Clubs in the 80’s

Club80Miami.com began as a fan site on Facebook with the aim of celebrating Miami’s iconic 1980s club scene and growing its platform through social media in its early stages. What started as a series of interviews with DJs soon snowballed into conversations with artists, movers, and shakers from Miami’s vibrant ’80s nightlife. Founded by Wilson Alvarez, a 1984 graduate of South Miami Senior High, Club80Miami.com reflects his deep connection to the era, having lived its nightlife scene extensively. His goal was to document and reminisce about this unforgettable time before it fades from collective memory.

Wilson’s weekends were a well-planned journey through Miami’s hottest spots. At just 15, he was already a regular at the legendary Pete & Lenny’s on Saturday nights. His week would kick off on Wednesdays at Casanova’s, followed by Thursday nights at Fire & Ice and Stefano’s. Friday nights saw him bouncing between Infinity and Club Z (or 1235), and he rarely missed a Saturday at Backstreets. Sundays started with “Sunday in the Bay” in Key Biscayne, wrapping up the night at Casanova’s before an after-party at Mystique’s or Zigfields on 57th Avenue. La Palma became a nightly ritual for churros, hot chocolate, and Fritas, while U-Totem was the spot for the occasional Sunkist run.

Wilson wasn’t alone; a whole culture centered on Miami’s clubs drew people from all over the city, where fashion played a starring role. Fiorucci’s, Willie Wear, Giorgio Brutini’s, Capezios, Espadrilles, Girbaud Jeans, and Europa shoes were the staples, and the GQ-inspired style was always on point. Miami’s club-goers were known for their high-energy, clean (and semi-clean) fun, with unforgettable icons like “Las Chaperonas” at The Forest, an experience still remembered by many “Forestecas.”

The 1980s nightlife in Miami was truly one of a kind, and my vision is to preserve and document these moments as much as possible. Each interview with DJs and nightlife personalities confirms that Miami’s club scene in the 1980s was something extraordinary.

In the 1980s, Miami was one of the top cities worldwide for disco, Italo, and freestyle music, drawing crowds from across the globe to revel in its vibrant nightlife. Stars like Madonna, the Village People, Grace Jones, Duran Duran, A Flock of Seagulls, and the Pet Shop Boys graced Miami’s dance floors, electrifying audiences with unforgettable live performances. The city’s clubs weren’t just stages; they were cultural epicenters where icons like Prince, Debbie Harry, Donna Summer, Rick James, and even David Bowie made appearances, creating an atmosphere that was as glamorous as it was revolutionary. From the mirrored interiors of exclusive hotel clubs to pulsating beachside parties, each venue offered something unique, making Miami nightlife the stuff of legend.

Now, let’s dive into a list of these legendary clubs that made Miami’s nightlife in the ’80s unforgettable.

Alexandre and Allegros (Omni Hotel – Downtown Miami)

DJ: Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Andy Garcia ran the light show at Alexandre, lending his talent to this Omni Hotel venue. Later rebranded as Allegros, it continued the legacy, attracting A-listers with its swanky atmosphere and unforgettable light shows.

Backstreets (Ft. Lauderdale)

DJ: Bob Miro
An iconic spot in Ft. Lauderdale, Backstreets was a multi-level, Western-style saloon with a dance floor, tiki bar, pool, and jacuzzi that welcomed a mix of gay and straight partygoers. Known for its progressive atmosphere, it later became The Edge, carrying on the high-energy spirit of the original.

Banana Boat (Kendall Dr. and 107th Ave)

DJ: Avy Gonzalez
The vibrant Banana Boat in Kendall was a hit thanks to DJ Avy Gonzalez, who later became a successful producer for groups like Exposé. Banana Boat lives on as Crystal’s, a salsa club that captures a bit of the club’s original lively spirit.

Casanovas (740 E. 9th St., Hialeah)

DJs: Carlos Nodal and Ciro Llerena
Casanovas was Miami’s answer to Studio 54, creating an atmosphere so memorable that patrons still talk about it today. Known for its electric energy and intimate vibe, it’s kept alive by DJ Ciro Llerena’s “Casanovas-Saturday Night Fever” parties at Apple Martini Lounge in Cocowalk.

Cheekers (Dania, FL)

While details about Cheekers are sparse, it was beloved for its relaxed, beach-adjacent vibe, making it a go-to destination for an authentic Floridian night out.

Faces In The Grove (Mayfair, Coconut Grove)

DJ: Scott Blackwell
Located in the exclusive Mayfair complex, Faces was known for its formal dress code and the expertise of DJ Scott Blackwell. The club became a top nightlife spot for Miami’s elite, creating a scene of elegance and exclusivity in Coconut Grove.

Firehouse Four (1000 S. Miami Ave)

DJ: Roli
Firehouse Four was known for legendary happy hours where partygoers danced out onto the sidewalk. DJ Roli’s mixes were the heart of the club, adding to its reputation as a staple of Miami nightlife.

forest (hialeah)

DJ: 
Located in a shopping center across from Casanovas.

Gambits (LeJeune Rd., Marriott)

DJ: George Rivero
Gambits, housed in a Marriott hotel, offered a cozy yet lively atmosphere, thanks in part to DJ George Rivero’s music. This club was a central spot for locals and travelers to enjoy a night close to Miami International Airport.

Honey For The Bears (Miami)

DJs: Carlos Nodal and Jimmy Yu
A luxurious venue with a strict dress code and 21-and-up policy, Honey For The Bears attracted Miami’s elite. DJs Carlos Nodal and Jimmy Yu set the tone with mixes that kept the dance floor packed, making this club another iconic stop in Miami’s nightlife.

Limelight (Hallandale, FL)

DJs: Bobby Lombardi and Lewis Martinee
Built on the former site of Rumbottoms, Limelight was a game-changer with its million-dollar sound and light setup. DJ Bobby Lombardi introduced beats-per-minute (BPM) mixing here before Lewis Martinee, of Exposé fame, took over, turning Limelight into one of the hottest clubs until a fire led to its closure.

Manhattans (6620 Red Road, South Miami)

DJ: Billy Swan
Just next to the University of Miami, Manhattan’s featured a dance floor inspired by “Saturday Night Fever.” DJ Billy Swan kept the crowd dancing.

Mix 2 Club (North Bay Village)

DJ: N/A
Mix 2 Club was one of Miami’s earliest disco venues, best known for its Wednesday night $10 cover that included drinks all night. This setup made it a pioneer in Miami’s nightlife scene, paving the way for future clubs.

The Mutiny (Mutiny Hotel, Coconut Grove)

DJs: Jimmy Yu and Humberto Fleites
Known as a hub for Miami’s elite and notorious personalities, The Mutiny offered penthouse-level views and multiple dance floors. DJs Jimmy Yu and Humberto Fleites kept the vibe upscale and exclusive.

Parallel Bar (Bakery Center, South Miami)

DJ: Raymond Hernandez
Operating by day as a fitness center, Parallel Bar transformed at night into a two-story dance club led by DJ Raymond Hernandez. Though the Bakery Center is gone, Sunset Place now fills the space.

Penrod’s Beach Club (1st and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach)

DJ: N/A
Penrod’s was a massive complex with tiki bars, pools, and an outdoor fitness gym. Its sandy beach area hosted concerts like Bon Jovi, and today, Nikki Beach continues this legacy with its open-air concept.

Pete & Lenny’s (Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale)

DJs: Rick Alonso and Jay Gelfand
Known as “America’s #1 Disco,” Pete & Lenny’s featured live bands like Ecstasy and top recording artists weekly. DJs Rick Alonso and Jay Gelfand kept the music going, and the club even hosted the “Disco 77” TV show.

SALVATIONS (Downtown Miami)

DJ:  

Scaramouche (Omni Hotel, Downtown Miami)

DJ: Joe Lenders
Located in the Omni Hotel, Scaramouche was an upscale club with mirrored walls and white couches. Known for its dress code and luxury, DJ Joe Lenders kept the glamour going with South Florida’s first-ever laser light shows.

Studio 51 (Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale)

DJ: N/A
With its Egyptian-themed decor, black plexiglass dance floor, and a spinning logo beneath, Studio 51 became a symbol of Ft. Lauderdale nightlife, offering an immersive experience.

The Top Draw (79th Street Causeway, North Bay Village)

DJ: Jimmy Martinez
This exclusive club combined a fine-dining experience with a piano bar and a disco that kept the party alive until dawn. DJ Jimmy Martinez played tunes that catered to high-profile patrons like Frank Sinatra, adding to its upscale reputation.

These legendary venues and their DJs created an era that transformed Miami and Ft. Lauderdale into nightlife meccas, where fashion, music, and celebrity came together under the neon lights. Though the clubs may be gone, their influence on Miami’s nightlife endures.