally running in between her tables getting everyone's orders. Drinks were ok but a little over priced for what they were. The outside is by far my favorite area of the lounge. The stringing lights add a simple yet South Beach-y feel (think Espanola Way). The wicker swing seats are also a nice touch. As for the food, their menu didn't really grab me as having anything worth ordering. I'd probably recommend hungry patrons checking out the nearby restaurants instead and hitting this place up as a post-dinner option.
(4)
Stephanie L.
Looking for a great place to come after work with friends and just relax? News Lounge is the perfect happy hour spot, with special running from 5 till 9. Although there is a bar inside, really the outside is the best place to be. You can grab a table, a larger sofa, or even make your way to the outdoor swings (maybe not the best idea after a few drinks). They have a couple of appetizer options, like a fresh and tasty $4 tuna ceviche or juicy sliders for $6. However, the drinks really steal the show. They really have something for everyone, with plenty of cocktails, wine, and beer (for as low as $3). The lychee martini is one of the best I've ever had, and for $6 during happy hour, you can't beat it. So good, and you really don't taste the alcohol! The only mediocre drinks I've had are caipirinha and mojitos, which sometimes don't have the best taste to them. At night they light up strings of white lights that give the place a dim glow perfect for relaxing. Can't say the regular menu is anything amazing, but the happy hour specials are more than worth checking out, and the place has a great vibe. The crowd is pretty eclectic, but you can manage to pull off casual or more dressed up without sticking out (good if you are coming here after being out elsewhere). It makes a great spot to come with a group, or for a more intimate gathering or date.
(4)
Jeane' M.
My bf and I came here for drinks and snacks on a Sunday afternoon. My bf ordered a Bahama Mama and I ordered a cappuccino with Kahlua and a hot fudge sundae brownie. My Cappuccino was amazing and the fact that it had kahlua in it made it even better. I tasted my bf's drink which was a little strong for me but I am not a big drinker. The sundae was good but it was huggeee. The waitress was attentive, but not annoyingly so. I don't think she spoke English too well but she did get our orders right. The bf and I sat outside, so I can say that this place is great for soaking in all the craziness that unfolds on Ocean Drive.
(4)
Irene L.
Need a cool spot for a first date? Check. Looking for a laid-back place to celebrate a birthday? Check. How about a much-needed drink after work because your boss was a complete ass? Check. Or maybe there's no particular reason and you just want to shoot the breeze with friends? Check. News Lounge fits all of the above. In fact, I've been to this place for all of these reasons and have always had a great time. Drinks and food are good -- but what I love most about it is the chill ambiance. And when it's a beautiful night, you'll find yourself relaxing on one of the swings, looking up at the stars.
(4)
Patty J.
This was such a pleasant surprise! Don't let it's hidden location fool you.. This place is awesome :) I went for happy hour & fell in love. They have a fabulous happy hour menu(daily 5-9pm)!! What's great about it? Umm.. everything! All the items were under $10 and both food and drinks were delicious. The lamb skewers & chicken skewers were to die for! Oh! And don't get me started on the sliders! But it wasn't just the menu that won me over, it was the entire package that made my evening. It was chic but not pretentious & I loved the fun/ laid back decor. This place is so worth trying!!
(4)
Tomasz M.
The place has that great industrial/ exterior tropical venue feel. The bldg. businesses spill out into a shaded exterior courtyard. The problem? If you're w/ a private party you're not allowed to go to the bar and order your drinks. You need to order from a designated waitress that will include the total in one bill at the end of the night. Ok... that seems to make sense..... Where's the waitress? Poor girl was swamped, had to take care way too many requests and was working two other groups. Please change that. Try the Happy Hour 5-9pm.
(2)
Janelle F.
For me, the News Lounge could potentially be great, but it always ends up just being "okay". The space is large, the decor is fun and different and the crowd is usually hit or miss. I like that they have a pool table in the back that is fairly inexpensive to use. Their shaded courtyard is a nice place to chill and have drinks with your friends and grab a couple appetizers. The food I've tried has been very good but their drinks are just okay. I'm normally a lightweight and I don't know what it is about the drinks here but I can have four or five and not even feel buzzed. I wish their pours would be a little more generous on the alcohol. One time I came here with a large (20+) group and we sat outside and someone got their phone stolen. Since then, I've been pretty cautious of leaving my valuables unattended. Will I return to News Lounge? Most likely. Mostly because its in a convenient location and it is no-frills compared to other similar establishments in Miami. 3 stars, nothing more, nothing less.
(3)
Nancy O.
Extra, Extra! Read all about it! Happy Hour at News is THE BEST! Sitting on the patio during happy hour is uber relaxing. Perfect lounge music, fans whirring, $5 martinis and decent bites like fried, bacon wrapped dates and fresh papaya, grilled octopus salad. The entire feel is "hipster-homey" (homey as in feel at home not yo-yo rapper homey) --- quirky, fun, affordable --- can't ask for much more than that when happy hour's concerned!
(3)
Marcos R.
This is a great annex to Soyka, since Soyka these days is only so-so in my book. The lounge makes for a great addition to the corner. You've got Andiamo right across the street, the sushi spot next door, and with the lounge; you can come to chill for a drink or two, maybe have a small appetizer. The outdoor seating is real cozy and comfortable and the decor does deserve some merit. I think they overdid it a little with the amount of decor. A little too much clutter on the walls, but some of the furniture items stand out. They've got some great couches, old train station art deco benches, and an antique booth inside. On Fridays and Saturdays they spin some pretty good tunes, so if you feel like hearing some beats without having to stand in line somewhere; well you can always come here and rock it a little!
(4)
Xixi D.
I had come here once and liked very much the vibe, the menu & above all the cocktails list!! Second time around it was even better than what I had remember. It's not super crowded so its a very relax intimate venue with a great energy to it. The crowd is not your typical SoBe people but more relax and just go with the flow vibe. I tried the Ginger Martini that is to dye for and the beef carpaccio that was absolutely yummy! GREAT SERVICE at the bar the bartender was very good and friendly and also give us a discount for being in the biz ( I'a also a mixologist) All and all one of those places to check out in midtown!
(4)
Billy B.
Happy Hour from 5-9 with tapas and drinks! Just can't beat that. Loved my Lycheetini! The place looks so chic.. great service, and the music is just enough to do a little shimmy while you sip your martinis and still able to make conversation with your friends or your date!. Maybe a perfect spot if you want to meet and catch up with friends and or meeting someone for the first time! You have a choice to sit outside or inside depending on your mood, wherever you choose, it surely would make you have fun!
(4)
Emily V.
Ok. I lied. I went back. But ONLY because it was the after party for Yelp's Anniversary. I seriously didn't think I would ever be back here. We actually went to the bar this time so our service was good. My only complaint that night was the bathroom. Two stalls and one didn't have TP. What the eff?
(3)
Ale R.
Drinks were amazing!!!! Food was good! Happy Hour prices are wonderful and cheap until 9 PM and then the DJ was really good! All in All a wonderful Saturday night!!
(5)
Hannah S.
The perfect place to ring in my 22nd year. ;) The gang gathered here for their stellar happy hour - cheap drinks & food, seven days a week. I sipped prosecco and lounged on comfy couches in all my birthday bling with my birthday twin. With swings, lanterns & tropical foliage surrounding us in a picturesque courtyard, the outdoor lounge couldn't be more Miami. We tried the tuna avocado, which I'd totally recommend. Half an avocado filled with raw tuna. A little challenging to eat, but delicious nonetheless. Our server was super accommodating, even as the night wore on and we became every more annoying by taking up couches with purses, moving around the restaurant and basically being a dispersed and challenging party. We did get a couple snipey comments from a female bartender inside, but overall the service was terrific. Post happy-hour, the drink prices get a little rich for my blood, so I probably wouldn't stick around again later in the evening, but HH was outstanding.
(4)
Andrej M.
Great spot to go to be around people. The service was horrible. I asked for a menu and half an hour later did not get it. I ended up going to the bar to grab a beer and sit with a friend. Good way to meet some locals, but not a good place to grab any food. Very slow response by the serving staff and definitely go there after dinner.
(2)
Daisy S.
I like it! I went for a late night birthday celebration on a Saturday night! I really wish i had stayed a bit longer, i was only there for about an hour.. it was a fight night (mayweather vs ortiz) and i had to get it going... I had two cocktails. Here's what stuck out from my short experience at The News Lounge, music and the outdoor seating. It reminded me of club bed in south beach but outdoors with a downtown vibe. They have really cool art on the inside. Cool place. Definitely will be back.
(4)
Patty W.
Cute outside setting with the swings and circular tables to sit at whether it's for a couple or a group of people getting together. The vibe was cool. People just chilling out and having a good time on a Saturday night. They had a wedding going on, which I thought it was kind of odd around people that didn't even know who the bride and groom was. It didn't bother me though since I enjoyed the pink lemonade. It consisted of vodka and lemons. Of course, I couldn't taste the liquor in it, so that's a plus. It was over priced for the size glass it came in, but we missed the happy hour. There was a good amount of people there, but it wasn't crowded. The inside was dimmed with some colorful artwork. It had a few tables in there, but there was hardly anybody in there. The weather was beautiful, so I guess that had something to do with it ;) We were pooped, so we didn't stay for long. The atmosphere was very welcoming and I'll try the food out if I make it back here again.
(3)
RM K.
I like this place. Not crazy crowd like most miami place. Its nice to go with your date. You will see a lot of couples! There's pool tables and cozy couch everywhere. This place is for you if you like to go some place on friday night without crazy crowd.. And want to grab some drinks :-)
(4)
Laurie H.
My boyfriend and I purchased the Living Social deal and everything was excellent from the endless mimosa to the eggs Benedict with salmon and spinach. Staff very attentive. Discovered a fun new spot as well as an area to explore.
(4)
Mark A.
This place is real chill. You come here for a patio jam feel to hang out with friends. Two for one drinks after 9p. The service was friendly. The crowd didn't make it out on a Monday after the rain so it wasn't very busy when I visited. The location is unpretentiously hidden between restaurants on 55th St Station. Where is 55th St Station anyway? Fortunately for me, technology lit a guided path for me to find the place to meet up and have a good time. You should definitely give it a shot.
(4)
Sebastian T.
This is a great place for happy hour. The only issue with the place is that the service can vary from great to mediocre. The Happy hour menu is excellent, the empanadas are great, the mango octopus salad is very refreshing. Awesome patio, bar and lounge are.
(4)
David L.
Outstanding. Outdoor bar, couches, great food, great music, a good time. Be sure to see Anna the bartender with the tattoos (and tip her well).
(5)
Paul M.
We've been to this spot several times and have nothing good to say. The layout is great, with both an indoor and large outdoor area to hang out in. We even celebrated a birthday here, gave the manager a call and he hooked us up with a prime couch seating area for our entire party of 10 even though the place was packed. Best part? No bottle service even required, just ordered drinks from the waitress. Great music on Friday nights, or just a mellow hang spot during the week. If you are looking to get a couple of drinks, definitely check out the News Lounge.
(4)
Vanessa S.
Very cool spot... parking showed just how cool by being pretty packed. Instead of the 2$ self park I had to go with Soykas' 3$ valet, not a big deal but worth mentioning. Our waiter was nice, but I guess as the night got busier for him we saw him less. Boy could that guy split a check though, and he was acknowledging of the times we waited and in my book that counts for something. The drinks are decently priced which is always a plus and the food was pretty good. My quesadilla had all the components going on, the fries were ok but skinny really isn't my style. Dessert... now that's note worthy! Chocolate fondue brought out with pound cake, strawberries and bananas! mmmmmm I love the decor here too, old movie posters, cement, steel and movies on the walls, very nice. Good times had by all!
(3)
Paula E.
okay so this place has got me sold. Yeah the expensive drinks suck and so does the $2 parking that should be FREE...grrr.....BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE their lounging terrace. There's nothing comparable in Miami. The swings and couches and lighting are all absolutely great to chill and hang out on a mellow Tuesday night with friends or a date or whatever. Also, I just found out that they have a pretty good happy hour, specially on Thursdays. The music is sick, and so are the soviet propagandaesque posters and art hanging from the walls inside. I love it, I just do, I can't help it....News Lounge has officially conquered my heart and trust me when I say it takes a lot to pull that feat.
(4)
Kendra W.
This is the best place to go and have a few drinks and have a great time with your friends. The hummus, the lamb skewers, the burgers, everything taste great at news lounge. I have practically eaten almost everything there, the house whine is great tea is great. It is just a great vibe and feeling at the news lounge you can have a great time with anybody. Even a bad date lol
(5)
Suzy V.
Nice place very intimate They have a calander of events; there are live shows and artists always there.
(3)
Frank E.
Looking for a place to hang out with some friends? This place has 4 areas... indoor bar, indoor lounge, outdoor bar, outdoor lounge... so whatever your mood they have you covered... Good appetizers, generally friendly wait staff (although they can sometimes be few and far between) and a good bar staff make News Lounge a great hang-out spot they also host a "drinking and drawing" every now and then which is a lot of fun...
(4)
B Lauren S.
I still come here often and I still hold a place in my heart for you, but ...the other night I'm here with friends and we ordered a Piraat, draft, and our server said "ok that's going to be a different beer, I'll bring it right out".. wait a minute.. what? "Yeah we're out of Piraat so it's something else now, but I don't know what it is." Just then, the busser is walking by, and hauks some monster snot from his nose, out his mouth into the bushes beside our table. Seriously? Did he just do that? We didn't order food after that, and left for sushi next door instead.. so gross. I was here a few weeks before this however, and had an amazing time, I love the sweet chili sauce with your wings, and the fries are super delicious.. just keep an eye on your staff.. :(
(4)
Janet D.
It was love at first sight when I saw the swings! I grabbed a few drinks and appetizer's here with a friend a while ago and keep meaning to go back. Its all about the ambiance here. I love how its tucked away with a large terrace and different kinds of seating. We were there on a Wednesday night and it was relatively quiet, but the music was good. Our waiter was attentive and my drinks (vodka tonic) were very nicely priced at $4. I ordered the ceviche appetizer which was huge and pretty tasty. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Mags M.
Came here on a date about a year ago. I really loved it. It was not loud and the setting is intimate. I have not been back since, its not because I didn't like it. Its because I honestly forgot it was there. I pass by the area all the time, it is really hard to see it in passing because it is tucked away. I do plan to go back soon maybe for happy hour.
(4)
Ximena C.
Nothing inspires me to return to a venue like a swing and a good drink. The area isn't the best in the world, but it's growing and there are small shops around to look at. The New Cafe is a pretty big lounge with something for everyone. They have an inside area for quieter parties, stools outside, swings for the romantic and/or childish (like myself) and a pool table for those who need additional entertainment. Their drinks aren't the cheapest, but they're not too bad. I even heard they had a good happy hour. I haven't been to it myself though. I also hear they have trivia nights... I would like to attend, so if anyone knows when the next one is, let me know.
(5)
judy n.
This funky little place, is a great spot for Trivia Night! $2 parking Awesome Film Noir type decor, felt like a french cafe for a few minutes, while outside seems like a tropical getaway with the swings Foodwise, it was decent, and kind of pricey. - sliders, there's 2 that come in with the 10 dollar order. We had the Cheeseburger, and its just your average burger. - The fries - were shoe string skinny fries. good - Union Station sandwich- tasty! It had pesto and brie and grilled chicken, i wish i ordered this one! - Hummus and pita- lotsa hummus for the 2 pieces of Pita bread you get, so we ordered a second plate of just pita bread... - Chocolate Fondue- the chocolate and bananas were yummy. but the pound cake it came with was UBER DENSE, and the strawberries were quite old and wrinkly already. But with good company, a great atmosphere, it kind of made up for the pricey mediocre food. I'll come back for the next trivia night :) Family Feud style.
(4)
AshleyMarie O.
I like it. The setting is pretty laid back, the bartenders are nice and friendly, I think they have a late night happy hour... not positive... but when I went again this weekend it was QUITE chilly so they had the heaters out and that made for a nice evening :0) We also had my friends doggy in tow and that made for mucho conversation with a bunch of randoms which is always fun! I also munched down on a breaded chicken sandwich that came with a side of fries which was good (but I was pretty toasted at that point... haha it was after art walk..) so I'm not sure how "good" it would actually be.... The fries are those little stick fries which are always kinda disappointing... They have a DJ inside not sure what kind of schedule that is on but he was there Saturday night. The service can be a little slow but we were kinda freezing after a certain point so that probably was just us being ready to hit the trail for somewhere warmer. The prices could be better but overall I bet I will end up here again and again, its a cool spot to catch some drinks.
(3)
Michael B.
The service sucks !!! The server disappeared for twenty minutes at a time on several occasions. They also charged me what they felt was opprpriate instead of what I signed for on the receipt.....bWARNING STAY AWAY THE SERVER NAMED BEATA ....... She is a con..
(2)
Christie A.
I've been here two or three times, each time just for drinks, and the most recent time being about 3 weekends ago. I love the outdoor seating area. It is so cute with all of the couches, swings, and fun/funky chairs and tables. The little hanging lanterns are also a nice touch. There's always a nice crowd and there is always good music playing too. The drinks are good and strong and not overly priced. The last time we were there, Carlos was our bartender and he was great...never let our glass empty out without checking to see if we wanted another. Whenever I drive up to this area, I do feel like if I am on vacation and far away from home even though I am only about a 15-20 minute drive away. I am looking forward o going on this "vacation" sometime soon again!
(4)
Miriam L.
We were just there this past Saturday and had a blast. I was looking for a casual lounge where we can dance & drink and we don't have to worry about the young-bucks to be around and starting up conflicts. The music was good but not great. The DJ was sort of stuck on a certain era and played the same song about 3 times in 1 hour I think. Also, they need to play a little reggae as well latin music such as bachata & merengue. Overall it was great!!! Another little tiny bit concern is the parking. But will definitely go again ...on my birthday.
(4)
Elyse W.
This place is very much enchanted forest (not Santa's, I'm talking more like Hans Christian Andersen) meets French nouveau -- you've got this beautiful swirling outside patio filled with little trinkets in the trees and a funky hodgepodge of seating and inside is, like, well, let's just say the entire place is plastered in posters like Chat Noir, Cycles Gladiator, and others of that ilk. Oh and with plush seating. Food's decent, draft beer selection's pretty sweet. Vibe's the best thing they've got going. And they have the occasional fun event. Best to come on an off night so you can truly appreciate the ambiance. Coming on a crowded night can be a tad of a bitch. Oh, and I'm not a fan of the $3 parking, especially in a neighborhood like the one it's in. Seems pretentious.
(3)
JUstin M.
Love this place. I come here quite often and have always found good service, good company and good music. They have a limited but very good draft beer selection (Piraat is always a killer) and the food is quite good as well much. I definitely recommend the Victoria station sandwich, the Pate and Brie plate (though make sure to order more bread) as well as their french fries. Overall it's a very solid location for a casual night out with excellent ambiance. Tip....Drive just a bit further down the road past the 2 dollar parking for free parking on the left hand side (right next to the church)
(5)
Mia S.
Went there today for a coffee, the place was empty, it was saturday at 7 pm. We walked through the outdoor siiting area without being offered a table, the same happened inside the cafe. The only waiter that approached us let us know that inside the place was actually a disco, but if we wanted to have something in the AC area we were welcome to sit in the bar area. So we sat at a sofa watching three girls chatting behind the bar without even noticing we were there. Needless to say, we just left.
(1)
Ivonne Marie C.
Since it changed management/owners I hadn't returned for food, luckily I am happy to say that we went for dinner with a nice group on Saturday to celebrate a birthday. I had my usual cucumber martini - which was great as always. So far this is the only place I've liked the way they make the cucumber martini. My primis had the pisco sour w/o the peach stuff and it was good, and my other cousin had the strawberry basil drink (recommended by the waitress as good and sweet) - um, I don't think the waitress knew what she was talking about, b/c there was nothing good or sweet about the drink - stay away from that one! For food, I got to taste the tuna tartare - really good (don't eat the dip it comes with if you can't handle spicy - it's crazy!); I ordered the beef carpaccio w/avocado - really good, I liked it a lot. My primis and hubs both ordered chicken sandwiches, however they chicken on both was quite dry. The sandwich with the brie was good, just as long as you had brie in your bite, otherwise, dry. So in general the food was good, but the service was unfortunately very slow. I am sure Mr. Slowinski from comcast would have delivered everything way quicker in every sense of the word. Slow service, brings this place down a star.
(3)
Mario B.
I'm a big fan of News Lounge's very charming outdoor area, though the interior is equally unique and welcoming. Outside there are plenty of seating that come in the form of comfortable couches, swinging swings, and oval ottomans. The sprinkled tree lights provide dim lighting that is just enough to see the person next to you and gypsy jazz playing help set the mood that you're in a Old Hollywood movie setting that goes with the venue's decoration. Drinks are moderately priced. Their happy hour consists of half select beers and half well drinks. Make sure you specify to your bartender you want the well drinks because if not you'll end up paying regular price. Food consists of some commonly found bar appetizers as well as sandwiches. If your hungry for something different you have right Sushi Siam and Soyka next door and Andiamo Brick Oven Pizza is across the street.
(4)
Alejandra M.
Great atmosphere, cheap yummy food & wine bottles are very reasonably priced. What more can you ask for?
(4)
Edwin P.
I came here for Alma H's happy hour birthday party. I was a little hesitant about this place based on some of the reviews I had read. However, as soon as I walked in through the outside terrace area most of my doubts were eased. We were located in the interior portion of the lounge. The lounge has a very relaxing atmosphere with the dim lights and music playing. What sets this place apart from other Miami lounges is the HH; it's not just the prices that are affordable, it's the fact that the HH goes until 9:00 pm which is unheard of. The drinks during the HH ranged from $5-$7 (including wines, cocktails, and beers) and the appetizers are around the same range as well. And one thing about this HH is that they did not skimp on the alcohol when serving drinks. The bites were amazing as well and at the end of the night the price for everything was around $20.00 which was very good. There is also valet parking for $5.00 or there is metered parking along NE 4th Street. i would definitely come back here for another HH.
(4)
Jessica G.
Alma H. chose The News Lounge as the site for her birthday happy hour, and although I am really not a fan of most things Miami (crowded, stressful, expensive are words that come to mind), I decided I had to make the drive down. I have to admit that knowing that there was a parking lot had a lot to do with that decision...and the happy hour prices, but I will get to that in a minute. Located on the west side if NE 4th in kind of a weird intersection type area that almost but not quite crosses US1 I took me an extra drive past to realize where I was supposed to be. I pulled into the lot and payed my $5 for parking and circled around to find the person in front of me had gotten the last parking spot. It worked out ok because the valet took my car and parked it quickly (incidentally valet is also $5 in this lot). Though I really don't like to valet, these guys were very friendly and prompt to get my car when it was time for me to go at the end of the night. The atmosphere at New Lounge is really cool. There is an indoor bar and an outdoor bar. The outdoor courtyard area was very pretty with a koi pond and had a nice garden party feel. Inside was broken up into kind of mini living rooms where there were comfortable couches and chairs all in mismatched style..but it just worked. There was one room with couches and mirrors all over the walls. The decor was just very unique and pretty. Alma had reserved her own birthday mini living room area and we all got to happy houring. The happy hour special here are great. Though I did not try any of the food there is a whole list of bites ranging from $3 to $7..and seeing other peoples food they were lighter portions, but at that price you can order a bunch of things. As for drink specials their fancy cocktails are only ~$5 and the same for glasses of wine. They also had a few beers for only $3. This place is definitely changing my mind about Miami happy hours. The best part is that this happy hour goes until 9! You can start your happy hour at the same time most places end theirs, and still have two hours to enjoy! As the night went on our group got larger and larger, and I have to say the staff did a great job accommodating us, lifting and bringing over more living furniture as it was needed. The drink service was a little on the slow side, but given the size of our group I was impressed that the waitress was able to keep up as well as she did. This was a great spot for a group to get some food and drinks and enjoy the night. They also do brunch here which I imagine would be quite nice with the patio area offered, and aside from the small plates offered at happy hour, there were a few sandwiches I would like to try.
(4)
David P.
Came for the organic brunch and left beyond satisfied. I was so hungry I totally forgot to snap pictures of out meal. Very cute venue, not fancy but the outside seating area is beautiful. The inside is decorated nicely but again not fancy. Awesome positive young vibes! The organic menu is to die for! Everything we had was fantastic. Great brunch drink specials. The service was very good, so glad we came :)
(4)
Sou M.
Ok, again, updating my review about service. My server is really nice and gave me lots of great suggestions for beaches, bars and restaurants! She is a 5 star herself. Now it makes me feel better to give this place a four.
(4)
Savanna M.
When my good friend Alma H. invited me to her birthday shindig, I immediately said yes. Of course, the Yelper in me then checked out the venue's reviews - the venue of course being News Lounge. Most of the reviews were old but mentioned service issues, but for our group I found the service and everything else to be quite wonderful, almost deserving of 5 stars! As I'm the only island person who doesn't run on island time, I arrived first. I grabbed one of servers and told him there was a reservation. He said he was aware of the reservation and he'd grab our actual server to show me to the table. Our actual server Mary then found me and told me she'd get me a drink while she figured out if we were supposed to be inside or outside. The outside area is quite cute btw, but in August, it's a bit too hot to be outside at 6pm without a dedicated fan per person, so I was glad when she showed me to our inside area. My initial glass of Rose ($5 on HH) came out very quickly and I took some time to look over the rest of the menu. Keep in mind HH here runs til 9pm, so this place is a steal! Other's started arriving and some options for the table were ordered. I did have a bite of the bruschetta and didn't like it, although to be fair it had sat around for awhile and the bread had gotten soggy. For food, I ordered the avocado ceviche and the stuffed peppers. The ceviche was quite good, and again for $5 during HH you really couldn't complain. The peppers, as Mary warned, were HOT (yes, SPICY), but if you like spicy things you'll definitely love these. Again, for $5, these were a steal! At this point I decided to switch to another drink, the Chili Passion, again the HOT warning was given to me, but maybe the hot peppers had already killed my taste buds, as I didn't find this to be at all spicy, and overall it wasn't anything special. I'd stick with the wine offerings here. Overall, I felt News Lounge was a great place to "lounge" with friends. As the group kept growing we were able to find couches and drag them in so everyone had space to sit. It's true that our server was a bit occupied at times with other tables, but I never waited more than 5 minutes or so from when I actually wanted to order something to seeing her pass by again. Highly recommend this spot for great happy hour deals, and with happy hour running til 9pm you'll definitely leave with a happy wallet! PS - Parking. I managed to park myself in the lot just north of here for $5. As other arrived shortly after me the lot had become valet only for $5.
(4)
Keith A.
I love their happy hour. The baristas and waitresses are super friendly. The food is always good and the drinks are great. The outdoor patio is welcoming and very cool considering that this is SoFlo. The location is great but hard to find. Ample off street parking for 3 bucks.
(5)
Felipe F.
The place is nice and the music is really good. But the drinks are not the best.
(3)
Juliana P.
Worst place to go out ever! I was roofied here a year ago. I had one drink and woke up the next morning not remembering the rest of the night. It was scary. Luckily, I was with my BF who got me home safely. I went back tonight with a group of people after eating at Andiamo (which was delicious). The bartender was so rude. I asked for a Stella. She walked away and I said "oh, wait, excuse me." Her response, "WHAT? What can I do for you???" WTF?? I just wanted to order another one. Never going back there again. This place sucks.
(1)
Jesica J.
I came here for Happy Hour on a Friday afternoon for a friend's birthday to have drinks and a bite. His wife had reserved a table outside for our small group (8 people). As soon as I walked in, I was really excited because the place truly has an awesome ambiance with the DJ and the outdoor patio (it helps that it was a beautiful day). However, The News Lounge seriously let me down with the terrible service. When we sat down, our waitress took our cards to open a tab and our order. For my first drink, I ordered the strawberry caipirinha, which arrived rather fast. It was absolutely delicious and authentic (and I lived a year in Sao Paulo, that's something!). I was excited to get a second round, but unfortunately the waitress was nowhere to be found. We looked around for her for about half an hour and ended up asking a busboy to call her over. It took her another thirty minutes to reach our table. Finally, when the second caipirinha arrived, it was very watered down and did not taste even half as good as the first one. I'm not sure if it was because it had been sitting at the bar while she was MIA or what. This place has a lot of potential, and I would have loved to have loved it! Unfortunately, the terrible service does get in the way of the experience and it's not worth the hassle of having to track down someone to order your drinks or pay.
(2)
Dan C.
Very nice chill place to go hangout with a group of friends. There is an outdoor area with a bar and tables and couches, and there is an inside area with bar and dance floor where a DJ is spinning great dance music. The prices of the drinks are reasonable.
(4)
Katrina W.
I've been here twice. The first time I came was about a year ago for brunch and we had a voucher deal for the four of us. It was a decent discount and we were content with the menu options. We all found something and bottomless mimosas were included! I ordered the benedict and was happy with my choice - usually when it comes to brunch food, I stick with the classics: benedicts, omelettes, steak and eggs. All in all, I don't remember anything being bad about the experience, but nothing really stood out either. I don't think I will be back for brunch purely based on the fact that there are too many other places in Miami that give more unique choices and I really hate to repeat the same thing twice. Anyways, my second visit was just a few days ago and my hubby and I decided to try the lounge out again for happy hour. We figured that we couldn't go wrong considering the happy hour menu could be easily found online and it was quite extensive (including food and drink options amassing to about 15-20 picks). Everything sounded really tasty: dates, stuffed peppers, hummus, cheeseburger sliders, Caipirinha's, mojitos, well drinks at $5; all happy hour items ranged between $4-10, which we thought was affordable until......................................... we saw the PORTIONS. Wow, each item we ordered was so tiny! OMG how terrible. We did the math and we were basically paying about $2 per date. The only okay part about this happy hour were the drink prices... We got old-fashioneds for $4 each and the bartender did a really good job making them. Happy hour is not truly happy if you have to throw down $100 just to feel satiated.
(2)
Irina G.
My least favorite place in Miami so far. Location: not the best part of town. There is parking which is nice and location looks pretty - there is nice outdoor seating, but nothing around. Food - terrible. I got poached eggs with potatoes. Potatoes were overlooked, dry like bad chips and very greasy. The salmon tasted like it past it's expiration date. It had a slimy finish to it. For brunch coffee the only option was Americano and it wasn't great. They didn't have any gluten free options. Service: it was four of us having brunch. We got 3 menus and 3 napkins. We had to ask for an extra menu. The waitress wasn't able to fully answer our questions about the menu either. Overall - I wouldn't go out if my way to try this brunch.
(1)
Marline P.
The News has great bartenders Megan being one of the very best in customer service and very knowledgeable with all types of drinks everyone loves her!
(5)
Jason P.
They have a great setup. They have a mix of tables and couches and have some pool tables. The long islands are pretty bad..it's just alcohol and a colored sweetener. The service isn't the best either
(2)
Lorin G.
Casually strolled by this hidden location and decided to check it out. Absolutely loved the atmosphere. It wasn't too packed when I arrived around 10pm. I took a seat and was immediately greeted by my server (I kept calling him Shaggy). Waters were brought to table promptly and when asked what was good to nosh on I was given great suggestions. I had the chicken skewers, salmon roll and the steamed buns. All was tasty, service was outstanding (shaggy was extremely attentive and polite and once he knew how much I loved Sriracha, he didn't stop bringing me ramekins full of it). It was "One Love" night, girls drank for free at the bar 10-11pm and they played Reggae music all night. I would def recommend this spot to friends and will def be returning soon!
(5)
Aylin M.
A favorite for birthday celebrations! Terrific outdoor bar with great music and drinking climate. Service is slow on the weekends, the food is tasty but wish they served it till later. Great for get-togethers or after work drinks.
(4)
Nadine W.
Went for happy hour. The drinks were great!!! Appetisers were not the best but the wait staff was spectacular. Definitely going back.
(4)
Fidel C.
I had a strange experience here as I came in not too long ago on a busy Saturday night. The doorman did not greet us, but instead sternly asked for our IDs before immediately asking if we had bottle reservations or were brought there by a specific promoter. The answer to both was no, and it didn't matter anyway considering he just let us right in. We found that very odd, considering you don't need a promoter to enter this lounge for free. We opted to sit at an open table and after receiving water, we looked over the menu....and waited. And waited for about 15 minutes before we decided it just wasn't worth it. The prices for drinks are fair, but being forgotten in a patio area full of mosquitos and humidity for that long is not fair. I give it 3 stars for the nice space and how busy they were, but maybe they are overstaffed? I'm not sure, but I would give it another chance during an earlier time of say.
(2)
Joe A.
Dropped in for brunch with a Travel Zoo deal and that's the last part that seemed to be simple. Upon arriving, the staff had a bizarrely convoluted way of figuring out their vouchers. First, there was a gentleman that greeted us, then passed us off to another woman to "check in". Then, we had to wait. And wait. Then, we had to sign in with our email address (shouldn't they have that from the deal site?). Then, we had to wait. Then get a voucher that said we were all paid. And the gentleman said, "so you don't have to deal with your waiter at the end." Cool, sounds easy, right? On to food. Ordered mimosas. Waited. And waited. Ordered food -- steak and eggs and salmon benedict, 2 classic brunch choices. The food actually came out quick, but that's really where the compliments stopped. The salmon was SUPER salty. The "steak" was more like what you'd find in a cheesesteak, though completely unseasoned, as were the eggs, as was (shockingly) the foccacia bread it was served on. Not even the splash of truffle oil helped. Oh yeah, half way through our meal we got our mimosas -- 90% champagne, splash of OJ. Barely chilled. Meh. Now our waitress informs us she has to "check the bill" to see if we've "gone over". Shockingly, we did, despite doing exactly what the voucher said. They added taxes, fine, but then gratuity at 15%, with no option to reduce it (as I likely would have given the lack of service with our drinks and overall handling). So it was an extra $10. Annoying more than anything. Bottom line? Just don't bother. The space is nice, maybe better for a quick hang out session during a nice night out, but brunch shouldn't be an option for you.
(2)
Walter H.
Food was good, but the service was so bad we all left a very small tip. It was nearly impossible to get the waitress's attention. We went for a couple beers and some food, but with all the waiting, it took us 2 and a half hours to get out of there! For example, we had been done a while when we asked for the check, but it took her 20 minutes to bring it! The place was nowhere near capacity so I can't imagine what took her so long. The food was very good. I had the prosciutto sandwich and a spinach empanada, both were excellent. We also ordered the stuffed dates, but they never came. We really wanted to eat more, but it wasn't worth the hassle of dealing with the waitress to get them. I would never recommend this place to anyone. The food is good and the place looks really cool, but none of that is worth it when you have to deal with the shitty service.
(2)
Danielle A.
Groovy spot, great vibe, good happy hour, yummy food, but average drinks.
(4)
Isis N.
I've been enjoying News Lounge's Happy Hours for more years than I would like to admit. To give you a hint, when I started to go, the parking next to Sushi Siam was FREE, and now they charge $4. Hmmm.... The drinks are consistently good and the $5 glass of Chardonnay can't be beat. Appetizers are great and after so many years I got to the conclusion that Thursday are the best nights. Fill with local Yuppies. Their indoor and outdoor areas are very pretty. But during the summer we hang out indoors, in the Mirror room. If you go on Fridays or weekends, the place gets really pack. But I'm still a fan.
(4)
Marc V.
I would like to thank the young lady (D.) behind the bar this past monday night for the excellent service. It was a fun environment and my wife and I cannot wait to return!
(4)
Jonah K.
Came here for some Friday after work drinks (not my co-workers, but Teresa K's) and we had a huge table outside. There is a excellent patio with a DJ outside. The DJ was so-so, but it was still entertaining. They have a great happy hour menu of food and drinks for everyone to choose from. The service was decent, and the place got packed as the night went on. Good spot, I'd go back.
(4)
Jesse S.
One star because you can't give zero drinks. Came so late I went to pick them up at the bar the server never came I asked three servers and busses for water nothing happen they brought my food very late and on top they didn't give us silverware I guess they expect us to eat with are fingers at the end they brought the water with the check. Never again !!!! Try something else
(1)
Carla M.
We came last Sunday for their bottomless mimosas. They were OK. I wasn't too impressed with the small brunch menu. I opted for a beer and ate else where. A friend of mine had their eggs benedict and she liked the food. Was put off by the waiter telling us the included tip breakdown. It wasn't a bad experience but with so many resturants in Miami, we probably won't be back.
(3)
Bernardo G.
It was very special. From the moment I walked in the service in The News Lounge was 5 stars. The drinks were very well prepared and the food was delicious. The staff was great, the hostess, chef, servers, bartenders, and specially Stacie M. She was very courteous all night, and always available when we needed to order more drinks or anything else. Good job for Stacie M. You can't find good friendly service like her very often.
(5)
mercedes m.
HERE YE! HERE YE! News Lounge is the place to be! This hip hideaway located just off of Biscayne and 54th Street is a perfect place to meet up with friends. Even if you miss the happy hour special, the mojitos, music and sexy ambiance is worth the trip. What makes this place extra cool is that it hasn't become a tourist trap (yet), so the prices are still reasonable. The service is a hit or miss; sometimes you will have a vigilant server, other times you better sip that drink slowly because it will be a moment before you see another. Nevertheless, the servers are always polite. There is free street parking but those go quickly because of all the other fun places surrounding the Lounge. There is also a self park lot for $3-5. So why not the five stars? Because they rope off the entrance after ten and start carding; translation babies are breaking the grown up flow. So before the teenies show, this is a great place for work friends, real friends and lovers.
(4)
Danny C.
Food and appetizers for happy hour were awesome. Drinks were amazing as well and cheap. Great atmosphere to get together with friends and chat it up
(4)
Reggie B.
Great Place for Happy Hour! Really Nice! Had a great time and fun ambiance!!! Food was great as well.
(5)
Tal T.
A true neighborhood bar. Awesome happy hour, seven days a week (until 9pm!). The Food can be hit or miss, but I'm thrilled to share that their new organic brunch is definitely on point. We tried the spinach omelette, croissant croque madame, eggs Benny (with salmon), and steak and eggs. Not one disappointed soul! I am on board with some happy hour apps, too: hummus especially. Drinks are good, strong, and cheap. Service is adequate, with some servers and bartenders clearly caring more about the quality of their service than others. The ambiance is what really makes the news stand out. But hurry! It gets hot soon and the mosquitoes will surely return. Bottom Line: The News is a fantastic local's spot offering great drinks and good food at reasonable prices in a lovely atmosphere.
(4)
Amber L.
What has happened to my beloved News Lounge? *cries* The last few times I've been, service has been less than.....not even stellar..... It's been less than just plain good. It's been poor, poor, poor. I went for a regular night out and had to stop the bartender because said bartender was so far from the cocktail menu ingredients list when making my drink that I was just shocked. After disagreeing with me, I had to show her the menu so that she could make it correctly. For real, girl? And please, let's not talk about brunch. Please, let's not. But ok, let's. I had been excited to try News Lounge's brunch because I love the ambience there and could only imagine the ambience on a Sunday afternoon with drinks. What a nightmare. And from reading recent reviews, it appears everyone is having the same experience - all the way down to a random person (owner, uncle, family friend) making the drinks at the bar. Our drinks - sangrias - didn't come out until we had finished our food and the plates had been cleared! SANGRIA?! Really?! There was even the same mimosa-spilling incident. Unfortunately, a little girl at the next table left with a mimosa hair treatment from this one. SMH Why is everyone experiencing the same issues? Why do so many customers have the same horror stories as of late? I can see here and there, but everyone? Hmmm..... Something is seriously amiss here. And it must be rectified soon before faithful customers give up and don't come back. I hope that doesn't happen because News Lounge has really been a favorite of mine over the years. Clean up your act, News Lounge. Please! Do it for us. Do it for yourselves.
(2)
Ernest G.
I've been coming here for years. With that said understand I've seen & heard many unreasonable and inconsiderate customers complain and write ridiculous reviews because they claim they were mistreated or ran into someone working here who was rude. Not true! Come on people if you're an idiot, live with it but don't try to make a business suffer for it. Anyway, the food, service and drinks are great here! I've even brought co-workers, friends here who also loved it and are now becoming regulars. Most of us regulars here know each other and will continue to patronize this heavenly place.
(5)
Chris D.
Go for happy hour! The outdoor seating area is awesome. The tapas and drinks are great and priced well. Their menu is pretty short I wouldn't go there for dinner. But if you're just there for happy hour for a few bites and drinks its wonderful!
(4)
Jose B.
Came here twice over the last month with a Groupon for each time and was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. Pros: 1. The food is excellent. Once your food arrives, you would most likely forget the long wait. 2. The drinks are fairly large and they make a great Bloody Mary. 3. The ambiance is too notch. They have fans to keep you cool if is too hot and the place is set up with lots of shade. Cons: 1. Redeeming the Groupon was a hassle since you have to give a lot of your personal information on a marketing list. 2. Food takes forever. 3. Food runners are a bit clumsy since the first time they dropped a small container of honey on us. The second time we saw another server dropped a tray full of dirty plates next to the guests he was serving.
(4)
Adolfo L. F.
Wow, what happened to this place? It used to be packed on Sundays which made service slow but at least you could drink and chill to the music while you waited. Now it's barely packed with only 7 tables and all the servers seem lost. Order a chicken wrap, get a chickpea garden wrap. Server gets lost for 15 minutes so good luck finding someone to fix your order. The kitchen is still good, putting out acceptable food, but the service is shit so its not worth it when you have Soika, Green Street, or even Berries just a few minutes away. Save your money go somewhere else. Edit: I forgot to add that people where getting up and leaving their tables due to waiting 30-45 minutes for drinks. So what does our server do? Asks us for a credit card half way through our brunch because they're afraid of more people getting up and leaving. What a slap in the face. You would think the restaurant was packed due to all the horrible things happening through out service... But I'm going to blow your mind right now... They only had 7 tables full. 7 tables for 4 servers. Wooow! Been here plenty of times... Never will return. This is my first post in years, and it was such a horrible experience that I just had to come back to Yelp to advise people to STAY AWAY!!
(1)
Maria V.
This place has great ambience and a lot if potential, BUT, the service is very, very slow and sloppy. My first drink arrived 30 minutes after it was ordered and it had watered down. It tasted like water and the ice was melting. It was probably sitting around for 29 minutes before the server picked it up and brought it to me. :$ My husband had to get up and go directly to the bar to order my second drink this time without ice just in case. The server told some people at my table that the bartender left and the owner was making drinks and had no idea how to make drinks and they were all fraking out... Really? Even if that's the case, I don't want to hear that... Get it together.. Well, I tried the mojito pitcher these people were having and boy.. That was not good. After waiting for a while the server showed up again and I ordered the avocado and bacon sandwich, very good, I really like it. It had been about 40 minutes after placing the order and my husband had to go to the bar again and ask about my food. The server showed up and said someone else at my table had ordered the same and that for whatever reason my order never got put in the system, so all the waiting was for nothing. Sandwich showed up 5 minutes after that and like I said, it was good. No one else at my table had ordered that sandwich, and even if that was the case, that's no excuse, it's just making your incompetence even more obvious. Next time you screw up just stay quiet. 15% gratuity is included on your tab... Well, no wonder. Good vibe, food was good. Service was terrible, a mess, just embarrassing. Enough said.
(2)
Letty M.
Nightlife: this place is nice at night. Good lounge to go to. Good music. Gets packed inside but that's normal. Nice patio atmosphere. Brunch: wouldn't recommend it. Lots if other places for brunch in Miami worth going to. Mimosas are little weak can be stronger. Their menu options are small. Ordered the steak and eggs wasn't all that. Just ripped steak on toast with 2 fried eggs on top. Eggs Benedict is pretty good. Too much spinach but tasty. Service wasn't a huge plus on that. Manager was alright, kinda rude at first had issues with our reservations. Gave our table away and had one last table in a corner stated their are "accommodating us". When they had a table open. Waitress inside was a little slow. Acknowledged us to apologize for the slow service so did the manager. Not horrible but maybe other had better experience. I recommend other brunches for a real brunch experience. They seem to be trying to be on the brunch chain.
(2)
Anthony S.
Fun place, nice atmosphere, fairly-priced drinks for the area. $10 cover for guys is a major downer...
(4)
Annette G.
I was here last night w/ some coworkers to watch the Heat game. I'll start off w/ the perks: this venue is beautiful and the atmosphere is always great, they extended happy hour for the duration of the game, the food was good but I wouldn't go there to eat & they were really good about cutting on and off the music during the game. Alright this is why it's a 3: the bartender was completely clueless and no one was at the bar for a while. Our beers were warm and took a while to get. Also I'm not a fan of their lychee martini. I asked for sliders and only 2 came in the order which is really not enough. Lastly these are the same issues I have when Ive been here in the past. I really wish the service and quality of food and beverages would improve.
(3)
Mark H.
Like most places in Miami, News Lounge doesn't understand the difference between a lounge and a club. This is disappointing, because Miami could really use a nice lounge. The good: Location: Improving area of Miami. This area feels like it's working on becoming the new Coral Gables. Decor: Lots of cool things to sit and swing on outside. Other than that, everything is nice enough, but nothing is particularly artful or original. I think Miami could use a lounge that dares to have some original flourish. The standard "fancy lounge" decor gets the job done, but isn't memorable. The bad: Drinks: Not a lot of beers on tap, and they're missing some ingredients for cocktails. Ordered a Manhattan - no bitters. Price: As expected for a place like this, things are overpriced. Music: Unreasonably loud club music makes it very difficult to speak with anyone who isn't sitting right next to you, and makes it outright impossible for groups to have conversations without shouting. Lounges are places people come to talk over drinks. The only reason to jack up the volume is for dancing. No one is dancing here, so blasting the music just serves to make conversation impossible.
(2)
Natasha A.
I want to love this place, I really do...They have all the ingredients for greatness: excellent location, great vibe, nice amenities..but something always falls -just- short. Sometimes it's the service that is off. Other times it's the food. Honestly, I keep coming back thinking that my last visit was just an anomaly, but considering how many times it has happened I have come to realization that this is pretty much just standard protocol here. Good, but not great.
(3)
Harlem M.
Probably one of the coolest Happy Hour spots especially on Friday grooving to the sounds of DJ Chilly. Love the outdoor feel and nice looking crowds. The Tuna Avocado app is really good and goes great with a Mojito. Watch the hot summer days and choose to hit the spot when the sun goes down.
(4)
Angelo R.
Love the late evening happy hour here...til 9! Bartenders are always nice. The place is not too crazy and decent neighborhood crowd. Outdoor seating is perfect for Miami December weather. They even have pool tables outside. Plenty of street parking and the strip plaza has a private lot as well and its only for 3 bucks. The martini specials are great...made with Absolut or Stoli even Lychee Martinis!
(5)
Kristen K.
Cool spot with a good brunch ... I mostly come here for brunch I feel like their brunch options could be a little more varied ... But they have bottomless mimosas and those are ok ... Bloody Mary was delicious food comes out in good time service has always been good
(4)
Saida L.
Nice outdoor atmosphere, good apps and nice drinks
(4)
Emma F.
This place use to be very American and a totally different crow use to come here . Now its more of a Latin place .
(4)
Nene M.
This was a very nice place. The only downside is that the chef always takes stuff off the menu. I just went last week for the salmon rolls and today it was off the menu. Also our waiter was really nice although he had to wait on like 10 different tables. he did an awesome job. the food doesnt take long to come out either. I only order off the tapas happy hour menu!
(3)
Priscilla R.
Went here with Travel zoo coupon that I bought online. Boy, the disorganization in this place is VERY obvious! First we got there and another couple was already complaining about the broken high chair they received for their 6 mo old baby. So guess what? When we sat down, they told us they didn't have another high chair, so we also had to sit with our baby in our laps for brunch. The waitress --some Russian girl, poor thing, couldn't wait tables to save her life. She kept bringing us the wrong drinks and the wrong food meant for other tables. I had asked her to turn the fans on --Miami Heat and guess what, she forgot. I had to ask someone else. Needless to say terrible service and the place was completely disorganized. No one seemed to know what they were doing AT ALL! Pity because the food wasn't bad, but they didn't have some of the items on the menu. We wanted the waffles and we find out later oops sorry miss we are out of waffles. ? How could that be we were like the 5th customers?
(2)
Raymond R.
Today was a rarity. Once we received our meal and drinks (after physically getting up to seek our own server) the food and drinks were remarkably good. The cuisine was exceptionally tasty. Unique in presentation palatable and reasonable portions. The alcoholic beverages too are a force to be reckoned with. That said, upon finding our own server she was very friendly and apologetic. Initially we were a little upset blaming the server and then we thought-she takes her direction from a higher power - MANAGEMENT. Management was the absolute worst! The servers are running around doing their best, I could tell that they were genuinely trying however someone ultimately has to take charge. This wasn't happening. The manager could tell that we were upset and came over to follow up with our drinks. At the end of the night after thoroughly reviewing our check, we found an error with the amount of drinks we ordered - as anticipated. After addressing the issue with the manager she adamantly told us that she took the order and brought the drinks, not true. Our server took the first order, she took the second after following up. We ordered twice and followed up once. We didn't order 3 rounds. I started to get so upset that I almost stood up and demanded management. And then I thought - this would be a moot issue because SHE WAS MANAGEMENT. After a few minutes of exchanging words, she reluctantly offered us another round of drinks claiming that these were gratis. NO! I'm not appeased at all! It was already on our check, it's just that you're bringing it now! We really wanted to leave an additional tip for our server but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Ultimately this is a really nice establishment romantic, trendy, airy and well organized. However the powers that be either need to hire new management or retrain the existing staff thoroughly. Starting with service industry 101. The customer is always right! It's ill advised to raise your voice and exchange words unnecessarily because people like myself don't waste time debating frivolous issues - I'll pay it. However I will write a thorough and lengthy review addressing my unfortunate experience.
(2)
Brittany R.
I think this place is great. If you have people from out of town and want to give them a taste of real Miami, I think this place breathes that vibe. The outdoor setting and awesome happy hour really set the mood for the rest of your night. The happy hour food menu with everything being $4-6 is amazing. Order one of everything and don't break the bank. The service is really good. I love this place.
(5)
Keith P.
Cool outdoor seating area. You can play a game of pool, and have a nice conversation. They serve cappuccinos at night. If you are hungry, you can have sushi or pizza next door! What else can anyone ask for from a bar?! Only con is the $8 parking fee you have to pay if there is no street parking available (which happens to be a common occurrence at a Friday or Saturday night).
(4)
Krystal A.
I love the ambiance! Very cool vibe. Sit outside. The music inside was really retro, grade-A stuff. The outside DJ was on vacation. Great place to sneak away from the party traffic and have some fun.
(4)
Erin A.
Came here on a Friday night. Ordered the quesadilla which was very good. The friends I was with also enjoyed their food as well. But.....the reason for the one star is because the service was HORRIBLE! And the place had plenty of empty tables and was not packed. Trust me, I am not even a stickler for good service here in Miami because I have grown accustomed to mediocre pretty much everywhere. But the News Lounge was the pits. Impossible to find my waiter, impossible to get another drink and impossible to get the check. It was like your doing them a favor just being there. Like I said, food was good and the atmosphere was new and different. But the awful service didnt make up for either. Never again!
(1)
Max J.
I went last night to The News Lounge. I love the atmosphere I sat outside and loved the decor. I wish the service and food were as good as the atmosphere. My whole party decided that the service, food and music were very bad. I tried one of the sandwiches (grilled chicken brie and basil pesto) and it was very poor. The sandwich was full of dry, flat, chicken, and too much bread. The french fries were fine, but nothing to write home about. Service was sloowww and I ended up going to the bar to get my drinks. The music was too loud, and really weird nothing that you would want to listen to for casual people watching. I'll give The News Lounge 2 stars because the service, food, and music didn't make me want to come back... The decor, and theme are really fun and will make me want to show it off - i'll just eat some place else.
(2)
Miranda D.
I've been twice, both times on a Friday night. They have good happy hour specials and a nice outdoor atmosphere. The inside is very cute also and one night I was there they had a band perform later in the evening. Apparently, kids are allowed on the premises but only until 9:00pm.
(5)
Adriana D.
I've been coming here fairly frequently as of late, mostly due to the really enjoyable patio area and most recently for the music. I haven't really gotten a chance to eat a full meal here, just picked at shared appetizers really, but what I have tried has been pretty good. The drinks are moderately priced, not cheap persay, but not outrageous. And during happy hour their specials are actually decent. The service has been pretty hit or miss - when it's good, it's good, when it's not...well, I've been known to have to chase a waitress down before. Another cool thing, which helps make the courtyard area even more enjoyable, is the fact that they have board games you can borrow (a la Transit Lounge), which have helped lead to some longer nights then necessary but also to some interesting fun (& games of course). The stand out this last visit, what prompted me to finally review it is the live band they had playing. This Tuesday they had two lovely and talented ladies, Steph and Nabedi Taylor, who call themselves 'The State Of'. They are really great and varied in their music selection and a lot of fun. They both have great voices and both play multiple instruments but it's mostly Steph on the keyboard singing and Nabedi on the drums singing back-up. They are definitely worth checking out if anytime they are here! (You can also check them out at Sweat Records playing with Afro Beta this coming Sat.)
(3)
A.L. S.
Really cute and casual
(4)
Mina M.
The staff was friendly and the decor was interesting (a disco ball hanging next to a wooden wind chime on top of a fountain) but other than that, it wasn't a place I would go back to. Prices were too high for the location, food wasn't that great and the music was too loud to carry out a conversation.
(2)
Renier C.
Great place for an idle weeknight with friends, in a European setting ambience with South Florida weather. I only wish the music was a decibel lower at times... JUST... ONE... DECIBEL PLEASE? Forgive me for wanting to hear and understand what others in my table are talking about, rather than smiling and laughing off whatever gibberish I heard. Call me old-fashioned. Despite great drinks, I would not come here for anything other than finger food, i.e. fries, chips, guacamole, hummus. I havent tried anything else, but I trust the reviews on yelp. Service can be slow too, so be patient or order your drink ahead of time. NOTE: Crack must have been added to the lychees so stay away; on every visit I lose control and find myself telling the server "One Lychee Martini, Two Lychee Martinis, Three Lychee Martinis... hmm, can i get a plate of lychee's as well please??"
(4)
Esther G.
News Lounge is an example of what I love about the Upper East Side. It's hip but not too cool, artsy but not fartsy. Great mixed drinks and welcoming, beautifully lit outdoor seating. I always bump into someone I know and it's a great place to round off art walk.
(4)
Joseluis A.
i just cant like this place ... it seems ... i was here last night with a group of friends. service took forever. the waiter forgot about my coffee. they are now serving burgers for about six million dollars each
(2)
Hector M.
very chill, great music, prices are fair, ambiance is my favorite, the people are beautiful. The only thing that is not great is the parking, i usually get there when it is loaded, so parking is a little hard, but they have a private parking lot, so that usually helps, although they are full at times too.
(5)
Aaron Z.
Like the outside seating. Like the parking situation. LOVE the ice in the urinals (I know...I'm weird). Don't really love how pricey this place gets. $5-7 for beer? This ain't da Beach. Either way, I've gone 3-4 times and enjoyed each. For lack of a better option, I'll keep going. BTDub...never had the food, but hear it's good.
(3)
Felecia W.
Went here last night with my Valentine Ashely. This place is awesome. Maybe a new favorite bar. The decor is really cool the bartenders know what they are doing ( and one in particular was unbelievably easy to look at all night), and the crowd is pretty fun to watch. I felt a little out of place because I left my fedora at home, but I don't think anyone judged me. The music was loud, but in a good way, and it was all so put together so nice. The outdoor area is also very cool with the fountains and Koi. That was a nice surprise as well. Im looking forward to hitting this place up again, but only after the memories of our drunken behavior are forgotten. :)
(5)
luis s.
ATTENTION THIS REVIEW MIGHT BE VULGAR!!! Ok, here we go. News lounge is a great littles spot. Its like a courtyard with a bar, pool tables, and colt classics flicks on a projector. It is one of a kind. It is pretty cool that this little plaza used to be a train station, giving it some historic nostalgia in a sense. The food is pretty good, and the specials are great. Now to the vulgarity. I give this place one star only because I'm a little grossed out and it actually has nothing to do with News lounge itself but it did leave a disgusting imprint in my mind. So I was here on a Friday I believe hanging out having a few beers. Indescribably my stomach really started to hurt so much though I really had to use restroom (mind you if you have scene American Pie I am like Finch I do not work well with public bathrooms its just nasty). My stomach thought otherwise so well I had to go. While sitting on my rented thrown Some guy walks in to the bathroom and taps his foot under my door! Im yelling WTF dude I'm taking a Sh** this douche had the testicular fortitude to peep his head not once over stall walls but twice. I have heard about this foot tapping (gay under ground scheme in restrooms before but damn). Nothing against gay people or anything I was actually there with two of my really good gay friends. There is a fine line with that you tap your foot and I say WTF means leave me alone. Needless to say once I was out of bathroom I literally walked to every person looking at their shoes to identify this guy. Lucky for him He was gone because if I had identified those shoes I might be in a cell somewhere writing this review. Needless today I will not be coming here again for a while, havent been able to sleep right since!
(1)
Maria T.
This place hit the nail on the nose in terms of maintaining a lounge-y, 'lax vibe. I went here last night for a drink with my family and absolutely adored the ambiance. DJ spinning house music? Check. Flattering lighting? Check. Fun people watching? Check. Adult-sized swings? Check. You've got to love that. Especially the swing part.
(4)
Ozzie H.
Ok quick review! I seriously enjoy this place. The atmosphere is very cool. Music rocks! Not crowded. No annoying crowds like the beach or ridiculous cover charges. Full of cool locals. Good food. Service could be better but one doesn't really come here to eat and run. Since I live in the neighborhood this has become one of my favorite spots to come and just enjoy the evenings. It's not exactly the cheapest but I guess it could be worse. Good parking. Enough said!
(4)
Andrew J.
Finally made it to News Lounge for the first time last night. It's a unique indoor/outdoor spot with quirky furnishings (mismatched, worn sofas and chairs) and decoration (sculptures, fish pond and disco ball). Dimly lit and very chill, it was perfect for a first date. Happy hour goes until 9pm. Had a few caipirinhas and some tapas. Service was OK. The 55th Street Station complex has several dining options and makes for a nice evening destination. Parking used to be free, now it's $3 for self park, $4 for valet.
(3)
Susan L.
this is a favorite of mine. Happy hour (food and drinks both) til 9 pm, 7 days a week? yes please! The massive outdoor seating area cant be beat. Lots of room, high tops, regular tables, big bar, and fun couches and swings and stuff too. The food isnt amazing but its good for what it is. I recommend hummus and the new veggie sliders.. havent eaten much else. I am vegetarian so I cant speak for many dishes. The service staff is always friendly, but on some visits has been very slowwwwwwwww. Sometimes they do live music inside or out. It gets really busy on weekend nights... i prefer the random weeknight happy hour because its just a nice chill place to hang out. Also, if you are looking for a place to get a drink and some food kind of late - its a win for sure. prices are very reasonable, too.
(4)
Charlie B.
Awful treatment last night by a rude homophobic, neanderthal door man. With the way the economy is you'd think people would have a better handle on customer service....
(1)
Sabrina M.
I went again for a friend's birthday. We sat inside because it had been raining and the outside area was wet...a bummer because it's such a great ambiance out there. The inside, however, fit the bill. Since it was a Monday there weren't that many other people outside which gave it the private party feel. It's great for lounging! I was hungry so I had the quesadillas. Their menu consists mostly of appetizers. Most people are really into the sliders and fries. I didn't order them because I didn't have anyone to share the fries with and I can't eat a burger without fries. I also had a glass of merlot... didn't drink alcohol because the drive home is long and I had to be up and functional early this morning! My fav thing about this place is it's ambiance.
(4)
Christine A.
Went to a surprise bday party and was pleasantly surprised at the good time that i had. Our server was efficient and had a great sense of humor. The drinks were good, the food was good, comfy seating. Good is good and nice to find in Miami.
(4)
Franky A.
Good for drinking and hanging out but the food menu is tiny and the service there is slow.
(3)
Ramon C.
Went for lunch yesterday. Love the ambiance. It's very cozy and comfy. I would love to see what it is like when its a bit busier. Regardless the 'Turkey , Brie and Mango Chutney' sandwich was really goood. Nice size (almost felt like I ate a full loaf of bread) and the mango chutney was a nice touch. The place has free WIFI for you folks looking to get some work done or just check to see if that application on your iPhone has a new version out in the app store. I will return to explore their other sandwiches and try the Tiramisu which looked quite inviting.
(4)
Gina I.
My friend and I got a good bottle of merlot...sat outside and chatted under the stars for a few hours....super laid back...great server.....was only there once, but enjoyed myself....ill be back.....
(5)
frida k.
SOMETHING CHIC HAPPENING ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE.When I first walked in,Monday night,it was around 10 p.m.A good friend was introducing us to this place that we knew only by passing.I was under shocked.I've been living here in Miami for nearly 3 years now and never made the way to Soyka neither the other bars near by.I felt guilty and shame because I was a complainer when it comes to good bars and restaurants.Almost like a perfectionist.We end up walking into The News Lounge and I knew,this will be my new spot for meeting up with friends for a good wine and a tasty hummus plate.I couldn't complain about the bill either but maybe this will change soon.I got to say this,the bar tender a "she" is super friendly just like the server and the interior is inviting..there is nothing worse than a bad ambiente..but you'll come and judge yourself!
(5)
adriane G.
I went there once and had a horrible experience. The outside patio was nice just to sit and hang out. The service, however, was awful! I ordered one wine and it literally took over 30 minutes to get it. (not exaggerating) They really should hire more servers. They guy had to take my credit card and ID even though I was not running a tab (and keep it all night). To get my cards back it was another 10 minutes of playing Where's Waldo as the poor waiter had a fat stack of like 400 ID's he had to go through. Now, the wine ( which cost $12!!!) tasted like gasoline. If there going to serve wine for $12 they should at least use wine that's a little decent. The only good thing about that experience was that the waiter was really nice and I recognized him from Pasha's on Lincoln. He tried really hard so I gave him a $6 tip (half of that expensive disgusting wine). After my one wine I was done. I probably would have had a better experience sucking the fumes from my gas tank. (hey at least it would have been cheaper).......... in conclusion good: pashas waiter outside atmosphere bad: gasoline wine prices service wait time
(1)
Tina K.
Came here for happy hour - loved their patio. It's huge with seating from swinging benches, to rocking chairs, to huge lounge ottomans. Great place to hang out with friends when the weather's nice. I haven't tried their food so can't give it 4 stars but 3 stars for the wonderful service and happy hour drinks~ 4$ wells, 3$ beer.
(3)
Liz T.
the news finally opened this week... woo hoo! i'm not the biggest fan of soyka... mark soyka's other restaurant venture in the area (kinda right next door), but i'm excited for 'the news'. i went to pick-up sushi from sushi siam last night (right next door) and over course popped my head over as i have done every time i'm in the area and to my surprise... they were officially open. the place looks great. a bunch of tables outside in the little courtyard. the bar/lounge area was beautiful. very tastefully decorated. and the hosts/hostess were super polite when i walked in. def stopping here this weekend to eat. maybe for breakfast. mmmmm there's also no webpage or address listing i could find... so sorry for the vagueness on this listing. i'll update this weekend. UPDATE: tried to do dinner on friday and the power was out. :(
(4)
Christine R.
Although I am a frequent guest at News Lounge, I've never been prompted to write a review until now. This is definitely a great place to get together with friends for happy hour or spend the night enjoying the music provided by the DJ's on the weekend. Recently, there was a change in staff which is what inspired me to provide this review. My server, Yenthil was absolutely fantastic. She kept us informed on our drink and food orders and had a dynamic personality. So much so, that on that night, we made reservations for two parties to follow. These reservations were made with the manager, Rebeca. Her level of professionalism was truly commendable. She allowed us the opportunity to request Yenthil as our server for the parties and even made it a point to greet us on the day of each of the parties. If you haven't already been to News Lounge, you don't know what you're missing and if you have been, it's time to go back for more.
(5)
Mercy I.
It was my first time there and I Loved the atmosphere and decor.....BUT...One important thing, at the end of the night, the was a misunderstanding with the ticket of a friend. The waiter tried to explain but didn't get far. So the "Manager" was called to intervene. She's this very skinny tall girl with flowing brown hair...So anyways, my friend explained to her the discrepancy. And guess what, the Attitude of that manager was how can I say it?....Very be-littering. The way she addressed herself was completely not "customer is always right" . She turned around, because it was decided there was no mistake, and basically gave us the "Back" Not an "my apologies for the inconvenience" none of that.......So I must give her this review, she deserves it. Her customer service skills are on the floor. Horrible. I would appreciate if the owners would reprimand that so called "Manager". I most say, the Mojitos were quite delicious. BuT that "Manager" wow, I was impressed but quiet negatively by her....
(2)
Eileen G.
Cool hang out spot, can easily become your local go-to place for a drink after work. The outdoor area is great and they usually have live shows including the amazing duo The State Of!
(4)
Eileen A.
Even though I got sick after eating their ceviche last time I went, this place is cute and different. I haven't been back since so I don't know if they still have happy hour specials, but they used to have great deals. They never really change their style of music, so after a couple of hours of hanging out there, it gets quite monotonous. Overall, it's somewhere to try out at least once.
(3)
Danny M.
I was introduced to this place by my gf on a random friday night. And now, I am so thankful that she did. The place is an excellent outdoor bar venue, that one could relax in their many different styles of chairs ( incl. a rocking chair for 2) with their fav. adult beverage. The crowd was enjoying themselves, and the area is really cool. Overall, had an excellent time
(4)
Steph V.
Great place to have drinks and a bite. The service is a bit slow and a hassle when you're with a big party. But overall, a really great place to kick back, have drinks and talk with your friends. 2 for 1 drinks on Mondays!
(3)
Holly S.
I've been here twice now, and it seems that my opinion is greatly influenced by the people I'm surrounded by. The first time I didn't know that many people there and I felt a little uncomfortable, so my feeling was a bit on the indifferent side. Last night however, I discovered how stupid I am and that that makes me one of the cool kids. I had a blast at the trivia thing and met some really cool people. MY food was fantastic and OTHER people's food was fantastic as well. Someone at the table ordered the chocolate fondue and let me say, people attacked it like lions attack a weak isolated gazelle. One of my favorite memories of the evening was when three people combined efforts to rescue a chunk of pound cake from a dark chocolaty grave. I am sad to say they were unsuccessful and the victim was slowly disintegrated by delicious molten chocolate. The waiter was very nice although a bit on the scattered and relatively unavailable side. I love the decor of the place. I love the mismatched furniture. The seating was very comfortable ( I got to sit in a plush upholstered chair with snuggley cushions). I have yet to partake of the outdoor amenities, I suppose I will discover this place in increments. As of now, I would definitely recommend it.
(4)
Justin F.
love this spot for drinks !
(3)
Andrew P.
great spot off the beach for a drink.
(3)
Diego M.
Anything Mark Soyka does, I am a fan of. Respect. The News is great. I've spent a good amount of time and money there already. Highlights: - Great Ambience, inside and out. - Interior design, attention to detail, original. - The bathrooms are great, check out the ceilings. - Great Beer Selection - Friendly Bartenders - Excellent outdoor - Great to go for a drink, or with a group of friends and hang outside. - Free Wi-Fi, I've set up a few lunch meetings here in the past and it was great for that sort of thing. - The mirror room Not so good: - The new summer hours they implemented killed the potential lunch crowd that live in the neighborhood, ie. me. My picks: - Turkey, Brie & Mango on the Baguette, it's off the chain. - The Tiramisu = ACE. - A glass or two of Duvel beer. Introduced to me by famed Miami Yelper Ramon C. (Who also got me into Yelping)
(4)
Debbi P.
Went here for a party and although we planned on moving on to a club, we didn't get further than The News. Only problem is that there weren't tables big enough for all of us to sit outside together, but who cares once you've had some of their great drinks and been on their swing chairs?! Great atmosphere and just a COOL place. TIP: waiters were a little busy so we just went to the bar - it was much quicker.
(4)
Ginna G.
Had never heard of this place considering it's a bit far from my area but I visited for the first time on Saturday and I'm so glad I went. I'm 21 so the crowd was a bit older, though pleasant. The drinks were incredibly inexpensive. I ordered two vodka tonics and a Black on the rocks for only $30. There's a large dancing area and the dj was on point, mixing all genres pretty well. I'll be returning sooner than later.
(4)
Rob F.
The News Lounge is one of those places where the atmosphere and decor can make it more memorable than the food. Their menu is quite uninspiring and some what lazy. When the most recommended dish is a Turkey, Brie, with Mango chutney sandwich you know the menu is limited. What saves this place is the atmosphere they have created. They have sitting inside as well as outside. There is music playing and decorative lights all around. They have sitting arrangements for every occasion: small tables, sofas, as well as bars stools outside. Just about every night there is a theme. On Mondays they have discounts for those who work in the food industry. Around 9 p.m. on the first Sunday or second Sunday of every month they play a silent movie with a live DJ and musician playing an original soundtrack to the movie. This is a great place to start of a night or meet a blind date. It's affordable and trendy enough to inspire you to come back, but not because of the menu. There is also a pool table all the way to the back left of the patio. Summary: Great atmosphere and ambiance. Menu is limited and though "creative" it is uninspiring. Prices depend on what you get, but it's nothing to brag about. Nights can bring some interesting characters to the News Lounge.
(3)
Carlos P.
This is the perfect place to come with a group of friends and grab drinks. The happy hour special is pretty unbeatable with beers starting at $3 a pop and well drinks going for $4. The interior of the place is bigger than it lets on. With vintage artwork and mannequins placed in peculiar settings, the inside gives off such a laid back yet elegant vibe at the same time. There are countless couches and seats everywhere to sit back and relax. And I'm talking about nice couches with designer pillows, not some wicker back-breaker. The outside patio is pretty big itself with different lounging spots with their own sofas and chairs and some swinging hammocks as well. There's a pool table also in the back which provides entertainment when you want to engage in some drunk competition with friends. All in all, a grade A place for get togethers with friends. And if you are feeling peckish, they have a nice selection of appetizers and burgers to choose from.
(5)
Ashley S.
I had heard amazing things about this place, particularly about the music from a fellow music phile so I knew I needed to check it out. Made my first gander this past Monday on a first date; not a great date but a total score on a new favorite hot spot. The music was as great as my friend said and very laid back, but pretty quiet understandably for a Monday night. Immediately told all of my friends that we had to return. After a strange twist of events Felecia and I found our way to The News (after some amazing pizza at Andiamo across the street). The music is great--very eclectic and totally hip. Great crowd--so great I forgot I was in Miami for a hot minute. Parking was a little tricky, but I'm kind of a parking savant and found a clutch spot down the street (and my car was still there at the end of the night). The prices were right, bar staff was fun, and mood everything I was looking for. Will definitely be back!!!
(5)
Christine P.
Second time hanging out here, and I loved it. There was a music festival going on.... some Brazilian Hip Hop group was playing, which was totally random, but it made it very festive. Very cool place to hang out, went after dinner, cheap and easy to park (ALWAYS a plus!), and fun, funky decor. Just walked around at first taking it all in, until we stalked one of the loveseat swings, and took it over for the evening. Enjoy the outdoor lights and palm trees, such a beautiful night that it felt like we were hanging out under a "fake sky". Drinks seemed a bit pricy ($19 for a mojito and malibu/pineapple). But love the vibe, and the neighborhood, so will definitely be returning with friends. It was a fun Thursday night, although I don't know what it's like there normally without the festival going on. Wonder what nights are good to hang out there...
I am borderline obsessed with this place, which has quickly become my favorite neighborhood hangout. I ended up here by happenstance one Friday night and was charmed by the festive lighting in the courtyard and wide variety of seating options inside and out. Before I discovered The News, I was worried that my front porch in New Orleans would be the last place I'd ever enjoy my cocktails on a swing. I've never been happier to be proven wrong! The ambiance here is top notch, parking is free in the adjacent lot (if you show up at the right time) and the clientele is an interesting blend of aging hipsters, chi-chi young professionals and quirky artsy types. The service is great too - my friends and I wanted grub one night when the kitchen had already closed, and our waiter managed to scare up some croissants topped with chocolate and honey that made our taste buds sing. If you enjoy wheat beer (Blue Moon, Hoegaarden, etc.), order a Tucher on tap - the glasses are huge and won't make a huge dent in your wallet.
(5)
Martin O.
This is a bar and lounge only with a very limited food menu. They have a few sandwiches, salads and desserts only. It is very nice inside and there are a number of tables and couches. It is dimly lit so it feels more like a club. It's a place you might go for drinks after work or for a group lunch meeting. The bar is located where the Gelatto store use to be and their space goes back all the way to the gym. For parking the best place is the free north parking lot. You can also park on the street. The parking meters are operational until 6pm only.
(2)
Ali Z.
Love the atmosphere here. Kudos to the designers. The outdoor porch-type swings are an especially nice touch. It's a great place to go and hang out for a while, although as the night goes on, it gets a little loud. (But then what hip Miami spot doesn't?) The menu is pretty limited and definitely overpriced. Decent snacking if you're not too hungry and have some cash to burn. $10 for a glass of wine felt like a bit much. Still, I will go back because the space is so great. I just might stick to coffee or a smoothie next time. I'm hoping it has more of a cafe vibe during the day, which would be nice, since Miami's really hurting in the cafe/coffee house department. If anyone has any recommendations, other than the Out of the Blue Cafe, please post.
(4)
David D.
Great food , great crowd. Definetly a place to be on Saturdays
(4)
Bonnie V.
If you enjoy doing COKE this is the place for you thats all I have to say!
(2)
jen r.
recently went to news after hearing good reviews since last summer and i was definitely impressed. it has a great vibe, the eclectic indoor/outdoor seating is really creative and comfortable. you actually feel like you are not in miami, which is nice every now and then. its a little too dark outside, they could use some more lanterns or candles, but its not a big deal. the food menu is veryvery basic. there are literally about a dozen options, but everything i tried was decent. and the prices are affordable. i definitely plan on going back and making this a more regular chill hang out spot.
(3)
miamishopaholic m.
This is a great spot to start of the night with some drinks with friends or come here on a date. There's something sexy about this place. The lighting, the outside bar, the pool table and the ambiance are all factors that make this place very inviting. I think there's something romantic about a spot like this were you can look up at the stars and the moon at any moment and breathe in fresh air.They have a great selection of beer like Delirium and our drinks were perfect. Our bartender was knowledgeable, polite and very friendly. Every time I think of meeting up with someone for a drink, News Lounge always comes to mind now.
(4)
Andrea W.
When i moved to this area I was pleased when the news lounge opened. Its the perfect place to go pick up your summer cocktails my choice for that is always their lychee martini. i had a bad experience one time coming here but since it was resolved there is no need to rehash that experience. I let some time pass and now find myself constantly coming here for a starter bar or a end of the night bar. The inside and outside are equally charming. Outdoor pool is great despite the fact that I have a pool table at home I still gravitate to come here to shoot pool. its great for groups and very accomodating.
(4)
Lanie R.
We stumbled in here Friday night and our stumbling led us to a jack pot. The News Lounge was a great way to end our evening. They have seating everywhere and special sections that can provide you with a more intimate and quiet setting. They have an open patio with tables, chairs, and swings. The swings are a nice touch. The last time I sat on a swing at a Lounge/restaurant was at Touch. And that was a long time ago. The evening was perfect for swinging. The crowd was mellow and everyone kept to them selves enjoying the soothing music and cool night. Getting a drink at the bar was not a mission. That is always a plus. This is going to become a favorite spot for me.
(4)
Christina C.
Love this place! Went here a few weeks back with some friends just to try it out... I had already heard great things :) We had a few drinks (martini's and such), ate some appetizers, and only spent like $50. Parking is free in a nice, well-lit lot, and there's other places around to choose from. Love the ambience! Love this area... will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)
Jessica C.
Recently stopped by for some drinks with a friend and had a great time. I absolutely love the decor, especially the art work inside by the bar. Great cozy little place to chill and hang out. While we were there, we decided to play some pool that was about $5 an hour which, now a days is unheard of. Drinks were reasonably priced but the overall flow and ambiance is what does it for me. Sadly as many times as i've gone i've never tried their food...definitely a must do next time!
(4)
Jillian M.
Went to this place on Saturday night, they were having an 80's flashback theme.....which we didn't know about till we got there! Overall the crowd was good....No one obnoxious....Music was awesome both inside and out.......the drinks are a little pricy but the bartenders are nice. A good place to have a drink and chill.......
(4)
Patrick W.
I'm giving this little joint a 3-star review because I loved the space but think they can do better on the bar service. I'm basing this on my first and only visit thus far. But hey, first impressions are important! I recently went there to attend a political event and lucky for the place it was not a large crowd. My biggest (and only) complaint is that the bar service took a horribly long time. I've gotten faster service at bars that were slammed. There was only one bartender when there should have clearly been two knowing they were hosting an event that evening. The cause of my wait seemed to be a rather complicated order placed by some people camping out at the bar as well as the same people insisting on chatting up the barman. They struck me as the sort that thought they were long-time regulars and thus deserved to "hold court" ...in spite of the fact that the place is still too damn new to have regulars. Jeesh! But honestly, I'm less bitter over the imperfect service than I am at the fact that these douchebags were just being obnoxious...knew they were monopolizing the barman's time and inconveniencing the rest of us. But oh well...that's what one does at a bar. ;-) I'll be giving the place another shot. I hope the service turns out to be fantastic because it's an awesome space. It has the potential to be a great local watering hole, and would be a great lounge version of Soyka (next door). With the area's large gay population, this place could easily turn into an accidental gay bar, which wouldn't be a great thing for the neighborhood. The News should get a clue, however, the next time they host an event and have an extra bartender on hand to handle the crowd...and the regulars holding court. Patrick needs his Guinness, dammit!
(3)
Kristin K.
Love this outdoor garden setting that offers fun apps perfect for sharing. Not too loud, but good music that you can still have a conversation over. The Chocolate Fondue with a bottle of Processo is a must.
(4)
Rachel S.
This was a great find. The outdoor area feels like a chill block party. Comfy outdoor seating and fun music. Love the swings. Simple, relaxed, unpretentious lounge. Go have a drink there.
(4)
Marce E.
Despite the abnormally tiny pool tables in the back and the fact that I yet to try anything on the menu, I LOVE this place! This is the perfect spot to relax with friends to take the edge off of a long, hard day at work. The lighting, seating and service are the best selling qualities about this venue! Great place!
(4)
Janine R.
The News Lounge at 55 Station is definitely one of those spots where its all about the outdoor lounge. From the lounge swings to the fountains with koi fish, it seems as if the ambiance at News Lounge trancends you into a cool, and chill vibe. They have a great happy hour that lasts until about 9 and the food is pretty good as well. I had the quesadillas when I went, and they were really tasty. The best part about this place is that its pretty much away from all the downtown and brickell crazyness, but also pretty close enough to drive back if you change your mind.
(4)
Ian G.
This place is ok - Free pool if you can get a table, their "baked" fries are pretty good, but be careful with their weird ass beers on tap! I made the mistake of ordering Piraat on two different visits - What the hell? Piraat(e) beer should be good, right?! One night I came here they had some huge projection screen with Nintendo being played, don't know what that signifies though. All in all, this place is not too shabby - come with some friends and hang out outside on the patio or go inside and cool your balls with the iced-down urinals.
(3)
Daan K.
great vibe, great food, great staff = great night we met some really cool people, the owner / bartenders are very cool and not typical pretentious Miami snobs. the tuna tartar is amazing. definitely try Sasha's (the bartender's) Leblon Caipirinha's. Out door ambiance and live art on a Sunday night - definitely one of my favorite spots.
(5)
Karina G.
News Lounge is one of Miami's hidden gem. I feel like not a lot of people know about it, including me. I have never been to this place until my friend told me she was celebrating her birthday there. The ambiance of outside is phenomenal. I love everything about outside. Wish we could have been outside but it was about to rain and we already had a private section/room inside for the birthday girl. Inside is just as good. I love the soft lightening. It makes the whole place intimate. I ordered a sandwich for dinner and it was good. My favorite part had to be the ketchup that comes with the fries. Its a bit on the tangy side which took me by surprised and it tasted good. I recommend to go during happy hour. A lot of the food and drinks are discounted.
(4)
Marcello B.
Friday night at the News Lounge!!!! What can i say, it is our 11th year anniversary and Paolo Albertoni is spinning!!!!! Wow. If you want to listen to the right amount of soul and funk, with a dj who downs not only spins, but who can actually carry on a real conversation about music, this is your place. An amazing setting in an otherwise undescriptive area. An Oasis for you music lovers!!!! Come and make it your own. The management is friendly and they listen. It is a great spot outside the notable circle of known places.
(5)
Natalia G.
Love the decor, outdoor seating and ambient music - if you want a sexy hangout and are coming with a good group of friends, this is a reliable pick for nighttime. Order the chocolate fondue (comes with strawberries, bananas and pound cake) to compliment your cocktail. Perfection!
(4)
Rich K.
I was lucky enough to celebrate here with Jamie C.'s on her 30th birthday. The food (sliders) and drinks (lots of vodka) were great. The atmosphere was fun and lively. Only problem I had was getting hit on by the wrong sex, no one told me it was going to be alternative night. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have worn those tight jeans, but I they did get me some free drinks.
(3)
Jacob C.
I really like News Lounge...its a great laid back place to hang with some friends and drink the night away. I love the outdoor atmosphere with all the lounge-ish couches. The drink prices are pretty reasonable and service is pretty good. Last time I was there I drank the night away while sitting in one of the swings that they have outdoors. It makes for a great night.
(4)
Cristy M.
Honestly, I'd spring for 4 stars and, considering how often I end up here either for events or to meet up with friends who live and work in the area, I should consider myself an official "fan" of News but I'm deducting one star for the music--most of the time. Yeah, so a lot of people might enjoy the music and that's fine. I think that there's a big chance that living in Miami and opting to hang out in this area, you probably might actually like the music, you might actually ADD a star for it. But I won't. It wouldn't be honest of me. Regardless, this is a review of News, overall. I love coming to News Lounge. As a restaurant, it's tops. As a lounge, it's tops too. The food is great. I recommend several platters: the salmon mini-burgers/sliders, the ceviche ap (AMAZING), there are a couple of sandwiches that I've had there that are just great. Overall, the food is definitely 4 star quality. As is the ambiance. I love the look of News. It's a gorgeous location tucked away in the middle of 55th Street Station with optional indoor or outdoor seating. Moreover, there are both indoor and outdoor bars and sofas, hammocks, swings, etc. I often come to News, again, as a pit stop between locations or just to chat. I've also thrown down Scrabble games there on several occasions and, as a bonus, my friend hosts Miami's only Drinking & Drawing event at News (summer date is set for July 29th, Thursday, beginning at 9 p.m.). For all those things, News is most certainly a place you'd like to go if lounge is your thing. Also, if a really nice lunch, for instance, or dinner date has you stopping some place to grab a bite that's totally worth it.
(3)
Nicole H.
Excellent ambiance, relaxed, but not cheap. Great hangout for after work and after hours. Sometimes could ask for better service though.
(4)
Erik D.
Considering I was here for the opening I would say that I have a good grasp on what this News is all about. A sexy, Organic and hip spot that many continue to sleep on. I like the fact that its a unique and somewhat hidden lounge on the Mainland which I'm all about. I enjoyed its more rugged artsy begginings; live art, bangin' DJs, and silent movies with obscure music playing along side- bohemian in a word basically. Nowadays its under new management and the vibe at times seems a bit square, lacking the facets it once had ,(hence the 4 stars) but if you want that TRUE Lounge vibe, its your spot. There is still eye candy everywhere and decent music on a regular so I'm happy and you will be if you live or are visiting Miami proper/Design District/Little Haiti/Buena Vista/MIMO areas.
(4)
Jamie C.
I love this place, I celebrated my 30th birthday there, and everyone had a great time. They have really great food, and music, just a fun down-to-earth vibe. The outdoor area is beautiful and cozy if it's not such a hot night. Indoors is also cool, very chic and artsy. Sunday nights theres usually live music, great time to go and just have a glass of wine to get ready for your week.
(5)
Ralph W.
I left this place last night wanting to come back again. Both indoor and outdoor settings are welcoming. The staff is very attentive and friendly. The decorations inside set you back in time, images of locomotives are all over the walls. The seating is comfortable, you feel at ease. Didn't have the chance to try their food, I was told their menu is getting revamped. This is a nice lounge to come after a long day of working and enjoy a few drinks to release the stress. I definitely recommend The News Lounge Bar & Cafe.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Ages Allowed : All Ages Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : DJ Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Patty J.
This was such a pleasant surprise! Don't let it's hidden location fool you.. This place is awesome :) I went for happy hour & fell in love. They have a fabulous happy hour menu(daily 5-9pm)!! What's great about it? Umm.. everything! All the items were under $10 and both food and drinks were delicious. The lamb skewers & chicken skewers were to die for! Oh! And don't get me started on the sliders! But it wasn't just the menu that won me over, it was the entire package that made my evening. It was chic but not pretentious & I loved the fun/ laid back decor. This place is so worth trying!!
(4)Tomasz M.
The place has that great industrial/ exterior tropical venue feel. The bldg. businesses spill out into a shaded exterior courtyard. The problem? If you're w/ a private party you're not allowed to go to the bar and order your drinks. You need to order from a designated waitress that will include the total in one bill at the end of the night. Ok... that seems to make sense..... Where's the waitress? Poor girl was swamped, had to take care way too many requests and was working two other groups. Please change that. Try the Happy Hour 5-9pm.
(2)Janelle F.
For me, the News Lounge could potentially be great, but it always ends up just being "okay". The space is large, the decor is fun and different and the crowd is usually hit or miss. I like that they have a pool table in the back that is fairly inexpensive to use. Their shaded courtyard is a nice place to chill and have drinks with your friends and grab a couple appetizers. The food I've tried has been very good but their drinks are just okay. I'm normally a lightweight and I don't know what it is about the drinks here but I can have four or five and not even feel buzzed. I wish their pours would be a little more generous on the alcohol. One time I came here with a large (20+) group and we sat outside and someone got their phone stolen. Since then, I've been pretty cautious of leaving my valuables unattended. Will I return to News Lounge? Most likely. Mostly because its in a convenient location and it is no-frills compared to other similar establishments in Miami. 3 stars, nothing more, nothing less.
(3)Nancy O.
Extra, Extra! Read all about it! Happy Hour at News is THE BEST! Sitting on the patio during happy hour is uber relaxing. Perfect lounge music, fans whirring, $5 martinis and decent bites like fried, bacon wrapped dates and fresh papaya, grilled octopus salad. The entire feel is "hipster-homey" (homey as in feel at home not yo-yo rapper homey) --- quirky, fun, affordable --- can't ask for much more than that when happy hour's concerned!
(3)Marcos R.
This is a great annex to Soyka, since Soyka these days is only so-so in my book. The lounge makes for a great addition to the corner. You've got Andiamo right across the street, the sushi spot next door, and with the lounge; you can come to chill for a drink or two, maybe have a small appetizer. The outdoor seating is real cozy and comfortable and the decor does deserve some merit. I think they overdid it a little with the amount of decor. A little too much clutter on the walls, but some of the furniture items stand out. They've got some great couches, old train station art deco benches, and an antique booth inside. On Fridays and Saturdays they spin some pretty good tunes, so if you feel like hearing some beats without having to stand in line somewhere; well you can always come here and rock it a little!
(4)Xixi D.
I had come here once and liked very much the vibe, the menu & above all the cocktails list!! Second time around it was even better than what I had remember. It's not super crowded so its a very relax intimate venue with a great energy to it. The crowd is not your typical SoBe people but more relax and just go with the flow vibe. I tried the Ginger Martini that is to dye for and the beef carpaccio that was absolutely yummy! GREAT SERVICE at the bar the bartender was very good and friendly and also give us a discount for being in the biz ( I'a also a mixologist) All and all one of those places to check out in midtown!
(4)Billy B.
Happy Hour from 5-9 with tapas and drinks! Just can't beat that. Loved my Lycheetini! The place looks so chic.. great service, and the music is just enough to do a little shimmy while you sip your martinis and still able to make conversation with your friends or your date!. Maybe a perfect spot if you want to meet and catch up with friends and or meeting someone for the first time! You have a choice to sit outside or inside depending on your mood, wherever you choose, it surely would make you have fun!
(4)Emily V.
Ok. I lied. I went back. But ONLY because it was the after party for Yelp's Anniversary. I seriously didn't think I would ever be back here. We actually went to the bar this time so our service was good. My only complaint that night was the bathroom. Two stalls and one didn't have TP. What the eff?
(3)Ale R.
Drinks were amazing!!!! Food was good! Happy Hour prices are wonderful and cheap until 9 PM and then the DJ was really good! All in All a wonderful Saturday night!!
(5)Hannah S.
The perfect place to ring in my 22nd year. ;) The gang gathered here for their stellar happy hour - cheap drinks & food, seven days a week. I sipped prosecco and lounged on comfy couches in all my birthday bling with my birthday twin. With swings, lanterns & tropical foliage surrounding us in a picturesque courtyard, the outdoor lounge couldn't be more Miami. We tried the tuna avocado, which I'd totally recommend. Half an avocado filled with raw tuna. A little challenging to eat, but delicious nonetheless. Our server was super accommodating, even as the night wore on and we became every more annoying by taking up couches with purses, moving around the restaurant and basically being a dispersed and challenging party. We did get a couple snipey comments from a female bartender inside, but overall the service was terrific. Post happy-hour, the drink prices get a little rich for my blood, so I probably wouldn't stick around again later in the evening, but HH was outstanding.
(4)Andrej M.
Great spot to go to be around people. The service was horrible. I asked for a menu and half an hour later did not get it. I ended up going to the bar to grab a beer and sit with a friend. Good way to meet some locals, but not a good place to grab any food. Very slow response by the serving staff and definitely go there after dinner.
(2)Daisy S.
I like it! I went for a late night birthday celebration on a Saturday night! I really wish i had stayed a bit longer, i was only there for about an hour.. it was a fight night (mayweather vs ortiz) and i had to get it going... I had two cocktails. Here's what stuck out from my short experience at The News Lounge, music and the outdoor seating. It reminded me of club bed in south beach but outdoors with a downtown vibe. They have really cool art on the inside. Cool place. Definitely will be back.
(4)Patty W.
Cute outside setting with the swings and circular tables to sit at whether it's for a couple or a group of people getting together. The vibe was cool. People just chilling out and having a good time on a Saturday night. They had a wedding going on, which I thought it was kind of odd around people that didn't even know who the bride and groom was. It didn't bother me though since I enjoyed the pink lemonade. It consisted of vodka and lemons. Of course, I couldn't taste the liquor in it, so that's a plus. It was over priced for the size glass it came in, but we missed the happy hour. There was a good amount of people there, but it wasn't crowded. The inside was dimmed with some colorful artwork. It had a few tables in there, but there was hardly anybody in there. The weather was beautiful, so I guess that had something to do with it ;) We were pooped, so we didn't stay for long. The atmosphere was very welcoming and I'll try the food out if I make it back here again.
(3)RM K.
I like this place. Not crazy crowd like most miami place. Its nice to go with your date. You will see a lot of couples! There's pool tables and cozy couch everywhere. This place is for you if you like to go some place on friday night without crazy crowd.. And want to grab some drinks :-)
(4)Laurie H.
My boyfriend and I purchased the Living Social deal and everything was excellent from the endless mimosa to the eggs Benedict with salmon and spinach. Staff very attentive. Discovered a fun new spot as well as an area to explore.
(4)Mark A.
This place is real chill. You come here for a patio jam feel to hang out with friends. Two for one drinks after 9p. The service was friendly. The crowd didn't make it out on a Monday after the rain so it wasn't very busy when I visited. The location is unpretentiously hidden between restaurants on 55th St Station. Where is 55th St Station anyway? Fortunately for me, technology lit a guided path for me to find the place to meet up and have a good time. You should definitely give it a shot.
(4)Sebastian T.
This is a great place for happy hour. The only issue with the place is that the service can vary from great to mediocre. The Happy hour menu is excellent, the empanadas are great, the mango octopus salad is very refreshing. Awesome patio, bar and lounge are.
(4)David L.
Outstanding. Outdoor bar, couches, great food, great music, a good time. Be sure to see Anna the bartender with the tattoos (and tip her well).
(5)Paul M.
We've been to this spot several times and have nothing good to say. The layout is great, with both an indoor and large outdoor area to hang out in. We even celebrated a birthday here, gave the manager a call and he hooked us up with a prime couch seating area for our entire party of 10 even though the place was packed. Best part? No bottle service even required, just ordered drinks from the waitress. Great music on Friday nights, or just a mellow hang spot during the week. If you are looking to get a couple of drinks, definitely check out the News Lounge.
(4)Vanessa S.
Very cool spot... parking showed just how cool by being pretty packed. Instead of the 2$ self park I had to go with Soykas' 3$ valet, not a big deal but worth mentioning. Our waiter was nice, but I guess as the night got busier for him we saw him less. Boy could that guy split a check though, and he was acknowledging of the times we waited and in my book that counts for something. The drinks are decently priced which is always a plus and the food was pretty good. My quesadilla had all the components going on, the fries were ok but skinny really isn't my style. Dessert... now that's note worthy! Chocolate fondue brought out with pound cake, strawberries and bananas! mmmmmm I love the decor here too, old movie posters, cement, steel and movies on the walls, very nice. Good times had by all!
(3)Paula E.
okay so this place has got me sold. Yeah the expensive drinks suck and so does the $2 parking that should be FREE...grrr.....BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE their lounging terrace. There's nothing comparable in Miami. The swings and couches and lighting are all absolutely great to chill and hang out on a mellow Tuesday night with friends or a date or whatever. Also, I just found out that they have a pretty good happy hour, specially on Thursdays. The music is sick, and so are the soviet propagandaesque posters and art hanging from the walls inside. I love it, I just do, I can't help it....News Lounge has officially conquered my heart and trust me when I say it takes a lot to pull that feat.
(4)Kendra W.
This is the best place to go and have a few drinks and have a great time with your friends. The hummus, the lamb skewers, the burgers, everything taste great at news lounge. I have practically eaten almost everything there, the house whine is great tea is great. It is just a great vibe and feeling at the news lounge you can have a great time with anybody. Even a bad date lol
(5)Suzy V.
Nice place very intimate They have a calander of events; there are live shows and artists always there.
(3)Frank E.
Looking for a place to hang out with some friends? This place has 4 areas... indoor bar, indoor lounge, outdoor bar, outdoor lounge... so whatever your mood they have you covered... Good appetizers, generally friendly wait staff (although they can sometimes be few and far between) and a good bar staff make News Lounge a great hang-out spot they also host a "drinking and drawing" every now and then which is a lot of fun...
(4)B Lauren S.
I still come here often and I still hold a place in my heart for you, but ...the other night I'm here with friends and we ordered a Piraat, draft, and our server said "ok that's going to be a different beer, I'll bring it right out".. wait a minute.. what? "Yeah we're out of Piraat so it's something else now, but I don't know what it is." Just then, the busser is walking by, and hauks some monster snot from his nose, out his mouth into the bushes beside our table. Seriously? Did he just do that? We didn't order food after that, and left for sushi next door instead.. so gross. I was here a few weeks before this however, and had an amazing time, I love the sweet chili sauce with your wings, and the fries are super delicious.. just keep an eye on your staff.. :(
(4)Janet D.
It was love at first sight when I saw the swings! I grabbed a few drinks and appetizer's here with a friend a while ago and keep meaning to go back. Its all about the ambiance here. I love how its tucked away with a large terrace and different kinds of seating. We were there on a Wednesday night and it was relatively quiet, but the music was good. Our waiter was attentive and my drinks (vodka tonic) were very nicely priced at $4. I ordered the ceviche appetizer which was huge and pretty tasty. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Mags M.
Came here on a date about a year ago. I really loved it. It was not loud and the setting is intimate. I have not been back since, its not because I didn't like it. Its because I honestly forgot it was there. I pass by the area all the time, it is really hard to see it in passing because it is tucked away. I do plan to go back soon maybe for happy hour.
(4)Ximena C.
Nothing inspires me to return to a venue like a swing and a good drink. The area isn't the best in the world, but it's growing and there are small shops around to look at. The New Cafe is a pretty big lounge with something for everyone. They have an inside area for quieter parties, stools outside, swings for the romantic and/or childish (like myself) and a pool table for those who need additional entertainment. Their drinks aren't the cheapest, but they're not too bad. I even heard they had a good happy hour. I haven't been to it myself though. I also hear they have trivia nights... I would like to attend, so if anyone knows when the next one is, let me know.
(5)judy n.
This funky little place, is a great spot for Trivia Night! $2 parking Awesome Film Noir type decor, felt like a french cafe for a few minutes, while outside seems like a tropical getaway with the swings Foodwise, it was decent, and kind of pricey. - sliders, there's 2 that come in with the 10 dollar order. We had the Cheeseburger, and its just your average burger. - The fries - were shoe string skinny fries. good - Union Station sandwich- tasty! It had pesto and brie and grilled chicken, i wish i ordered this one! - Hummus and pita- lotsa hummus for the 2 pieces of Pita bread you get, so we ordered a second plate of just pita bread... - Chocolate Fondue- the chocolate and bananas were yummy. but the pound cake it came with was UBER DENSE, and the strawberries were quite old and wrinkly already. But with good company, a great atmosphere, it kind of made up for the pricey mediocre food. I'll come back for the next trivia night :) Family Feud style.
(4)AshleyMarie O.
I like it. The setting is pretty laid back, the bartenders are nice and friendly, I think they have a late night happy hour... not positive... but when I went again this weekend it was QUITE chilly so they had the heaters out and that made for a nice evening :0) We also had my friends doggy in tow and that made for mucho conversation with a bunch of randoms which is always fun! I also munched down on a breaded chicken sandwich that came with a side of fries which was good (but I was pretty toasted at that point... haha it was after art walk..) so I'm not sure how "good" it would actually be.... The fries are those little stick fries which are always kinda disappointing... They have a DJ inside not sure what kind of schedule that is on but he was there Saturday night. The service can be a little slow but we were kinda freezing after a certain point so that probably was just us being ready to hit the trail for somewhere warmer. The prices could be better but overall I bet I will end up here again and again, its a cool spot to catch some drinks.
(3)Michael B.
The service sucks !!! The server disappeared for twenty minutes at a time on several occasions. They also charged me what they felt was opprpriate instead of what I signed for on the receipt.....bWARNING STAY AWAY THE SERVER NAMED BEATA ....... She is a con..
(2)Christie A.
I've been here two or three times, each time just for drinks, and the most recent time being about 3 weekends ago. I love the outdoor seating area. It is so cute with all of the couches, swings, and fun/funky chairs and tables. The little hanging lanterns are also a nice touch. There's always a nice crowd and there is always good music playing too. The drinks are good and strong and not overly priced. The last time we were there, Carlos was our bartender and he was great...never let our glass empty out without checking to see if we wanted another. Whenever I drive up to this area, I do feel like if I am on vacation and far away from home even though I am only about a 15-20 minute drive away. I am looking forward o going on this "vacation" sometime soon again!
(4)Miriam L.
We were just there this past Saturday and had a blast. I was looking for a casual lounge where we can dance & drink and we don't have to worry about the young-bucks to be around and starting up conflicts. The music was good but not great. The DJ was sort of stuck on a certain era and played the same song about 3 times in 1 hour I think. Also, they need to play a little reggae as well latin music such as bachata & merengue. Overall it was great!!! Another little tiny bit concern is the parking. But will definitely go again ...on my birthday.
(4)Alejandra M.
Great atmosphere, cheap yummy food & wine bottles are very reasonably priced. What more can you ask for?
(4)Elyse W.
This place is very much enchanted forest (not Santa's, I'm talking more like Hans Christian Andersen) meets French nouveau -- you've got this beautiful swirling outside patio filled with little trinkets in the trees and a funky hodgepodge of seating and inside is, like, well, let's just say the entire place is plastered in posters like Chat Noir, Cycles Gladiator, and others of that ilk. Oh and with plush seating. Food's decent, draft beer selection's pretty sweet. Vibe's the best thing they've got going. And they have the occasional fun event. Best to come on an off night so you can truly appreciate the ambiance. Coming on a crowded night can be a tad of a bitch. Oh, and I'm not a fan of the $3 parking, especially in a neighborhood like the one it's in. Seems pretentious.
(3)JUstin M.
Love this place. I come here quite often and have always found good service, good company and good music. They have a limited but very good draft beer selection (Piraat is always a killer) and the food is quite good as well much. I definitely recommend the Victoria station sandwich, the Pate and Brie plate (though make sure to order more bread) as well as their french fries. Overall it's a very solid location for a casual night out with excellent ambiance. Tip....Drive just a bit further down the road past the 2 dollar parking for free parking on the left hand side (right next to the church)
(5)Ivonne Marie C.
Since it changed management/owners I hadn't returned for food, luckily I am happy to say that we went for dinner with a nice group on Saturday to celebrate a birthday. I had my usual cucumber martini - which was great as always. So far this is the only place I've liked the way they make the cucumber martini. My primis had the pisco sour w/o the peach stuff and it was good, and my other cousin had the strawberry basil drink (recommended by the waitress as good and sweet) - um, I don't think the waitress knew what she was talking about, b/c there was nothing good or sweet about the drink - stay away from that one! For food, I got to taste the tuna tartare - really good (don't eat the dip it comes with if you can't handle spicy - it's crazy!); I ordered the beef carpaccio w/avocado - really good, I liked it a lot. My primis and hubs both ordered chicken sandwiches, however they chicken on both was quite dry. The sandwich with the brie was good, just as long as you had brie in your bite, otherwise, dry. So in general the food was good, but the service was unfortunately very slow. I am sure Mr. Slowinski from comcast would have delivered everything way quicker in every sense of the word. Slow service, brings this place down a star.
(3)Mario B.
I'm a big fan of News Lounge's very charming outdoor area, though the interior is equally unique and welcoming. Outside there are plenty of seating that come in the form of comfortable couches, swinging swings, and oval ottomans. The sprinkled tree lights provide dim lighting that is just enough to see the person next to you and gypsy jazz playing help set the mood that you're in a Old Hollywood movie setting that goes with the venue's decoration. Drinks are moderately priced. Their happy hour consists of half select beers and half well drinks. Make sure you specify to your bartender you want the well drinks because if not you'll end up paying regular price. Food consists of some commonly found bar appetizers as well as sandwiches. If your hungry for something different you have right Sushi Siam and Soyka next door and Andiamo Brick Oven Pizza is across the street.
(4)Erin A.
Came here on a Friday night. Ordered the quesadilla which was very good. The friends I was with also enjoyed their food as well. But.....the reason for the one star is because the service was HORRIBLE! And the place had plenty of empty tables and was not packed. Trust me, I am not even a stickler for good service here in Miami because I have grown accustomed to mediocre pretty much everywhere. But the News Lounge was the pits. Impossible to find my waiter, impossible to get another drink and impossible to get the check. It was like your doing them a favor just being there. Like I said, food was good and the atmosphere was new and different. But the awful service didnt make up for either. Never again!
(1)Max J.
I went last night to The News Lounge. I love the atmosphere I sat outside and loved the decor. I wish the service and food were as good as the atmosphere. My whole party decided that the service, food and music were very bad. I tried one of the sandwiches (grilled chicken brie and basil pesto) and it was very poor. The sandwich was full of dry, flat, chicken, and too much bread. The french fries were fine, but nothing to write home about. Service was sloowww and I ended up going to the bar to get my drinks. The music was too loud, and really weird nothing that you would want to listen to for casual people watching. I'll give The News Lounge 2 stars because the service, food, and music didn't make me want to come back... The decor, and theme are really fun and will make me want to show it off - i'll just eat some place else.
(2)Miranda D.
I've been twice, both times on a Friday night. They have good happy hour specials and a nice outdoor atmosphere. The inside is very cute also and one night I was there they had a band perform later in the evening. Apparently, kids are allowed on the premises but only until 9:00pm.
(5)Adriana D.
I've been coming here fairly frequently as of late, mostly due to the really enjoyable patio area and most recently for the music. I haven't really gotten a chance to eat a full meal here, just picked at shared appetizers really, but what I have tried has been pretty good. The drinks are moderately priced, not cheap persay, but not outrageous. And during happy hour their specials are actually decent. The service has been pretty hit or miss - when it's good, it's good, when it's not...well, I've been known to have to chase a waitress down before. Another cool thing, which helps make the courtyard area even more enjoyable, is the fact that they have board games you can borrow (a la Transit Lounge), which have helped lead to some longer nights then necessary but also to some interesting fun (& games of course). The stand out this last visit, what prompted me to finally review it is the live band they had playing. This Tuesday they had two lovely and talented ladies, Steph and Nabedi Taylor, who call themselves 'The State Of'. They are really great and varied in their music selection and a lot of fun. They both have great voices and both play multiple instruments but it's mostly Steph on the keyboard singing and Nabedi on the drums singing back-up. They are definitely worth checking out if anytime they are here! (You can also check them out at Sweat Records playing with Afro Beta this coming Sat.)
(3)A.L. S.
Really cute and casual
(4)Renier C.
Great place for an idle weeknight with friends, in a European setting ambience with South Florida weather. I only wish the music was a decibel lower at times... JUST... ONE... DECIBEL PLEASE? Forgive me for wanting to hear and understand what others in my table are talking about, rather than smiling and laughing off whatever gibberish I heard. Call me old-fashioned. Despite great drinks, I would not come here for anything other than finger food, i.e. fries, chips, guacamole, hummus. I havent tried anything else, but I trust the reviews on yelp. Service can be slow too, so be patient or order your drink ahead of time. NOTE: Crack must have been added to the lychees so stay away; on every visit I lose control and find myself telling the server "One Lychee Martini, Two Lychee Martinis, Three Lychee Martinis... hmm, can i get a plate of lychee's as well please??"
(4)Esther G.
News Lounge is an example of what I love about the Upper East Side. It's hip but not too cool, artsy but not fartsy. Great mixed drinks and welcoming, beautifully lit outdoor seating. I always bump into someone I know and it's a great place to round off art walk.
(4)Joseluis A.
i just cant like this place ... it seems ... i was here last night with a group of friends. service took forever. the waiter forgot about my coffee. they are now serving burgers for about six million dollars each
(2)Hector M.
very chill, great music, prices are fair, ambiance is my favorite, the people are beautiful. The only thing that is not great is the parking, i usually get there when it is loaded, so parking is a little hard, but they have a private parking lot, so that usually helps, although they are full at times too.
(5)Aaron Z.
Like the outside seating. Like the parking situation. LOVE the ice in the urinals (I know...I'm weird). Don't really love how pricey this place gets. $5-7 for beer? This ain't da Beach. Either way, I've gone 3-4 times and enjoyed each. For lack of a better option, I'll keep going. BTDub...never had the food, but hear it's good.
(3)Felecia W.
Went here last night with my Valentine Ashely. This place is awesome. Maybe a new favorite bar. The decor is really cool the bartenders know what they are doing ( and one in particular was unbelievably easy to look at all night), and the crowd is pretty fun to watch. I felt a little out of place because I left my fedora at home, but I don't think anyone judged me. The music was loud, but in a good way, and it was all so put together so nice. The outdoor area is also very cool with the fountains and Koi. That was a nice surprise as well. Im looking forward to hitting this place up again, but only after the memories of our drunken behavior are forgotten. :)
(5)luis s.
ATTENTION THIS REVIEW MIGHT BE VULGAR!!! Ok, here we go. News lounge is a great littles spot. Its like a courtyard with a bar, pool tables, and colt classics flicks on a projector. It is one of a kind. It is pretty cool that this little plaza used to be a train station, giving it some historic nostalgia in a sense. The food is pretty good, and the specials are great. Now to the vulgarity. I give this place one star only because I'm a little grossed out and it actually has nothing to do with News lounge itself but it did leave a disgusting imprint in my mind. So I was here on a Friday I believe hanging out having a few beers. Indescribably my stomach really started to hurt so much though I really had to use restroom (mind you if you have scene American Pie I am like Finch I do not work well with public bathrooms its just nasty). My stomach thought otherwise so well I had to go. While sitting on my rented thrown Some guy walks in to the bathroom and taps his foot under my door! Im yelling WTF dude I'm taking a Sh** this douche had the testicular fortitude to peep his head not once over stall walls but twice. I have heard about this foot tapping (gay under ground scheme in restrooms before but damn). Nothing against gay people or anything I was actually there with two of my really good gay friends. There is a fine line with that you tap your foot and I say WTF means leave me alone. Needless to say once I was out of bathroom I literally walked to every person looking at their shoes to identify this guy. Lucky for him He was gone because if I had identified those shoes I might be in a cell somewhere writing this review. Needless today I will not be coming here again for a while, havent been able to sleep right since!
(1)Maria T.
This place hit the nail on the nose in terms of maintaining a lounge-y, 'lax vibe. I went here last night for a drink with my family and absolutely adored the ambiance. DJ spinning house music? Check. Flattering lighting? Check. Fun people watching? Check. Adult-sized swings? Check. You've got to love that. Especially the swing part.
(4)Ozzie H.
Ok quick review! I seriously enjoy this place. The atmosphere is very cool. Music rocks! Not crowded. No annoying crowds like the beach or ridiculous cover charges. Full of cool locals. Good food. Service could be better but one doesn't really come here to eat and run. Since I live in the neighborhood this has become one of my favorite spots to come and just enjoy the evenings. It's not exactly the cheapest but I guess it could be worse. Good parking. Enough said!
(4)Andrew J.
Finally made it to News Lounge for the first time last night. It's a unique indoor/outdoor spot with quirky furnishings (mismatched, worn sofas and chairs) and decoration (sculptures, fish pond and disco ball). Dimly lit and very chill, it was perfect for a first date. Happy hour goes until 9pm. Had a few caipirinhas and some tapas. Service was OK. The 55th Street Station complex has several dining options and makes for a nice evening destination. Parking used to be free, now it's $3 for self park, $4 for valet.
(3)Susan L.
this is a favorite of mine. Happy hour (food and drinks both) til 9 pm, 7 days a week? yes please! The massive outdoor seating area cant be beat. Lots of room, high tops, regular tables, big bar, and fun couches and swings and stuff too. The food isnt amazing but its good for what it is. I recommend hummus and the new veggie sliders.. havent eaten much else. I am vegetarian so I cant speak for many dishes. The service staff is always friendly, but on some visits has been very slowwwwwwwww. Sometimes they do live music inside or out. It gets really busy on weekend nights... i prefer the random weeknight happy hour because its just a nice chill place to hang out. Also, if you are looking for a place to get a drink and some food kind of late - its a win for sure. prices are very reasonable, too.
(4)Charlie B.
Awful treatment last night by a rude homophobic, neanderthal door man. With the way the economy is you'd think people would have a better handle on customer service....
(1)Sabrina M.
I went again for a friend's birthday. We sat inside because it had been raining and the outside area was wet...a bummer because it's such a great ambiance out there. The inside, however, fit the bill. Since it was a Monday there weren't that many other people outside which gave it the private party feel. It's great for lounging! I was hungry so I had the quesadillas. Their menu consists mostly of appetizers. Most people are really into the sliders and fries. I didn't order them because I didn't have anyone to share the fries with and I can't eat a burger without fries. I also had a glass of merlot... didn't drink alcohol because the drive home is long and I had to be up and functional early this morning! My fav thing about this place is it's ambiance.
(4)Edwin P.
I came here for Alma H's happy hour birthday party. I was a little hesitant about this place based on some of the reviews I had read. However, as soon as I walked in through the outside terrace area most of my doubts were eased. We were located in the interior portion of the lounge. The lounge has a very relaxing atmosphere with the dim lights and music playing. What sets this place apart from other Miami lounges is the HH; it's not just the prices that are affordable, it's the fact that the HH goes until 9:00 pm which is unheard of. The drinks during the HH ranged from $5-$7 (including wines, cocktails, and beers) and the appetizers are around the same range as well. And one thing about this HH is that they did not skimp on the alcohol when serving drinks. The bites were amazing as well and at the end of the night the price for everything was around $20.00 which was very good. There is also valet parking for $5.00 or there is metered parking along NE 4th Street. i would definitely come back here for another HH.
(4)Jessica G.
Alma H. chose The News Lounge as the site for her birthday happy hour, and although I am really not a fan of most things Miami (crowded, stressful, expensive are words that come to mind), I decided I had to make the drive down. I have to admit that knowing that there was a parking lot had a lot to do with that decision...and the happy hour prices, but I will get to that in a minute. Located on the west side if NE 4th in kind of a weird intersection type area that almost but not quite crosses US1 I took me an extra drive past to realize where I was supposed to be. I pulled into the lot and payed my $5 for parking and circled around to find the person in front of me had gotten the last parking spot. It worked out ok because the valet took my car and parked it quickly (incidentally valet is also $5 in this lot). Though I really don't like to valet, these guys were very friendly and prompt to get my car when it was time for me to go at the end of the night. The atmosphere at New Lounge is really cool. There is an indoor bar and an outdoor bar. The outdoor courtyard area was very pretty with a koi pond and had a nice garden party feel. Inside was broken up into kind of mini living rooms where there were comfortable couches and chairs all in mismatched style..but it just worked. There was one room with couches and mirrors all over the walls. The decor was just very unique and pretty. Alma had reserved her own birthday mini living room area and we all got to happy houring. The happy hour special here are great. Though I did not try any of the food there is a whole list of bites ranging from $3 to $7..and seeing other peoples food they were lighter portions, but at that price you can order a bunch of things. As for drink specials their fancy cocktails are only ~$5 and the same for glasses of wine. They also had a few beers for only $3. This place is definitely changing my mind about Miami happy hours. The best part is that this happy hour goes until 9! You can start your happy hour at the same time most places end theirs, and still have two hours to enjoy! As the night went on our group got larger and larger, and I have to say the staff did a great job accommodating us, lifting and bringing over more living furniture as it was needed. The drink service was a little on the slow side, but given the size of our group I was impressed that the waitress was able to keep up as well as she did. This was a great spot for a group to get some food and drinks and enjoy the night. They also do brunch here which I imagine would be quite nice with the patio area offered, and aside from the small plates offered at happy hour, there were a few sandwiches I would like to try.
(4)David P.
Came for the organic brunch and left beyond satisfied. I was so hungry I totally forgot to snap pictures of out meal. Very cute venue, not fancy but the outside seating area is beautiful. The inside is decorated nicely but again not fancy. Awesome positive young vibes! The organic menu is to die for! Everything we had was fantastic. Great brunch drink specials. The service was very good, so glad we came :)
(4)Sou M.
Ok, again, updating my review about service. My server is really nice and gave me lots of great suggestions for beaches, bars and restaurants! She is a 5 star herself. Now it makes me feel better to give this place a four.
(4)Savanna M.
When my good friend Alma H. invited me to her birthday shindig, I immediately said yes. Of course, the Yelper in me then checked out the venue's reviews - the venue of course being News Lounge. Most of the reviews were old but mentioned service issues, but for our group I found the service and everything else to be quite wonderful, almost deserving of 5 stars! As I'm the only island person who doesn't run on island time, I arrived first. I grabbed one of servers and told him there was a reservation. He said he was aware of the reservation and he'd grab our actual server to show me to the table. Our actual server Mary then found me and told me she'd get me a drink while she figured out if we were supposed to be inside or outside. The outside area is quite cute btw, but in August, it's a bit too hot to be outside at 6pm without a dedicated fan per person, so I was glad when she showed me to our inside area. My initial glass of Rose ($5 on HH) came out very quickly and I took some time to look over the rest of the menu. Keep in mind HH here runs til 9pm, so this place is a steal! Other's started arriving and some options for the table were ordered. I did have a bite of the bruschetta and didn't like it, although to be fair it had sat around for awhile and the bread had gotten soggy. For food, I ordered the avocado ceviche and the stuffed peppers. The ceviche was quite good, and again for $5 during HH you really couldn't complain. The peppers, as Mary warned, were HOT (yes, SPICY), but if you like spicy things you'll definitely love these. Again, for $5, these were a steal! At this point I decided to switch to another drink, the Chili Passion, again the HOT warning was given to me, but maybe the hot peppers had already killed my taste buds, as I didn't find this to be at all spicy, and overall it wasn't anything special. I'd stick with the wine offerings here. Overall, I felt News Lounge was a great place to "lounge" with friends. As the group kept growing we were able to find couches and drag them in so everyone had space to sit. It's true that our server was a bit occupied at times with other tables, but I never waited more than 5 minutes or so from when I actually wanted to order something to seeing her pass by again. Highly recommend this spot for great happy hour deals, and with happy hour running til 9pm you'll definitely leave with a happy wallet! PS - Parking. I managed to park myself in the lot just north of here for $5. As other arrived shortly after me the lot had become valet only for $5.
(4)Keith A.
I love their happy hour. The baristas and waitresses are super friendly. The food is always good and the drinks are great. The outdoor patio is welcoming and very cool considering that this is SoFlo. The location is great but hard to find. Ample off street parking for 3 bucks.
(5)Felipe F.
The place is nice and the music is really good. But the drinks are not the best.
(3)Juliana P.
Worst place to go out ever! I was roofied here a year ago. I had one drink and woke up the next morning not remembering the rest of the night. It was scary. Luckily, I was with my BF who got me home safely. I went back tonight with a group of people after eating at Andiamo (which was delicious). The bartender was so rude. I asked for a Stella. She walked away and I said "oh, wait, excuse me." Her response, "WHAT? What can I do for you???" WTF?? I just wanted to order another one. Never going back there again. This place sucks.
(1)Jesica J.
I came here for Happy Hour on a Friday afternoon for a friend's birthday to have drinks and a bite. His wife had reserved a table outside for our small group (8 people). As soon as I walked in, I was really excited because the place truly has an awesome ambiance with the DJ and the outdoor patio (it helps that it was a beautiful day). However, The News Lounge seriously let me down with the terrible service. When we sat down, our waitress took our cards to open a tab and our order. For my first drink, I ordered the strawberry caipirinha, which arrived rather fast. It was absolutely delicious and authentic (and I lived a year in Sao Paulo, that's something!). I was excited to get a second round, but unfortunately the waitress was nowhere to be found. We looked around for her for about half an hour and ended up asking a busboy to call her over. It took her another thirty minutes to reach our table. Finally, when the second caipirinha arrived, it was very watered down and did not taste even half as good as the first one. I'm not sure if it was because it had been sitting at the bar while she was MIA or what. This place has a lot of potential, and I would have loved to have loved it! Unfortunately, the terrible service does get in the way of the experience and it's not worth the hassle of having to track down someone to order your drinks or pay.
(2)Dan C.
Very nice chill place to go hangout with a group of friends. There is an outdoor area with a bar and tables and couches, and there is an inside area with bar and dance floor where a DJ is spinning great dance music. The prices of the drinks are reasonable.
(4)Katrina W.
I've been here twice. The first time I came was about a year ago for brunch and we had a voucher deal for the four of us. It was a decent discount and we were content with the menu options. We all found something and bottomless mimosas were included! I ordered the benedict and was happy with my choice - usually when it comes to brunch food, I stick with the classics: benedicts, omelettes, steak and eggs. All in all, I don't remember anything being bad about the experience, but nothing really stood out either. I don't think I will be back for brunch purely based on the fact that there are too many other places in Miami that give more unique choices and I really hate to repeat the same thing twice. Anyways, my second visit was just a few days ago and my hubby and I decided to try the lounge out again for happy hour. We figured that we couldn't go wrong considering the happy hour menu could be easily found online and it was quite extensive (including food and drink options amassing to about 15-20 picks). Everything sounded really tasty: dates, stuffed peppers, hummus, cheeseburger sliders, Caipirinha's, mojitos, well drinks at $5; all happy hour items ranged between $4-10, which we thought was affordable until......................................... we saw the PORTIONS. Wow, each item we ordered was so tiny! OMG how terrible. We did the math and we were basically paying about $2 per date. The only okay part about this happy hour were the drink prices... We got old-fashioneds for $4 each and the bartender did a really good job making them. Happy hour is not truly happy if you have to throw down $100 just to feel satiated.
(2)Irina G.
My least favorite place in Miami so far. Location: not the best part of town. There is parking which is nice and location looks pretty - there is nice outdoor seating, but nothing around. Food - terrible. I got poached eggs with potatoes. Potatoes were overlooked, dry like bad chips and very greasy. The salmon tasted like it past it's expiration date. It had a slimy finish to it. For brunch coffee the only option was Americano and it wasn't great. They didn't have any gluten free options. Service: it was four of us having brunch. We got 3 menus and 3 napkins. We had to ask for an extra menu. The waitress wasn't able to fully answer our questions about the menu either. Overall - I wouldn't go out if my way to try this brunch.
(1)Marline P.
The News has great bartenders Megan being one of the very best in customer service and very knowledgeable with all types of drinks everyone loves her!
(5)Jason P.
They have a great setup. They have a mix of tables and couches and have some pool tables. The long islands are pretty bad..it's just alcohol and a colored sweetener. The service isn't the best either
(2)Lorin G.
Casually strolled by this hidden location and decided to check it out. Absolutely loved the atmosphere. It wasn't too packed when I arrived around 10pm. I took a seat and was immediately greeted by my server (I kept calling him Shaggy). Waters were brought to table promptly and when asked what was good to nosh on I was given great suggestions. I had the chicken skewers, salmon roll and the steamed buns. All was tasty, service was outstanding (shaggy was extremely attentive and polite and once he knew how much I loved Sriracha, he didn't stop bringing me ramekins full of it). It was "One Love" night, girls drank for free at the bar 10-11pm and they played Reggae music all night. I would def recommend this spot to friends and will def be returning soon!
(5)Aylin M.
A favorite for birthday celebrations! Terrific outdoor bar with great music and drinking climate. Service is slow on the weekends, the food is tasty but wish they served it till later. Great for get-togethers or after work drinks.
(4)Nadine W.
Went for happy hour. The drinks were great!!! Appetisers were not the best but the wait staff was spectacular. Definitely going back.
(4)Fidel C.
I had a strange experience here as I came in not too long ago on a busy Saturday night. The doorman did not greet us, but instead sternly asked for our IDs before immediately asking if we had bottle reservations or were brought there by a specific promoter. The answer to both was no, and it didn't matter anyway considering he just let us right in. We found that very odd, considering you don't need a promoter to enter this lounge for free. We opted to sit at an open table and after receiving water, we looked over the menu....and waited. And waited for about 15 minutes before we decided it just wasn't worth it. The prices for drinks are fair, but being forgotten in a patio area full of mosquitos and humidity for that long is not fair. I give it 3 stars for the nice space and how busy they were, but maybe they are overstaffed? I'm not sure, but I would give it another chance during an earlier time of say.
(2)Joe A.
Dropped in for brunch with a Travel Zoo deal and that's the last part that seemed to be simple. Upon arriving, the staff had a bizarrely convoluted way of figuring out their vouchers. First, there was a gentleman that greeted us, then passed us off to another woman to "check in". Then, we had to wait. And wait. Then, we had to sign in with our email address (shouldn't they have that from the deal site?). Then, we had to wait. Then get a voucher that said we were all paid. And the gentleman said, "so you don't have to deal with your waiter at the end." Cool, sounds easy, right? On to food. Ordered mimosas. Waited. And waited. Ordered food -- steak and eggs and salmon benedict, 2 classic brunch choices. The food actually came out quick, but that's really where the compliments stopped. The salmon was SUPER salty. The "steak" was more like what you'd find in a cheesesteak, though completely unseasoned, as were the eggs, as was (shockingly) the foccacia bread it was served on. Not even the splash of truffle oil helped. Oh yeah, half way through our meal we got our mimosas -- 90% champagne, splash of OJ. Barely chilled. Meh. Now our waitress informs us she has to "check the bill" to see if we've "gone over". Shockingly, we did, despite doing exactly what the voucher said. They added taxes, fine, but then gratuity at 15%, with no option to reduce it (as I likely would have given the lack of service with our drinks and overall handling). So it was an extra $10. Annoying more than anything. Bottom line? Just don't bother. The space is nice, maybe better for a quick hang out session during a nice night out, but brunch shouldn't be an option for you.
(2)Walter H.
Food was good, but the service was so bad we all left a very small tip. It was nearly impossible to get the waitress's attention. We went for a couple beers and some food, but with all the waiting, it took us 2 and a half hours to get out of there! For example, we had been done a while when we asked for the check, but it took her 20 minutes to bring it! The place was nowhere near capacity so I can't imagine what took her so long. The food was very good. I had the prosciutto sandwich and a spinach empanada, both were excellent. We also ordered the stuffed dates, but they never came. We really wanted to eat more, but it wasn't worth the hassle of dealing with the waitress to get them. I would never recommend this place to anyone. The food is good and the place looks really cool, but none of that is worth it when you have to deal with the shitty service.
(2)Danielle A.
Groovy spot, great vibe, good happy hour, yummy food, but average drinks.
(4)Isis N.
I've been enjoying News Lounge's Happy Hours for more years than I would like to admit. To give you a hint, when I started to go, the parking next to Sushi Siam was FREE, and now they charge $4. Hmmm.... The drinks are consistently good and the $5 glass of Chardonnay can't be beat. Appetizers are great and after so many years I got to the conclusion that Thursday are the best nights. Fill with local Yuppies. Their indoor and outdoor areas are very pretty. But during the summer we hang out indoors, in the Mirror room. If you go on Fridays or weekends, the place gets really pack. But I'm still a fan.
(4)Marc V.
I would like to thank the young lady (D.) behind the bar this past monday night for the excellent service. It was a fun environment and my wife and I cannot wait to return!
(4)Jonah K.
Came here for some Friday after work drinks (not my co-workers, but Teresa K's) and we had a huge table outside. There is a excellent patio with a DJ outside. The DJ was so-so, but it was still entertaining. They have a great happy hour menu of food and drinks for everyone to choose from. The service was decent, and the place got packed as the night went on. Good spot, I'd go back.
(4)Jesse S.
One star because you can't give zero drinks. Came so late I went to pick them up at the bar the server never came I asked three servers and busses for water nothing happen they brought my food very late and on top they didn't give us silverware I guess they expect us to eat with are fingers at the end they brought the water with the check. Never again !!!! Try something else
(1)Carla M.
We came last Sunday for their bottomless mimosas. They were OK. I wasn't too impressed with the small brunch menu. I opted for a beer and ate else where. A friend of mine had their eggs benedict and she liked the food. Was put off by the waiter telling us the included tip breakdown. It wasn't a bad experience but with so many resturants in Miami, we probably won't be back.
(3)Bernardo G.
It was very special. From the moment I walked in the service in The News Lounge was 5 stars. The drinks were very well prepared and the food was delicious. The staff was great, the hostess, chef, servers, bartenders, and specially Stacie M. She was very courteous all night, and always available when we needed to order more drinks or anything else. Good job for Stacie M. You can't find good friendly service like her very often.
(5)mercedes m.
HERE YE! HERE YE! News Lounge is the place to be! This hip hideaway located just off of Biscayne and 54th Street is a perfect place to meet up with friends. Even if you miss the happy hour special, the mojitos, music and sexy ambiance is worth the trip. What makes this place extra cool is that it hasn't become a tourist trap (yet), so the prices are still reasonable. The service is a hit or miss; sometimes you will have a vigilant server, other times you better sip that drink slowly because it will be a moment before you see another. Nevertheless, the servers are always polite. There is free street parking but those go quickly because of all the other fun places surrounding the Lounge. There is also a self park lot for $3-5. So why not the five stars? Because they rope off the entrance after ten and start carding; translation babies are breaking the grown up flow. So before the teenies show, this is a great place for work friends, real friends and lovers.
(4)Danny C.
Food and appetizers for happy hour were awesome. Drinks were amazing as well and cheap. Great atmosphere to get together with friends and chat it up
(4)Reggie B.
Great Place for Happy Hour! Really Nice! Had a great time and fun ambiance!!! Food was great as well.
(5)Tal T.
A true neighborhood bar. Awesome happy hour, seven days a week (until 9pm!). The Food can be hit or miss, but I'm thrilled to share that their new organic brunch is definitely on point. We tried the spinach omelette, croissant croque madame, eggs Benny (with salmon), and steak and eggs. Not one disappointed soul! I am on board with some happy hour apps, too: hummus especially. Drinks are good, strong, and cheap. Service is adequate, with some servers and bartenders clearly caring more about the quality of their service than others. The ambiance is what really makes the news stand out. But hurry! It gets hot soon and the mosquitoes will surely return. Bottom Line: The News is a fantastic local's spot offering great drinks and good food at reasonable prices in a lovely atmosphere.
(4)Amber L.
What has happened to my beloved News Lounge? *cries* The last few times I've been, service has been less than.....not even stellar..... It's been less than just plain good. It's been poor, poor, poor. I went for a regular night out and had to stop the bartender because said bartender was so far from the cocktail menu ingredients list when making my drink that I was just shocked. After disagreeing with me, I had to show her the menu so that she could make it correctly. For real, girl? And please, let's not talk about brunch. Please, let's not. But ok, let's. I had been excited to try News Lounge's brunch because I love the ambience there and could only imagine the ambience on a Sunday afternoon with drinks. What a nightmare. And from reading recent reviews, it appears everyone is having the same experience - all the way down to a random person (owner, uncle, family friend) making the drinks at the bar. Our drinks - sangrias - didn't come out until we had finished our food and the plates had been cleared! SANGRIA?! Really?! There was even the same mimosa-spilling incident. Unfortunately, a little girl at the next table left with a mimosa hair treatment from this one. SMH Why is everyone experiencing the same issues? Why do so many customers have the same horror stories as of late? I can see here and there, but everyone? Hmmm..... Something is seriously amiss here. And it must be rectified soon before faithful customers give up and don't come back. I hope that doesn't happen because News Lounge has really been a favorite of mine over the years. Clean up your act, News Lounge. Please! Do it for us. Do it for yourselves.
(2)Ernest G.
I've been coming here for years. With that said understand I've seen & heard many unreasonable and inconsiderate customers complain and write ridiculous reviews because they claim they were mistreated or ran into someone working here who was rude. Not true! Come on people if you're an idiot, live with it but don't try to make a business suffer for it. Anyway, the food, service and drinks are great here! I've even brought co-workers, friends here who also loved it and are now becoming regulars. Most of us regulars here know each other and will continue to patronize this heavenly place.
(5)Chris D.
Go for happy hour! The outdoor seating area is awesome. The tapas and drinks are great and priced well. Their menu is pretty short I wouldn't go there for dinner. But if you're just there for happy hour for a few bites and drinks its wonderful!
(4)Jose B.
Came here twice over the last month with a Groupon for each time and was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. Pros: 1. The food is excellent. Once your food arrives, you would most likely forget the long wait. 2. The drinks are fairly large and they make a great Bloody Mary. 3. The ambiance is too notch. They have fans to keep you cool if is too hot and the place is set up with lots of shade. Cons: 1. Redeeming the Groupon was a hassle since you have to give a lot of your personal information on a marketing list. 2. Food takes forever. 3. Food runners are a bit clumsy since the first time they dropped a small container of honey on us. The second time we saw another server dropped a tray full of dirty plates next to the guests he was serving.
(4)Adolfo L. F.
Wow, what happened to this place? It used to be packed on Sundays which made service slow but at least you could drink and chill to the music while you waited. Now it's barely packed with only 7 tables and all the servers seem lost. Order a chicken wrap, get a chickpea garden wrap. Server gets lost for 15 minutes so good luck finding someone to fix your order. The kitchen is still good, putting out acceptable food, but the service is shit so its not worth it when you have Soika, Green Street, or even Berries just a few minutes away. Save your money go somewhere else. Edit: I forgot to add that people where getting up and leaving their tables due to waiting 30-45 minutes for drinks. So what does our server do? Asks us for a credit card half way through our brunch because they're afraid of more people getting up and leaving. What a slap in the face. You would think the restaurant was packed due to all the horrible things happening through out service... But I'm going to blow your mind right now... They only had 7 tables full. 7 tables for 4 servers. Wooow! Been here plenty of times... Never will return. This is my first post in years, and it was such a horrible experience that I just had to come back to Yelp to advise people to STAY AWAY!!
(1)Maria V.
This place has great ambience and a lot if potential, BUT, the service is very, very slow and sloppy. My first drink arrived 30 minutes after it was ordered and it had watered down. It tasted like water and the ice was melting. It was probably sitting around for 29 minutes before the server picked it up and brought it to me. :$ My husband had to get up and go directly to the bar to order my second drink this time without ice just in case. The server told some people at my table that the bartender left and the owner was making drinks and had no idea how to make drinks and they were all fraking out... Really? Even if that's the case, I don't want to hear that... Get it together.. Well, I tried the mojito pitcher these people were having and boy.. That was not good. After waiting for a while the server showed up again and I ordered the avocado and bacon sandwich, very good, I really like it. It had been about 40 minutes after placing the order and my husband had to go to the bar again and ask about my food. The server showed up and said someone else at my table had ordered the same and that for whatever reason my order never got put in the system, so all the waiting was for nothing. Sandwich showed up 5 minutes after that and like I said, it was good. No one else at my table had ordered that sandwich, and even if that was the case, that's no excuse, it's just making your incompetence even more obvious. Next time you screw up just stay quiet. 15% gratuity is included on your tab... Well, no wonder. Good vibe, food was good. Service was terrible, a mess, just embarrassing. Enough said.
(2)Letty M.
Nightlife: this place is nice at night. Good lounge to go to. Good music. Gets packed inside but that's normal. Nice patio atmosphere. Brunch: wouldn't recommend it. Lots if other places for brunch in Miami worth going to. Mimosas are little weak can be stronger. Their menu options are small. Ordered the steak and eggs wasn't all that. Just ripped steak on toast with 2 fried eggs on top. Eggs Benedict is pretty good. Too much spinach but tasty. Service wasn't a huge plus on that. Manager was alright, kinda rude at first had issues with our reservations. Gave our table away and had one last table in a corner stated their are "accommodating us". When they had a table open. Waitress inside was a little slow. Acknowledged us to apologize for the slow service so did the manager. Not horrible but maybe other had better experience. I recommend other brunches for a real brunch experience. They seem to be trying to be on the brunch chain.
(2)Anthony S.
Fun place, nice atmosphere, fairly-priced drinks for the area. $10 cover for guys is a major downer...
(4)Annette G.
I was here last night w/ some coworkers to watch the Heat game. I'll start off w/ the perks: this venue is beautiful and the atmosphere is always great, they extended happy hour for the duration of the game, the food was good but I wouldn't go there to eat & they were really good about cutting on and off the music during the game. Alright this is why it's a 3: the bartender was completely clueless and no one was at the bar for a while. Our beers were warm and took a while to get. Also I'm not a fan of their lychee martini. I asked for sliders and only 2 came in the order which is really not enough. Lastly these are the same issues I have when Ive been here in the past. I really wish the service and quality of food and beverages would improve.
(3)Mark H.
Like most places in Miami, News Lounge doesn't understand the difference between a lounge and a club. This is disappointing, because Miami could really use a nice lounge. The good: Location: Improving area of Miami. This area feels like it's working on becoming the new Coral Gables. Decor: Lots of cool things to sit and swing on outside. Other than that, everything is nice enough, but nothing is particularly artful or original. I think Miami could use a lounge that dares to have some original flourish. The standard "fancy lounge" decor gets the job done, but isn't memorable. The bad: Drinks: Not a lot of beers on tap, and they're missing some ingredients for cocktails. Ordered a Manhattan - no bitters. Price: As expected for a place like this, things are overpriced. Music: Unreasonably loud club music makes it very difficult to speak with anyone who isn't sitting right next to you, and makes it outright impossible for groups to have conversations without shouting. Lounges are places people come to talk over drinks. The only reason to jack up the volume is for dancing. No one is dancing here, so blasting the music just serves to make conversation impossible.
(2)Natasha A.
I want to love this place, I really do...They have all the ingredients for greatness: excellent location, great vibe, nice amenities..but something always falls -just- short. Sometimes it's the service that is off. Other times it's the food. Honestly, I keep coming back thinking that my last visit was just an anomaly, but considering how many times it has happened I have come to realization that this is pretty much just standard protocol here. Good, but not great.
(3)Harlem M.
Probably one of the coolest Happy Hour spots especially on Friday grooving to the sounds of DJ Chilly. Love the outdoor feel and nice looking crowds. The Tuna Avocado app is really good and goes great with a Mojito. Watch the hot summer days and choose to hit the spot when the sun goes down.
(4)Angelo R.
Love the late evening happy hour here...til 9! Bartenders are always nice. The place is not too crazy and decent neighborhood crowd. Outdoor seating is perfect for Miami December weather. They even have pool tables outside. Plenty of street parking and the strip plaza has a private lot as well and its only for 3 bucks. The martini specials are great...made with Absolut or Stoli even Lychee Martinis!
(5)Kristen K.
Cool spot with a good brunch ... I mostly come here for brunch I feel like their brunch options could be a little more varied ... But they have bottomless mimosas and those are ok ... Bloody Mary was delicious food comes out in good time service has always been good
(4)Saida L.
Nice outdoor atmosphere, good apps and nice drinks
(4)Emma F.
This place use to be very American and a totally different crow use to come here . Now its more of a Latin place .
(4)Christina C.
Love this place! Went here a few weeks back with some friends just to try it out... I had already heard great things :) We had a few drinks (martini's and such), ate some appetizers, and only spent like $50. Parking is free in a nice, well-lit lot, and there's other places around to choose from. Love the ambience! Love this area... will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)Jessica C.
Recently stopped by for some drinks with a friend and had a great time. I absolutely love the decor, especially the art work inside by the bar. Great cozy little place to chill and hang out. While we were there, we decided to play some pool that was about $5 an hour which, now a days is unheard of. Drinks were reasonably priced but the overall flow and ambiance is what does it for me. Sadly as many times as i've gone i've never tried their food...definitely a must do next time!
(4)Jillian M.
Went to this place on Saturday night, they were having an 80's flashback theme.....which we didn't know about till we got there! Overall the crowd was good....No one obnoxious....Music was awesome both inside and out.......the drinks are a little pricy but the bartenders are nice. A good place to have a drink and chill.......
(4)Raymond R.
Today was a rarity. Once we received our meal and drinks (after physically getting up to seek our own server) the food and drinks were remarkably good. The cuisine was exceptionally tasty. Unique in presentation palatable and reasonable portions. The alcoholic beverages too are a force to be reckoned with. That said, upon finding our own server she was very friendly and apologetic. Initially we were a little upset blaming the server and then we thought-she takes her direction from a higher power - MANAGEMENT. Management was the absolute worst! The servers are running around doing their best, I could tell that they were genuinely trying however someone ultimately has to take charge. This wasn't happening. The manager could tell that we were upset and came over to follow up with our drinks. At the end of the night after thoroughly reviewing our check, we found an error with the amount of drinks we ordered - as anticipated. After addressing the issue with the manager she adamantly told us that she took the order and brought the drinks, not true. Our server took the first order, she took the second after following up. We ordered twice and followed up once. We didn't order 3 rounds. I started to get so upset that I almost stood up and demanded management. And then I thought - this would be a moot issue because SHE WAS MANAGEMENT. After a few minutes of exchanging words, she reluctantly offered us another round of drinks claiming that these were gratis. NO! I'm not appeased at all! It was already on our check, it's just that you're bringing it now! We really wanted to leave an additional tip for our server but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Ultimately this is a really nice establishment romantic, trendy, airy and well organized. However the powers that be either need to hire new management or retrain the existing staff thoroughly. Starting with service industry 101. The customer is always right! It's ill advised to raise your voice and exchange words unnecessarily because people like myself don't waste time debating frivolous issues - I'll pay it. However I will write a thorough and lengthy review addressing my unfortunate experience.
(2)jen r.
recently went to news after hearing good reviews since last summer and i was definitely impressed. it has a great vibe, the eclectic indoor/outdoor seating is really creative and comfortable. you actually feel like you are not in miami, which is nice every now and then. its a little too dark outside, they could use some more lanterns or candles, but its not a big deal. the food menu is veryvery basic. there are literally about a dozen options, but everything i tried was decent. and the prices are affordable. i definitely plan on going back and making this a more regular chill hang out spot.
(3)miamishopaholic m.
This is a great spot to start of the night with some drinks with friends or come here on a date. There's something sexy about this place. The lighting, the outside bar, the pool table and the ambiance are all factors that make this place very inviting. I think there's something romantic about a spot like this were you can look up at the stars and the moon at any moment and breathe in fresh air.They have a great selection of beer like Delirium and our drinks were perfect. Our bartender was knowledgeable, polite and very friendly. Every time I think of meeting up with someone for a drink, News Lounge always comes to mind now.
(4)Ute L.
What the News Lounge lacks in food quality and speed it makes up for with ambience and general vibe. Groovin' Garden organic Sunday brunch is definitely groovin'. The DJ spins 70's disco tunes like Donna Summer and old school M.J. while you sit in the shade under the trees with fans blowing a nice breeze ever so often. The crowd is young and refreshingly diverse. Everyone seems happy, none of the usual stuck up Miami my- s**t- doesn't- stink attitudes. Be prepared to wait for your food for a while and don't expect large portions. Nosh on some of the drink specials ($15 bottomless mimosas, sangria or mojitos) and enjoy the music. Or have bartender Ben's homemade Bloody Mary made with fresh tomatoes, peppers, celery, Sriracha and some secret ingredients he won't reveal. The dishes are on the small side and are hit or miss. The crepe stuffed with bananas and loads of plump fresh berries is a definite yes. The eggs Benedict the nice ladies next to us ordered came out cold the first time (after an hour wait) and looked just okay. The smoked salmon was light pink, not the higher end dark red color and the eggs were served on thinly sliced multi grain bread instead of English muffins. Another couple ordered the Croque Madame, which came on the same bread, which is just totally wrong, as it should be thick sliced brioche. Egg white omelet with artichokes, wild mushrooms and red onions sounded really great in theory but was small and too oily. Visually not very appealing as it was more of a scramble than a fluffy omelet. Same with the side of potatoes: Oily, and we're not talking EVOO, we're talking Canola by the taste of it. Whether or not any of the food served is organic is questionable. Be sure to stop by the farmer's market to support the Urban Oasis project. The "market" in actuality is just a large table set up on the side of the patio. Picked up some beautiful dragon fruit, organic oyster mushrooms and raw fermented sauerkraut, after chatting with the guys about fermenting, hot peppers and other fun stuff. What can I say, I get excited about these things.
(4)Chevonne W.
This is a great place for a first date. The obedience is very nice, there is an outdoor area with lights so at night its very nice. Also a lot of different seating areas with a pond with actual turtles in it and also roof hanging swings to glide through the air. Nothing is too expensive, so great for a first encounter, don't have to empty your wallet. The drinks are good. I prefer beer but they have a cocktail menu that is very nice. The atmosphere is trendy yet not too pretentious like a lot of areas in South Florida. The food is ok, but it is good if you are not too hungry and want a place to go and hang out and drink with some apps. I would recommend the sliders. Not much of a beef eater but they are good. The music is very nice and relaxing. Over all a great place to after work and chill out and a wonderful place to take someone new.
(4)Lanie R.
We stumbled in here Friday night and our stumbling led us to a jack pot. The News Lounge was a great way to end our evening. They have seating everywhere and special sections that can provide you with a more intimate and quiet setting. They have an open patio with tables, chairs, and swings. The swings are a nice touch. The last time I sat on a swing at a Lounge/restaurant was at Touch. And that was a long time ago. The evening was perfect for swinging. The crowd was mellow and everyone kept to them selves enjoying the soothing music and cool night. Getting a drink at the bar was not a mission. That is always a plus. This is going to become a favorite spot for me.
(4)Ali G.
This place is great ! I went last night in a huge group and had an amazing time. They have a parking lot right next to the lounge for only $4 ( although the parking man wasn't very friendly ) it was a good price. When we walked to the news lounge there was a friendly hostess greeting all of us and the best part was NO cover ! ( we didn't have to pay to get in). Totally free. They have a very nice outside area a outdoor bar. Outside they have couches and swings and inside they have a DJ. The lounge plays all types of music, rap,hip hop, trance, EDM, Spanish, oldies. They have a great variety!!! At one point the DJ even passed out large foam props with lights which was great. The drinks are not over priced for it's location. In the bathroom they have friendly staff opening doors, refilling paper and selling anything you need ! Overall we had a great experience and will definitely go back again
(5)Rich S.
Came here on a Thursday night for drinks and some food. Happy hour is until 9pm which is great! Drinks were poured STRONG and the appetizers were good. We had the figs wrapped in bacon along with meatballs, hot cherry peppers and hamburger sliders. The outdoor space was huge, tons of seating. Had a DJ and service was good. Will come again!
(4)Chris B.
Parking was a little tricky and the place was packed. The outdoor area is really cool. I wish there was an open seat. It was difficult to get a drink. And once you did, I thought they were a bit pricey and not well made. A decent option if you're a local. I wouldn't mind coming back if I was able to get a spot outside on a nice night!
(3)Benazhir M.
I could not find the zero star, so I'm adding one. The first time I visited this place was about a year ago, I had a super yummy lychee martini, music was nice, service was great, and couldn't come back until recently. We were seated by a very friendly and welcoming hostess and that's it. We waited and waited while we watched how other tables were being taken care of, until I decided to ask the waiter: Hello! :D (smile) we would like to order. Are you our waiter :D (Smile) "Yeah" is what he replied. We were placing the order and he kept looking at us as if he was doing us a favor. May I remind you, waiters make their money on tips. Plus the place was nearly empty. We asked a couple of questions and he replied sarcastically as if we were supposed to know some items on the menu. Needless to say, we order two lychee martinis, which by the way, were disgusting and were served on whisky glasses. We were out of there faster than I can say ALOHA. I will not step a foot there again. Horrible service and horrible drinks.
(1)Jose P.
Good sexy place, small portions with the food, good selections of beer &spirits. Ideal for dates or group gatherings.
(4)Frances G.
Ok - let me start by saying I would love to give this place a 10 if I could for the atmosphere, outdoor setting, etc. i have been here plenty of times for happy hour and late nights and its absolutely one of my favorites. On the other hand, i would give a low rating for the new "brunch" menu they have. Im a vegetarian, and went excited to try the Organic brunch on Sunday! First, you need to make reservations and we didnt know but we were lucky enough that they were able to get us a place...personnel are very nice but the organic brunch sucks! In my opinion, they need a bigger selection also for non vegetarians. They do have meat but overall the menu should have more options but for vegetarians and carnivores as well.
(4)Natalia D.
Seriously, the best happy hour in town. Or at least I think so, just because their deals are too good. Happy hour goes from 5-9 PM. Beers, alcohol and bites. CHEAP. We mostly kept to the bar outside, so it was a nice ambiance. Not your typical annoying Miami crowd you find at an extremely packed happy hour spot in the Gables. We did a couple of their happy hour bites, and gotta say was pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a different happy hour spot - thats cheap and good - try this place out. You'll be happy you did.
(4)Laura B.
What a great time! The DJ was playing music that took me down memory lane all the way to middle school! The drinks were good. Everyone was dancing, and having a fantastic time. I can't speak for the food, but I'll definitely be back! Parking was $4. There was plenty of space to sit when we got there. Bathrooms were clean. This is an awesome place for a casual night out.
(4)Jamie S.
Great ambiance, great music, always open. Sofas, swings, bars, pool tables, lounge chairs all throughout the outside patio makes this the perfect, chill spot to hang out, drink, people watch and enjoy a carefree night of fun. Next time, I'm coming for happy hour!
(4)Anna M.
What a complete disaster! I was just at the News Lounge for brunch and waited over 30 minutes to get a drink or a menu. The place was crawling with servers but none of them competent. Once you got their attention thy were nice but a brunch should not be over 2 hours long.... I haven't seen this level if disorganization in a while. The food did not warrant the amount of time we waited. At some point the waiter comes and asks if we need the check. To which I replied, we're still waiting for the food! Total mess. I've liked happy hours at this place before but I won't come back for a sit down service and I suggest you don't either! It's literally a waste of time.
(1)Angel F.
Love the Organic Brunch and atmosphere.
(4)Jessica A.
What was suppose to be a fabulous afternoon with my family ended up being a nightmare at The News Lounge. I had purchased a voucher for brunch for 2. We decided to make it a family affair and bring along 3 more people. We arrived and the hostess immediately states there is a bit of wait we are understaffed and to take a seat. Ok no problem. Thinking about it now..we should have just gotten up and gone to Soyka next store. It was apparent there was something definitely wrong with the staff at this place. There were dirty dishes and cups that looked like had been there for a while. After about 25 mins of waiting I ask about the wait time and again the hostess says they are back up and short staffed how is that my fault, yet I saw she had the time to sit and just wait for more people to arrive. If there is a staff storage it should be all hands on deck. Doesn't matter of ur a hostess people coming in to dine shouldn't have to dirty plates and empty cups. That's just gross :( An another hostess came up to us, I guess she could tell I was getting annoyed we are now at 40 mins no table. Shelby was really nice and got us a table immediately. The waitress came quickly and the first thing she says is its a 45 min wait. WTF!!!!!!!!! No way I get up and now I wanna talk to a manager. What I thought was the manager tries to mediate the situation and asks if we would like mimosa. YES pls :) He comes back with 1 mimosa. What the hell!!!! No mimosa for the other 3 adults at the table. What a fail again.... I get it there busy, backed up and understaffed but that is no excuse for such poor service. The sweet hostess bless her heart she was trying to make it better for us. She took our order.. And handed it to the chef. The new hostess should take some lessons from Shelby..cause she was still just sitting up in the front while the ship is sinking. Even though Shelby really did try out orders were messed up the appetizers didn't come out first. My moms dish never even came. What I nightmare this place is!!! They need to get it together. I honestly wish this hadn't happen cause their menu looked good. Organic good! I had the steak and portobello sandwich like my dad.. And the tuna tartare was yummy I would skip the salmon carpaccio though didn't taste right. At the end of everything u would think we would have gotten a discount of some type or even an apologize...but nothing just a bad taste in my mouth :( just found a couple pics of the horrible day
(1)Rachel P.
I like the vibe here, very hip, good drinks, nice after dinner hang out spot. What I don't like: Automatic 15% gratuity added to your bill A "Miami Tax" on top of the regular tax A minimum of $20 to charge to your card All of the smokers. I know it's outside, but I hate cig smoke either way.
(3)Eric P.
The patio is great but the bar inside leaves a lot to be desired. The décor is dated and the interior is in need of a REAL update! I ordered the Tomato, spinach and portabella mushroom meal and it was hands down the most delicious vegetarian meal I have had, EVER! I will be taking this meal home and attempting to replicate it weekly! DELICIOUS! BAD SIDE: service was EXTREMELY slow even though there were only 10 people in the place! we were the only couple at the bar and waited 5 minutes to be asked what we wanted to drink and another 5 to order food. food came out 20 after ordering. not good. Tasty meal made up for some of it, will not visit the establishment in the future.
(4)Gretel P.
This place is like a little hidden gem in Miami. I have been here twice and have loved both times equally. The first time we came here was for my Engagement party as weird as that may sound not the first place that would come to your head for an Engagement party. I reserved a room for about 20 or so friends, didn't have to pay anything to reserve which was awesome and we were able to choose between the room inside or a table outside. We met up with our group when we walked in and honestly we had such an amazing time. The drink prices are high but then again its Miami I am not surprised. I ordered a Amaretto Sour and my fiance got a Blue Long Island and we paid like $30. I don't know who was more lost the waitress who gave me a weird face when I said Amaretto sour or the bartender who prepared it because it tasted like crap. One of my friends got some shots 4 for $40 dollars ouch!! The environment is nice I liked the setup with the lounge chairs and big umbrellas its super chill. They have a DJ and that night they only played like lounge music. I went back 2 weeks ago on a Saturday because my fiance really loved this place and we didn't have to pay cover. I decided to order an Amaretto Sour hoping this time someone had gone to bar-tending school, and surprisingly I think the bartender they had today got an A in his bar-tending classes because it was on point. The DJ was on full blast and he played every single song you could ever imagine like I mean literally. It was like I was time traveling from Middle School to High school back to Elementary then back to Middle School, that is the only reason this place gets 4 stars because I think the DJ could do a better job in the transitioning of songs. That didn't stop us from dancing the night away, we had a great time and will be going back soon. I am telling you this is Miami's hidden gem, if you like a good Happy Hour which can't be beat, not paying cover most days, and dancing to you favorite songs from the 80s 90s and today, this is the place for you!!!!
(4)Monica S.
I can't believe I haven't given love to my favorite happy hour locale in town. In typical fashion, you can find me bellied up to the outdoor bar sucking down a Caipirinha, Brazil's national bird. The discounted drink menu is quite robust and caters nicely to those leaning towards wine or beer as well. To properly set the scene, the outdoor lounge sits nestled between some adorably indie shops that flank the intimate space on the north side and the News Lounge's indoor cousin joins along the southside. You can sexily lay on couches, gab away with your girlfriends at a table setting or even cozy up to your after-work flame on the swing. Towards the back, there's a somewhat hidden pool table and the fact that it's outside, wins. For bites, there's a similarly ample selection of half-priced snacks and the proverbial slider joins the list. What's a happy hour without some sliders, after all. The happy hour menu has downsized over the years, but this spot still gets me every time. There's usually even a DJ playing some downtempo or Depeche Mode to keep the mood just right. Great spot for a casual first date or hangout.
(4)Eduardo D.
Horrendous service at brunch. The server upon tilting his tray, spilled a sticky mimosa over us, glass shattered everywhere. These thing happen and are forgivable but to then charge us for said mimosa is despicable. The food takes a while to come out of the kitchen which I don't mind but it's nearly impossible to find your server while you are waiting for your food to order more drinks. So I would just go up to the bar to get my own drinks. The drinks were added to my tab but the kicker is that they impose a mandatory 15% tip. Wait, what? I'm tipping the waiter for the drinks I got myself and the one that got spilled on us? It was my second time there for brunch. The first was equally bad where it got the the point that we relocated from our table to the bar for better service. I've been going to News lounge since it opened years ago for cocktails and bites and I hate to say it but I'm never going back.
(2)Antoine M.
Well, I wouldn't come back on my own... Staff was really nice and apologetic, but that wouldn't be enough... Kitchen was closed when we got there, at 2pm...? Why? Because the chef was overwhelmed, one of the burners apparently stopped functioning and he decided to close the kitchen for easily an hour and a half... Maybe even more... Drinks were good... Food is okay... just okay... flavor was alright, nothing spectacular, I'd go there if you're on weight watchers' portion control and got a fat wallet... I'm giving it 2 stars for the nice staff and the pleasant atmosphere (music & outside courtyard/patio)... I'd go there for drinks only...
(2)Wendy G.
OMG, I can't believe I've missed The Best Happy Hour in Miami Everyday 5-9PM!. They have a groovy atmosphere cute antique looking lounge chairs inside, with a mix of comfy, eclectic furniture & art. Outside there is wicker patio furniture with comfy cushions. I love their lychee martini and almost all the appetizers on the Happy Hour menu.
(4)Sandra M.
Nice ambiance for a sunday brunch, but the service was horrendous. The waitress was disorganized and appeared lost. She took our order and disappeared. After a long wait, I called the manager, who was very nice and professional, he made sure we got our order. After we finish eating, the waitress came back and asked if she could take our order... she was truly very lost. I wil not go back for brunch
(1)Laure M.
Good place to go out. Good music and outdoor ambiance. Beware of the $10 cover!!!
(3)Andrea W.
When i moved to this area I was pleased when the news lounge opened. Its the perfect place to go pick up your summer cocktails my choice for that is always their lychee martini. i had a bad experience one time coming here but since it was resolved there is no need to rehash that experience. I let some time pass and now find myself constantly coming here for a starter bar or a end of the night bar. The inside and outside are equally charming. Outdoor pool is great despite the fact that I have a pool table at home I still gravitate to come here to shoot pool. its great for groups and very accomodating.
(4)Anette O.
I fell in love with this place!!! How have I never been here before?!! I'm in Wynwood a lot and found a flyer for this place on my car. I saw the happy hour specials and figured I HAD to go and check this out! Can't beat the hours and prices! I had a couple of apps..the stuffed dates and they were yummy. The ceviche, ehhhh. I saw a deal on Travelzoo for their brunch so I figured that I'd give their real food a try. Went this past Sunday despite the monsoon! I know the outside is beautiful and that WAS the original plan...but the weather had other plans for us! They had everything really organized for people that had purchased the Travelzoo deal. I have to admit that I was super disappointed at first that we couldn't sit outside..but the hostess asked us if we wouldn't mind sitting at the bar because it'd be way quicker. I'm easy so I said, hell yeah! It was awesome! The food was realllyyyy good! And the portions were big!! Absolutely LOVED the music!!! The vibe inside was nice! Go see Ben at the bar! He makes thee best white wine sangria and he was awesome as our server as well. I will definitely be back for brunch and just in general! Great new find for me.
(5)Daniella S.
This place is in a very beautiful, cozy spot. But something about it just rubs me the wrong way... They have a decent happy hour, (tip included) but the service is non existent. If they had replaced the bartenders with robots, I would not even notice. I've yet to try their food which I hear is pretty great, but again not dying to at this rate... Overall this place is awesome to bring a group or a date preferably at night. I've had good experiences because my company is good, but not because of the place itself. I'm likely to come back but I wouldn't be the one to recommend it...
(3)Rachel S.
4 stars for the location, layout, atmosphere and happy hour duration and pricing. 2 stars for the food. Service has ranged from phenomenal to wondering if we even had a server. It's a really great happy hour spot though, so I'll continue to come here. What to order and avoid (happy hour only): Hummus: Hard to fuck up. It's ok. Empanadas: One of the better things on the menu, the beef was our favorite out of all of them. Meatballs: Meh. Stuffed Dates: Pretty tasty. Sliders: Decent.
(3)Tifito P.
We just had a birthday party at The News Lounge this past Saturday... I haven't been out in a bit and was hoping to have an enjoyable night. Well, I must say that I had an incredible night thanks to all the staff and the owner. We ended up closing down the place... They even gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne which was the icing on the cake... Thank you all for a wonderful evening!
(5)Juan S.
Pretty nice place to come and relax and have a drink (if you go early). Had been to this place before a few times in the past. Very nice indoor and outdoor lounges. As the night continued though, the crowds started packing in with a doorman and everything...wasn't expecting this as I thought it was just a locals neighborhood place; however, it seems to be a hot spot. (crowded, loud music, etc.) I'd come again, but off peak hours to enjoy the outdoor space.
(4)Mark T.
The News Lounge Cafe-(off Biscayne Blvd & 55th Street) Yelpers have spoken....only a handful of reviews & this establishment can't even attain more than two stars. That speaks volumes! I do not recommend this place and will not return. The small bar and business do not deserve one star....search Yelp.com for better! I do apologize, as I do not enjoy writing bad reviews....I truly wish I had something more positive to offer here. Parking: The owners of this restaurant and Soyka also own both the north and south parking lots (this info is public record). So why are they charging for valet & $3 bucks at there own lots? And, they don't validate. Small note to management: this is not Miami Beach, so please stop this legal but inappropriate charge-up ! Shame on you! Other: My typical review is much more catagoric, but I don't want to waste your valuable time. This business is stifled with rules: parking charges, 15% required tip, holding your driver's license to place an order, & holding your credit card to place an order. You read that correctly. My friends on my cell overheard the waitress requiring these credentials before placing an order. We all heard it twice since I politely requested the waitress to repeat the request.....not sure I heard it correctly the first time. But that is the honest and clear truth. Summary: Just in case you weren't sure of my humble opinion: I do not recommend this business and I will not return. And again, I'm so sorry for issuing such a poor review. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with owner(s), staff, and/or employment. I am not affiliated in any way with any restaurant.
(1)Megan M.
I came to News Lounge the other night for a friend's party. When we got there, the girl out front asked if we were there for the party but couldn't tell us where they were. We walked around for a while checking the place out and looking for our friends. The place isn't huge, so it didn't take long, but it is a bit of a maze at night. There are tons of trees outside which makes for a beautiful setting to sit and lounge with drinks. Heading inside, we saw another bar and out party. The decor is beautiful with deep colors and dim lighting. Drinks are in the $10 range- reasonable and comparable to similar places in the area. It was so cold outside, so everyone seemed to congregate inside. It's pretty narrow, and once everyone started piling in, it became less cozy. We headed out soon after. News Lounge would be great to sit outside on a nice night, but overall, it wasn't the best place I've been in Miami. The music was sort of annoying with generic techno playing. The bartenders did their job, but lacked personality. The ambiance was nice, but quickly ruined with a crowd because of the cold weather. Eh, I may come back again, but it won't be my first choice.
(3)Natasha T.
Stick to happy hour! The brunch is nothing special! The waffles were paper thin and french toast was just ok. Service was pretty slow.
(3)Jessica B.
Wow, it was pouring rain when we got here but were greeted right at the door, by the manager and hostess really nice. We decided to sit outside in the patio area thinking it would stop raining but it didnt so we decided to go inside. Our waiter was really friendly and helped us decide our plates. I had the steak with foccacia bread and my hubby had the steak and portabello both wwere delicious with a mimosa. Their prices are great and have really good happy hour specials there too.
(4)Diego M.
Anything Mark Soyka does, I am a fan of. Respect. The News is great. I've spent a good amount of time and money there already. Highlights: - Great Ambience, inside and out. - Interior design, attention to detail, original. - The bathrooms are great, check out the ceilings. - Great Beer Selection - Friendly Bartenders - Excellent outdoor - Great to go for a drink, or with a group of friends and hang outside. - Free Wi-Fi, I've set up a few lunch meetings here in the past and it was great for that sort of thing. - The mirror room Not so good: - The new summer hours they implemented killed the potential lunch crowd that live in the neighborhood, ie. me. My picks: - Turkey, Brie & Mango on the Baguette, it's off the chain. - The Tiramisu = ACE. - A glass or two of Duvel beer. Introduced to me by famed Miami Yelper Ramon C. (Who also got me into Yelping)
(4)Debbi P.
Went here for a party and although we planned on moving on to a club, we didn't get further than The News. Only problem is that there weren't tables big enough for all of us to sit outside together, but who cares once you've had some of their great drinks and been on their swing chairs?! Great atmosphere and just a COOL place. TIP: waiters were a little busy so we just went to the bar - it was much quicker.
(4)Rob F.
The News Lounge is one of those places where the atmosphere and decor can make it more memorable than the food. Their menu is quite uninspiring and some what lazy. When the most recommended dish is a Turkey, Brie, with Mango chutney sandwich you know the menu is limited. What saves this place is the atmosphere they have created. They have sitting inside as well as outside. There is music playing and decorative lights all around. They have sitting arrangements for every occasion: small tables, sofas, as well as bars stools outside. Just about every night there is a theme. On Mondays they have discounts for those who work in the food industry. Around 9 p.m. on the first Sunday or second Sunday of every month they play a silent movie with a live DJ and musician playing an original soundtrack to the movie. This is a great place to start of a night or meet a blind date. It's affordable and trendy enough to inspire you to come back, but not because of the menu. There is also a pool table all the way to the back left of the patio. Summary: Great atmosphere and ambiance. Menu is limited and though "creative" it is uninspiring. Prices depend on what you get, but it's nothing to brag about. Nights can bring some interesting characters to the News Lounge.
(3)Carlos P.
This is the perfect place to come with a group of friends and grab drinks. The happy hour special is pretty unbeatable with beers starting at $3 a pop and well drinks going for $4. The interior of the place is bigger than it lets on. With vintage artwork and mannequins placed in peculiar settings, the inside gives off such a laid back yet elegant vibe at the same time. There are countless couches and seats everywhere to sit back and relax. And I'm talking about nice couches with designer pillows, not some wicker back-breaker. The outside patio is pretty big itself with different lounging spots with their own sofas and chairs and some swinging hammocks as well. There's a pool table also in the back which provides entertainment when you want to engage in some drunk competition with friends. All in all, a grade A place for get togethers with friends. And if you are feeling peckish, they have a nice selection of appetizers and burgers to choose from.
(5)Ashley S.
I had heard amazing things about this place, particularly about the music from a fellow music phile so I knew I needed to check it out. Made my first gander this past Monday on a first date; not a great date but a total score on a new favorite hot spot. The music was as great as my friend said and very laid back, but pretty quiet understandably for a Monday night. Immediately told all of my friends that we had to return. After a strange twist of events Felecia and I found our way to The News (after some amazing pizza at Andiamo across the street). The music is great--very eclectic and totally hip. Great crowd--so great I forgot I was in Miami for a hot minute. Parking was a little tricky, but I'm kind of a parking savant and found a clutch spot down the street (and my car was still there at the end of the night). The prices were right, bar staff was fun, and mood everything I was looking for. Will definitely be back!!!
(5)Ginna G.
Had never heard of this place considering it's a bit far from my area but I visited for the first time on Saturday and I'm so glad I went. I'm 21 so the crowd was a bit older, though pleasant. The drinks were incredibly inexpensive. I ordered two vodka tonics and a Black on the rocks for only $30. There's a large dancing area and the dj was on point, mixing all genres pretty well. I'll be returning sooner than later.
(4)Christine P.
Second time hanging out here, and I loved it. There was a music festival going on.... some Brazilian Hip Hop group was playing, which was totally random, but it made it very festive. Very cool place to hang out, went after dinner, cheap and easy to park (ALWAYS a plus!), and fun, funky decor. Just walked around at first taking it all in, until we stalked one of the loveseat swings, and took it over for the evening. Enjoy the outdoor lights and palm trees, such a beautiful night that it felt like we were hanging out under a "fake sky". Drinks seemed a bit pricy ($19 for a mojito and malibu/pineapple). But love the vibe, and the neighborhood, so will definitely be returning with friends. It was a fun Thursday night, although I don't know what it's like there normally without the festival going on. Wonder what nights are good to hang out there...
(4)Mario C.
If it was not for that small, red neon sign, I would have never found this place! From the outside, one can only see the tables in the courtyard. I must say, once inside, this place is awesome. The décor is trendy, yet very organic. It compliments the area really well. The service is friendly, but getting a drink takes a bit too long. My party was not at the bar, we kicked back in those comfy couches. Also, my mojito was OK but not the best. The price of a cocktail may seem a bit high, but you are mostly paying for the atmosphere, not the actual drink. For the drinks are the last things to come to mind when reviewing The News Lounge Bar & Cafe.
(4)Rachel W.
I am borderline obsessed with this place, which has quickly become my favorite neighborhood hangout. I ended up here by happenstance one Friday night and was charmed by the festive lighting in the courtyard and wide variety of seating options inside and out. Before I discovered The News, I was worried that my front porch in New Orleans would be the last place I'd ever enjoy my cocktails on a swing. I've never been happier to be proven wrong! The ambiance here is top notch, parking is free in the adjacent lot (if you show up at the right time) and the clientele is an interesting blend of aging hipsters, chi-chi young professionals and quirky artsy types. The service is great too - my friends and I wanted grub one night when the kitchen had already closed, and our waiter managed to scare up some croissants topped with chocolate and honey that made our taste buds sing. If you enjoy wheat beer (Blue Moon, Hoegaarden, etc.), order a Tucher on tap - the glasses are huge and won't make a huge dent in your wallet.
(5)Martin O.
This is a bar and lounge only with a very limited food menu. They have a few sandwiches, salads and desserts only. It is very nice inside and there are a number of tables and couches. It is dimly lit so it feels more like a club. It's a place you might go for drinks after work or for a group lunch meeting. The bar is located where the Gelatto store use to be and their space goes back all the way to the gym. For parking the best place is the free north parking lot. You can also park on the street. The parking meters are operational until 6pm only.
(2)Danny M.
I was introduced to this place by my gf on a random friday night. And now, I am so thankful that she did. The place is an excellent outdoor bar venue, that one could relax in their many different styles of chairs ( incl. a rocking chair for 2) with their fav. adult beverage. The crowd was enjoying themselves, and the area is really cool. Overall, had an excellent time
(4)Steph V.
Great place to have drinks and a bite. The service is a bit slow and a hassle when you're with a big party. But overall, a really great place to kick back, have drinks and talk with your friends. 2 for 1 drinks on Mondays!
(3)Ian G.
This place is ok - Free pool if you can get a table, their "baked" fries are pretty good, but be careful with their weird ass beers on tap! I made the mistake of ordering Piraat on two different visits - What the hell? Piraat(e) beer should be good, right?! One night I came here they had some huge projection screen with Nintendo being played, don't know what that signifies though. All in all, this place is not too shabby - come with some friends and hang out outside on the patio or go inside and cool your balls with the iced-down urinals.
(3)Daan K.
great vibe, great food, great staff = great night we met some really cool people, the owner / bartenders are very cool and not typical pretentious Miami snobs. the tuna tartar is amazing. definitely try Sasha's (the bartender's) Leblon Caipirinha's. Out door ambiance and live art on a Sunday night - definitely one of my favorite spots.
(5)Liz R.
This just in: if you want to break away from all the Miami bar-scene bull crap and have a great time without all the pretentious hullabaloo, head on over to News Lounge on Biscayne, right next door to Soyka for a uniquely serious kick-ass time. I loved the place as soon as you walk in: The outside patio feels more like a vacationing spot with couches, a tiki-looking bar, and even an outdoor pool table!! A totally laid-back and cool atmosphere surrounds you while you sip on your beer/cocktail if you decide to park yourself at the outside bar. You can also feast your eyes and window shop or actually shop at the cool vintage jewelry shop right next door which is open until midnight. The sole purpose for our visit to this hidden little gem was to take part in the "Drink and Draw" event they were having that night inside the lounge. My understanding is that this event is held once a month so if you must get your butt to News Lounge for this amazingly fun and cool event. As its name describes, you drink and draw. The gist of it is that at the end of the drawing session, they animate your drawing!! Ok here's how this happens: you sit at a table of 8, make a sequence of 12 drawings and you need to tie your first and last card to your adjacent neighbors... while you drink! It's oodles of fun kids, try it! And then they join all the cards, animate them and display them on a wall inside AND outside the bar for all to see!! All this while playing awesome tunes like The Killers, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc!! The event was a huge hit with me and my friends! Make sure you arrive there with plenty of time to kill since you will be waiting a while for your turn: trust me, it gets packed! Oh, and be very alert not to miss your turn! The only hiccup was the service. We had a couple of drinks at the outside "tiki-bar" and the bartender was awful. He kept asking if we were closing our tab while we were clearly not since we were drinking and had an awful attitude the whole time we were there. Don't know how the service inside is but I hope the bartenders in the lounge are more hospitable and nicer than the tiki-dude. The drinks are fairly cheap which was great! Overall, I had a blast and highly recommend News Lounge. We had great fun at such a uniquely cool event and the place is just rad. If you haven't visited News Lounge, please make a point to do so soon. You don't wanna miss out on this home-away-from-Miami gem. Back to you in the Miami studio.
(4)Ali Z.
Love the atmosphere here. Kudos to the designers. The outdoor porch-type swings are an especially nice touch. It's a great place to go and hang out for a while, although as the night goes on, it gets a little loud. (But then what hip Miami spot doesn't?) The menu is pretty limited and definitely overpriced. Decent snacking if you're not too hungry and have some cash to burn. $10 for a glass of wine felt like a bit much. Still, I will go back because the space is so great. I just might stick to coffee or a smoothie next time. I'm hoping it has more of a cafe vibe during the day, which would be nice, since Miami's really hurting in the cafe/coffee house department. If anyone has any recommendations, other than the Out of the Blue Cafe, please post.
(4)David D.
Great food , great crowd. Definetly a place to be on Saturdays
(4)Bonnie V.
If you enjoy doing COKE this is the place for you thats all I have to say!
(2)Patrick W.
I'm giving this little joint a 3-star review because I loved the space but think they can do better on the bar service. I'm basing this on my first and only visit thus far. But hey, first impressions are important! I recently went there to attend a political event and lucky for the place it was not a large crowd. My biggest (and only) complaint is that the bar service took a horribly long time. I've gotten faster service at bars that were slammed. There was only one bartender when there should have clearly been two knowing they were hosting an event that evening. The cause of my wait seemed to be a rather complicated order placed by some people camping out at the bar as well as the same people insisting on chatting up the barman. They struck me as the sort that thought they were long-time regulars and thus deserved to "hold court" ...in spite of the fact that the place is still too damn new to have regulars. Jeesh! But honestly, I'm less bitter over the imperfect service than I am at the fact that these douchebags were just being obnoxious...knew they were monopolizing the barman's time and inconveniencing the rest of us. But oh well...that's what one does at a bar. ;-) I'll be giving the place another shot. I hope the service turns out to be fantastic because it's an awesome space. It has the potential to be a great local watering hole, and would be a great lounge version of Soyka (next door). With the area's large gay population, this place could easily turn into an accidental gay bar, which wouldn't be a great thing for the neighborhood. The News should get a clue, however, the next time they host an event and have an extra bartender on hand to handle the crowd...and the regulars holding court. Patrick needs his Guinness, dammit!
(3)Kristin K.
Love this outdoor garden setting that offers fun apps perfect for sharing. Not too loud, but good music that you can still have a conversation over. The Chocolate Fondue with a bottle of Processo is a must.
(4)Rachel S.
This was a great find. The outdoor area feels like a chill block party. Comfy outdoor seating and fun music. Love the swings. Simple, relaxed, unpretentious lounge. Go have a drink there.
(4)Marce E.
Despite the abnormally tiny pool tables in the back and the fact that I yet to try anything on the menu, I LOVE this place! This is the perfect spot to relax with friends to take the edge off of a long, hard day at work. The lighting, seating and service are the best selling qualities about this venue! Great place!
(4)Janine R.
The News Lounge at 55 Station is definitely one of those spots where its all about the outdoor lounge. From the lounge swings to the fountains with koi fish, it seems as if the ambiance at News Lounge trancends you into a cool, and chill vibe. They have a great happy hour that lasts until about 9 and the food is pretty good as well. I had the quesadillas when I went, and they were really tasty. The best part about this place is that its pretty much away from all the downtown and brickell crazyness, but also pretty close enough to drive back if you change your mind.
(4)Karina G.
News Lounge is one of Miami's hidden gem. I feel like not a lot of people know about it, including me. I have never been to this place until my friend told me she was celebrating her birthday there. The ambiance of outside is phenomenal. I love everything about outside. Wish we could have been outside but it was about to rain and we already had a private section/room inside for the birthday girl. Inside is just as good. I love the soft lightening. It makes the whole place intimate. I ordered a sandwich for dinner and it was good. My favorite part had to be the ketchup that comes with the fries. Its a bit on the tangy side which took me by surprised and it tasted good. I recommend to go during happy hour. A lot of the food and drinks are discounted.
(4)Marcello B.
Friday night at the News Lounge!!!! What can i say, it is our 11th year anniversary and Paolo Albertoni is spinning!!!!! Wow. If you want to listen to the right amount of soul and funk, with a dj who downs not only spins, but who can actually carry on a real conversation about music, this is your place. An amazing setting in an otherwise undescriptive area. An Oasis for you music lovers!!!! Come and make it your own. The management is friendly and they listen. It is a great spot outside the notable circle of known places.
(5)Natalia G.
Love the decor, outdoor seating and ambient music - if you want a sexy hangout and are coming with a good group of friends, this is a reliable pick for nighttime. Order the chocolate fondue (comes with strawberries, bananas and pound cake) to compliment your cocktail. Perfection!
(4)Rich K.
I was lucky enough to celebrate here with Jamie C.'s on her 30th birthday. The food (sliders) and drinks (lots of vodka) were great. The atmosphere was fun and lively. Only problem I had was getting hit on by the wrong sex, no one told me it was going to be alternative night. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have worn those tight jeans, but I they did get me some free drinks.
(3)Jacob C.
I really like News Lounge...its a great laid back place to hang with some friends and drink the night away. I love the outdoor atmosphere with all the lounge-ish couches. The drink prices are pretty reasonable and service is pretty good. Last time I was there I drank the night away while sitting in one of the swings that they have outdoors. It makes for a great night.
(4)Ralph W.
I left this place last night wanting to come back again. Both indoor and outdoor settings are welcoming. The staff is very attentive and friendly. The decorations inside set you back in time, images of locomotives are all over the walls. The seating is comfortable, you feel at ease. Didn't have the chance to try their food, I was told their menu is getting revamped. This is a nice lounge to come after a long day of working and enjoy a few drinks to release the stress. I definitely recommend The News Lounge Bar & Cafe.
(4)Christine A.
Went to a surprise bday party and was pleasantly surprised at the good time that i had. Our server was efficient and had a great sense of humor. The drinks were good, the food was good, comfy seating. Good is good and nice to find in Miami.
(4)Cristy M.
Honestly, I'd spring for 4 stars and, considering how often I end up here either for events or to meet up with friends who live and work in the area, I should consider myself an official "fan" of News but I'm deducting one star for the music--most of the time. Yeah, so a lot of people might enjoy the music and that's fine. I think that there's a big chance that living in Miami and opting to hang out in this area, you probably might actually like the music, you might actually ADD a star for it. But I won't. It wouldn't be honest of me. Regardless, this is a review of News, overall. I love coming to News Lounge. As a restaurant, it's tops. As a lounge, it's tops too. The food is great. I recommend several platters: the salmon mini-burgers/sliders, the ceviche ap (AMAZING), there are a couple of sandwiches that I've had there that are just great. Overall, the food is definitely 4 star quality. As is the ambiance. I love the look of News. It's a gorgeous location tucked away in the middle of 55th Street Station with optional indoor or outdoor seating. Moreover, there are both indoor and outdoor bars and sofas, hammocks, swings, etc. I often come to News, again, as a pit stop between locations or just to chat. I've also thrown down Scrabble games there on several occasions and, as a bonus, my friend hosts Miami's only Drinking & Drawing event at News (summer date is set for July 29th, Thursday, beginning at 9 p.m.). For all those things, News is most certainly a place you'd like to go if lounge is your thing. Also, if a really nice lunch, for instance, or dinner date has you stopping some place to grab a bite that's totally worth it.
(3)Nicole H.
Excellent ambiance, relaxed, but not cheap. Great hangout for after work and after hours. Sometimes could ask for better service though.
(4)Erik D.
Considering I was here for the opening I would say that I have a good grasp on what this News is all about. A sexy, Organic and hip spot that many continue to sleep on. I like the fact that its a unique and somewhat hidden lounge on the Mainland which I'm all about. I enjoyed its more rugged artsy begginings; live art, bangin' DJs, and silent movies with obscure music playing along side- bohemian in a word basically. Nowadays its under new management and the vibe at times seems a bit square, lacking the facets it once had ,(hence the 4 stars) but if you want that TRUE Lounge vibe, its your spot. There is still eye candy everywhere and decent music on a regular so I'm happy and you will be if you live or are visiting Miami proper/Design District/Little Haiti/Buena Vista/MIMO areas.
(4)Jamie C.
I love this place, I celebrated my 30th birthday there, and everyone had a great time. They have really great food, and music, just a fun down-to-earth vibe. The outdoor area is beautiful and cozy if it's not such a hot night. Indoors is also cool, very chic and artsy. Sunday nights theres usually live music, great time to go and just have a glass of wine to get ready for your week.
(5)Franky A.
Good for drinking and hanging out but the food menu is tiny and the service there is slow.
(3)Ramon C.
Went for lunch yesterday. Love the ambiance. It's very cozy and comfy. I would love to see what it is like when its a bit busier. Regardless the 'Turkey , Brie and Mango Chutney' sandwich was really goood. Nice size (almost felt like I ate a full loaf of bread) and the mango chutney was a nice touch. The place has free WIFI for you folks looking to get some work done or just check to see if that application on your iPhone has a new version out in the app store. I will return to explore their other sandwiches and try the Tiramisu which looked quite inviting.
(4)Gina I.
My friend and I got a good bottle of merlot...sat outside and chatted under the stars for a few hours....super laid back...great server.....was only there once, but enjoyed myself....ill be back.....
(5)Mia S.
Went there today for a coffee, the place was empty, it was saturday at 7 pm. We walked through the outdoor siiting area without being offered a table, the same happened inside the cafe. The only waiter that approached us let us know that inside the place was actually a disco, but if we wanted to have something in the AC area we were welcome to sit in the bar area. So we sat at a sofa watching three girls chatting behind the bar without even noticing we were there. Needless to say, we just left.
(1)Mina M.
The staff was friendly and the decor was interesting (a disco ball hanging next to a wooden wind chime on top of a fountain) but other than that, it wasn't a place I would go back to. Prices were too high for the location, food wasn't that great and the music was too loud to carry out a conversation.
(2)frida k.
SOMETHING CHIC HAPPENING ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE.When I first walked in,Monday night,it was around 10 p.m.A good friend was introducing us to this place that we knew only by passing.I was under shocked.I've been living here in Miami for nearly 3 years now and never made the way to Soyka neither the other bars near by.I felt guilty and shame because I was a complainer when it comes to good bars and restaurants.Almost like a perfectionist.We end up walking into The News Lounge and I knew,this will be my new spot for meeting up with friends for a good wine and a tasty hummus plate.I couldn't complain about the bill either but maybe this will change soon.I got to say this,the bar tender a "she" is super friendly just like the server and the interior is inviting..there is nothing worse than a bad ambiente..but you'll come and judge yourself!
(5)adriane G.
I went there once and had a horrible experience. The outside patio was nice just to sit and hang out. The service, however, was awful! I ordered one wine and it literally took over 30 minutes to get it. (not exaggerating) They really should hire more servers. They guy had to take my credit card and ID even though I was not running a tab (and keep it all night). To get my cards back it was another 10 minutes of playing Where's Waldo as the poor waiter had a fat stack of like 400 ID's he had to go through. Now, the wine ( which cost $12!!!) tasted like gasoline. If there going to serve wine for $12 they should at least use wine that's a little decent. The only good thing about that experience was that the waiter was really nice and I recognized him from Pasha's on Lincoln. He tried really hard so I gave him a $6 tip (half of that expensive disgusting wine). After my one wine I was done. I probably would have had a better experience sucking the fumes from my gas tank. (hey at least it would have been cheaper).......... in conclusion good: pashas waiter outside atmosphere bad: gasoline wine prices service wait time
(1)Tina K.
Came here for happy hour - loved their patio. It's huge with seating from swinging benches, to rocking chairs, to huge lounge ottomans. Great place to hang out with friends when the weather's nice. I haven't tried their food so can't give it 4 stars but 3 stars for the wonderful service and happy hour drinks~ 4$ wells, 3$ beer.
(3)Liz T.
the news finally opened this week... woo hoo! i'm not the biggest fan of soyka... mark soyka's other restaurant venture in the area (kinda right next door), but i'm excited for 'the news'. i went to pick-up sushi from sushi siam last night (right next door) and over course popped my head over as i have done every time i'm in the area and to my surprise... they were officially open. the place looks great. a bunch of tables outside in the little courtyard. the bar/lounge area was beautiful. very tastefully decorated. and the hosts/hostess were super polite when i walked in. def stopping here this weekend to eat. maybe for breakfast. mmmmm there's also no webpage or address listing i could find... so sorry for the vagueness on this listing. i'll update this weekend. UPDATE: tried to do dinner on friday and the power was out. :(
(4)Christine R.
Although I am a frequent guest at News Lounge, I've never been prompted to write a review until now. This is definitely a great place to get together with friends for happy hour or spend the night enjoying the music provided by the DJ's on the weekend. Recently, there was a change in staff which is what inspired me to provide this review. My server, Yenthil was absolutely fantastic. She kept us informed on our drink and food orders and had a dynamic personality. So much so, that on that night, we made reservations for two parties to follow. These reservations were made with the manager, Rebeca. Her level of professionalism was truly commendable. She allowed us the opportunity to request Yenthil as our server for the parties and even made it a point to greet us on the day of each of the parties. If you haven't already been to News Lounge, you don't know what you're missing and if you have been, it's time to go back for more.
(5)Mercy I.
It was my first time there and I Loved the atmosphere and decor.....BUT...One important thing, at the end of the night, the was a misunderstanding with the ticket of a friend. The waiter tried to explain but didn't get far. So the "Manager" was called to intervene. She's this very skinny tall girl with flowing brown hair...So anyways, my friend explained to her the discrepancy. And guess what, the Attitude of that manager was how can I say it?....Very be-littering. The way she addressed herself was completely not "customer is always right" . She turned around, because it was decided there was no mistake, and basically gave us the "Back" Not an "my apologies for the inconvenience" none of that.......So I must give her this review, she deserves it. Her customer service skills are on the floor. Horrible. I would appreciate if the owners would reprimand that so called "Manager". I most say, the Mojitos were quite delicious. BuT that "Manager" wow, I was impressed but quiet negatively by her....
(2)Eileen G.
Cool hang out spot, can easily become your local go-to place for a drink after work. The outdoor area is great and they usually have live shows including the amazing duo The State Of!
(4)Eileen A.
Even though I got sick after eating their ceviche last time I went, this place is cute and different. I haven't been back since so I don't know if they still have happy hour specials, but they used to have great deals. They never really change their style of music, so after a couple of hours of hanging out there, it gets quite monotonous. Overall, it's somewhere to try out at least once.
(3)Holly S.
I've been here twice now, and it seems that my opinion is greatly influenced by the people I'm surrounded by. The first time I didn't know that many people there and I felt a little uncomfortable, so my feeling was a bit on the indifferent side. Last night however, I discovered how stupid I am and that that makes me one of the cool kids. I had a blast at the trivia thing and met some really cool people. MY food was fantastic and OTHER people's food was fantastic as well. Someone at the table ordered the chocolate fondue and let me say, people attacked it like lions attack a weak isolated gazelle. One of my favorite memories of the evening was when three people combined efforts to rescue a chunk of pound cake from a dark chocolaty grave. I am sad to say they were unsuccessful and the victim was slowly disintegrated by delicious molten chocolate. The waiter was very nice although a bit on the scattered and relatively unavailable side. I love the decor of the place. I love the mismatched furniture. The seating was very comfortable ( I got to sit in a plush upholstered chair with snuggley cushions). I have yet to partake of the outdoor amenities, I suppose I will discover this place in increments. As of now, I would definitely recommend it.
(4)Justin F.
love this spot for drinks !
(3)Andrew P.
great spot off the beach for a drink.
(3)L B.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Great location. Great staff. Delicious food, drinks, and prices! Their happy hour is the best!
(5)Brittany R.
I think this place is great. If you have people from out of town and want to give them a taste of real Miami, I think this place breathes that vibe. The outdoor setting and awesome happy hour really set the mood for the rest of your night. The happy hour food menu with everything being $4-6 is amazing. Order one of everything and don't break the bank. The service is really good. I love this place.
(5)Keith P.
Cool outdoor seating area. You can play a game of pool, and have a nice conversation. They serve cappuccinos at night. If you are hungry, you can have sushi or pizza next door! What else can anyone ask for from a bar?! Only con is the $8 parking fee you have to pay if there is no street parking available (which happens to be a common occurrence at a Friday or Saturday night).
(4)Krystal A.
I love the ambiance! Very cool vibe. Sit outside. The music inside was really retro, grade-A stuff. The outside DJ was on vacation. Great place to sneak away from the party traffic and have some fun.
(4)Gaby B.
I finally made it out to The News Lounge for the first time last night (Saturday). I got there pretty early, around 8 because I wanted to take advantage of their daily happy hour which runs until 9. The place is super cute, perfect for a first date, or just some one you want to impress. The outdoor patio area is really nice (especially during the cooler months), complete with little swings to sit on while you enjoy a drink. The inside area was nice also although that looked more like a club scene with a bunch of couches, not many tables. Drinks are very reasonably priced and so are the appetizers from the Happy hour menu. They have pool tables and its only 5$ an hour which is a great price. Overall I am extremely happy I finally got to try out this spot, I will definitely be returning, next time with a little more time to enjoy their food and drink specials.
(4)Yulissa M.
Absolutely LOVE this place! It is such a cute lounge right off of Biscayne and 55th street in the 55th street station. Parking can be a pain when they are busy but you can park next door in a small lot or anywhere on the street. Just be careful and lock your doors! As most things in this area you have little hot spots in the middle of a not so safe area. Happy Hour specials until 9 PM are a HUGE plus! Live bands, DJ's and shows happen regularly here.
(4)Tiffany H.
Went for happy hour- great music played as we sat outside. Service was friendly and prompt for us- as the night continued I did see people waiting for much longer periods of time, so being there early seemed to be a good idea. The lychee martini was delicious at $6, bottled beers were only $3 but strangely lukewarm. We shared the bruschetta, $3, peanut chicken, $4 and sliders, $6, all of which were tasty and great values. Ill definitely come back here- good for groups or a casual date as at night it's lit with cute lights and candles at an outdoor patio.
(4)Sergio F.
Let me start by thanking Maria for organizing a very fun and "educational" Trivia Night at the News Lounge! It was fun trying to come up with the answers without using our crackberries! I was on a team with Vanessa, Jessica, and met Jonathan P, Edson, Emily and her "Gator friend;)" Great collaborating with you guys and hope to see you at future events! Good seeing Eve and Ana as well. Besides spiciness of food, there's a very important criteria for which I review a place. A bad mojito can ruin an otherwise perfect meal. News Lounge did not disappoint! The mojito had the perfect lemony tang, and blended nicely with the sugar. It could have used a little more rum, but that's ok given I have to work tomorrow. The small amount of rum was made up for in the Chipotle ketchup that came with the fries we got. They were also tasty and not greasy, which means that I can still say Im sticking to my New Years healthy eating resolution. The bruschetta and quesadilla were excellent. Bruschetta bread was warm and crisp, and tomatoes were nice and tart. The chicken wad just plain delicious. Desserts: Although not to the "foodgasmic" extreme of some people at our table, the fondue was delicious with great tasting chocolate. The pound cake was a little dense but that's Ok. Artwork: As an engineer, I liked the industrial aesthetic, including the retro railcar looking toilet.
(4)Jana E.
We went here for Sunday brunch and had mimosas (expensive ~$8). The food was ok but it was great weather so we enjoyed it.
(3)Diana Z.
Went early on a Friday night and even then, there was a good crowd. Nice outside area. Drinks were pretty good too and not too expensive at all. I was pleased. Will be back. Oh, and service was pretty good! Attentive and charismatic employees.
(4)Katy S.
Breaking News: This place is awesome! I went there on a Saturday night and really enjoyed myself. The music is typical Miami 90's...Stevie B, Cynthia, Lisa Lisa....Think "Hot Wheels." LOL. This place took me back to my past. I wish I hadn't felt sick the night I went otherwise I would've danced all night long! The drinks are pricey but they are STRONG. So if you want quality drinks, come to New Lounge! The crowd is late 20's, early 30's. No ghetto people (plus!) I heard they also have a great :) hour but I've never been. Overall, this place is cute! If you're looking for a chill night at a Lounge...this place is for you. Enjoy!
(4)Nene M.
This was a very nice place. The only downside is that the chef always takes stuff off the menu. I just went last week for the salmon rolls and today it was off the menu. Also our waiter was really nice although he had to wait on like 10 different tables. he did an awesome job. the food doesnt take long to come out either. I only order off the tapas happy hour menu!
(3)Priscilla R.
Went here with Travel zoo coupon that I bought online. Boy, the disorganization in this place is VERY obvious! First we got there and another couple was already complaining about the broken high chair they received for their 6 mo old baby. So guess what? When we sat down, they told us they didn't have another high chair, so we also had to sit with our baby in our laps for brunch. The waitress --some Russian girl, poor thing, couldn't wait tables to save her life. She kept bringing us the wrong drinks and the wrong food meant for other tables. I had asked her to turn the fans on --Miami Heat and guess what, she forgot. I had to ask someone else. Needless to say terrible service and the place was completely disorganized. No one seemed to know what they were doing AT ALL! Pity because the food wasn't bad, but they didn't have some of the items on the menu. We wanted the waffles and we find out later oops sorry miss we are out of waffles. ? How could that be we were like the 5th customers?
(2)William O.
Came here once for Happy Hour. The deals weren't so bad. It's a limited happy hour menu, but your selection, ranging from beers to dirty martinis to some weird martini-like drink with a melon ball, is good enough. They also have some appetizers on the cheap. All in all, price-wise, it's not a bad happy hour spot. Couple that with a decently-sized outdoor area, and you have the fixings necessary for a fairly good time. Notice anything weird about my "review?" Pretty plain. Not really memorable. Most importantly, lacking in excitement. Why am I not excited? This place epitomizes that Miami attention to trendiness that seems to be more a focus of management than the product being delivered. One of the few things I remember from school is that the ambiance is part of the value offering, and if that's the case, then this place doesn't deserve the two-star rating I'm giving it. Why? It's so dark. Ridiculously dark. Uncomfortably dark. The kind of dark where you can't really tell what's being brought to you. The kind of dark where your waiter has to get so close to make sure you're there that you can smell the cigarette he recently made love to. And I was seated OUTSIDE. The interior has almost a haunted house feel to it. And it's not that it was adorned with skeletons and cobwebs. I just kept expected a middle-aged mummy wrapped in dirty bandages to jump out from behind some of the weird decor. That kind of dark. Am I being persnickety? Perhaps. I guess it's weird that I like to see my drink as I lift it to my mouth to make sure I haven't mistakenly picked up a Tabasco bottle. I mean, Purdy Lounge is brighter than this place. Purdy Lounge.
(2)Jonathan B.
This place is amazing every time I go. Perfect place to get some drinks and converse with friends. There are certain nights where they have some events and it does get quite crowded, but still the people are not douchey, they respect your personal space. Drinks are superb! I always get the Long Island because they make it that good! Caprinha was very good as well. Will be coming back!
(5)Aly G.
** HORRIBLE SERVICE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH** I bought a Travel Zoo coupon for Brunch and could not wait to try this place. Website states that reservations are required for Sunday brunch, so when I called hostess told me that they were all booked and could not take same day reservations but to try and come anyway worse case scenario we would wait a bit. When I got there place was half empty outside and we were immediately seated. It took our waitress 10 minutes to come and acknowledge us. She took our drink order and came back in 15 minutes with them watered down because the ice was almost all melted. She "apologized" took our food order and left. She did not bring us plates and utensils, not water considering we were seated outside in 90 degree weather! 20 minutes later our food arrived, I asked her for water and ketchup to at which point there was and eye roll and attitude on her face. My boyfriend had to get up and get us the plates and utensils form their outside serving area himself, had to ask for the water and ketchup 3 more times before she brought them when I was almost done with my meal. I ordered the eggs Benedict ( it was meh!) my boyfriend ordered the mini burger and tuna wrap (ok not anything exciting). Towards the end of our meal we were so aggravated that we did not have any dessert. Our bill came and an automatic 15% gratuity was applied, lucky for her because I she did not deserve it. Long story short: WILL NOT RETURN!!!
(1)Kelsey M.
Definitely a great place to check out. Big outdoor area and art inside. Easy to get to (once you find the little street it's on) with a parking lot next door. Also near bus stops on Biscayne.
(4)Michelle D.
Place is disappointing! Great ambience and decor, but that's it. Have been here about 4 times, with the expectation that it will get better, but not a chance. Have waited 30 minutes for servers, servers have brought out the wrong drinks, there was a minimum for credit cards that is enforced only half the time (guess depending on how you state your case to your server). Place has potential, but service is subpar, and it just ruins the experience.
(1)Marion D.
Cozy place with good music. Perfect for drinks, but brunch is a hit or miss... Chef rather watches football than expediting in the kitchen... meanwhile my food was burned and my friends crepes were cold... come on, get it together!!
(2)Abbigail W.
Perfect outdoor atmosphere. Quiet enough that you can have great conversation. Excellent heathy food such as hummus wraps with sprouts. BUT the mixed drinks are awful. The bartenders use way too much simple syrup in every mixed drink every time I go. They will temp you with strawberry mojitos and pitchers of sangria- but buyer be ware! You won't like it. Go for beer, wine, or champagne and avoid the awkwardness of sending the second drink back.
(3)Bella B.
great happy hour! The food is pretty decent for it, and a wonderful price on beer/wine/liquor. Ambiance is very relaxed, by Friday around 6 it is pretty bustling with people. I love coming here to wind down.
(4)Sara M.
I prefer the News Lounge earlier in the night before the crowd starts rolling in. You can appreciate the cool decor and sit on one of the couches and just relax with a date. Once it starts getting busy, eh, News is good but nothing to scream about. The crowd is a bit older, I would say the average patron is probably somewhere in their late 30's- young/mid 40's. Plenty of cougars on the prowl. There was a cute couple who were in their 60's sitting and enjoying the scenery outside.. and this was at about 11:30 on a Saturday night.. sooo... yeah. I like News to start off my night, but would not come down if it were going to be my only stop. I do have to compliment them on their drinks though. They expensive for the area, using more of the south beach pricing standards, but you definitely get what you pay for. 14$ for one of their menu drinks and 12$ for a rum and redbull, but they are delicious and pack a mean punch!! I've not had one bad drink here. From the signature drinks, I've had the grey goose pink lemonade, a strawberry Bellini, and creamsicle martini which were all great, and like i said, quite strong. They make the best lemon drops too. The patio area is great with pool tabless, swing chairs for two, ample couch and table seating, and a live DJ. The inside dons some awesome and unique decor and I love all the art which extends all the to the restrooms. The News Lounge is on the grasp of the ghetto. When I came here for the first time and my GPS told me to exit on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd I was like "whhhaaat?" But all of a sudden you're driving and it goes from schools parading their C- scoring, to lights in the trees. Parking outside was 3 dollars which they advertised as vallet , but you have to park yourself. Good place to start off the night.
(3)Jackie S.
News Lounge...awesome for happy hour!!!! I love this place tons of seating, cute little hidden areas...very cool!! Whats not awesome is their regular prices :( Thing is if you had killer Mojitos I wouldn't mind paying full price but you don't. You have rum and seltzer water with leaves. At $4 a pop, I'll take it...at $10 ehhhh, you need to look for a better bartender!! Bottom line: I love your happy hour and I will return...for happy hour :)
(4)Vivian L.
Good ambience. Good music. Great atmosphere. For my 26th birthday, I reserved a table. A bottle of vodka was reasonably priced. If I remember correctly it was $150, top shelf too. The waitress kept the mixers coming and was super sweet. Very attentive and informative. By the end of the night, who woulda thought she'd help me carry my friend to the bathroom (she got to the bottle before the rest of the group did). I told her not to worry about us and thanked her for her help. For the next 20 min, she checked in to make sure we were ok. Wish I got her name but I think she was the best waitress I ever had... It's been more than a year and havent been back since but as I write this review, these good memories flood my mind.
(4)Jordan N.
Ah, had to knock off a star since they stopped having pisco sour in the menu. And for claiming that they still make it. And making it without egg white since they stopped keeping egg white in stock. Don't ask me why they bother even have pisco then - cuz I'm clueless, it's nowhere in the menu even as a different type of cocktail. And sorry - but pisco sour is no pisco sour without foam. Note: + I did love the raw tuna in the spoon. It had a good kick with the dressing! + strawberry caipirinhas were strong and good
(3)MICHELLE C.
After several visits I have decided this is one very cool place to hangout. We were celebrating two Birthday's here the other night. So who else has a Happy Hour daily from 5-9 pm. Woah, and what a great Happy Hour it is. Beers as low as $3, wine, cocktails, and amazing app specials. Our group ordered many appetizers and drinks. We sat outside where they have large tables with very comfortable chairs and loveseats. Our waiter was terrific. He was fast at taking all of our order's and he had a great personality. Hubby and I ordered sliders, meat and cheese tray, and ceviche. Hubby really enjoyed the sliders, with cheese and grilled onions, he said they were very good. My favorite was the meat and cheese tray. Capicola, Salame, and cheese with olives and very good bread and breadsticks. Very nice platter and it hit the spot as I was hungry. It is such a nice place to just chill, have a few eats and drinks in such a nice warm cozy atmosphere. Non pretentious, just casual fun. They have a couple of double swings that are so comfortable to sit back take a load off and swing away. From service, to the very good food, at excellent prices this is a must try. Parking is $2 in the lot a few store fronts away. Really really like this place. Great cocktails, beautiful decor, good food, great prices, excellent service. Yes, looking forward to spending many evening's here. Thank you for a wonderful evening with some really cool people.
(4)Priscila L.
The place itself is really cool: the outdoor patio is lightly illuminated, love all the trees and the seating. Also love the tiki hut bar. And the music is very good. HOWEVER,SERVICE by the bartenders is ATROCIOUS. They are sooo damn slow (went on a friday, wasn't that crowed and still waited 30 minutes), give you attitude, especially the chic with all the tattoos. Seriously, a place can be beautiful and have good music but if service sucks, it's not worth it.
(3)karin c.
I was here with a party of 10 people at night for a friend's birthday! The ambiance was good even though there wasn't music outside or was very low ... The pool tables are kinda old but that wasn't a problem! The server or bartender which I remember is a blond girl was RUDE I asked her for more ice because the beers were not very cold and she answered me back with an attitude... Probably one of the reason we are not going back again... Tip was included unfortunately :(
(1)Ann Marie M.
Just celebrated my birthday here on Saturday 2/23/13. I had a huge turn out and most of my friends that came had never been to The News Lounge. They all immediately fell in love with this place as much as I love it. I have been a fan for quite some time. I have come both for happy hour and also on the weekends to just hang out and listen to some good music. This place always has such a great crowd and the music is really good... I happen to know the DJ and can vouch for this! This is truly a hidden gem that everyone must check out. Their happy hour menu is a great deal! The food is good, the drinnks are awesome. But most of all the vibe is what won me over! And lastly, very nice and accomodating staff! Thank you Rebeca! It's the perfect spot !
(5)Alissa W.
We we looking for a bar to gab a drink at Sunday night around 10. I clicked my yelp app and noticed there really was nothing open in the midtown, design district area. I have passed by this plaza numerous times eaten at Soyka, and sushi Siam. I never been to the news lounge bar and never would have even thought to go here. The place seemed very chill tons of outside seating, swings, couches, and tables. I Liked the vibe it was not crowded at all but it was Sunday night. This place is cool not sure I will run back, but definitely will have it in the Back of my head if I ever want a grab a late night drink in the area. The cool this is they have a fountain with Koi fish. It is definitely a cool vibe.
(4)Rachel S.
A comfortable spot in Miami. Friendly service. Many different areas to sit, both outside and inside. Plenty of parking and other restaurants nearby to make you feel safe and increase the people watching aspect.
(3)Michelle W.
Yay! I like this place. My first experience was a little rocky, so I held off reviewing it until I had a return visit. I was crabby upon leaving the first time because I couldn't get anyone to give me any water, but the rest of the time I was there I had a good time (it was waaaayyyyyyy back when we had a Yelp trivia thing there). Anyhow, I did not have any food on this visit. And I honestly don't remember what I ate the time before. The thing I REALLY like about this place is that they have happy hour EVERYDAY (yes, everyday, including weekends) from 5-9!! That's a long ass happy hour! Drinks range from $3 for a beer and $6 for a martini, not too shabby! They also have a few dinning options on the happy hour menu. The venue itself is super cute. I really like the outdoor patio bar area. You should check this place out. Service is a little slow, but about on par with standard MIA time.
(4)Jen S.
Great spot for fun nights and good drinks. They have an outdoor courtyard with comfy seating and a pool table that's easy to get a turn playing. They also have indoor seating and bottle service on some nights. The crowd is a mix of eclectic hipsters and trendy Miamians. Saturday nights, they have a DJed party with really good dance music that includes hip hop, Spanish music, top 40s and 80s/90s rock. I've never had anything to eat here but they serve food too. Maybe next time I visit
(4)Renee C.
Terrific, outstanding Food is small portion so weight control management perfect, light and service is outstanding Love it !
(5)Mailin J.
This place is quaint and cozy. Love the swinging chairs, chill atmosphere and foliage nearby which makes it very cozy. Drinks were good, the food was decent and service was good. Great for a group of friends to grab some drinks.
(4)Maria A.
Sitting on the one of the swings, looking up at the sky is the perfect way to close a week and relax. The News has become a reliable staple. Parking is simple and affordable. The drinks are reasonable and the food is filling. The cheeseburger slider was my favorite and my table ordered them by the three. While this place isn't fancy the open air location is charming and the music is never bad. If you have guests visiting this would be a great bar off the beach for a long night.
(4)Kati E.
ehhhh... crowd is always iffy.... depends on what mood your in..... not my first choice. ..
(1)Eve C.
I love The News. I really do. I've been here on many occasions, and until the recent Yelp Trivia Night, I'd somehow never made it inside... Interesting. But inside is the perfect setting for a rowdy night of trivia, attended by more yelpers and friends than I (for one) anticipated. The couches are super-comfy. There's plenty of chairs and space to make room for the late-comers. And there's easy access to both the bar and the bathrooms - very crucial! My friends and I managed to go through quite a number of bottles of wine - the lower priced Pinot Grigio, which was excellent (name escapes me...oops!). We also got some delicious food - sliders (the salmon was amazing, and the cheeseburger was quite tasty as well) and spinach/artichoke dip. And the bill turned out quite reasonable! Very, very nice. Yes, parking used to be free, but with $2 lot parking or $3 valet, you can't really complain too much!
(4)Marisol S.
Great happy hour, food, music and ambience! Love the Cucumber Martini.
(4)Katie K.
Very disappointed last few times I've been here. The service is just awful. I went for Sunday brunch recently and they really weren't that busy yet it took 30 minutes to get menus and almost an hour and a half to get basic American brewed coffee (mind you after our meal was over). We had to ask the hostess several times to send us a waitress and when we finally got a waitress our food came quick but never saw the waitress again until we got the bill - no utensils, no refills on water, no coffee even after about six requests (when coffee came my friend's cup had lipstick marks in it - gross) ...she was in total lala land. She mentioned they were understaffed yet I kept just seeing people wander aimlessly (manager included). When we finally got our bill she gave us the wrong table's bill and blamed it on the hostess. The food is just ok here, definitely not worth the frustration. I don't dine out very often and I am extremely easy going in restaurants, I usually let everything slide but I really feel like News Lounge needs to work on a lot with their customer service.
(1)Paul W.
I've been back to The News Lounge a ton of times since writing my initial review and they've improved on the shortcomings I mentioned, but for some reason I hadn't updated and bumped them up to the 4 stars that I feel this place now deserves. Each time I've come here I've had a great time and there's always been a good crowd. They now have some food offerings beyond appetizers since they've added sliders and sandwiches to their menu. Also, the last few times I was here their beers were priced reasonably for Miami ($5 domestics and $6 imports) so it appears that they may have adjusted their drink prices a bit since I wrote my initial review. Now that they've corrected the few low points that I mentioned previously, I truly am a fan, just as it says when you click on the 4 star rating.
(4)Melody Y.
All I needed to hear was happy hour until 9PM and I was HOOKED! I went for a birthday celebration and drank the night away. We had a few appetizers but nothing really blew me away. A great place to go for the atmosphere. Parking was a little difficult but I managed to get street parking. Will definitely frequent in the future (The very NEAR future!).
(4)George P.
The News Lounge is one of my favorite bar/lounges to visit. The drinks are very fairly priced, they have a great happy hour, and they are very well staffed. In particular one of the mangers there named Rebeca (with one C) is extremely accommodating, helpful, and polite. Anna one of the bartenders there makes fantastic drinks (especially long islands) and is good at remembering faces. Mark is another employee that is always on his job you always get your drinks quick fast and in a hurry, and he delivers service with a smile. Desiree is new there but she is extremely personable and makes you feel comfortable. All in all I would recommend the News lounge for the menu items and great service, I work for a company in which clients utilize sites like Yelp to make reviews in regards to our service so I think it's important that when you have a good experience somewhere you should let others know and not just go online and bash someone when you have a negative experience. If you're looking for a good night with friends and some good drinks the News lounge is the place to be. Oh and make sure you order the bacon wrapped shrimp.
(5)Michelle C.
Dude, other reviewers seem pissed about the no more free parking. Well, my first time coming was for the Trivia night last Thursday and I loved the place and $2 parking doesn't seem bad to me. I really like the ambiance, both inside and out. It's casual, but cool. Like, I'm smart AND cool kinda feel. The servers were a little scarce, but we were having a trivia night and I bet the service would be better on a normal night. I'd like to come back and find out. The sliders were good, and the french fries were different and good. Little french fries, almost matchstick french fries. But crisp and hot is what does it for me, and they were. Great night. Can't wait for next month!
(4)Chris C.
I didn't get a true feel for this place either of the times I was here. The first time was an elite event, which was amazing, and the second time was a yelp trivia night, which was a lot of fun. What I can tell you, is that the food is very tasty, I didn't try anything that wasn't good either night. The space is comfy, seems like they aren't looking to fill the room, or the outside seating area, but make the costumers there comfortable. I'm really looking forward to coming back and trying them again on a normal night to see how they really do.
(4)Aimeet T.
Went a couple of weeks ago for a group birthday gathering. 1st off the service was horrible. Only one waitress for a group of over 20. She got our food order wrong, our drink order wrong, came back making excuse after excuse. The food was not good at all really small plates of food. Like 10 items on the menu and expensive for the quantity. Let's just say we had a good time because we were a big group and once we had a few drinks, things got better. Don't think I will be back.
(1)Felicia R.
Very packed, but nice crowd.
(3)Albert M.
Music variation was great. VIP areas are extremelly small and in the way inside the club area. Two variations of music from the outside to the inside which was nice too. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar, 15+ minutes even though your standing right there waiting for them to turn your way. It seems like they bartenders although very nice couldnt handle a bar full of customers. Overall experience was great, parking seemed to be an issue. I will go back there though...
(4)Greshka P.
My first impression of this place was I Love it. Cute outside seating setting, with 2 swings at the entrance - great atmosphere. It took them a while to sit us down... Still I'm not letting that bother me, you know, there's more people there, maybe they're busy. We get our table, waitress gets our drinks order. Takes her a while but, we decide to use that time to look through the menu - not extensive - just appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. Don't get me wrong, the food was good, but if you wanted dinner you're not getting it here. I ordered the chicken sandwich with brie and pesto - delicious. Chicken was a bit dry but still delicious. Others ordered the tuna tartar, really good. Sliders, other sandwiches, everyone was happy with their food. Drinks, that's another story. I ordered a Pisco Sour - not impressed. Asked for limes to make it a bit better, 30 minutes passed still no limes. Had to ask for them again. This happened several times with our drinks, we had to wait a lot for them and remind the waitress several times that we were still waiting. So, obviously, by now my "I love this place" impression has gone down to I like this place. I would come again, still like the atmosphere - good place to just hang out. Would just do drinks and maybe an appetizer, and definitely never come if you're in a hurry. Bring a good group of friends so you don't feel the minutes pass slowly while you wait for your order.
(3)Deborah I.
Great spot for a drink with the SO for date night. Tasty bites to nibble on and very friendly and attentive staff. Definitely look at the Happy Hour Specials so you don't break the bank. Good music, fun ambiance and overall a great little gem stumbled upon by accident.
(4)Gissi J.
Everytime I have visited The News Lounge I end up in the Patio, the music is contemporary, the areas to lounge are very nice and perfect to chat and catch up with friends, (even the swings). I cannot rate the food as I have never eaten here I always come for drinks, they are fairly priced and not hard to get. There is a bar inside, another one in the Patio and very friendly waiter/waitress service, so if you can't get a drink its because you don't want to. I definetly recommend this place to anyone that has friends from out of town (like Maria A. said) its a great bar off the beach for a long night. P.S. There is a well lit parking lot next to it and they charge $2 or meters on the street.
(4)Karen R.
Last night we celebrated my husband, sister in law, and our friends birthday at The News lounge. We were a party of eight and I had reserved a table before going. We had such an amazing night! We were at our table drinking and hanging out until about midnight, and then the music got really good inside, lots of 90's freestyle music, so we went inside and danced until 4am! The service was superb, the prices are very reasonable and it was such a great crowd and atmosphere!! It's will definitely be our go to place when we wanna party!!
(5)Kristiana W.
Happy hour drink and food specials from 5-9pm everyday is awesome! The service was great, the vibe is chill and quaint and the food was actually really good. I will definitely try again .. it's the perfect spot of a chill night or a jump off the night spot.
(4)Jackie G.
I don't like to give bad reviews, but here I just have to. Bad news or good news first? I'll start with the bad. The service sucked! Ok, as someone who always wants to give people the benefit of the doubt, I will say that our waitress was stuck with two large parties with several split checks- however, grab another waitress or have a bus boy help because there were plenty of those just lounging around doing nothing- so the problem could have been solved. Fine, she was swamped- but there is still no need to have a snappy, I'm doing you a favor attitude. Especially since we reached out to her by saying excuse me and never disrespected her; at one point one of the guys in the group felt bad for shouting excuse me too loud and even apologized to her- which softened her attitude for a second but that nice temperament didn't last long. Then there was a terribly awkward debate with one of the girls in the group who wanted to have Chardonnay after finishing her Pinot Grigio. The waitress replied, "I see you've been drinking white wine, are you sure you want Chardonnay, since that wine is red?" The girl was like, "No, Chardonnay is white- I would like Chardonnay." The waitress snapped back, "Chardonnay is red wine."... The girl in the group just gave in by simply saying, "I'll have the Chardonnay." That moment was embarrassing and felt to have lasted forever. Then there were the group of waitresses lounging doing there hair and makeup, blocking the bathroom sink area who made it seem like we were in there way, and the other waitress who was pissed that the bathroom was closed when one of the girls in the party felt sick (I know, why lock the bathroom?- but it's a lil embarrassing ya know, and besides there was only one stall out of two with toilet paper so it really didn't matter that the bathroom was locked). Lastly, we were there celebrating a birthday and the dessert came out without a candle. The server went back and forth twice and forgot the candles. Finally he brought the candles by themselves, no lighter, but we managed... It was however upsetting to see the party next to us, have their birthday dessert come out lit with a candle with even a wine glass to block the flame- jeez that would've been helpful. God why the hell was the service so bad?! Ohhh here comes the check- well will you look at that?! The tip is included- 18% at that..... Sighs, oh all makes sense now. What a way to eff up the customers. Sooo... I said there was good news ya? Ok- well the setting is nice. The interior space with the posters, mannequins, double story height, art deco and contemporary-ish decor created a nice loungey ambiance even though the couches were prohibited since they were reserved for a party that never seemed to arrive. The outdoor courtyard created a relaxing and swanky tropical ambiance with it's angled outdoor bar, covered lounge areas, swings, overhead lighting, and pool tables, it was hot but they tried to help out with fans. We ate and drank from the happy hour menu which did have good deals with pretty fair prices and lasted for a long time from 5-9. It was surprising that they had this during the weekend, so that's really the reason why I gave them 2 stars instead of 1. The food and drinks were decent as well. They did serve me the best lychee martini I have ever had- it was refreshing and had a balanced lychee flavor so that's definitely a plus for them. The raspberry lemonade cocktail did however taste like pinesol. The meatballs with ricotta were pretty good, but four tiny meatballs is still a pretty small serving for I think $6 (maybe I'm just a cheapo- you decide). The crab stuffed portobellas were just ok with 3 small mushrooms for I think another $6. The best appetizer I tried were the stuffed dates which were wrapped with chorizo, battered and fried; they were good and that plate came with 4 for $6. Overall the 3 star food and drinks can't save this place if the service and atmosphere that the staff creates is worth 1. Will I ever make the trip to Little Haiti again to visit the News Lounge? Gosh, I would have to go with a small group- or be absolutely desperate after every other place in Miami has burned down. I'm sorry News Lounge, I had my reservations about you since you're part of the News Cafe family (another place with terrible service) and I was right.
(2)Fabrizio A.
best lounge ever to hung out. Good drinks, new organic menu, thats the way to go!
(5)Michelle M.
This place really needs to get their stuff together ASAP!!! I came here for Sunday brunch because my mom had a coupon from travelzoo, and apparently everyone else there did too. The outside area was packed so the hostess sat us inside (which is kind of dirty, has a lot of old broken sofas). We then proceeded to sit there for 20 minutes without being approached by anyone along with another table which sat down around the same time as us, my dad finally decided to approach someone who told him that one of their waiters left mid shift and he would send someone to us as soon as he could. Another 10 minutes later the chef took our drink order and I guess someone from the kitchen came after to take our food order. It's such a shame that the place is so disorganized and the service is so bad because the food was really decent, my avocado and bacon sandwich was delish....eggs Benedict was also very good along with the steak and eggs. When our check came of course it was wrong and they overcharged us on items included on the coupon we purchased. get your shit together news lounge, because your food is actually really good !!!
(2)Irene L.
Need a cool spot for a first date? Check. Looking for a laid-back place to celebrate a birthday? Check. How about a much-needed drink after work because your boss was a complete ass? Check. Or maybe there's no particular reason and you just want to shoot the breeze with friends? Check. News Lounge fits all of the above. In fact, I've been to this place for all of these reasons and have always had a great time. Drinks and food are good -- but what I love most about it is the chill ambiance. And when it's a beautiful night, you'll find yourself relaxing on one of the swings, looking up at the stars.
(4)Gabrielle F.
News Lounge, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The decor is awesome. Super retro, vintage indie. The couches are super comfy, the inside is such a home cozy vibe. The outside area has plenty of seating, including swings. There is lights hung in lines in the outside area that give it that perfect extra touch.The pool table is $5 an hour and it's located all the way in the back in a secluded place. It's a g great place to go with either a small or large group of friends, or on a first date. Food is pretty cheap, didn't have any so can't tell how good it is. I did see some waitresses with some on their trays and it looked really good. Next time I shall eat something and update the review Parking is $2 right next to the lounge. No cover, and prices at the bar look like 6.50 for ying ling on tap, $5 for miller lite, $12 Absoult vodka cosmo, just to name a few. The bartenders are really nice and do cool tricks when they make your drinks. Happy hour is 5-9 everyday with prices like $3 Heineken for example. The crowd varies. Some young and some older but the place is so fabulous that you really don't care. The music is excellent, but again, they can play whatever they want and it'll just feel right. The other great thing about this place is that you can go dressed up and super down and you will not feel out of place at all. I can not express how much I really LOVE this place. Only got 5 stars because I can't give more. If I could it would be 10 stars! If you go to this place it will be love at first sight. Love, love, LOVEEEEEEEE News Lounge!
(5)Sabrina Anna C.
Dear News, I LOVE your vibe. Adore your ambiance. And DEVOUR your food. This has become a new hangout for my friends and I whenever we want to stay out of the beach and still be somewhere fun and with an atmosphere. Was here last Friday night and had a really great time. News, you really know how to rock it! Between the music playing, the crowd that was gathering, and the amazing food we put down, our night could not have turned out any better! :) Food - The tuna tataki/tartar dish was AMAZING. I love tuna and it was really tasty. The burger sliders were SOOOO good and perfectly hit the spot. And lastly we had the Turkey-Brie-Mango Chutney sandwich, which was just fantastic! It's MELT IN YOUR MOUTH perfect! Mmmmmmmm! A couple of rounds of beers later, and we were well on our way to a happy buzz and happy tummy. Thanks News! Cheers! Sabrina*
(4)Laurelle C.
Great happy hour! My husband and I had the cold cuts and lamb scewers and they were both perfect. I was surprised that I liked the pinot grigio they offered. We plan on going back this weekend.
(5)Gina H.
First of all...to the ultimate jackass driving the Hummer in the parking lot who called me a genius because his penile brain didn't figure out that you COULD drive around the lot in a circle...so what if there is an arrow pointing one way only..I got the next parking spot in seconds while your sorry ass was still driving around being a dickhead....survival of the fittest (or should that be smartest). Had a nice couple of beers here with friends after a Yelp event. It was still happy hour so $3 Heinekens rocks my world. Love the sitting room vibe. The waiter was enthusiastic. The resident lumberjack was unusual. It was starting to get busy when we left. I like it. I like the decor and I like the vibe. Nice place to chill out.
(4)Vanessa P.
After going here for my first Yelp event back in February, I knew this was a great hangout spot. The ambiance and music make this a solid place to relax and enjoy an evening in Miami. We went back earlier this evening and walked into an event of some sort hosted by Chef Paul. Despite not being part of the event, we were given gift bags that included a Banks Caribbean Lager bottle, two Bacardi Limon travel size bottles, and Chef Paul stationary. As for the lounge itself, it was pretty busy the entire night and service was a bit slow, but I couldn't fault our waitress because she was literally running in between her tables getting everyone's orders. Drinks were ok but a little over priced for what they were. The outside is by far my favorite area of the lounge. The stringing lights add a simple yet South Beach-y feel (think Espanola Way). The wicker swing seats are also a nice touch. As for the food, their menu didn't really grab me as having anything worth ordering. I'd probably recommend hungry patrons checking out the nearby restaurants instead and hitting this place up as a post-dinner option.
(4)Stephanie L.
Looking for a great place to come after work with friends and just relax? News Lounge is the perfect happy hour spot, with special running from 5 till 9. Although there is a bar inside, really the outside is the best place to be. You can grab a table, a larger sofa, or even make your way to the outdoor swings (maybe not the best idea after a few drinks). They have a couple of appetizer options, like a fresh and tasty $4 tuna ceviche or juicy sliders for $6. However, the drinks really steal the show. They really have something for everyone, with plenty of cocktails, wine, and beer (for as low as $3). The lychee martini is one of the best I've ever had, and for $6 during happy hour, you can't beat it. So good, and you really don't taste the alcohol! The only mediocre drinks I've had are caipirinha and mojitos, which sometimes don't have the best taste to them. At night they light up strings of white lights that give the place a dim glow perfect for relaxing. Can't say the regular menu is anything amazing, but the happy hour specials are more than worth checking out, and the place has a great vibe. The crowd is pretty eclectic, but you can manage to pull off casual or more dressed up without sticking out (good if you are coming here after being out elsewhere). It makes a great spot to come with a group, or for a more intimate gathering or date.
(4)Jeane' M.
My bf and I came here for drinks and snacks on a Sunday afternoon. My bf ordered a Bahama Mama and I ordered a cappuccino with Kahlua and a hot fudge sundae brownie. My Cappuccino was amazing and the fact that it had kahlua in it made it even better. I tasted my bf's drink which was a little strong for me but I am not a big drinker. The sundae was good but it was huggeee. The waitress was attentive, but not annoyingly so. I don't think she spoke English too well but she did get our orders right. The bf and I sat outside, so I can say that this place is great for soaking in all the craziness that unfolds on Ocean Drive.
(4)Liz R.
This just in: if you want to break away from all the Miami bar-scene bull crap and have a great time without all the pretentious hullabaloo, head on over to News Lounge on Biscayne, right next door to Soyka for a uniquely serious kick-ass time. I loved the place as soon as you walk in: The outside patio feels more like a vacationing spot with couches, a tiki-looking bar, and even an outdoor pool table!! A totally laid-back and cool atmosphere surrounds you while you sip on your beer/cocktail if you decide to park yourself at the outside bar. You can also feast your eyes and window shop or actually shop at the cool vintage jewelry shop right next door which is open until midnight. The sole purpose for our visit to this hidden little gem was to take part in the "Drink and Draw" event they were having that night inside the lounge. My understanding is that this event is held once a month so if you must get your butt to News Lounge for this amazingly fun and cool event. As its name describes, you drink and draw. The gist of it is that at the end of the drawing session, they animate your drawing!! Ok here's how this happens: you sit at a table of 8, make a sequence of 12 drawings and you need to tie your first and last card to your adjacent neighbors... while you drink! It's oodles of fun kids, try it! And then they join all the cards, animate them and display them on a wall inside AND outside the bar for all to see!! All this while playing awesome tunes like The Killers, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc!! The event was a huge hit with me and my friends! Make sure you arrive there with plenty of time to kill since you will be waiting a while for your turn: trust me, it gets packed! Oh, and be very alert not to miss your turn! The only hiccup was the service. We had a couple of drinks at the outside "tiki-bar" and the bartender was awful. He kept asking if we were closing our tab while we were clearly not since we were drinking and had an awful attitude the whole time we were there. Don't know how the service inside is but I hope the bartenders in the lounge are more hospitable and nicer than the tiki-dude. The drinks are fairly cheap which was great! Overall, I had a blast and highly recommend News Lounge. We had great fun at such a uniquely cool event and the place is just rad. If you haven't visited News Lounge, please make a point to do so soon. You don't wanna miss out on this home-away-from-Miami gem. Back to you in the Miami studio.
(4)Ute L.
What the News Lounge lacks in food quality and speed it makes up for with ambience and general vibe. Groovin' Garden organic Sunday brunch is definitely groovin'. The DJ spins 70's disco tunes like Donna Summer and old school M.J. while you sit in the shade under the trees with fans blowing a nice breeze ever so often. The crowd is young and refreshingly diverse. Everyone seems happy, none of the usual stuck up Miami my- s**t- doesn't- stink attitudes. Be prepared to wait for your food for a while and don't expect large portions. Nosh on some of the drink specials ($15 bottomless mimosas, sangria or mojitos) and enjoy the music. Or have bartender Ben's homemade Bloody Mary made with fresh tomatoes, peppers, celery, Sriracha and some secret ingredients he won't reveal. The dishes are on the small side and are hit or miss. The crepe stuffed with bananas and loads of plump fresh berries is a definite yes. The eggs Benedict the nice ladies next to us ordered came out cold the first time (after an hour wait) and looked just okay. The smoked salmon was light pink, not the higher end dark red color and the eggs were served on thinly sliced multi grain bread instead of English muffins. Another couple ordered the Croque Madame, which came on the same bread, which is just totally wrong, as it should be thick sliced brioche. Egg white omelet with artichokes, wild mushrooms and red onions sounded really great in theory but was small and too oily. Visually not very appealing as it was more of a scramble than a fluffy omelet. Same with the side of potatoes: Oily, and we're not talking EVOO, we're talking Canola by the taste of it. Whether or not any of the food served is organic is questionable. Be sure to stop by the farmer's market to support the Urban Oasis project. The "market" in actuality is just a large table set up on the side of the patio. Picked up some beautiful dragon fruit, organic oyster mushrooms and raw fermented sauerkraut, after chatting with the guys about fermenting, hot peppers and other fun stuff. What can I say, I get excited about these things.
(4)Chevonne W.
This is a great place for a first date. The obedience is very nice, there is an outdoor area with lights so at night its very nice. Also a lot of different seating areas with a pond with actual turtles in it and also roof hanging swings to glide through the air. Nothing is too expensive, so great for a first encounter, don't have to empty your wallet. The drinks are good. I prefer beer but they have a cocktail menu that is very nice. The atmosphere is trendy yet not too pretentious like a lot of areas in South Florida. The food is ok, but it is good if you are not too hungry and want a place to go and hang out and drink with some apps. I would recommend the sliders. Not much of a beef eater but they are good. The music is very nice and relaxing. Over all a great place to after work and chill out and a wonderful place to take someone new.
(4)Katy S.
Breaking News: This place is awesome! I went there on a Saturday night and really enjoyed myself. The music is typical Miami 90's...Stevie B, Cynthia, Lisa Lisa....Think "Hot Wheels." LOL. This place took me back to my past. I wish I hadn't felt sick the night I went otherwise I would've danced all night long! The drinks are pricey but they are STRONG. So if you want quality drinks, come to New Lounge! The crowd is late 20's, early 30's. No ghetto people (plus!) I heard they also have a great :) hour but I've never been. Overall, this place is cute! If you're looking for a chill night at a Lounge...this place is for you. Enjoy!
(4)Ali G.
This place is great ! I went last night in a huge group and had an amazing time. They have a parking lot right next to the lounge for only $4 ( although the parking man wasn't very friendly ) it was a good price. When we walked to the news lounge there was a friendly hostess greeting all of us and the best part was NO cover ! ( we didn't have to pay to get in). Totally free. They have a very nice outside area a outdoor bar. Outside they have couches and swings and inside they have a DJ. The lounge plays all types of music, rap,hip hop, trance, EDM, Spanish, oldies. They have a great variety!!! At one point the DJ even passed out large foam props with lights which was great. The drinks are not over priced for it's location. In the bathroom they have friendly staff opening doors, refilling paper and selling anything you need ! Overall we had a great experience and will definitely go back again
(5)Rich S.
Came here on a Thursday night for drinks and some food. Happy hour is until 9pm which is great! Drinks were poured STRONG and the appetizers were good. We had the figs wrapped in bacon along with meatballs, hot cherry peppers and hamburger sliders. The outdoor space was huge, tons of seating. Had a DJ and service was good. Will come again!
(4)Chris B.
Parking was a little tricky and the place was packed. The outdoor area is really cool. I wish there was an open seat. It was difficult to get a drink. And once you did, I thought they were a bit pricey and not well made. A decent option if you're a local. I wouldn't mind coming back if I was able to get a spot outside on a nice night!
(3)Benazhir M.
I could not find the zero star, so I'm adding one. The first time I visited this place was about a year ago, I had a super yummy lychee martini, music was nice, service was great, and couldn't come back until recently. We were seated by a very friendly and welcoming hostess and that's it. We waited and waited while we watched how other tables were being taken care of, until I decided to ask the waiter: Hello! :D (smile) we would like to order. Are you our waiter :D (Smile) "Yeah" is what he replied. We were placing the order and he kept looking at us as if he was doing us a favor. May I remind you, waiters make their money on tips. Plus the place was nearly empty. We asked a couple of questions and he replied sarcastically as if we were supposed to know some items on the menu. Needless to say, we order two lychee martinis, which by the way, were disgusting and were served on whisky glasses. We were out of there faster than I can say ALOHA. I will not step a foot there again. Horrible service and horrible drinks.
(1)Jose P.
Good sexy place, small portions with the food, good selections of beer &spirits. Ideal for dates or group gatherings.
(4)Frances G.
Ok - let me start by saying I would love to give this place a 10 if I could for the atmosphere, outdoor setting, etc. i have been here plenty of times for happy hour and late nights and its absolutely one of my favorites. On the other hand, i would give a low rating for the new "brunch" menu they have. Im a vegetarian, and went excited to try the Organic brunch on Sunday! First, you need to make reservations and we didnt know but we were lucky enough that they were able to get us a place...personnel are very nice but the organic brunch sucks! In my opinion, they need a bigger selection also for non vegetarians. They do have meat but overall the menu should have more options but for vegetarians and carnivores as well.
(4)Natalia D.
Seriously, the best happy hour in town. Or at least I think so, just because their deals are too good. Happy hour goes from 5-9 PM. Beers, alcohol and bites. CHEAP. We mostly kept to the bar outside, so it was a nice ambiance. Not your typical annoying Miami crowd you find at an extremely packed happy hour spot in the Gables. We did a couple of their happy hour bites, and gotta say was pleasantly surprised. If you are looking for a different happy hour spot - thats cheap and good - try this place out. You'll be happy you did.
(4)Laura B.
What a great time! The DJ was playing music that took me down memory lane all the way to middle school! The drinks were good. Everyone was dancing, and having a fantastic time. I can't speak for the food, but I'll definitely be back! Parking was $4. There was plenty of space to sit when we got there. Bathrooms were clean. This is an awesome place for a casual night out.
(4)Jamie S.
Great ambiance, great music, always open. Sofas, swings, bars, pool tables, lounge chairs all throughout the outside patio makes this the perfect, chill spot to hang out, drink, people watch and enjoy a carefree night of fun. Next time, I'm coming for happy hour!
(4)Anna M.
What a complete disaster! I was just at the News Lounge for brunch and waited over 30 minutes to get a drink or a menu. The place was crawling with servers but none of them competent. Once you got their attention thy were nice but a brunch should not be over 2 hours long.... I haven't seen this level if disorganization in a while. The food did not warrant the amount of time we waited. At some point the waiter comes and asks if we need the check. To which I replied, we're still waiting for the food! Total mess. I've liked happy hours at this place before but I won't come back for a sit down service and I suggest you don't either! It's literally a waste of time.
(1)Angel F.
Love the Organic Brunch and atmosphere.
(4)Jessica A.
What was suppose to be a fabulous afternoon with my family ended up being a nightmare at The News Lounge. I had purchased a voucher for brunch for 2. We decided to make it a family affair and bring along 3 more people. We arrived and the hostess immediately states there is a bit of wait we are understaffed and to take a seat. Ok no problem. Thinking about it now..we should have just gotten up and gone to Soyka next store. It was apparent there was something definitely wrong with the staff at this place. There were dirty dishes and cups that looked like had been there for a while. After about 25 mins of waiting I ask about the wait time and again the hostess says they are back up and short staffed how is that my fault, yet I saw she had the time to sit and just wait for more people to arrive. If there is a staff storage it should be all hands on deck. Doesn't matter of ur a hostess people coming in to dine shouldn't have to dirty plates and empty cups. That's just gross :( An another hostess came up to us, I guess she could tell I was getting annoyed we are now at 40 mins no table. Shelby was really nice and got us a table immediately. The waitress came quickly and the first thing she says is its a 45 min wait. WTF!!!!!!!!! No way I get up and now I wanna talk to a manager. What I thought was the manager tries to mediate the situation and asks if we would like mimosa. YES pls :) He comes back with 1 mimosa. What the hell!!!! No mimosa for the other 3 adults at the table. What a fail again.... I get it there busy, backed up and understaffed but that is no excuse for such poor service. The sweet hostess bless her heart she was trying to make it better for us. She took our order.. And handed it to the chef. The new hostess should take some lessons from Shelby..cause she was still just sitting up in the front while the ship is sinking. Even though Shelby really did try out orders were messed up the appetizers didn't come out first. My moms dish never even came. What I nightmare this place is!!! They need to get it together. I honestly wish this hadn't happen cause their menu looked good. Organic good! I had the steak and portobello sandwich like my dad.. And the tuna tartare was yummy I would skip the salmon carpaccio though didn't taste right. At the end of everything u would think we would have gotten a discount of some type or even an apologize...but nothing just a bad taste in my mouth :( just found a couple pics of the horrible day
(1)Rachel P.
I like the vibe here, very hip, good drinks, nice after dinner hang out spot. What I don't like: Automatic 15% gratuity added to your bill A "Miami Tax" on top of the regular tax A minimum of $20 to charge to your card All of the smokers. I know it's outside, but I hate cig smoke either way.
(3)Eric P.
The patio is great but the bar inside leaves a lot to be desired. The décor is dated and the interior is in need of a REAL update! I ordered the Tomato, spinach and portabella mushroom meal and it was hands down the most delicious vegetarian meal I have had, EVER! I will be taking this meal home and attempting to replicate it weekly! DELICIOUS! BAD SIDE: service was EXTREMELY slow even though there were only 10 people in the place! we were the only couple at the bar and waited 5 minutes to be asked what we wanted to drink and another 5 to order food. food came out 20 after ordering. not good. Tasty meal made up for some of it, will not visit the establishment in the future.
(4)Gretel P.
This place is like a little hidden gem in Miami. I have been here twice and have loved both times equally. The first time we came here was for my Engagement party as weird as that may sound not the first place that would come to your head for an Engagement party. I reserved a room for about 20 or so friends, didn't have to pay anything to reserve which was awesome and we were able to choose between the room inside or a table outside. We met up with our group when we walked in and honestly we had such an amazing time. The drink prices are high but then again its Miami I am not surprised. I ordered a Amaretto Sour and my fiance got a Blue Long Island and we paid like $30. I don't know who was more lost the waitress who gave me a weird face when I said Amaretto sour or the bartender who prepared it because it tasted like crap. One of my friends got some shots 4 for $40 dollars ouch!! The environment is nice I liked the setup with the lounge chairs and big umbrellas its super chill. They have a DJ and that night they only played like lounge music. I went back 2 weeks ago on a Saturday because my fiance really loved this place and we didn't have to pay cover. I decided to order an Amaretto Sour hoping this time someone had gone to bar-tending school, and surprisingly I think the bartender they had today got an A in his bar-tending classes because it was on point. The DJ was on full blast and he played every single song you could ever imagine like I mean literally. It was like I was time traveling from Middle School to High school back to Elementary then back to Middle School, that is the only reason this place gets 4 stars because I think the DJ could do a better job in the transitioning of songs. That didn't stop us from dancing the night away, we had a great time and will be going back soon. I am telling you this is Miami's hidden gem, if you like a good Happy Hour which can't be beat, not paying cover most days, and dancing to you favorite songs from the 80s 90s and today, this is the place for you!!!!
(4)Monica S.
I can't believe I haven't given love to my favorite happy hour locale in town. In typical fashion, you can find me bellied up to the outdoor bar sucking down a Caipirinha, Brazil's national bird. The discounted drink menu is quite robust and caters nicely to those leaning towards wine or beer as well. To properly set the scene, the outdoor lounge sits nestled between some adorably indie shops that flank the intimate space on the north side and the News Lounge's indoor cousin joins along the southside. You can sexily lay on couches, gab away with your girlfriends at a table setting or even cozy up to your after-work flame on the swing. Towards the back, there's a somewhat hidden pool table and the fact that it's outside, wins. For bites, there's a similarly ample selection of half-priced snacks and the proverbial slider joins the list. What's a happy hour without some sliders, after all. The happy hour menu has downsized over the years, but this spot still gets me every time. There's usually even a DJ playing some downtempo or Depeche Mode to keep the mood just right. Great spot for a casual first date or hangout.
(4)Eduardo D.
Horrendous service at brunch. The server upon tilting his tray, spilled a sticky mimosa over us, glass shattered everywhere. These thing happen and are forgivable but to then charge us for said mimosa is despicable. The food takes a while to come out of the kitchen which I don't mind but it's nearly impossible to find your server while you are waiting for your food to order more drinks. So I would just go up to the bar to get my own drinks. The drinks were added to my tab but the kicker is that they impose a mandatory 15% tip. Wait, what? I'm tipping the waiter for the drinks I got myself and the one that got spilled on us? It was my second time there for brunch. The first was equally bad where it got the the point that we relocated from our table to the bar for better service. I've been going to News lounge since it opened years ago for cocktails and bites and I hate to say it but I'm never going back.
(2)Antoine M.
Well, I wouldn't come back on my own... Staff was really nice and apologetic, but that wouldn't be enough... Kitchen was closed when we got there, at 2pm...? Why? Because the chef was overwhelmed, one of the burners apparently stopped functioning and he decided to close the kitchen for easily an hour and a half... Maybe even more... Drinks were good... Food is okay... just okay... flavor was alright, nothing spectacular, I'd go there if you're on weight watchers' portion control and got a fat wallet... I'm giving it 2 stars for the nice staff and the pleasant atmosphere (music & outside courtyard/patio)... I'd go there for drinks only...
(2)Wendy G.
OMG, I can't believe I've missed The Best Happy Hour in Miami Everyday 5-9PM!. They have a groovy atmosphere cute antique looking lounge chairs inside, with a mix of comfy, eclectic furniture & art. Outside there is wicker patio furniture with comfy cushions. I love their lychee martini and almost all the appetizers on the Happy Hour menu.
(4)Sandra M.
Nice ambiance for a sunday brunch, but the service was horrendous. The waitress was disorganized and appeared lost. She took our order and disappeared. After a long wait, I called the manager, who was very nice and professional, he made sure we got our order. After we finish eating, the waitress came back and asked if she could take our order... she was truly very lost. I wil not go back for brunch
(1)Laure M.
Good place to go out. Good music and outdoor ambiance. Beware of the $10 cover!!!
(3)Fabrizio A.
best lounge ever to hung out. Good drinks, new organic menu, thats the way to go!
(5)Anette O.
I fell in love with this place!!! How have I never been here before?!! I'm in Wynwood a lot and found a flyer for this place on my car. I saw the happy hour specials and figured I HAD to go and check this out! Can't beat the hours and prices! I had a couple of apps..the stuffed dates and they were yummy. The ceviche, ehhhh. I saw a deal on Travelzoo for their brunch so I figured that I'd give their real food a try. Went this past Sunday despite the monsoon! I know the outside is beautiful and that WAS the original plan...but the weather had other plans for us! They had everything really organized for people that had purchased the Travelzoo deal. I have to admit that I was super disappointed at first that we couldn't sit outside..but the hostess asked us if we wouldn't mind sitting at the bar because it'd be way quicker. I'm easy so I said, hell yeah! It was awesome! The food was realllyyyy good! And the portions were big!! Absolutely LOVED the music!!! The vibe inside was nice! Go see Ben at the bar! He makes thee best white wine sangria and he was awesome as our server as well. I will definitely be back for brunch and just in general! Great new find for me.
(5)Daniella S.
This place is in a very beautiful, cozy spot. But something about it just rubs me the wrong way... They have a decent happy hour, (tip included) but the service is non existent. If they had replaced the bartenders with robots, I would not even notice. I've yet to try their food which I hear is pretty great, but again not dying to at this rate... Overall this place is awesome to bring a group or a date preferably at night. I've had good experiences because my company is good, but not because of the place itself. I'm likely to come back but I wouldn't be the one to recommend it...
(3)Rachel S.
4 stars for the location, layout, atmosphere and happy hour duration and pricing. 2 stars for the food. Service has ranged from phenomenal to wondering if we even had a server. It's a really great happy hour spot though, so I'll continue to come here. What to order and avoid (happy hour only): Hummus: Hard to fuck up. It's ok. Empanadas: One of the better things on the menu, the beef was our favorite out of all of them. Meatballs: Meh. Stuffed Dates: Pretty tasty. Sliders: Decent.
(3)Tifito P.
We just had a birthday party at The News Lounge this past Saturday... I haven't been out in a bit and was hoping to have an enjoyable night. Well, I must say that I had an incredible night thanks to all the staff and the owner. We ended up closing down the place... They even gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne which was the icing on the cake... Thank you all for a wonderful evening!
(5)Juan S.
Pretty nice place to come and relax and have a drink (if you go early). Had been to this place before a few times in the past. Very nice indoor and outdoor lounges. As the night continued though, the crowds started packing in with a doorman and everything...wasn't expecting this as I thought it was just a locals neighborhood place; however, it seems to be a hot spot. (crowded, loud music, etc.) I'd come again, but off peak hours to enjoy the outdoor space.
(4)L B.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Great location. Great staff. Delicious food, drinks, and prices! Their happy hour is the best!
(5)Mark T.
The News Lounge Cafe-(off Biscayne Blvd & 55th Street) Yelpers have spoken....only a handful of reviews & this establishment can't even attain more than two stars. That speaks volumes! I do not recommend this place and will not return. The small bar and business do not deserve one star....search Yelp.com for better! I do apologize, as I do not enjoy writing bad reviews....I truly wish I had something more positive to offer here. Parking: The owners of this restaurant and Soyka also own both the north and south parking lots (this info is public record). So why are they charging for valet & $3 bucks at there own lots? And, they don't validate. Small note to management: this is not Miami Beach, so please stop this legal but inappropriate charge-up ! Shame on you! Other: My typical review is much more catagoric, but I don't want to waste your valuable time. This business is stifled with rules: parking charges, 15% required tip, holding your driver's license to place an order, & holding your credit card to place an order. You read that correctly. My friends on my cell overheard the waitress requiring these credentials before placing an order. We all heard it twice since I politely requested the waitress to repeat the request.....not sure I heard it correctly the first time. But that is the honest and clear truth. Summary: Just in case you weren't sure of my humble opinion: I do not recommend this business and I will not return. And again, I'm so sorry for issuing such a poor review. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with owner(s), staff, and/or employment. I am not affiliated in any way with any restaurant.
(1)Megan M.
I came to News Lounge the other night for a friend's party. When we got there, the girl out front asked if we were there for the party but couldn't tell us where they were. We walked around for a while checking the place out and looking for our friends. The place isn't huge, so it didn't take long, but it is a bit of a maze at night. There are tons of trees outside which makes for a beautiful setting to sit and lounge with drinks. Heading inside, we saw another bar and out party. The decor is beautiful with deep colors and dim lighting. Drinks are in the $10 range- reasonable and comparable to similar places in the area. It was so cold outside, so everyone seemed to congregate inside. It's pretty narrow, and once everyone started piling in, it became less cozy. We headed out soon after. News Lounge would be great to sit outside on a nice night, but overall, it wasn't the best place I've been in Miami. The music was sort of annoying with generic techno playing. The bartenders did their job, but lacked personality. The ambiance was nice, but quickly ruined with a crowd because of the cold weather. Eh, I may come back again, but it won't be my first choice.
(3)Natasha T.
Stick to happy hour! The brunch is nothing special! The waffles were paper thin and french toast was just ok. Service was pretty slow.
(3)Jessica B.
Wow, it was pouring rain when we got here but were greeted right at the door, by the manager and hostess really nice. We decided to sit outside in the patio area thinking it would stop raining but it didnt so we decided to go inside. Our waiter was really friendly and helped us decide our plates. I had the steak with foccacia bread and my hubby had the steak and portabello both wwere delicious with a mimosa. Their prices are great and have really good happy hour specials there too.
(4)Gaby B.
I finally made it out to The News Lounge for the first time last night (Saturday). I got there pretty early, around 8 because I wanted to take advantage of their daily happy hour which runs until 9. The place is super cute, perfect for a first date, or just some one you want to impress. The outdoor patio area is really nice (especially during the cooler months), complete with little swings to sit on while you enjoy a drink. The inside area was nice also although that looked more like a club scene with a bunch of couches, not many tables. Drinks are very reasonably priced and so are the appetizers from the Happy hour menu. They have pool tables and its only 5$ an hour which is a great price. Overall I am extremely happy I finally got to try out this spot, I will definitely be returning, next time with a little more time to enjoy their food and drink specials.
(4)Yulissa M.
Absolutely LOVE this place! It is such a cute lounge right off of Biscayne and 55th street in the 55th street station. Parking can be a pain when they are busy but you can park next door in a small lot or anywhere on the street. Just be careful and lock your doors! As most things in this area you have little hot spots in the middle of a not so safe area. Happy Hour specials until 9 PM are a HUGE plus! Live bands, DJ's and shows happen regularly here.
(4)Sergio F.
Let me start by thanking Maria for organizing a very fun and "educational" Trivia Night at the News Lounge! It was fun trying to come up with the answers without using our crackberries! I was on a team with Vanessa, Jessica, and met Jonathan P, Edson, Emily and her "Gator friend;)" Great collaborating with you guys and hope to see you at future events! Good seeing Eve and Ana as well. Besides spiciness of food, there's a very important criteria for which I review a place. A bad mojito can ruin an otherwise perfect meal. News Lounge did not disappoint! The mojito had the perfect lemony tang, and blended nicely with the sugar. It could have used a little more rum, but that's ok given I have to work tomorrow. The small amount of rum was made up for in the Chipotle ketchup that came with the fries we got. They were also tasty and not greasy, which means that I can still say Im sticking to my New Years healthy eating resolution. The bruschetta and quesadilla were excellent. Bruschetta bread was warm and crisp, and tomatoes were nice and tart. The chicken wad just plain delicious. Desserts: Although not to the "foodgasmic" extreme of some people at our table, the fondue was delicious with great tasting chocolate. The pound cake was a little dense but that's Ok. Artwork: As an engineer, I liked the industrial aesthetic, including the retro railcar looking toilet.
(4)Jana E.
We went here for Sunday brunch and had mimosas (expensive ~$8). The food was ok but it was great weather so we enjoyed it.
(3)Diana Z.
Went early on a Friday night and even then, there was a good crowd. Nice outside area. Drinks were pretty good too and not too expensive at all. I was pleased. Will be back. Oh, and service was pretty good! Attentive and charismatic employees.
(4)William O.
Came here once for Happy Hour. The deals weren't so bad. It's a limited happy hour menu, but your selection, ranging from beers to dirty martinis to some weird martini-like drink with a melon ball, is good enough. They also have some appetizers on the cheap. All in all, price-wise, it's not a bad happy hour spot. Couple that with a decently-sized outdoor area, and you have the fixings necessary for a fairly good time. Notice anything weird about my "review?" Pretty plain. Not really memorable. Most importantly, lacking in excitement. Why am I not excited? This place epitomizes that Miami attention to trendiness that seems to be more a focus of management than the product being delivered. One of the few things I remember from school is that the ambiance is part of the value offering, and if that's the case, then this place doesn't deserve the two-star rating I'm giving it. Why? It's so dark. Ridiculously dark. Uncomfortably dark. The kind of dark where you can't really tell what's being brought to you. The kind of dark where your waiter has to get so close to make sure you're there that you can smell the cigarette he recently made love to. And I was seated OUTSIDE. The interior has almost a haunted house feel to it. And it's not that it was adorned with skeletons and cobwebs. I just kept expected a middle-aged mummy wrapped in dirty bandages to jump out from behind some of the weird decor. That kind of dark. Am I being persnickety? Perhaps. I guess it's weird that I like to see my drink as I lift it to my mouth to make sure I haven't mistakenly picked up a Tabasco bottle. I mean, Purdy Lounge is brighter than this place. Purdy Lounge.
(2)Jonathan B.
This place is amazing every time I go. Perfect place to get some drinks and converse with friends. There are certain nights where they have some events and it does get quite crowded, but still the people are not douchey, they respect your personal space. Drinks are superb! I always get the Long Island because they make it that good! Caprinha was very good as well. Will be coming back!
(5)Tiffany H.
Went for happy hour- great music played as we sat outside. Service was friendly and prompt for us- as the night continued I did see people waiting for much longer periods of time, so being there early seemed to be a good idea. The lychee martini was delicious at $6, bottled beers were only $3 but strangely lukewarm. We shared the bruschetta, $3, peanut chicken, $4 and sliders, $6, all of which were tasty and great values. Ill definitely come back here- good for groups or a casual date as at night it's lit with cute lights and candles at an outdoor patio.
(4)Abbigail W.
Perfect outdoor atmosphere. Quiet enough that you can have great conversation. Excellent heathy food such as hummus wraps with sprouts. BUT the mixed drinks are awful. The bartenders use way too much simple syrup in every mixed drink every time I go. They will temp you with strawberry mojitos and pitchers of sangria- but buyer be ware! You won't like it. Go for beer, wine, or champagne and avoid the awkwardness of sending the second drink back.
(3)Bella B.
great happy hour! The food is pretty decent for it, and a wonderful price on beer/wine/liquor. Ambiance is very relaxed, by Friday around 6 it is pretty bustling with people. I love coming here to wind down.
(4)Aly G.
** HORRIBLE SERVICE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH** I bought a Travel Zoo coupon for Brunch and could not wait to try this place. Website states that reservations are required for Sunday brunch, so when I called hostess told me that they were all booked and could not take same day reservations but to try and come anyway worse case scenario we would wait a bit. When I got there place was half empty outside and we were immediately seated. It took our waitress 10 minutes to come and acknowledge us. She took our drink order and came back in 15 minutes with them watered down because the ice was almost all melted. She "apologized" took our food order and left. She did not bring us plates and utensils, not water considering we were seated outside in 90 degree weather! 20 minutes later our food arrived, I asked her for water and ketchup to at which point there was and eye roll and attitude on her face. My boyfriend had to get up and get us the plates and utensils form their outside serving area himself, had to ask for the water and ketchup 3 more times before she brought them when I was almost done with my meal. I ordered the eggs Benedict ( it was meh!) my boyfriend ordered the mini burger and tuna wrap (ok not anything exciting). Towards the end of our meal we were so aggravated that we did not have any dessert. Our bill came and an automatic 15% gratuity was applied, lucky for her because I she did not deserve it. Long story short: WILL NOT RETURN!!!
(1)Kelsey M.
Definitely a great place to check out. Big outdoor area and art inside. Easy to get to (once you find the little street it's on) with a parking lot next door. Also near bus stops on Biscayne.
(4)Michelle D.
Place is disappointing! Great ambience and decor, but that's it. Have been here about 4 times, with the expectation that it will get better, but not a chance. Have waited 30 minutes for servers, servers have brought out the wrong drinks, there was a minimum for credit cards that is enforced only half the time (guess depending on how you state your case to your server). Place has potential, but service is subpar, and it just ruins the experience.
(1)Marion D.
Cozy place with good music. Perfect for drinks, but brunch is a hit or miss... Chef rather watches football than expediting in the kitchen... meanwhile my food was burned and my friends crepes were cold... come on, get it together!!
(2)Kati E.
ehhhh... crowd is always iffy.... depends on what mood your in..... not my first choice. ..
(1)Albert M.
Music variation was great. VIP areas are extremelly small and in the way inside the club area. Two variations of music from the outside to the inside which was nice too. It was difficult to get a drink at the bar, 15+ minutes even though your standing right there waiting for them to turn your way. It seems like they bartenders although very nice couldnt handle a bar full of customers. Overall experience was great, parking seemed to be an issue. I will go back there though...
(4)Sara M.
I prefer the News Lounge earlier in the night before the crowd starts rolling in. You can appreciate the cool decor and sit on one of the couches and just relax with a date. Once it starts getting busy, eh, News is good but nothing to scream about. The crowd is a bit older, I would say the average patron is probably somewhere in their late 30's- young/mid 40's. Plenty of cougars on the prowl. There was a cute couple who were in their 60's sitting and enjoying the scenery outside.. and this was at about 11:30 on a Saturday night.. sooo... yeah. I like News to start off my night, but would not come down if it were going to be my only stop. I do have to compliment them on their drinks though. They expensive for the area, using more of the south beach pricing standards, but you definitely get what you pay for. 14$ for one of their menu drinks and 12$ for a rum and redbull, but they are delicious and pack a mean punch!! I've not had one bad drink here. From the signature drinks, I've had the grey goose pink lemonade, a strawberry Bellini, and creamsicle martini which were all great, and like i said, quite strong. They make the best lemon drops too. The patio area is great with pool tabless, swing chairs for two, ample couch and table seating, and a live DJ. The inside dons some awesome and unique decor and I love all the art which extends all the to the restrooms. The News Lounge is on the grasp of the ghetto. When I came here for the first time and my GPS told me to exit on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd I was like "whhhaaat?" But all of a sudden you're driving and it goes from schools parading their C- scoring, to lights in the trees. Parking outside was 3 dollars which they advertised as vallet , but you have to park yourself. Good place to start off the night.
(3)Jackie S.
News Lounge...awesome for happy hour!!!! I love this place tons of seating, cute little hidden areas...very cool!! Whats not awesome is their regular prices :( Thing is if you had killer Mojitos I wouldn't mind paying full price but you don't. You have rum and seltzer water with leaves. At $4 a pop, I'll take it...at $10 ehhhh, you need to look for a better bartender!! Bottom line: I love your happy hour and I will return...for happy hour :)
(4)Vivian L.
Good ambience. Good music. Great atmosphere. For my 26th birthday, I reserved a table. A bottle of vodka was reasonably priced. If I remember correctly it was $150, top shelf too. The waitress kept the mixers coming and was super sweet. Very attentive and informative. By the end of the night, who woulda thought she'd help me carry my friend to the bathroom (she got to the bottle before the rest of the group did). I told her not to worry about us and thanked her for her help. For the next 20 min, she checked in to make sure we were ok. Wish I got her name but I think she was the best waitress I ever had... It's been more than a year and havent been back since but as I write this review, these good memories flood my mind.
(4)Jordan N.
Ah, had to knock off a star since they stopped having pisco sour in the menu. And for claiming that they still make it. And making it without egg white since they stopped keeping egg white in stock. Don't ask me why they bother even have pisco then - cuz I'm clueless, it's nowhere in the menu even as a different type of cocktail. And sorry - but pisco sour is no pisco sour without foam. Note: + I did love the raw tuna in the spoon. It had a good kick with the dressing! + strawberry caipirinhas were strong and good
(3)MICHELLE C.
After several visits I have decided this is one very cool place to hangout. We were celebrating two Birthday's here the other night. So who else has a Happy Hour daily from 5-9 pm. Woah, and what a great Happy Hour it is. Beers as low as $3, wine, cocktails, and amazing app specials. Our group ordered many appetizers and drinks. We sat outside where they have large tables with very comfortable chairs and loveseats. Our waiter was terrific. He was fast at taking all of our order's and he had a great personality. Hubby and I ordered sliders, meat and cheese tray, and ceviche. Hubby really enjoyed the sliders, with cheese and grilled onions, he said they were very good. My favorite was the meat and cheese tray. Capicola, Salame, and cheese with olives and very good bread and breadsticks. Very nice platter and it hit the spot as I was hungry. It is such a nice place to just chill, have a few eats and drinks in such a nice warm cozy atmosphere. Non pretentious, just casual fun. They have a couple of double swings that are so comfortable to sit back take a load off and swing away. From service, to the very good food, at excellent prices this is a must try. Parking is $2 in the lot a few store fronts away. Really really like this place. Great cocktails, beautiful decor, good food, great prices, excellent service. Yes, looking forward to spending many evening's here. Thank you for a wonderful evening with some really cool people.
(4)Priscila L.
The place itself is really cool: the outdoor patio is lightly illuminated, love all the trees and the seating. Also love the tiki hut bar. And the music is very good. HOWEVER,SERVICE by the bartenders is ATROCIOUS. They are sooo damn slow (went on a friday, wasn't that crowed and still waited 30 minutes), give you attitude, especially the chic with all the tattoos. Seriously, a place can be beautiful and have good music but if service sucks, it's not worth it.
(3)karin c.
I was here with a party of 10 people at night for a friend's birthday! The ambiance was good even though there wasn't music outside or was very low ... The pool tables are kinda old but that wasn't a problem! The server or bartender which I remember is a blond girl was RUDE I asked her for more ice because the beers were not very cold and she answered me back with an attitude... Probably one of the reason we are not going back again... Tip was included unfortunately :(
(1)Ann Marie M.
Just celebrated my birthday here on Saturday 2/23/13. I had a huge turn out and most of my friends that came had never been to The News Lounge. They all immediately fell in love with this place as much as I love it. I have been a fan for quite some time. I have come both for happy hour and also on the weekends to just hang out and listen to some good music. This place always has such a great crowd and the music is really good... I happen to know the DJ and can vouch for this! This is truly a hidden gem that everyone must check out. Their happy hour menu is a great deal! The food is good, the drinnks are awesome. But most of all the vibe is what won me over! And lastly, very nice and accomodating staff! Thank you Rebeca! It's the perfect spot !
(5)Alissa W.
We we looking for a bar to gab a drink at Sunday night around 10. I clicked my yelp app and noticed there really was nothing open in the midtown, design district area. I have passed by this plaza numerous times eaten at Soyka, and sushi Siam. I never been to the news lounge bar and never would have even thought to go here. The place seemed very chill tons of outside seating, swings, couches, and tables. I Liked the vibe it was not crowded at all but it was Sunday night. This place is cool not sure I will run back, but definitely will have it in the Back of my head if I ever want a grab a late night drink in the area. The cool this is they have a fountain with Koi fish. It is definitely a cool vibe.
(4)Rachel S.
A comfortable spot in Miami. Friendly service. Many different areas to sit, both outside and inside. Plenty of parking and other restaurants nearby to make you feel safe and increase the people watching aspect.
(3)Michelle W.
Yay! I like this place. My first experience was a little rocky, so I held off reviewing it until I had a return visit. I was crabby upon leaving the first time because I couldn't get anyone to give me any water, but the rest of the time I was there I had a good time (it was waaaayyyyyyy back when we had a Yelp trivia thing there). Anyhow, I did not have any food on this visit. And I honestly don't remember what I ate the time before. The thing I REALLY like about this place is that they have happy hour EVERYDAY (yes, everyday, including weekends) from 5-9!! That's a long ass happy hour! Drinks range from $3 for a beer and $6 for a martini, not too shabby! They also have a few dinning options on the happy hour menu. The venue itself is super cute. I really like the outdoor patio bar area. You should check this place out. Service is a little slow, but about on par with standard MIA time.
(4)Jen S.
Great spot for fun nights and good drinks. They have an outdoor courtyard with comfy seating and a pool table that's easy to get a turn playing. They also have indoor seating and bottle service on some nights. The crowd is a mix of eclectic hipsters and trendy Miamians. Saturday nights, they have a DJed party with really good dance music that includes hip hop, Spanish music, top 40s and 80s/90s rock. I've never had anything to eat here but they serve food too. Maybe next time I visit
(4)Renee C.
Terrific, outstanding Food is small portion so weight control management perfect, light and service is outstanding Love it !
(5)Mailin J.
This place is quaint and cozy. Love the swinging chairs, chill atmosphere and foliage nearby which makes it very cozy. Drinks were good, the food was decent and service was good. Great for a group of friends to grab some drinks.
(4)Maria A.
Sitting on the one of the swings, looking up at the sky is the perfect way to close a week and relax. The News has become a reliable staple. Parking is simple and affordable. The drinks are reasonable and the food is filling. The cheeseburger slider was my favorite and my table ordered them by the three. While this place isn't fancy the open air location is charming and the music is never bad. If you have guests visiting this would be a great bar off the beach for a long night.
(4)Eve C.
I love The News. I really do. I've been here on many occasions, and until the recent Yelp Trivia Night, I'd somehow never made it inside... Interesting. But inside is the perfect setting for a rowdy night of trivia, attended by more yelpers and friends than I (for one) anticipated. The couches are super-comfy. There's plenty of chairs and space to make room for the late-comers. And there's easy access to both the bar and the bathrooms - very crucial! My friends and I managed to go through quite a number of bottles of wine - the lower priced Pinot Grigio, which was excellent (name escapes me...oops!). We also got some delicious food - sliders (the salmon was amazing, and the cheeseburger was quite tasty as well) and spinach/artichoke dip. And the bill turned out quite reasonable! Very, very nice. Yes, parking used to be free, but with $2 lot parking or $3 valet, you can't really complain too much!
(4)Marisol S.
Great happy hour, food, music and ambience! Love the Cucumber Martini.
(4)Katie K.
Very disappointed last few times I've been here. The service is just awful. I went for Sunday brunch recently and they really weren't that busy yet it took 30 minutes to get menus and almost an hour and a half to get basic American brewed coffee (mind you after our meal was over). We had to ask the hostess several times to send us a waitress and when we finally got a waitress our food came quick but never saw the waitress again until we got the bill - no utensils, no refills on water, no coffee even after about six requests (when coffee came my friend's cup had lipstick marks in it - gross) ...she was in total lala land. She mentioned they were understaffed yet I kept just seeing people wander aimlessly (manager included). When we finally got our bill she gave us the wrong table's bill and blamed it on the hostess. The food is just ok here, definitely not worth the frustration. I don't dine out very often and I am extremely easy going in restaurants, I usually let everything slide but I really feel like News Lounge needs to work on a lot with their customer service.
(1)Paul W.
I've been back to The News Lounge a ton of times since writing my initial review and they've improved on the shortcomings I mentioned, but for some reason I hadn't updated and bumped them up to the 4 stars that I feel this place now deserves. Each time I've come here I've had a great time and there's always been a good crowd. They now have some food offerings beyond appetizers since they've added sliders and sandwiches to their menu. Also, the last few times I was here their beers were priced reasonably for Miami ($5 domestics and $6 imports) so it appears that they may have adjusted their drink prices a bit since I wrote my initial review. Now that they've corrected the few low points that I mentioned previously, I truly am a fan, just as it says when you click on the 4 star rating.
(4)Melody Y.
All I needed to hear was happy hour until 9PM and I was HOOKED! I went for a birthday celebration and drank the night away. We had a few appetizers but nothing really blew me away. A great place to go for the atmosphere. Parking was a little difficult but I managed to get street parking. Will definitely frequent in the future (The very NEAR future!).
(4)George P.
The News Lounge is one of my favorite bar/lounges to visit. The drinks are very fairly priced, they have a great happy hour, and they are very well staffed. In particular one of the mangers there named Rebeca (with one C) is extremely accommodating, helpful, and polite. Anna one of the bartenders there makes fantastic drinks (especially long islands) and is good at remembering faces. Mark is another employee that is always on his job you always get your drinks quick fast and in a hurry, and he delivers service with a smile. Desiree is new there but she is extremely personable and makes you feel comfortable. All in all I would recommend the News lounge for the menu items and great service, I work for a company in which clients utilize sites like Yelp to make reviews in regards to our service so I think it's important that when you have a good experience somewhere you should let others know and not just go online and bash someone when you have a negative experience. If you're looking for a good night with friends and some good drinks the News lounge is the place to be. Oh and make sure you order the bacon wrapped shrimp.
(5)Michelle C.
Dude, other reviewers seem pissed about the no more free parking. Well, my first time coming was for the Trivia night last Thursday and I loved the place and $2 parking doesn't seem bad to me. I really like the ambiance, both inside and out. It's casual, but cool. Like, I'm smart AND cool kinda feel. The servers were a little scarce, but we were having a trivia night and I bet the service would be better on a normal night. I'd like to come back and find out. The sliders were good, and the french fries were different and good. Little french fries, almost matchstick french fries. But crisp and hot is what does it for me, and they were. Great night. Can't wait for next month!
(4)Chris C.
I didn't get a true feel for this place either of the times I was here. The first time was an elite event, which was amazing, and the second time was a yelp trivia night, which was a lot of fun. What I can tell you, is that the food is very tasty, I didn't try anything that wasn't good either night. The space is comfy, seems like they aren't looking to fill the room, or the outside seating area, but make the costumers there comfortable. I'm really looking forward to coming back and trying them again on a normal night to see how they really do.
(4)Aimeet T.
Went a couple of weeks ago for a group birthday gathering. 1st off the service was horrible. Only one waitress for a group of over 20. She got our food order wrong, our drink order wrong, came back making excuse after excuse. The food was not good at all really small plates of food. Like 10 items on the menu and expensive for the quantity. Let's just say we had a good time because we were a big group and once we had a few drinks, things got better. Don't think I will be back.
(1)Felicia R.
Very packed, but nice crowd.
(3)Greshka P.
My first impression of this place was I Love it. Cute outside seating setting, with 2 swings at the entrance - great atmosphere. It took them a while to sit us down... Still I'm not letting that bother me, you know, there's more people there, maybe they're busy. We get our table, waitress gets our drinks order. Takes her a while but, we decide to use that time to look through the menu - not extensive - just appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. Don't get me wrong, the food was good, but if you wanted dinner you're not getting it here. I ordered the chicken sandwich with brie and pesto - delicious. Chicken was a bit dry but still delicious. Others ordered the tuna tartar, really good. Sliders, other sandwiches, everyone was happy with their food. Drinks, that's another story. I ordered a Pisco Sour - not impressed. Asked for limes to make it a bit better, 30 minutes passed still no limes. Had to ask for them again. This happened several times with our drinks, we had to wait a lot for them and remind the waitress several times that we were still waiting. So, obviously, by now my "I love this place" impression has gone down to I like this place. I would come again, still like the atmosphere - good place to just hang out. Would just do drinks and maybe an appetizer, and definitely never come if you're in a hurry. Bring a good group of friends so you don't feel the minutes pass slowly while you wait for your order.
(3)Deborah I.
Great spot for a drink with the SO for date night. Tasty bites to nibble on and very friendly and attentive staff. Definitely look at the Happy Hour Specials so you don't break the bank. Good music, fun ambiance and overall a great little gem stumbled upon by accident.
(4)Gissi J.
Everytime I have visited The News Lounge I end up in the Patio, the music is contemporary, the areas to lounge are very nice and perfect to chat and catch up with friends, (even the swings). I cannot rate the food as I have never eaten here I always come for drinks, they are fairly priced and not hard to get. There is a bar inside, another one in the Patio and very friendly waiter/waitress service, so if you can't get a drink its because you don't want to. I definetly recommend this place to anyone that has friends from out of town (like Maria A. said) its a great bar off the beach for a long night. P.S. There is a well lit parking lot next to it and they charge $2 or meters on the street.
(4)Karen R.
Last night we celebrated my husband, sister in law, and our friends birthday at The News lounge. We were a party of eight and I had reserved a table before going. We had such an amazing night! We were at our table drinking and hanging out until about midnight, and then the music got really good inside, lots of 90's freestyle music, so we went inside and danced until 4am! The service was superb, the prices are very reasonable and it was such a great crowd and atmosphere!! It's will definitely be our go to place when we wanna party!!
(5)Kristiana W.
Happy hour drink and food specials from 5-9pm everyday is awesome! The service was great, the vibe is chill and quaint and the food was actually really good. I will definitely try again .. it's the perfect spot of a chill night or a jump off the night spot.
(4)Jackie G.
I don't like to give bad reviews, but here I just have to. Bad news or good news first? I'll start with the bad. The service sucked! Ok, as someone who always wants to give people the benefit of the doubt, I will say that our waitress was stuck with two large parties with several split checks- however, grab another waitress or have a bus boy help because there were plenty of those just lounging around doing nothing- so the problem could have been solved. Fine, she was swamped- but there is still no need to have a snappy, I'm doing you a favor attitude. Especially since we reached out to her by saying excuse me and never disrespected her; at one point one of the guys in the group felt bad for shouting excuse me too loud and even apologized to her- which softened her attitude for a second but that nice temperament didn't last long. Then there was a terribly awkward debate with one of the girls in the group who wanted to have Chardonnay after finishing her Pinot Grigio. The waitress replied, "I see you've been drinking white wine, are you sure you want Chardonnay, since that wine is red?" The girl was like, "No, Chardonnay is white- I would like Chardonnay." The waitress snapped back, "Chardonnay is red wine."... The girl in the group just gave in by simply saying, "I'll have the Chardonnay." That moment was embarrassing and felt to have lasted forever. Then there were the group of waitresses lounging doing there hair and makeup, blocking the bathroom sink area who made it seem like we were in there way, and the other waitress who was pissed that the bathroom was closed when one of the girls in the party felt sick (I know, why lock the bathroom?- but it's a lil embarrassing ya know, and besides there was only one stall out of two with toilet paper so it really didn't matter that the bathroom was locked). Lastly, we were there celebrating a birthday and the dessert came out without a candle. The server went back and forth twice and forgot the candles. Finally he brought the candles by themselves, no lighter, but we managed... It was however upsetting to see the party next to us, have their birthday dessert come out lit with a candle with even a wine glass to block the flame- jeez that would've been helpful. God why the hell was the service so bad?! Ohhh here comes the check- well will you look at that?! The tip is included- 18% at that..... Sighs, oh all makes sense now. What a way to eff up the customers. Sooo... I said there was good news ya? Ok- well the setting is nice. The interior space with the posters, mannequins, double story height, art deco and contemporary-ish decor created a nice loungey ambiance even though the couches were prohibited since they were reserved for a party that never seemed to arrive. The outdoor courtyard created a relaxing and swanky tropical ambiance with it's angled outdoor bar, covered lounge areas, swings, overhead lighting, and pool tables, it was hot but they tried to help out with fans. We ate and drank from the happy hour menu which did have good deals with pretty fair prices and lasted for a long time from 5-9. It was surprising that they had this during the weekend, so that's really the reason why I gave them 2 stars instead of 1. The food and drinks were decent as well. They did serve me the best lychee martini I have ever had- it was refreshing and had a balanced lychee flavor so that's definitely a plus for them. The raspberry lemonade cocktail did however taste like pinesol. The meatballs with ricotta were pretty good, but four tiny meatballs is still a pretty small serving for I think $6 (maybe I'm just a cheapo- you decide). The crab stuffed portobellas were just ok with 3 small mushrooms for I think another $6. The best appetizer I tried were the stuffed dates which were wrapped with chorizo, battered and fried; they were good and that plate came with 4 for $6. Overall the 3 star food and drinks can't save this place if the service and atmosphere that the staff creates is worth 1. Will I ever make the trip to Little Haiti again to visit the News Lounge? Gosh, I would have to go with a small group- or be absolutely desperate after every other place in Miami has burned down. I'm sorry News Lounge, I had my reservations about you since you're part of the News Cafe family (another place with terrible service) and I was right.
(2)Michelle M.
This place really needs to get their stuff together ASAP!!! I came here for Sunday brunch because my mom had a coupon from travelzoo, and apparently everyone else there did too. The outside area was packed so the hostess sat us inside (which is kind of dirty, has a lot of old broken sofas). We then proceeded to sit there for 20 minutes without being approached by anyone along with another table which sat down around the same time as us, my dad finally decided to approach someone who told him that one of their waiters left mid shift and he would send someone to us as soon as he could. Another 10 minutes later the chef took our drink order and I guess someone from the kitchen came after to take our food order. It's such a shame that the place is so disorganized and the service is so bad because the food was really decent, my avocado and bacon sandwich was delish....eggs Benedict was also very good along with the steak and eggs. When our check came of course it was wrong and they overcharged us on items included on the coupon we purchased. get your shit together news lounge, because your food is actually really good !!!
(2)Gabrielle F.
News Lounge, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. The decor is awesome. Super retro, vintage indie. The couches are super comfy, the inside is such a home cozy vibe. The outside area has plenty of seating, including swings. There is lights hung in lines in the outside area that give it that perfect extra touch.The pool table is $5 an hour and it's located all the way in the back in a secluded place. It's a g great place to go with either a small or large group of friends, or on a first date. Food is pretty cheap, didn't have any so can't tell how good it is. I did see some waitresses with some on their trays and it looked really good. Next time I shall eat something and update the review Parking is $2 right next to the lounge. No cover, and prices at the bar look like 6.50 for ying ling on tap, $5 for miller lite, $12 Absoult vodka cosmo, just to name a few. The bartenders are really nice and do cool tricks when they make your drinks. Happy hour is 5-9 everyday with prices like $3 Heineken for example. The crowd varies. Some young and some older but the place is so fabulous that you really don't care. The music is excellent, but again, they can play whatever they want and it'll just feel right. The other great thing about this place is that you can go dressed up and super down and you will not feel out of place at all. I can not express how much I really LOVE this place. Only got 5 stars because I can't give more. If I could it would be 10 stars! If you go to this place it will be love at first sight. Love, love, LOVEEEEEEEE News Lounge!
(5)Sabrina Anna C.
Dear News, I LOVE your vibe. Adore your ambiance. And DEVOUR your food. This has become a new hangout for my friends and I whenever we want to stay out of the beach and still be somewhere fun and with an atmosphere. Was here last Friday night and had a really great time. News, you really know how to rock it! Between the music playing, the crowd that was gathering, and the amazing food we put down, our night could not have turned out any better! :) Food - The tuna tataki/tartar dish was AMAZING. I love tuna and it was really tasty. The burger sliders were SOOOO good and perfectly hit the spot. And lastly we had the Turkey-Brie-Mango Chutney sandwich, which was just fantastic! It's MELT IN YOUR MOUTH perfect! Mmmmmmmm! A couple of rounds of beers later, and we were well on our way to a happy buzz and happy tummy. Thanks News! Cheers! Sabrina*
(4)Laurelle C.
Great happy hour! My husband and I had the cold cuts and lamb scewers and they were both perfect. I was surprised that I liked the pinot grigio they offered. We plan on going back this weekend.
(5)Gina H.
First of all...to the ultimate jackass driving the Hummer in the parking lot who called me a genius because his penile brain didn't figure out that you COULD drive around the lot in a circle...so what if there is an arrow pointing one way only..I got the next parking spot in seconds while your sorry ass was still driving around being a dickhead....survival of the fittest (or should that be smartest). Had a nice couple of beers here with friends after a Yelp event. It was still happy hour so $3 Heinekens rocks my world. Love the sitting room vibe. The waiter was enthusiastic. The resident lumberjack was unusual. It was starting to get busy when we left. I like it. I like the decor and I like the vibe. Nice place to chill out.
(4)Vanessa P.
After going here for my first Yelp event back in February, I knew this was a great hangout spot. The ambiance and music make this a solid place to relax and enjoy an evening in Miami. We went back earlier this evening and walked into an event of some sort hosted by Chef Paul. Despite not being part of the event, we were given gift bags that included a Banks Caribbean Lager bottle, two Bacardi Limon travel size bottles, and Chef Paul stationary. As for the lounge itself, it was pretty busy the entire night and service was a bit slow, but I couldn't fault our waitress because she was literally running in between her tables getting everyone's orders. Drinks were ok but a little over priced for what they were. The outside is by far my favorite area of the lounge. The stringing lights add a simple yet South Beach-y feel (think Espanola Way). The wicker swing seats are also a nice touch. As for the food, their menu didn't really grab me as having anything worth ordering. I'd probably recommend hungry patrons checking out the nearby restaurants instead and hitting this place up as a post-dinner option.
(4)Stephanie L.
Looking for a great place to come after work with friends and just relax? News Lounge is the perfect happy hour spot, with special running from 5 till 9. Although there is a bar inside, really the outside is the best place to be. You can grab a table, a larger sofa, or even make your way to the outdoor swings (maybe not the best idea after a few drinks). They have a couple of appetizer options, like a fresh and tasty $4 tuna ceviche or juicy sliders for $6. However, the drinks really steal the show. They really have something for everyone, with plenty of cocktails, wine, and beer (for as low as $3). The lychee martini is one of the best I've ever had, and for $6 during happy hour, you can't beat it. So good, and you really don't taste the alcohol! The only mediocre drinks I've had are caipirinha and mojitos, which sometimes don't have the best taste to them. At night they light up strings of white lights that give the place a dim glow perfect for relaxing. Can't say the regular menu is anything amazing, but the happy hour specials are more than worth checking out, and the place has a great vibe. The crowd is pretty eclectic, but you can manage to pull off casual or more dressed up without sticking out (good if you are coming here after being out elsewhere). It makes a great spot to come with a group, or for a more intimate gathering or date.
(4)Jeane' M.
My bf and I came here for drinks and snacks on a Sunday afternoon. My bf ordered a Bahama Mama and I ordered a cappuccino with Kahlua and a hot fudge sundae brownie. My Cappuccino was amazing and the fact that it had kahlua in it made it even better. I tasted my bf's drink which was a little strong for me but I am not a big drinker. The sundae was good but it was huggeee. The waitress was attentive, but not annoyingly so. I don't think she spoke English too well but she did get our orders right. The bf and I sat outside, so I can say that this place is great for soaking in all the craziness that unfolds on Ocean Drive.
(4)Irene L.
Need a cool spot for a first date? Check. Looking for a laid-back place to celebrate a birthday? Check. How about a much-needed drink after work because your boss was a complete ass? Check. Or maybe there's no particular reason and you just want to shoot the breeze with friends? Check. News Lounge fits all of the above. In fact, I've been to this place for all of these reasons and have always had a great time. Drinks and food are good -- but what I love most about it is the chill ambiance. And when it's a beautiful night, you'll find yourself relaxing on one of the swings, looking up at the stars.
(4)Patty J.
This was such a pleasant surprise! Don't let it's hidden location fool you.. This place is awesome :) I went for happy hour & fell in love. They have a fabulous happy hour menu(daily 5-9pm)!! What's great about it? Umm.. everything! All the items were under $10 and both food and drinks were delicious. The lamb skewers & chicken skewers were to die for! Oh! And don't get me started on the sliders! But it wasn't just the menu that won me over, it was the entire package that made my evening. It was chic but not pretentious & I loved the fun/ laid back decor. This place is so worth trying!!
(4)Tomasz M.
The place has that great industrial/ exterior tropical venue feel. The bldg. businesses spill out into a shaded exterior courtyard. The problem? If you're w/ a private party you're not allowed to go to the bar and order your drinks. You need to order from a designated waitress that will include the total in one bill at the end of the night. Ok... that seems to make sense..... Where's the waitress? Poor girl was swamped, had to take care way too many requests and was working two other groups. Please change that. Try the Happy Hour 5-9pm.
(2)Janelle F.
For me, the News Lounge could potentially be great, but it always ends up just being "okay". The space is large, the decor is fun and different and the crowd is usually hit or miss. I like that they have a pool table in the back that is fairly inexpensive to use. Their shaded courtyard is a nice place to chill and have drinks with your friends and grab a couple appetizers. The food I've tried has been very good but their drinks are just okay. I'm normally a lightweight and I don't know what it is about the drinks here but I can have four or five and not even feel buzzed. I wish their pours would be a little more generous on the alcohol. One time I came here with a large (20+) group and we sat outside and someone got their phone stolen. Since then, I've been pretty cautious of leaving my valuables unattended. Will I return to News Lounge? Most likely. Mostly because its in a convenient location and it is no-frills compared to other similar establishments in Miami. 3 stars, nothing more, nothing less.
(3)Nancy O.
Extra, Extra! Read all about it! Happy Hour at News is THE BEST! Sitting on the patio during happy hour is uber relaxing. Perfect lounge music, fans whirring, $5 martinis and decent bites like fried, bacon wrapped dates and fresh papaya, grilled octopus salad. The entire feel is "hipster-homey" (homey as in feel at home not yo-yo rapper homey) --- quirky, fun, affordable --- can't ask for much more than that when happy hour's concerned!
(3)Marcos R.
This is a great annex to Soyka, since Soyka these days is only so-so in my book. The lounge makes for a great addition to the corner. You've got Andiamo right across the street, the sushi spot next door, and with the lounge; you can come to chill for a drink or two, maybe have a small appetizer. The outdoor seating is real cozy and comfortable and the decor does deserve some merit. I think they overdid it a little with the amount of decor. A little too much clutter on the walls, but some of the furniture items stand out. They've got some great couches, old train station art deco benches, and an antique booth inside. On Fridays and Saturdays they spin some pretty good tunes, so if you feel like hearing some beats without having to stand in line somewhere; well you can always come here and rock it a little!
(4)Xixi D.
I had come here once and liked very much the vibe, the menu & above all the cocktails list!! Second time around it was even better than what I had remember. It's not super crowded so its a very relax intimate venue with a great energy to it. The crowd is not your typical SoBe people but more relax and just go with the flow vibe. I tried the Ginger Martini that is to dye for and the beef carpaccio that was absolutely yummy! GREAT SERVICE at the bar the bartender was very good and friendly and also give us a discount for being in the biz ( I'a also a mixologist) All and all one of those places to check out in midtown!
(4)Billy B.
Happy Hour from 5-9 with tapas and drinks! Just can't beat that. Loved my Lycheetini! The place looks so chic.. great service, and the music is just enough to do a little shimmy while you sip your martinis and still able to make conversation with your friends or your date!. Maybe a perfect spot if you want to meet and catch up with friends and or meeting someone for the first time! You have a choice to sit outside or inside depending on your mood, wherever you choose, it surely would make you have fun!
(4)Emily V.
Ok. I lied. I went back. But ONLY because it was the after party for Yelp's Anniversary. I seriously didn't think I would ever be back here. We actually went to the bar this time so our service was good. My only complaint that night was the bathroom. Two stalls and one didn't have TP. What the eff?
(3)Ale R.
Drinks were amazing!!!! Food was good! Happy Hour prices are wonderful and cheap until 9 PM and then the DJ was really good! All in All a wonderful Saturday night!!
(5)Hannah S.
The perfect place to ring in my 22nd year. ;) The gang gathered here for their stellar happy hour - cheap drinks & food, seven days a week. I sipped prosecco and lounged on comfy couches in all my birthday bling with my birthday twin. With swings, lanterns & tropical foliage surrounding us in a picturesque courtyard, the outdoor lounge couldn't be more Miami. We tried the tuna avocado, which I'd totally recommend. Half an avocado filled with raw tuna. A little challenging to eat, but delicious nonetheless. Our server was super accommodating, even as the night wore on and we became every more annoying by taking up couches with purses, moving around the restaurant and basically being a dispersed and challenging party. We did get a couple snipey comments from a female bartender inside, but overall the service was terrific. Post happy-hour, the drink prices get a little rich for my blood, so I probably wouldn't stick around again later in the evening, but HH was outstanding.
(4)Andrej M.
Great spot to go to be around people. The service was horrible. I asked for a menu and half an hour later did not get it. I ended up going to the bar to grab a beer and sit with a friend. Good way to meet some locals, but not a good place to grab any food. Very slow response by the serving staff and definitely go there after dinner.
(2)Daisy S.
I like it! I went for a late night birthday celebration on a Saturday night! I really wish i had stayed a bit longer, i was only there for about an hour.. it was a fight night (mayweather vs ortiz) and i had to get it going... I had two cocktails. Here's what stuck out from my short experience at The News Lounge, music and the outdoor seating. It reminded me of club bed in south beach but outdoors with a downtown vibe. They have really cool art on the inside. Cool place. Definitely will be back.
(4)Patty W.
Cute outside setting with the swings and circular tables to sit at whether it's for a couple or a group of people getting together. The vibe was cool. People just chilling out and having a good time on a Saturday night. They had a wedding going on, which I thought it was kind of odd around people that didn't even know who the bride and groom was. It didn't bother me though since I enjoyed the pink lemonade. It consisted of vodka and lemons. Of course, I couldn't taste the liquor in it, so that's a plus. It was over priced for the size glass it came in, but we missed the happy hour. There was a good amount of people there, but it wasn't crowded. The inside was dimmed with some colorful artwork. It had a few tables in there, but there was hardly anybody in there. The weather was beautiful, so I guess that had something to do with it ;) We were pooped, so we didn't stay for long. The atmosphere was very welcoming and I'll try the food out if I make it back here again.
(3)RM K.
I like this place. Not crazy crowd like most miami place. Its nice to go with your date. You will see a lot of couples! There's pool tables and cozy couch everywhere. This place is for you if you like to go some place on friday night without crazy crowd.. And want to grab some drinks :-)
(4)Laurie H.
My boyfriend and I purchased the Living Social deal and everything was excellent from the endless mimosa to the eggs Benedict with salmon and spinach. Staff very attentive. Discovered a fun new spot as well as an area to explore.
(4)Mark A.
This place is real chill. You come here for a patio jam feel to hang out with friends. Two for one drinks after 9p. The service was friendly. The crowd didn't make it out on a Monday after the rain so it wasn't very busy when I visited. The location is unpretentiously hidden between restaurants on 55th St Station. Where is 55th St Station anyway? Fortunately for me, technology lit a guided path for me to find the place to meet up and have a good time. You should definitely give it a shot.
(4)Sebastian T.
This is a great place for happy hour. The only issue with the place is that the service can vary from great to mediocre. The Happy hour menu is excellent, the empanadas are great, the mango octopus salad is very refreshing. Awesome patio, bar and lounge are.
(4)David L.
Outstanding. Outdoor bar, couches, great food, great music, a good time. Be sure to see Anna the bartender with the tattoos (and tip her well).
(5)Paul M.
We've been to this spot several times and have nothing good to say. The layout is great, with both an indoor and large outdoor area to hang out in. We even celebrated a birthday here, gave the manager a call and he hooked us up with a prime couch seating area for our entire party of 10 even though the place was packed. Best part? No bottle service even required, just ordered drinks from the waitress. Great music on Friday nights, or just a mellow hang spot during the week. If you are looking to get a couple of drinks, definitely check out the News Lounge.
(4)Vanessa S.
Very cool spot... parking showed just how cool by being pretty packed. Instead of the 2$ self park I had to go with Soykas' 3$ valet, not a big deal but worth mentioning. Our waiter was nice, but I guess as the night got busier for him we saw him less. Boy could that guy split a check though, and he was acknowledging of the times we waited and in my book that counts for something. The drinks are decently priced which is always a plus and the food was pretty good. My quesadilla had all the components going on, the fries were ok but skinny really isn't my style. Dessert... now that's note worthy! Chocolate fondue brought out with pound cake, strawberries and bananas! mmmmmm I love the decor here too, old movie posters, cement, steel and movies on the walls, very nice. Good times had by all!
(3)Paula E.
okay so this place has got me sold. Yeah the expensive drinks suck and so does the $2 parking that should be FREE...grrr.....BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE their lounging terrace. There's nothing comparable in Miami. The swings and couches and lighting are all absolutely great to chill and hang out on a mellow Tuesday night with friends or a date or whatever. Also, I just found out that they have a pretty good happy hour, specially on Thursdays. The music is sick, and so are the soviet propagandaesque posters and art hanging from the walls inside. I love it, I just do, I can't help it....News Lounge has officially conquered my heart and trust me when I say it takes a lot to pull that feat.
(4)Kendra W.
This is the best place to go and have a few drinks and have a great time with your friends. The hummus, the lamb skewers, the burgers, everything taste great at news lounge. I have practically eaten almost everything there, the house whine is great tea is great. It is just a great vibe and feeling at the news lounge you can have a great time with anybody. Even a bad date lol
(5)Suzy V.
Nice place very intimate They have a calander of events; there are live shows and artists always there.
(3)Frank E.
Looking for a place to hang out with some friends? This place has 4 areas... indoor bar, indoor lounge, outdoor bar, outdoor lounge... so whatever your mood they have you covered... Good appetizers, generally friendly wait staff (although they can sometimes be few and far between) and a good bar staff make News Lounge a great hang-out spot they also host a "drinking and drawing" every now and then which is a lot of fun...
(4)B Lauren S.
I still come here often and I still hold a place in my heart for you, but ...the other night I'm here with friends and we ordered a Piraat, draft, and our server said "ok that's going to be a different beer, I'll bring it right out".. wait a minute.. what? "Yeah we're out of Piraat so it's something else now, but I don't know what it is." Just then, the busser is walking by, and hauks some monster snot from his nose, out his mouth into the bushes beside our table. Seriously? Did he just do that? We didn't order food after that, and left for sushi next door instead.. so gross. I was here a few weeks before this however, and had an amazing time, I love the sweet chili sauce with your wings, and the fries are super delicious.. just keep an eye on your staff.. :(
(4)Janet D.
It was love at first sight when I saw the swings! I grabbed a few drinks and appetizer's here with a friend a while ago and keep meaning to go back. Its all about the ambiance here. I love how its tucked away with a large terrace and different kinds of seating. We were there on a Wednesday night and it was relatively quiet, but the music was good. Our waiter was attentive and my drinks (vodka tonic) were very nicely priced at $4. I ordered the ceviche appetizer which was huge and pretty tasty. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Mags M.
Came here on a date about a year ago. I really loved it. It was not loud and the setting is intimate. I have not been back since, its not because I didn't like it. Its because I honestly forgot it was there. I pass by the area all the time, it is really hard to see it in passing because it is tucked away. I do plan to go back soon maybe for happy hour.
(4)Ximena C.
Nothing inspires me to return to a venue like a swing and a good drink. The area isn't the best in the world, but it's growing and there are small shops around to look at. The New Cafe is a pretty big lounge with something for everyone. They have an inside area for quieter parties, stools outside, swings for the romantic and/or childish (like myself) and a pool table for those who need additional entertainment. Their drinks aren't the cheapest, but they're not too bad. I even heard they had a good happy hour. I haven't been to it myself though. I also hear they have trivia nights... I would like to attend, so if anyone knows when the next one is, let me know.
(5)judy n.
This funky little place, is a great spot for Trivia Night! $2 parking Awesome Film Noir type decor, felt like a french cafe for a few minutes, while outside seems like a tropical getaway with the swings Foodwise, it was decent, and kind of pricey. - sliders, there's 2 that come in with the 10 dollar order. We had the Cheeseburger, and its just your average burger. - The fries - were shoe string skinny fries. good - Union Station sandwich- tasty! It had pesto and brie and grilled chicken, i wish i ordered this one! - Hummus and pita- lotsa hummus for the 2 pieces of Pita bread you get, so we ordered a second plate of just pita bread... - Chocolate Fondue- the chocolate and bananas were yummy. but the pound cake it came with was UBER DENSE, and the strawberries were quite old and wrinkly already. But with good company, a great atmosphere, it kind of made up for the pricey mediocre food. I'll come back for the next trivia night :) Family Feud style.
(4)AshleyMarie O.
I like it. The setting is pretty laid back, the bartenders are nice and friendly, I think they have a late night happy hour... not positive... but when I went again this weekend it was QUITE chilly so they had the heaters out and that made for a nice evening :0) We also had my friends doggy in tow and that made for mucho conversation with a bunch of randoms which is always fun! I also munched down on a breaded chicken sandwich that came with a side of fries which was good (but I was pretty toasted at that point... haha it was after art walk..) so I'm not sure how "good" it would actually be.... The fries are those little stick fries which are always kinda disappointing... They have a DJ inside not sure what kind of schedule that is on but he was there Saturday night. The service can be a little slow but we were kinda freezing after a certain point so that probably was just us being ready to hit the trail for somewhere warmer. The prices could be better but overall I bet I will end up here again and again, its a cool spot to catch some drinks.
(3)Michael B.
The service sucks !!! The server disappeared for twenty minutes at a time on several occasions. They also charged me what they felt was opprpriate instead of what I signed for on the receipt.....bWARNING STAY AWAY THE SERVER NAMED BEATA ....... She is a con..
(2)Christie A.
I've been here two or three times, each time just for drinks, and the most recent time being about 3 weekends ago. I love the outdoor seating area. It is so cute with all of the couches, swings, and fun/funky chairs and tables. The little hanging lanterns are also a nice touch. There's always a nice crowd and there is always good music playing too. The drinks are good and strong and not overly priced. The last time we were there, Carlos was our bartender and he was great...never let our glass empty out without checking to see if we wanted another. Whenever I drive up to this area, I do feel like if I am on vacation and far away from home even though I am only about a 15-20 minute drive away. I am looking forward o going on this "vacation" sometime soon again!
(4)Miriam L.
We were just there this past Saturday and had a blast. I was looking for a casual lounge where we can dance & drink and we don't have to worry about the young-bucks to be around and starting up conflicts. The music was good but not great. The DJ was sort of stuck on a certain era and played the same song about 3 times in 1 hour I think. Also, they need to play a little reggae as well latin music such as bachata & merengue. Overall it was great!!! Another little tiny bit concern is the parking. But will definitely go again ...on my birthday.
(4)Elyse W.
This place is very much enchanted forest (not Santa's, I'm talking more like Hans Christian Andersen) meets French nouveau -- you've got this beautiful swirling outside patio filled with little trinkets in the trees and a funky hodgepodge of seating and inside is, like, well, let's just say the entire place is plastered in posters like Chat Noir, Cycles Gladiator, and others of that ilk. Oh and with plush seating. Food's decent, draft beer selection's pretty sweet. Vibe's the best thing they've got going. And they have the occasional fun event. Best to come on an off night so you can truly appreciate the ambiance. Coming on a crowded night can be a tad of a bitch. Oh, and I'm not a fan of the $3 parking, especially in a neighborhood like the one it's in. Seems pretentious.
(3)JUstin M.
Love this place. I come here quite often and have always found good service, good company and good music. They have a limited but very good draft beer selection (Piraat is always a killer) and the food is quite good as well much. I definitely recommend the Victoria station sandwich, the Pate and Brie plate (though make sure to order more bread) as well as their french fries. Overall it's a very solid location for a casual night out with excellent ambiance. Tip....Drive just a bit further down the road past the 2 dollar parking for free parking on the left hand side (right next to the church)
(5)Mia S.
Went there today for a coffee, the place was empty, it was saturday at 7 pm. We walked through the outdoor siiting area without being offered a table, the same happened inside the cafe. The only waiter that approached us let us know that inside the place was actually a disco, but if we wanted to have something in the AC area we were welcome to sit in the bar area. So we sat at a sofa watching three girls chatting behind the bar without even noticing we were there. Needless to say, we just left.
(1)Ivonne Marie C.
Since it changed management/owners I hadn't returned for food, luckily I am happy to say that we went for dinner with a nice group on Saturday to celebrate a birthday. I had my usual cucumber martini - which was great as always. So far this is the only place I've liked the way they make the cucumber martini. My primis had the pisco sour w/o the peach stuff and it was good, and my other cousin had the strawberry basil drink (recommended by the waitress as good and sweet) - um, I don't think the waitress knew what she was talking about, b/c there was nothing good or sweet about the drink - stay away from that one! For food, I got to taste the tuna tartare - really good (don't eat the dip it comes with if you can't handle spicy - it's crazy!); I ordered the beef carpaccio w/avocado - really good, I liked it a lot. My primis and hubs both ordered chicken sandwiches, however they chicken on both was quite dry. The sandwich with the brie was good, just as long as you had brie in your bite, otherwise, dry. So in general the food was good, but the service was unfortunately very slow. I am sure Mr. Slowinski from comcast would have delivered everything way quicker in every sense of the word. Slow service, brings this place down a star.
(3)Mario B.
I'm a big fan of News Lounge's very charming outdoor area, though the interior is equally unique and welcoming. Outside there are plenty of seating that come in the form of comfortable couches, swinging swings, and oval ottomans. The sprinkled tree lights provide dim lighting that is just enough to see the person next to you and gypsy jazz playing help set the mood that you're in a Old Hollywood movie setting that goes with the venue's decoration. Drinks are moderately priced. Their happy hour consists of half select beers and half well drinks. Make sure you specify to your bartender you want the well drinks because if not you'll end up paying regular price. Food consists of some commonly found bar appetizers as well as sandwiches. If your hungry for something different you have right Sushi Siam and Soyka next door and Andiamo Brick Oven Pizza is across the street.
(4)Alejandra M.
Great atmosphere, cheap yummy food & wine bottles are very reasonably priced. What more can you ask for?
(4)Edwin P.
I came here for Alma H's happy hour birthday party. I was a little hesitant about this place based on some of the reviews I had read. However, as soon as I walked in through the outside terrace area most of my doubts were eased. We were located in the interior portion of the lounge. The lounge has a very relaxing atmosphere with the dim lights and music playing. What sets this place apart from other Miami lounges is the HH; it's not just the prices that are affordable, it's the fact that the HH goes until 9:00 pm which is unheard of. The drinks during the HH ranged from $5-$7 (including wines, cocktails, and beers) and the appetizers are around the same range as well. And one thing about this HH is that they did not skimp on the alcohol when serving drinks. The bites were amazing as well and at the end of the night the price for everything was around $20.00 which was very good. There is also valet parking for $5.00 or there is metered parking along NE 4th Street. i would definitely come back here for another HH.
(4)Jessica G.
Alma H. chose The News Lounge as the site for her birthday happy hour, and although I am really not a fan of most things Miami (crowded, stressful, expensive are words that come to mind), I decided I had to make the drive down. I have to admit that knowing that there was a parking lot had a lot to do with that decision...and the happy hour prices, but I will get to that in a minute. Located on the west side if NE 4th in kind of a weird intersection type area that almost but not quite crosses US1 I took me an extra drive past to realize where I was supposed to be. I pulled into the lot and payed my $5 for parking and circled around to find the person in front of me had gotten the last parking spot. It worked out ok because the valet took my car and parked it quickly (incidentally valet is also $5 in this lot). Though I really don't like to valet, these guys were very friendly and prompt to get my car when it was time for me to go at the end of the night. The atmosphere at New Lounge is really cool. There is an indoor bar and an outdoor bar. The outdoor courtyard area was very pretty with a koi pond and had a nice garden party feel. Inside was broken up into kind of mini living rooms where there were comfortable couches and chairs all in mismatched style..but it just worked. There was one room with couches and mirrors all over the walls. The decor was just very unique and pretty. Alma had reserved her own birthday mini living room area and we all got to happy houring. The happy hour special here are great. Though I did not try any of the food there is a whole list of bites ranging from $3 to $7..and seeing other peoples food they were lighter portions, but at that price you can order a bunch of things. As for drink specials their fancy cocktails are only ~$5 and the same for glasses of wine. They also had a few beers for only $3. This place is definitely changing my mind about Miami happy hours. The best part is that this happy hour goes until 9! You can start your happy hour at the same time most places end theirs, and still have two hours to enjoy! As the night went on our group got larger and larger, and I have to say the staff did a great job accommodating us, lifting and bringing over more living furniture as it was needed. The drink service was a little on the slow side, but given the size of our group I was impressed that the waitress was able to keep up as well as she did. This was a great spot for a group to get some food and drinks and enjoy the night. They also do brunch here which I imagine would be quite nice with the patio area offered, and aside from the small plates offered at happy hour, there were a few sandwiches I would like to try.
(4)David P.
Came for the organic brunch and left beyond satisfied. I was so hungry I totally forgot to snap pictures of out meal. Very cute venue, not fancy but the outside seating area is beautiful. The inside is decorated nicely but again not fancy. Awesome positive young vibes! The organic menu is to die for! Everything we had was fantastic. Great brunch drink specials. The service was very good, so glad we came :)
(4)Sou M.
Ok, again, updating my review about service. My server is really nice and gave me lots of great suggestions for beaches, bars and restaurants! She is a 5 star herself. Now it makes me feel better to give this place a four.
(4)Savanna M.
When my good friend Alma H. invited me to her birthday shindig, I immediately said yes. Of course, the Yelper in me then checked out the venue's reviews - the venue of course being News Lounge. Most of the reviews were old but mentioned service issues, but for our group I found the service and everything else to be quite wonderful, almost deserving of 5 stars! As I'm the only island person who doesn't run on island time, I arrived first. I grabbed one of servers and told him there was a reservation. He said he was aware of the reservation and he'd grab our actual server to show me to the table. Our actual server Mary then found me and told me she'd get me a drink while she figured out if we were supposed to be inside or outside. The outside area is quite cute btw, but in August, it's a bit too hot to be outside at 6pm without a dedicated fan per person, so I was glad when she showed me to our inside area. My initial glass of Rose ($5 on HH) came out very quickly and I took some time to look over the rest of the menu. Keep in mind HH here runs til 9pm, so this place is a steal! Other's started arriving and some options for the table were ordered. I did have a bite of the bruschetta and didn't like it, although to be fair it had sat around for awhile and the bread had gotten soggy. For food, I ordered the avocado ceviche and the stuffed peppers. The ceviche was quite good, and again for $5 during HH you really couldn't complain. The peppers, as Mary warned, were HOT (yes, SPICY), but if you like spicy things you'll definitely love these. Again, for $5, these were a steal! At this point I decided to switch to another drink, the Chili Passion, again the HOT warning was given to me, but maybe the hot peppers had already killed my taste buds, as I didn't find this to be at all spicy, and overall it wasn't anything special. I'd stick with the wine offerings here. Overall, I felt News Lounge was a great place to "lounge" with friends. As the group kept growing we were able to find couches and drag them in so everyone had space to sit. It's true that our server was a bit occupied at times with other tables, but I never waited more than 5 minutes or so from when I actually wanted to order something to seeing her pass by again. Highly recommend this spot for great happy hour deals, and with happy hour running til 9pm you'll definitely leave with a happy wallet! PS - Parking. I managed to park myself in the lot just north of here for $5. As other arrived shortly after me the lot had become valet only for $5.
(4)Keith A.
I love their happy hour. The baristas and waitresses are super friendly. The food is always good and the drinks are great. The outdoor patio is welcoming and very cool considering that this is SoFlo. The location is great but hard to find. Ample off street parking for 3 bucks.
(5)Felipe F.
The place is nice and the music is really good. But the drinks are not the best.
(3)Juliana P.
Worst place to go out ever! I was roofied here a year ago. I had one drink and woke up the next morning not remembering the rest of the night. It was scary. Luckily, I was with my BF who got me home safely. I went back tonight with a group of people after eating at Andiamo (which was delicious). The bartender was so rude. I asked for a Stella. She walked away and I said "oh, wait, excuse me." Her response, "WHAT? What can I do for you???" WTF?? I just wanted to order another one. Never going back there again. This place sucks.
(1)Jesica J.
I came here for Happy Hour on a Friday afternoon for a friend's birthday to have drinks and a bite. His wife had reserved a table outside for our small group (8 people). As soon as I walked in, I was really excited because the place truly has an awesome ambiance with the DJ and the outdoor patio (it helps that it was a beautiful day). However, The News Lounge seriously let me down with the terrible service. When we sat down, our waitress took our cards to open a tab and our order. For my first drink, I ordered the strawberry caipirinha, which arrived rather fast. It was absolutely delicious and authentic (and I lived a year in Sao Paulo, that's something!). I was excited to get a second round, but unfortunately the waitress was nowhere to be found. We looked around for her for about half an hour and ended up asking a busboy to call her over. It took her another thirty minutes to reach our table. Finally, when the second caipirinha arrived, it was very watered down and did not taste even half as good as the first one. I'm not sure if it was because it had been sitting at the bar while she was MIA or what. This place has a lot of potential, and I would have loved to have loved it! Unfortunately, the terrible service does get in the way of the experience and it's not worth the hassle of having to track down someone to order your drinks or pay.
(2)Dan C.
Very nice chill place to go hangout with a group of friends. There is an outdoor area with a bar and tables and couches, and there is an inside area with bar and dance floor where a DJ is spinning great dance music. The prices of the drinks are reasonable.
(4)Katrina W.
I've been here twice. The first time I came was about a year ago for brunch and we had a voucher deal for the four of us. It was a decent discount and we were content with the menu options. We all found something and bottomless mimosas were included! I ordered the benedict and was happy with my choice - usually when it comes to brunch food, I stick with the classics: benedicts, omelettes, steak and eggs. All in all, I don't remember anything being bad about the experience, but nothing really stood out either. I don't think I will be back for brunch purely based on the fact that there are too many other places in Miami that give more unique choices and I really hate to repeat the same thing twice. Anyways, my second visit was just a few days ago and my hubby and I decided to try the lounge out again for happy hour. We figured that we couldn't go wrong considering the happy hour menu could be easily found online and it was quite extensive (including food and drink options amassing to about 15-20 picks). Everything sounded really tasty: dates, stuffed peppers, hummus, cheeseburger sliders, Caipirinha's, mojitos, well drinks at $5; all happy hour items ranged between $4-10, which we thought was affordable until......................................... we saw the PORTIONS. Wow, each item we ordered was so tiny! OMG how terrible. We did the math and we were basically paying about $2 per date. The only okay part about this happy hour were the drink prices... We got old-fashioneds for $4 each and the bartender did a really good job making them. Happy hour is not truly happy if you have to throw down $100 just to feel satiated.
(2)Irina G.
My least favorite place in Miami so far. Location: not the best part of town. There is parking which is nice and location looks pretty - there is nice outdoor seating, but nothing around. Food - terrible. I got poached eggs with potatoes. Potatoes were overlooked, dry like bad chips and very greasy. The salmon tasted like it past it's expiration date. It had a slimy finish to it. For brunch coffee the only option was Americano and it wasn't great. They didn't have any gluten free options. Service: it was four of us having brunch. We got 3 menus and 3 napkins. We had to ask for an extra menu. The waitress wasn't able to fully answer our questions about the menu either. Overall - I wouldn't go out if my way to try this brunch.
(1)Marline P.
The News has great bartenders Megan being one of the very best in customer service and very knowledgeable with all types of drinks everyone loves her!
(5)Jason P.
They have a great setup. They have a mix of tables and couches and have some pool tables. The long islands are pretty bad..it's just alcohol and a colored sweetener. The service isn't the best either
(2)Lorin G.
Casually strolled by this hidden location and decided to check it out. Absolutely loved the atmosphere. It wasn't too packed when I arrived around 10pm. I took a seat and was immediately greeted by my server (I kept calling him Shaggy). Waters were brought to table promptly and when asked what was good to nosh on I was given great suggestions. I had the chicken skewers, salmon roll and the steamed buns. All was tasty, service was outstanding (shaggy was extremely attentive and polite and once he knew how much I loved Sriracha, he didn't stop bringing me ramekins full of it). It was "One Love" night, girls drank for free at the bar 10-11pm and they played Reggae music all night. I would def recommend this spot to friends and will def be returning soon!
(5)Aylin M.
A favorite for birthday celebrations! Terrific outdoor bar with great music and drinking climate. Service is slow on the weekends, the food is tasty but wish they served it till later. Great for get-togethers or after work drinks.
(4)Nadine W.
Went for happy hour. The drinks were great!!! Appetisers were not the best but the wait staff was spectacular. Definitely going back.
(4)Fidel C.
I had a strange experience here as I came in not too long ago on a busy Saturday night. The doorman did not greet us, but instead sternly asked for our IDs before immediately asking if we had bottle reservations or were brought there by a specific promoter. The answer to both was no, and it didn't matter anyway considering he just let us right in. We found that very odd, considering you don't need a promoter to enter this lounge for free. We opted to sit at an open table and after receiving water, we looked over the menu....and waited. And waited for about 15 minutes before we decided it just wasn't worth it. The prices for drinks are fair, but being forgotten in a patio area full of mosquitos and humidity for that long is not fair. I give it 3 stars for the nice space and how busy they were, but maybe they are overstaffed? I'm not sure, but I would give it another chance during an earlier time of say.
(2)Joe A.
Dropped in for brunch with a Travel Zoo deal and that's the last part that seemed to be simple. Upon arriving, the staff had a bizarrely convoluted way of figuring out their vouchers. First, there was a gentleman that greeted us, then passed us off to another woman to "check in". Then, we had to wait. And wait. Then, we had to sign in with our email address (shouldn't they have that from the deal site?). Then, we had to wait. Then get a voucher that said we were all paid. And the gentleman said, "so you don't have to deal with your waiter at the end." Cool, sounds easy, right? On to food. Ordered mimosas. Waited. And waited. Ordered food -- steak and eggs and salmon benedict, 2 classic brunch choices. The food actually came out quick, but that's really where the compliments stopped. The salmon was SUPER salty. The "steak" was more like what you'd find in a cheesesteak, though completely unseasoned, as were the eggs, as was (shockingly) the foccacia bread it was served on. Not even the splash of truffle oil helped. Oh yeah, half way through our meal we got our mimosas -- 90% champagne, splash of OJ. Barely chilled. Meh. Now our waitress informs us she has to "check the bill" to see if we've "gone over". Shockingly, we did, despite doing exactly what the voucher said. They added taxes, fine, but then gratuity at 15%, with no option to reduce it (as I likely would have given the lack of service with our drinks and overall handling). So it was an extra $10. Annoying more than anything. Bottom line? Just don't bother. The space is nice, maybe better for a quick hang out session during a nice night out, but brunch shouldn't be an option for you.
(2)Walter H.
Food was good, but the service was so bad we all left a very small tip. It was nearly impossible to get the waitress's attention. We went for a couple beers and some food, but with all the waiting, it took us 2 and a half hours to get out of there! For example, we had been done a while when we asked for the check, but it took her 20 minutes to bring it! The place was nowhere near capacity so I can't imagine what took her so long. The food was very good. I had the prosciutto sandwich and a spinach empanada, both were excellent. We also ordered the stuffed dates, but they never came. We really wanted to eat more, but it wasn't worth the hassle of dealing with the waitress to get them. I would never recommend this place to anyone. The food is good and the place looks really cool, but none of that is worth it when you have to deal with the shitty service.
(2)Danielle A.
Groovy spot, great vibe, good happy hour, yummy food, but average drinks.
(4)Isis N.
I've been enjoying News Lounge's Happy Hours for more years than I would like to admit. To give you a hint, when I started to go, the parking next to Sushi Siam was FREE, and now they charge $4. Hmmm.... The drinks are consistently good and the $5 glass of Chardonnay can't be beat. Appetizers are great and after so many years I got to the conclusion that Thursday are the best nights. Fill with local Yuppies. Their indoor and outdoor areas are very pretty. But during the summer we hang out indoors, in the Mirror room. If you go on Fridays or weekends, the place gets really pack. But I'm still a fan.
(4)Marc V.
I would like to thank the young lady (D.) behind the bar this past monday night for the excellent service. It was a fun environment and my wife and I cannot wait to return!
(4)Jonah K.
Came here for some Friday after work drinks (not my co-workers, but Teresa K's) and we had a huge table outside. There is a excellent patio with a DJ outside. The DJ was so-so, but it was still entertaining. They have a great happy hour menu of food and drinks for everyone to choose from. The service was decent, and the place got packed as the night went on. Good spot, I'd go back.
(4)Jesse S.
One star because you can't give zero drinks. Came so late I went to pick them up at the bar the server never came I asked three servers and busses for water nothing happen they brought my food very late and on top they didn't give us silverware I guess they expect us to eat with are fingers at the end they brought the water with the check. Never again !!!! Try something else
(1)Carla M.
We came last Sunday for their bottomless mimosas. They were OK. I wasn't too impressed with the small brunch menu. I opted for a beer and ate else where. A friend of mine had their eggs benedict and she liked the food. Was put off by the waiter telling us the included tip breakdown. It wasn't a bad experience but with so many resturants in Miami, we probably won't be back.
(3)Bernardo G.
It was very special. From the moment I walked in the service in The News Lounge was 5 stars. The drinks were very well prepared and the food was delicious. The staff was great, the hostess, chef, servers, bartenders, and specially Stacie M. She was very courteous all night, and always available when we needed to order more drinks or anything else. Good job for Stacie M. You can't find good friendly service like her very often.
(5)mercedes m.
HERE YE! HERE YE! News Lounge is the place to be! This hip hideaway located just off of Biscayne and 54th Street is a perfect place to meet up with friends. Even if you miss the happy hour special, the mojitos, music and sexy ambiance is worth the trip. What makes this place extra cool is that it hasn't become a tourist trap (yet), so the prices are still reasonable. The service is a hit or miss; sometimes you will have a vigilant server, other times you better sip that drink slowly because it will be a moment before you see another. Nevertheless, the servers are always polite. There is free street parking but those go quickly because of all the other fun places surrounding the Lounge. There is also a self park lot for $3-5. So why not the five stars? Because they rope off the entrance after ten and start carding; translation babies are breaking the grown up flow. So before the teenies show, this is a great place for work friends, real friends and lovers.
(4)Danny C.
Food and appetizers for happy hour were awesome. Drinks were amazing as well and cheap. Great atmosphere to get together with friends and chat it up
(4)Reggie B.
Great Place for Happy Hour! Really Nice! Had a great time and fun ambiance!!! Food was great as well.
(5)Tal T.
A true neighborhood bar. Awesome happy hour, seven days a week (until 9pm!). The Food can be hit or miss, but I'm thrilled to share that their new organic brunch is definitely on point. We tried the spinach omelette, croissant croque madame, eggs Benny (with salmon), and steak and eggs. Not one disappointed soul! I am on board with some happy hour apps, too: hummus especially. Drinks are good, strong, and cheap. Service is adequate, with some servers and bartenders clearly caring more about the quality of their service than others. The ambiance is what really makes the news stand out. But hurry! It gets hot soon and the mosquitoes will surely return. Bottom Line: The News is a fantastic local's spot offering great drinks and good food at reasonable prices in a lovely atmosphere.
(4)Amber L.
What has happened to my beloved News Lounge? *cries* The last few times I've been, service has been less than.....not even stellar..... It's been less than just plain good. It's been poor, poor, poor. I went for a regular night out and had to stop the bartender because said bartender was so far from the cocktail menu ingredients list when making my drink that I was just shocked. After disagreeing with me, I had to show her the menu so that she could make it correctly. For real, girl? And please, let's not talk about brunch. Please, let's not. But ok, let's. I had been excited to try News Lounge's brunch because I love the ambience there and could only imagine the ambience on a Sunday afternoon with drinks. What a nightmare. And from reading recent reviews, it appears everyone is having the same experience - all the way down to a random person (owner, uncle, family friend) making the drinks at the bar. Our drinks - sangrias - didn't come out until we had finished our food and the plates had been cleared! SANGRIA?! Really?! There was even the same mimosa-spilling incident. Unfortunately, a little girl at the next table left with a mimosa hair treatment from this one. SMH Why is everyone experiencing the same issues? Why do so many customers have the same horror stories as of late? I can see here and there, but everyone? Hmmm..... Something is seriously amiss here. And it must be rectified soon before faithful customers give up and don't come back. I hope that doesn't happen because News Lounge has really been a favorite of mine over the years. Clean up your act, News Lounge. Please! Do it for us. Do it for yourselves.
(2)Ernest G.
I've been coming here for years. With that said understand I've seen & heard many unreasonable and inconsiderate customers complain and write ridiculous reviews because they claim they were mistreated or ran into someone working here who was rude. Not true! Come on people if you're an idiot, live with it but don't try to make a business suffer for it. Anyway, the food, service and drinks are great here! I've even brought co-workers, friends here who also loved it and are now becoming regulars. Most of us regulars here know each other and will continue to patronize this heavenly place.
(5)Chris D.
Go for happy hour! The outdoor seating area is awesome. The tapas and drinks are great and priced well. Their menu is pretty short I wouldn't go there for dinner. But if you're just there for happy hour for a few bites and drinks its wonderful!
(4)Jose B.
Came here twice over the last month with a Groupon for each time and was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience. Pros: 1. The food is excellent. Once your food arrives, you would most likely forget the long wait. 2. The drinks are fairly large and they make a great Bloody Mary. 3. The ambiance is too notch. They have fans to keep you cool if is too hot and the place is set up with lots of shade. Cons: 1. Redeeming the Groupon was a hassle since you have to give a lot of your personal information on a marketing list. 2. Food takes forever. 3. Food runners are a bit clumsy since the first time they dropped a small container of honey on us. The second time we saw another server dropped a tray full of dirty plates next to the guests he was serving.
(4)Adolfo L. F.
Wow, what happened to this place? It used to be packed on Sundays which made service slow but at least you could drink and chill to the music while you waited. Now it's barely packed with only 7 tables and all the servers seem lost. Order a chicken wrap, get a chickpea garden wrap. Server gets lost for 15 minutes so good luck finding someone to fix your order. The kitchen is still good, putting out acceptable food, but the service is shit so its not worth it when you have Soika, Green Street, or even Berries just a few minutes away. Save your money go somewhere else. Edit: I forgot to add that people where getting up and leaving their tables due to waiting 30-45 minutes for drinks. So what does our server do? Asks us for a credit card half way through our brunch because they're afraid of more people getting up and leaving. What a slap in the face. You would think the restaurant was packed due to all the horrible things happening through out service... But I'm going to blow your mind right now... They only had 7 tables full. 7 tables for 4 servers. Wooow! Been here plenty of times... Never will return. This is my first post in years, and it was such a horrible experience that I just had to come back to Yelp to advise people to STAY AWAY!!
(1)Maria V.
This place has great ambience and a lot if potential, BUT, the service is very, very slow and sloppy. My first drink arrived 30 minutes after it was ordered and it had watered down. It tasted like water and the ice was melting. It was probably sitting around for 29 minutes before the server picked it up and brought it to me. :$ My husband had to get up and go directly to the bar to order my second drink this time without ice just in case. The server told some people at my table that the bartender left and the owner was making drinks and had no idea how to make drinks and they were all fraking out... Really? Even if that's the case, I don't want to hear that... Get it together.. Well, I tried the mojito pitcher these people were having and boy.. That was not good. After waiting for a while the server showed up again and I ordered the avocado and bacon sandwich, very good, I really like it. It had been about 40 minutes after placing the order and my husband had to go to the bar again and ask about my food. The server showed up and said someone else at my table had ordered the same and that for whatever reason my order never got put in the system, so all the waiting was for nothing. Sandwich showed up 5 minutes after that and like I said, it was good. No one else at my table had ordered that sandwich, and even if that was the case, that's no excuse, it's just making your incompetence even more obvious. Next time you screw up just stay quiet. 15% gratuity is included on your tab... Well, no wonder. Good vibe, food was good. Service was terrible, a mess, just embarrassing. Enough said.
(2)Letty M.
Nightlife: this place is nice at night. Good lounge to go to. Good music. Gets packed inside but that's normal. Nice patio atmosphere. Brunch: wouldn't recommend it. Lots if other places for brunch in Miami worth going to. Mimosas are little weak can be stronger. Their menu options are small. Ordered the steak and eggs wasn't all that. Just ripped steak on toast with 2 fried eggs on top. Eggs Benedict is pretty good. Too much spinach but tasty. Service wasn't a huge plus on that. Manager was alright, kinda rude at first had issues with our reservations. Gave our table away and had one last table in a corner stated their are "accommodating us". When they had a table open. Waitress inside was a little slow. Acknowledged us to apologize for the slow service so did the manager. Not horrible but maybe other had better experience. I recommend other brunches for a real brunch experience. They seem to be trying to be on the brunch chain.
(2)Anthony S.
Fun place, nice atmosphere, fairly-priced drinks for the area. $10 cover for guys is a major downer...
(4)Annette G.
I was here last night w/ some coworkers to watch the Heat game. I'll start off w/ the perks: this venue is beautiful and the atmosphere is always great, they extended happy hour for the duration of the game, the food was good but I wouldn't go there to eat & they were really good about cutting on and off the music during the game. Alright this is why it's a 3: the bartender was completely clueless and no one was at the bar for a while. Our beers were warm and took a while to get. Also I'm not a fan of their lychee martini. I asked for sliders and only 2 came in the order which is really not enough. Lastly these are the same issues I have when Ive been here in the past. I really wish the service and quality of food and beverages would improve.
(3)Mark H.
Like most places in Miami, News Lounge doesn't understand the difference between a lounge and a club. This is disappointing, because Miami could really use a nice lounge. The good: Location: Improving area of Miami. This area feels like it's working on becoming the new Coral Gables. Decor: Lots of cool things to sit and swing on outside. Other than that, everything is nice enough, but nothing is particularly artful or original. I think Miami could use a lounge that dares to have some original flourish. The standard "fancy lounge" decor gets the job done, but isn't memorable. The bad: Drinks: Not a lot of beers on tap, and they're missing some ingredients for cocktails. Ordered a Manhattan - no bitters. Price: As expected for a place like this, things are overpriced. Music: Unreasonably loud club music makes it very difficult to speak with anyone who isn't sitting right next to you, and makes it outright impossible for groups to have conversations without shouting. Lounges are places people come to talk over drinks. The only reason to jack up the volume is for dancing. No one is dancing here, so blasting the music just serves to make conversation impossible.
(2)Natasha A.
I want to love this place, I really do...They have all the ingredients for greatness: excellent location, great vibe, nice amenities..but something always falls -just- short. Sometimes it's the service that is off. Other times it's the food. Honestly, I keep coming back thinking that my last visit was just an anomaly, but considering how many times it has happened I have come to realization that this is pretty much just standard protocol here. Good, but not great.
(3)Harlem M.
Probably one of the coolest Happy Hour spots especially on Friday grooving to the sounds of DJ Chilly. Love the outdoor feel and nice looking crowds. The Tuna Avocado app is really good and goes great with a Mojito. Watch the hot summer days and choose to hit the spot when the sun goes down.
(4)Angelo R.
Love the late evening happy hour here...til 9! Bartenders are always nice. The place is not too crazy and decent neighborhood crowd. Outdoor seating is perfect for Miami December weather. They even have pool tables outside. Plenty of street parking and the strip plaza has a private lot as well and its only for 3 bucks. The martini specials are great...made with Absolut or Stoli even Lychee Martinis!
(5)Kristen K.
Cool spot with a good brunch ... I mostly come here for brunch I feel like their brunch options could be a little more varied ... But they have bottomless mimosas and those are ok ... Bloody Mary was delicious food comes out in good time service has always been good
(4)Saida L.
Nice outdoor atmosphere, good apps and nice drinks
(4)Emma F.
This place use to be very American and a totally different crow use to come here . Now its more of a Latin place .
(4)Nene M.
This was a very nice place. The only downside is that the chef always takes stuff off the menu. I just went last week for the salmon rolls and today it was off the menu. Also our waiter was really nice although he had to wait on like 10 different tables. he did an awesome job. the food doesnt take long to come out either. I only order off the tapas happy hour menu!
(3)Priscilla R.
Went here with Travel zoo coupon that I bought online. Boy, the disorganization in this place is VERY obvious! First we got there and another couple was already complaining about the broken high chair they received for their 6 mo old baby. So guess what? When we sat down, they told us they didn't have another high chair, so we also had to sit with our baby in our laps for brunch. The waitress --some Russian girl, poor thing, couldn't wait tables to save her life. She kept bringing us the wrong drinks and the wrong food meant for other tables. I had asked her to turn the fans on --Miami Heat and guess what, she forgot. I had to ask someone else. Needless to say terrible service and the place was completely disorganized. No one seemed to know what they were doing AT ALL! Pity because the food wasn't bad, but they didn't have some of the items on the menu. We wanted the waffles and we find out later oops sorry miss we are out of waffles. ? How could that be we were like the 5th customers?
(2)Raymond R.
Today was a rarity. Once we received our meal and drinks (after physically getting up to seek our own server) the food and drinks were remarkably good. The cuisine was exceptionally tasty. Unique in presentation palatable and reasonable portions. The alcoholic beverages too are a force to be reckoned with. That said, upon finding our own server she was very friendly and apologetic. Initially we were a little upset blaming the server and then we thought-she takes her direction from a higher power - MANAGEMENT. Management was the absolute worst! The servers are running around doing their best, I could tell that they were genuinely trying however someone ultimately has to take charge. This wasn't happening. The manager could tell that we were upset and came over to follow up with our drinks. At the end of the night after thoroughly reviewing our check, we found an error with the amount of drinks we ordered - as anticipated. After addressing the issue with the manager she adamantly told us that she took the order and brought the drinks, not true. Our server took the first order, she took the second after following up. We ordered twice and followed up once. We didn't order 3 rounds. I started to get so upset that I almost stood up and demanded management. And then I thought - this would be a moot issue because SHE WAS MANAGEMENT. After a few minutes of exchanging words, she reluctantly offered us another round of drinks claiming that these were gratis. NO! I'm not appeased at all! It was already on our check, it's just that you're bringing it now! We really wanted to leave an additional tip for our server but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Ultimately this is a really nice establishment romantic, trendy, airy and well organized. However the powers that be either need to hire new management or retrain the existing staff thoroughly. Starting with service industry 101. The customer is always right! It's ill advised to raise your voice and exchange words unnecessarily because people like myself don't waste time debating frivolous issues - I'll pay it. However I will write a thorough and lengthy review addressing my unfortunate experience.
(2)Brittany R.
I think this place is great. If you have people from out of town and want to give them a taste of real Miami, I think this place breathes that vibe. The outdoor setting and awesome happy hour really set the mood for the rest of your night. The happy hour food menu with everything being $4-6 is amazing. Order one of everything and don't break the bank. The service is really good. I love this place.
(5)Keith P.
Cool outdoor seating area. You can play a game of pool, and have a nice conversation. They serve cappuccinos at night. If you are hungry, you can have sushi or pizza next door! What else can anyone ask for from a bar?! Only con is the $8 parking fee you have to pay if there is no street parking available (which happens to be a common occurrence at a Friday or Saturday night).
(4)Krystal A.
I love the ambiance! Very cool vibe. Sit outside. The music inside was really retro, grade-A stuff. The outside DJ was on vacation. Great place to sneak away from the party traffic and have some fun.
(4)Erin A.
Came here on a Friday night. Ordered the quesadilla which was very good. The friends I was with also enjoyed their food as well. But.....the reason for the one star is because the service was HORRIBLE! And the place had plenty of empty tables and was not packed. Trust me, I am not even a stickler for good service here in Miami because I have grown accustomed to mediocre pretty much everywhere. But the News Lounge was the pits. Impossible to find my waiter, impossible to get another drink and impossible to get the check. It was like your doing them a favor just being there. Like I said, food was good and the atmosphere was new and different. But the awful service didnt make up for either. Never again!
(1)Max J.
I went last night to The News Lounge. I love the atmosphere I sat outside and loved the decor. I wish the service and food were as good as the atmosphere. My whole party decided that the service, food and music were very bad. I tried one of the sandwiches (grilled chicken brie and basil pesto) and it was very poor. The sandwich was full of dry, flat, chicken, and too much bread. The french fries were fine, but nothing to write home about. Service was sloowww and I ended up going to the bar to get my drinks. The music was too loud, and really weird nothing that you would want to listen to for casual people watching. I'll give The News Lounge 2 stars because the service, food, and music didn't make me want to come back... The decor, and theme are really fun and will make me want to show it off - i'll just eat some place else.
(2)Miranda D.
I've been twice, both times on a Friday night. They have good happy hour specials and a nice outdoor atmosphere. The inside is very cute also and one night I was there they had a band perform later in the evening. Apparently, kids are allowed on the premises but only until 9:00pm.
(5)Adriana D.
I've been coming here fairly frequently as of late, mostly due to the really enjoyable patio area and most recently for the music. I haven't really gotten a chance to eat a full meal here, just picked at shared appetizers really, but what I have tried has been pretty good. The drinks are moderately priced, not cheap persay, but not outrageous. And during happy hour their specials are actually decent. The service has been pretty hit or miss - when it's good, it's good, when it's not...well, I've been known to have to chase a waitress down before. Another cool thing, which helps make the courtyard area even more enjoyable, is the fact that they have board games you can borrow (a la Transit Lounge), which have helped lead to some longer nights then necessary but also to some interesting fun (& games of course). The stand out this last visit, what prompted me to finally review it is the live band they had playing. This Tuesday they had two lovely and talented ladies, Steph and Nabedi Taylor, who call themselves 'The State Of'. They are really great and varied in their music selection and a lot of fun. They both have great voices and both play multiple instruments but it's mostly Steph on the keyboard singing and Nabedi on the drums singing back-up. They are definitely worth checking out if anytime they are here! (You can also check them out at Sweat Records playing with Afro Beta this coming Sat.)
(3)A.L. S.
Really cute and casual
(4)Mina M.
The staff was friendly and the decor was interesting (a disco ball hanging next to a wooden wind chime on top of a fountain) but other than that, it wasn't a place I would go back to. Prices were too high for the location, food wasn't that great and the music was too loud to carry out a conversation.
(2)Renier C.
Great place for an idle weeknight with friends, in a European setting ambience with South Florida weather. I only wish the music was a decibel lower at times... JUST... ONE... DECIBEL PLEASE? Forgive me for wanting to hear and understand what others in my table are talking about, rather than smiling and laughing off whatever gibberish I heard. Call me old-fashioned. Despite great drinks, I would not come here for anything other than finger food, i.e. fries, chips, guacamole, hummus. I havent tried anything else, but I trust the reviews on yelp. Service can be slow too, so be patient or order your drink ahead of time. NOTE: Crack must have been added to the lychees so stay away; on every visit I lose control and find myself telling the server "One Lychee Martini, Two Lychee Martinis, Three Lychee Martinis... hmm, can i get a plate of lychee's as well please??"
(4)Esther G.
News Lounge is an example of what I love about the Upper East Side. It's hip but not too cool, artsy but not fartsy. Great mixed drinks and welcoming, beautifully lit outdoor seating. I always bump into someone I know and it's a great place to round off art walk.
(4)Joseluis A.
i just cant like this place ... it seems ... i was here last night with a group of friends. service took forever. the waiter forgot about my coffee. they are now serving burgers for about six million dollars each
(2)Hector M.
very chill, great music, prices are fair, ambiance is my favorite, the people are beautiful. The only thing that is not great is the parking, i usually get there when it is loaded, so parking is a little hard, but they have a private parking lot, so that usually helps, although they are full at times too.
(5)Aaron Z.
Like the outside seating. Like the parking situation. LOVE the ice in the urinals (I know...I'm weird). Don't really love how pricey this place gets. $5-7 for beer? This ain't da Beach. Either way, I've gone 3-4 times and enjoyed each. For lack of a better option, I'll keep going. BTDub...never had the food, but hear it's good.
(3)Felecia W.
Went here last night with my Valentine Ashely. This place is awesome. Maybe a new favorite bar. The decor is really cool the bartenders know what they are doing ( and one in particular was unbelievably easy to look at all night), and the crowd is pretty fun to watch. I felt a little out of place because I left my fedora at home, but I don't think anyone judged me. The music was loud, but in a good way, and it was all so put together so nice. The outdoor area is also very cool with the fountains and Koi. That was a nice surprise as well. Im looking forward to hitting this place up again, but only after the memories of our drunken behavior are forgotten. :)
(5)luis s.
ATTENTION THIS REVIEW MIGHT BE VULGAR!!! Ok, here we go. News lounge is a great littles spot. Its like a courtyard with a bar, pool tables, and colt classics flicks on a projector. It is one of a kind. It is pretty cool that this little plaza used to be a train station, giving it some historic nostalgia in a sense. The food is pretty good, and the specials are great. Now to the vulgarity. I give this place one star only because I'm a little grossed out and it actually has nothing to do with News lounge itself but it did leave a disgusting imprint in my mind. So I was here on a Friday I believe hanging out having a few beers. Indescribably my stomach really started to hurt so much though I really had to use restroom (mind you if you have scene American Pie I am like Finch I do not work well with public bathrooms its just nasty). My stomach thought otherwise so well I had to go. While sitting on my rented thrown Some guy walks in to the bathroom and taps his foot under my door! Im yelling WTF dude I'm taking a Sh** this douche had the testicular fortitude to peep his head not once over stall walls but twice. I have heard about this foot tapping (gay under ground scheme in restrooms before but damn). Nothing against gay people or anything I was actually there with two of my really good gay friends. There is a fine line with that you tap your foot and I say WTF means leave me alone. Needless to say once I was out of bathroom I literally walked to every person looking at their shoes to identify this guy. Lucky for him He was gone because if I had identified those shoes I might be in a cell somewhere writing this review. Needless today I will not be coming here again for a while, havent been able to sleep right since!
(1)Maria T.
This place hit the nail on the nose in terms of maintaining a lounge-y, 'lax vibe. I went here last night for a drink with my family and absolutely adored the ambiance. DJ spinning house music? Check. Flattering lighting? Check. Fun people watching? Check. Adult-sized swings? Check. You've got to love that. Especially the swing part.
(4)Ozzie H.
Ok quick review! I seriously enjoy this place. The atmosphere is very cool. Music rocks! Not crowded. No annoying crowds like the beach or ridiculous cover charges. Full of cool locals. Good food. Service could be better but one doesn't really come here to eat and run. Since I live in the neighborhood this has become one of my favorite spots to come and just enjoy the evenings. It's not exactly the cheapest but I guess it could be worse. Good parking. Enough said!
(4)Andrew J.
Finally made it to News Lounge for the first time last night. It's a unique indoor/outdoor spot with quirky furnishings (mismatched, worn sofas and chairs) and decoration (sculptures, fish pond and disco ball). Dimly lit and very chill, it was perfect for a first date. Happy hour goes until 9pm. Had a few caipirinhas and some tapas. Service was OK. The 55th Street Station complex has several dining options and makes for a nice evening destination. Parking used to be free, now it's $3 for self park, $4 for valet.
(3)Susan L.
this is a favorite of mine. Happy hour (food and drinks both) til 9 pm, 7 days a week? yes please! The massive outdoor seating area cant be beat. Lots of room, high tops, regular tables, big bar, and fun couches and swings and stuff too. The food isnt amazing but its good for what it is. I recommend hummus and the new veggie sliders.. havent eaten much else. I am vegetarian so I cant speak for many dishes. The service staff is always friendly, but on some visits has been very slowwwwwwwww. Sometimes they do live music inside or out. It gets really busy on weekend nights... i prefer the random weeknight happy hour because its just a nice chill place to hang out. Also, if you are looking for a place to get a drink and some food kind of late - its a win for sure. prices are very reasonable, too.
(4)Charlie B.
Awful treatment last night by a rude homophobic, neanderthal door man. With the way the economy is you'd think people would have a better handle on customer service....
(1)Sabrina M.
I went again for a friend's birthday. We sat inside because it had been raining and the outside area was wet...a bummer because it's such a great ambiance out there. The inside, however, fit the bill. Since it was a Monday there weren't that many other people outside which gave it the private party feel. It's great for lounging! I was hungry so I had the quesadillas. Their menu consists mostly of appetizers. Most people are really into the sliders and fries. I didn't order them because I didn't have anyone to share the fries with and I can't eat a burger without fries. I also had a glass of merlot... didn't drink alcohol because the drive home is long and I had to be up and functional early this morning! My fav thing about this place is it's ambiance.
(4)Christine A.
Went to a surprise bday party and was pleasantly surprised at the good time that i had. Our server was efficient and had a great sense of humor. The drinks were good, the food was good, comfy seating. Good is good and nice to find in Miami.
(4)Franky A.
Good for drinking and hanging out but the food menu is tiny and the service there is slow.
(3)Ramon C.
Went for lunch yesterday. Love the ambiance. It's very cozy and comfy. I would love to see what it is like when its a bit busier. Regardless the 'Turkey , Brie and Mango Chutney' sandwich was really goood. Nice size (almost felt like I ate a full loaf of bread) and the mango chutney was a nice touch. The place has free WIFI for you folks looking to get some work done or just check to see if that application on your iPhone has a new version out in the app store. I will return to explore their other sandwiches and try the Tiramisu which looked quite inviting.
(4)Gina I.
My friend and I got a good bottle of merlot...sat outside and chatted under the stars for a few hours....super laid back...great server.....was only there once, but enjoyed myself....ill be back.....
(5)frida k.
SOMETHING CHIC HAPPENING ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE.When I first walked in,Monday night,it was around 10 p.m.A good friend was introducing us to this place that we knew only by passing.I was under shocked.I've been living here in Miami for nearly 3 years now and never made the way to Soyka neither the other bars near by.I felt guilty and shame because I was a complainer when it comes to good bars and restaurants.Almost like a perfectionist.We end up walking into The News Lounge and I knew,this will be my new spot for meeting up with friends for a good wine and a tasty hummus plate.I couldn't complain about the bill either but maybe this will change soon.I got to say this,the bar tender a "she" is super friendly just like the server and the interior is inviting..there is nothing worse than a bad ambiente..but you'll come and judge yourself!
(5)adriane G.
I went there once and had a horrible experience. The outside patio was nice just to sit and hang out. The service, however, was awful! I ordered one wine and it literally took over 30 minutes to get it. (not exaggerating) They really should hire more servers. They guy had to take my credit card and ID even though I was not running a tab (and keep it all night). To get my cards back it was another 10 minutes of playing Where's Waldo as the poor waiter had a fat stack of like 400 ID's he had to go through. Now, the wine ( which cost $12!!!) tasted like gasoline. If there going to serve wine for $12 they should at least use wine that's a little decent. The only good thing about that experience was that the waiter was really nice and I recognized him from Pasha's on Lincoln. He tried really hard so I gave him a $6 tip (half of that expensive disgusting wine). After my one wine I was done. I probably would have had a better experience sucking the fumes from my gas tank. (hey at least it would have been cheaper).......... in conclusion good: pashas waiter outside atmosphere bad: gasoline wine prices service wait time
(1)Tina K.
Came here for happy hour - loved their patio. It's huge with seating from swinging benches, to rocking chairs, to huge lounge ottomans. Great place to hang out with friends when the weather's nice. I haven't tried their food so can't give it 4 stars but 3 stars for the wonderful service and happy hour drinks~ 4$ wells, 3$ beer.
(3)Liz T.
the news finally opened this week... woo hoo! i'm not the biggest fan of soyka... mark soyka's other restaurant venture in the area (kinda right next door), but i'm excited for 'the news'. i went to pick-up sushi from sushi siam last night (right next door) and over course popped my head over as i have done every time i'm in the area and to my surprise... they were officially open. the place looks great. a bunch of tables outside in the little courtyard. the bar/lounge area was beautiful. very tastefully decorated. and the hosts/hostess were super polite when i walked in. def stopping here this weekend to eat. maybe for breakfast. mmmmm there's also no webpage or address listing i could find... so sorry for the vagueness on this listing. i'll update this weekend. UPDATE: tried to do dinner on friday and the power was out. :(
(4)Christine R.
Although I am a frequent guest at News Lounge, I've never been prompted to write a review until now. This is definitely a great place to get together with friends for happy hour or spend the night enjoying the music provided by the DJ's on the weekend. Recently, there was a change in staff which is what inspired me to provide this review. My server, Yenthil was absolutely fantastic. She kept us informed on our drink and food orders and had a dynamic personality. So much so, that on that night, we made reservations for two parties to follow. These reservations were made with the manager, Rebeca. Her level of professionalism was truly commendable. She allowed us the opportunity to request Yenthil as our server for the parties and even made it a point to greet us on the day of each of the parties. If you haven't already been to News Lounge, you don't know what you're missing and if you have been, it's time to go back for more.
(5)Mercy I.
It was my first time there and I Loved the atmosphere and decor.....BUT...One important thing, at the end of the night, the was a misunderstanding with the ticket of a friend. The waiter tried to explain but didn't get far. So the "Manager" was called to intervene. She's this very skinny tall girl with flowing brown hair...So anyways, my friend explained to her the discrepancy. And guess what, the Attitude of that manager was how can I say it?....Very be-littering. The way she addressed herself was completely not "customer is always right" . She turned around, because it was decided there was no mistake, and basically gave us the "Back" Not an "my apologies for the inconvenience" none of that.......So I must give her this review, she deserves it. Her customer service skills are on the floor. Horrible. I would appreciate if the owners would reprimand that so called "Manager". I most say, the Mojitos were quite delicious. BuT that "Manager" wow, I was impressed but quiet negatively by her....
(2)Eileen G.
Cool hang out spot, can easily become your local go-to place for a drink after work. The outdoor area is great and they usually have live shows including the amazing duo The State Of!
(4)Eileen A.
Even though I got sick after eating their ceviche last time I went, this place is cute and different. I haven't been back since so I don't know if they still have happy hour specials, but they used to have great deals. They never really change their style of music, so after a couple of hours of hanging out there, it gets quite monotonous. Overall, it's somewhere to try out at least once.
(3)Danny M.
I was introduced to this place by my gf on a random friday night. And now, I am so thankful that she did. The place is an excellent outdoor bar venue, that one could relax in their many different styles of chairs ( incl. a rocking chair for 2) with their fav. adult beverage. The crowd was enjoying themselves, and the area is really cool. Overall, had an excellent time
(4)Steph V.
Great place to have drinks and a bite. The service is a bit slow and a hassle when you're with a big party. But overall, a really great place to kick back, have drinks and talk with your friends. 2 for 1 drinks on Mondays!
(3)Holly S.
I've been here twice now, and it seems that my opinion is greatly influenced by the people I'm surrounded by. The first time I didn't know that many people there and I felt a little uncomfortable, so my feeling was a bit on the indifferent side. Last night however, I discovered how stupid I am and that that makes me one of the cool kids. I had a blast at the trivia thing and met some really cool people. MY food was fantastic and OTHER people's food was fantastic as well. Someone at the table ordered the chocolate fondue and let me say, people attacked it like lions attack a weak isolated gazelle. One of my favorite memories of the evening was when three people combined efforts to rescue a chunk of pound cake from a dark chocolaty grave. I am sad to say they were unsuccessful and the victim was slowly disintegrated by delicious molten chocolate. The waiter was very nice although a bit on the scattered and relatively unavailable side. I love the decor of the place. I love the mismatched furniture. The seating was very comfortable ( I got to sit in a plush upholstered chair with snuggley cushions). I have yet to partake of the outdoor amenities, I suppose I will discover this place in increments. As of now, I would definitely recommend it.
(4)Justin F.
love this spot for drinks !
(3)Andrew P.
great spot off the beach for a drink.
(3)Diego M.
Anything Mark Soyka does, I am a fan of. Respect. The News is great. I've spent a good amount of time and money there already. Highlights: - Great Ambience, inside and out. - Interior design, attention to detail, original. - The bathrooms are great, check out the ceilings. - Great Beer Selection - Friendly Bartenders - Excellent outdoor - Great to go for a drink, or with a group of friends and hang outside. - Free Wi-Fi, I've set up a few lunch meetings here in the past and it was great for that sort of thing. - The mirror room Not so good: - The new summer hours they implemented killed the potential lunch crowd that live in the neighborhood, ie. me. My picks: - Turkey, Brie & Mango on the Baguette, it's off the chain. - The Tiramisu = ACE. - A glass or two of Duvel beer. Introduced to me by famed Miami Yelper Ramon C. (Who also got me into Yelping)
(4)Debbi P.
Went here for a party and although we planned on moving on to a club, we didn't get further than The News. Only problem is that there weren't tables big enough for all of us to sit outside together, but who cares once you've had some of their great drinks and been on their swing chairs?! Great atmosphere and just a COOL place. TIP: waiters were a little busy so we just went to the bar - it was much quicker.
(4)Ginna G.
Had never heard of this place considering it's a bit far from my area but I visited for the first time on Saturday and I'm so glad I went. I'm 21 so the crowd was a bit older, though pleasant. The drinks were incredibly inexpensive. I ordered two vodka tonics and a Black on the rocks for only $30. There's a large dancing area and the dj was on point, mixing all genres pretty well. I'll be returning sooner than later.
(4)Rob F.
The News Lounge is one of those places where the atmosphere and decor can make it more memorable than the food. Their menu is quite uninspiring and some what lazy. When the most recommended dish is a Turkey, Brie, with Mango chutney sandwich you know the menu is limited. What saves this place is the atmosphere they have created. They have sitting inside as well as outside. There is music playing and decorative lights all around. They have sitting arrangements for every occasion: small tables, sofas, as well as bars stools outside. Just about every night there is a theme. On Mondays they have discounts for those who work in the food industry. Around 9 p.m. on the first Sunday or second Sunday of every month they play a silent movie with a live DJ and musician playing an original soundtrack to the movie. This is a great place to start of a night or meet a blind date. It's affordable and trendy enough to inspire you to come back, but not because of the menu. There is also a pool table all the way to the back left of the patio. Summary: Great atmosphere and ambiance. Menu is limited and though "creative" it is uninspiring. Prices depend on what you get, but it's nothing to brag about. Nights can bring some interesting characters to the News Lounge.
(3)Carlos P.
This is the perfect place to come with a group of friends and grab drinks. The happy hour special is pretty unbeatable with beers starting at $3 a pop and well drinks going for $4. The interior of the place is bigger than it lets on. With vintage artwork and mannequins placed in peculiar settings, the inside gives off such a laid back yet elegant vibe at the same time. There are countless couches and seats everywhere to sit back and relax. And I'm talking about nice couches with designer pillows, not some wicker back-breaker. The outside patio is pretty big itself with different lounging spots with their own sofas and chairs and some swinging hammocks as well. There's a pool table also in the back which provides entertainment when you want to engage in some drunk competition with friends. All in all, a grade A place for get togethers with friends. And if you are feeling peckish, they have a nice selection of appetizers and burgers to choose from.
(5)Ashley S.
I had heard amazing things about this place, particularly about the music from a fellow music phile so I knew I needed to check it out. Made my first gander this past Monday on a first date; not a great date but a total score on a new favorite hot spot. The music was as great as my friend said and very laid back, but pretty quiet understandably for a Monday night. Immediately told all of my friends that we had to return. After a strange twist of events Felecia and I found our way to The News (after some amazing pizza at Andiamo across the street). The music is great--very eclectic and totally hip. Great crowd--so great I forgot I was in Miami for a hot minute. Parking was a little tricky, but I'm kind of a parking savant and found a clutch spot down the street (and my car was still there at the end of the night). The prices were right, bar staff was fun, and mood everything I was looking for. Will definitely be back!!!
(5)Christine P.
Second time hanging out here, and I loved it. There was a music festival going on.... some Brazilian Hip Hop group was playing, which was totally random, but it made it very festive. Very cool place to hang out, went after dinner, cheap and easy to park (ALWAYS a plus!), and fun, funky decor. Just walked around at first taking it all in, until we stalked one of the loveseat swings, and took it over for the evening. Enjoy the outdoor lights and palm trees, such a beautiful night that it felt like we were hanging out under a "fake sky". Drinks seemed a bit pricy ($19 for a mojito and malibu/pineapple). But love the vibe, and the neighborhood, so will definitely be returning with friends. It was a fun Thursday night, although I don't know what it's like there normally without the festival going on. Wonder what nights are good to hang out there...
(4)Mario C.
If it was not for that small, red neon sign, I would have never found this place! From the outside, one can only see the tables in the courtyard. I must say, once inside, this place is awesome. The décor is trendy, yet very organic. It compliments the area really well. The service is friendly, but getting a drink takes a bit too long. My party was not at the bar, we kicked back in those comfy couches. Also, my mojito was OK but not the best. The price of a cocktail may seem a bit high, but you are mostly paying for the atmosphere, not the actual drink. For the drinks are the last things to come to mind when reviewing The News Lounge Bar & Cafe.
(4)Rachel W.
I am borderline obsessed with this place, which has quickly become my favorite neighborhood hangout. I ended up here by happenstance one Friday night and was charmed by the festive lighting in the courtyard and wide variety of seating options inside and out. Before I discovered The News, I was worried that my front porch in New Orleans would be the last place I'd ever enjoy my cocktails on a swing. I've never been happier to be proven wrong! The ambiance here is top notch, parking is free in the adjacent lot (if you show up at the right time) and the clientele is an interesting blend of aging hipsters, chi-chi young professionals and quirky artsy types. The service is great too - my friends and I wanted grub one night when the kitchen had already closed, and our waiter managed to scare up some croissants topped with chocolate and honey that made our taste buds sing. If you enjoy wheat beer (Blue Moon, Hoegaarden, etc.), order a Tucher on tap - the glasses are huge and won't make a huge dent in your wallet.
(5)Martin O.
This is a bar and lounge only with a very limited food menu. They have a few sandwiches, salads and desserts only. It is very nice inside and there are a number of tables and couches. It is dimly lit so it feels more like a club. It's a place you might go for drinks after work or for a group lunch meeting. The bar is located where the Gelatto store use to be and their space goes back all the way to the gym. For parking the best place is the free north parking lot. You can also park on the street. The parking meters are operational until 6pm only.
(2)Ali Z.
Love the atmosphere here. Kudos to the designers. The outdoor porch-type swings are an especially nice touch. It's a great place to go and hang out for a while, although as the night goes on, it gets a little loud. (But then what hip Miami spot doesn't?) The menu is pretty limited and definitely overpriced. Decent snacking if you're not too hungry and have some cash to burn. $10 for a glass of wine felt like a bit much. Still, I will go back because the space is so great. I just might stick to coffee or a smoothie next time. I'm hoping it has more of a cafe vibe during the day, which would be nice, since Miami's really hurting in the cafe/coffee house department. If anyone has any recommendations, other than the Out of the Blue Cafe, please post.
(4)David D.
Great food , great crowd. Definetly a place to be on Saturdays
(4)Bonnie V.
If you enjoy doing COKE this is the place for you thats all I have to say!
(2)jen r.
recently went to news after hearing good reviews since last summer and i was definitely impressed. it has a great vibe, the eclectic indoor/outdoor seating is really creative and comfortable. you actually feel like you are not in miami, which is nice every now and then. its a little too dark outside, they could use some more lanterns or candles, but its not a big deal. the food menu is veryvery basic. there are literally about a dozen options, but everything i tried was decent. and the prices are affordable. i definitely plan on going back and making this a more regular chill hang out spot.
(3)miamishopaholic m.
This is a great spot to start of the night with some drinks with friends or come here on a date. There's something sexy about this place. The lighting, the outside bar, the pool table and the ambiance are all factors that make this place very inviting. I think there's something romantic about a spot like this were you can look up at the stars and the moon at any moment and breathe in fresh air.They have a great selection of beer like Delirium and our drinks were perfect. Our bartender was knowledgeable, polite and very friendly. Every time I think of meeting up with someone for a drink, News Lounge always comes to mind now.
(4)Andrea W.
When i moved to this area I was pleased when the news lounge opened. Its the perfect place to go pick up your summer cocktails my choice for that is always their lychee martini. i had a bad experience one time coming here but since it was resolved there is no need to rehash that experience. I let some time pass and now find myself constantly coming here for a starter bar or a end of the night bar. The inside and outside are equally charming. Outdoor pool is great despite the fact that I have a pool table at home I still gravitate to come here to shoot pool. its great for groups and very accomodating.
(4)Lanie R.
We stumbled in here Friday night and our stumbling led us to a jack pot. The News Lounge was a great way to end our evening. They have seating everywhere and special sections that can provide you with a more intimate and quiet setting. They have an open patio with tables, chairs, and swings. The swings are a nice touch. The last time I sat on a swing at a Lounge/restaurant was at Touch. And that was a long time ago. The evening was perfect for swinging. The crowd was mellow and everyone kept to them selves enjoying the soothing music and cool night. Getting a drink at the bar was not a mission. That is always a plus. This is going to become a favorite spot for me.
(4)Christina C.
Love this place! Went here a few weeks back with some friends just to try it out... I had already heard great things :) We had a few drinks (martini's and such), ate some appetizers, and only spent like $50. Parking is free in a nice, well-lit lot, and there's other places around to choose from. Love the ambience! Love this area... will definitely be coming back here soon!
(5)Jessica C.
Recently stopped by for some drinks with a friend and had a great time. I absolutely love the decor, especially the art work inside by the bar. Great cozy little place to chill and hang out. While we were there, we decided to play some pool that was about $5 an hour which, now a days is unheard of. Drinks were reasonably priced but the overall flow and ambiance is what does it for me. Sadly as many times as i've gone i've never tried their food...definitely a must do next time!
(4)Jillian M.
Went to this place on Saturday night, they were having an 80's flashback theme.....which we didn't know about till we got there! Overall the crowd was good....No one obnoxious....Music was awesome both inside and out.......the drinks are a little pricy but the bartenders are nice. A good place to have a drink and chill.......
(4)Patrick W.
I'm giving this little joint a 3-star review because I loved the space but think they can do better on the bar service. I'm basing this on my first and only visit thus far. But hey, first impressions are important! I recently went there to attend a political event and lucky for the place it was not a large crowd. My biggest (and only) complaint is that the bar service took a horribly long time. I've gotten faster service at bars that were slammed. There was only one bartender when there should have clearly been two knowing they were hosting an event that evening. The cause of my wait seemed to be a rather complicated order placed by some people camping out at the bar as well as the same people insisting on chatting up the barman. They struck me as the sort that thought they were long-time regulars and thus deserved to "hold court" ...in spite of the fact that the place is still too damn new to have regulars. Jeesh! But honestly, I'm less bitter over the imperfect service than I am at the fact that these douchebags were just being obnoxious...knew they were monopolizing the barman's time and inconveniencing the rest of us. But oh well...that's what one does at a bar. ;-) I'll be giving the place another shot. I hope the service turns out to be fantastic because it's an awesome space. It has the potential to be a great local watering hole, and would be a great lounge version of Soyka (next door). With the area's large gay population, this place could easily turn into an accidental gay bar, which wouldn't be a great thing for the neighborhood. The News should get a clue, however, the next time they host an event and have an extra bartender on hand to handle the crowd...and the regulars holding court. Patrick needs his Guinness, dammit!
(3)Kristin K.
Love this outdoor garden setting that offers fun apps perfect for sharing. Not too loud, but good music that you can still have a conversation over. The Chocolate Fondue with a bottle of Processo is a must.
(4)Rachel S.
This was a great find. The outdoor area feels like a chill block party. Comfy outdoor seating and fun music. Love the swings. Simple, relaxed, unpretentious lounge. Go have a drink there.
(4)Marce E.
Despite the abnormally tiny pool tables in the back and the fact that I yet to try anything on the menu, I LOVE this place! This is the perfect spot to relax with friends to take the edge off of a long, hard day at work. The lighting, seating and service are the best selling qualities about this venue! Great place!
(4)Janine R.
The News Lounge at 55 Station is definitely one of those spots where its all about the outdoor lounge. From the lounge swings to the fountains with koi fish, it seems as if the ambiance at News Lounge trancends you into a cool, and chill vibe. They have a great happy hour that lasts until about 9 and the food is pretty good as well. I had the quesadillas when I went, and they were really tasty. The best part about this place is that its pretty much away from all the downtown and brickell crazyness, but also pretty close enough to drive back if you change your mind.
(4)Ian G.
This place is ok - Free pool if you can get a table, their "baked" fries are pretty good, but be careful with their weird ass beers on tap! I made the mistake of ordering Piraat on two different visits - What the hell? Piraat(e) beer should be good, right?! One night I came here they had some huge projection screen with Nintendo being played, don't know what that signifies though. All in all, this place is not too shabby - come with some friends and hang out outside on the patio or go inside and cool your balls with the iced-down urinals.
(3)Daan K.
great vibe, great food, great staff = great night we met some really cool people, the owner / bartenders are very cool and not typical pretentious Miami snobs. the tuna tartar is amazing. definitely try Sasha's (the bartender's) Leblon Caipirinha's. Out door ambiance and live art on a Sunday night - definitely one of my favorite spots.
(5)Karina G.
News Lounge is one of Miami's hidden gem. I feel like not a lot of people know about it, including me. I have never been to this place until my friend told me she was celebrating her birthday there. The ambiance of outside is phenomenal. I love everything about outside. Wish we could have been outside but it was about to rain and we already had a private section/room inside for the birthday girl. Inside is just as good. I love the soft lightening. It makes the whole place intimate. I ordered a sandwich for dinner and it was good. My favorite part had to be the ketchup that comes with the fries. Its a bit on the tangy side which took me by surprised and it tasted good. I recommend to go during happy hour. A lot of the food and drinks are discounted.
(4)Marcello B.
Friday night at the News Lounge!!!! What can i say, it is our 11th year anniversary and Paolo Albertoni is spinning!!!!! Wow. If you want to listen to the right amount of soul and funk, with a dj who downs not only spins, but who can actually carry on a real conversation about music, this is your place. An amazing setting in an otherwise undescriptive area. An Oasis for you music lovers!!!! Come and make it your own. The management is friendly and they listen. It is a great spot outside the notable circle of known places.
(5)Natalia G.
Love the decor, outdoor seating and ambient music - if you want a sexy hangout and are coming with a good group of friends, this is a reliable pick for nighttime. Order the chocolate fondue (comes with strawberries, bananas and pound cake) to compliment your cocktail. Perfection!
(4)Rich K.
I was lucky enough to celebrate here with Jamie C.'s on her 30th birthday. The food (sliders) and drinks (lots of vodka) were great. The atmosphere was fun and lively. Only problem I had was getting hit on by the wrong sex, no one told me it was going to be alternative night. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have worn those tight jeans, but I they did get me some free drinks.
(3)Jacob C.
I really like News Lounge...its a great laid back place to hang with some friends and drink the night away. I love the outdoor atmosphere with all the lounge-ish couches. The drink prices are pretty reasonable and service is pretty good. Last time I was there I drank the night away while sitting in one of the swings that they have outdoors. It makes for a great night.
(4)Cristy M.
Honestly, I'd spring for 4 stars and, considering how often I end up here either for events or to meet up with friends who live and work in the area, I should consider myself an official "fan" of News but I'm deducting one star for the music--most of the time. Yeah, so a lot of people might enjoy the music and that's fine. I think that there's a big chance that living in Miami and opting to hang out in this area, you probably might actually like the music, you might actually ADD a star for it. But I won't. It wouldn't be honest of me. Regardless, this is a review of News, overall. I love coming to News Lounge. As a restaurant, it's tops. As a lounge, it's tops too. The food is great. I recommend several platters: the salmon mini-burgers/sliders, the ceviche ap (AMAZING), there are a couple of sandwiches that I've had there that are just great. Overall, the food is definitely 4 star quality. As is the ambiance. I love the look of News. It's a gorgeous location tucked away in the middle of 55th Street Station with optional indoor or outdoor seating. Moreover, there are both indoor and outdoor bars and sofas, hammocks, swings, etc. I often come to News, again, as a pit stop between locations or just to chat. I've also thrown down Scrabble games there on several occasions and, as a bonus, my friend hosts Miami's only Drinking & Drawing event at News (summer date is set for July 29th, Thursday, beginning at 9 p.m.). For all those things, News is most certainly a place you'd like to go if lounge is your thing. Also, if a really nice lunch, for instance, or dinner date has you stopping some place to grab a bite that's totally worth it.
(3)Nicole H.
Excellent ambiance, relaxed, but not cheap. Great hangout for after work and after hours. Sometimes could ask for better service though.
(4)Erik D.
Considering I was here for the opening I would say that I have a good grasp on what this News is all about. A sexy, Organic and hip spot that many continue to sleep on. I like the fact that its a unique and somewhat hidden lounge on the Mainland which I'm all about. I enjoyed its more rugged artsy begginings; live art, bangin' DJs, and silent movies with obscure music playing along side- bohemian in a word basically. Nowadays its under new management and the vibe at times seems a bit square, lacking the facets it once had ,(hence the 4 stars) but if you want that TRUE Lounge vibe, its your spot. There is still eye candy everywhere and decent music on a regular so I'm happy and you will be if you live or are visiting Miami proper/Design District/Little Haiti/Buena Vista/MIMO areas.
(4)Jamie C.
I love this place, I celebrated my 30th birthday there, and everyone had a great time. They have really great food, and music, just a fun down-to-earth vibe. The outdoor area is beautiful and cozy if it's not such a hot night. Indoors is also cool, very chic and artsy. Sunday nights theres usually live music, great time to go and just have a glass of wine to get ready for your week.
(5)Ralph W.
I left this place last night wanting to come back again. Both indoor and outdoor settings are welcoming. The staff is very attentive and friendly. The decorations inside set you back in time, images of locomotives are all over the walls. The seating is comfortable, you feel at ease. Didn't have the chance to try their food, I was told their menu is getting revamped. This is a nice lounge to come after a long day of working and enjoy a few drinks to release the stress. I definitely recommend The News Lounge Bar & Cafe.
(4)