The Rise of ViceVersa: Miami’s Hottest Cocktail Destination
Miami has no shortage of nightlife, yet few places have managed to capture the city’s imagination as quickly and effectively as ViceVersa, the Italian aperitivo bar tucked into the Elser Hotel’s lobby. Since opening in mid-2024, it has become a symbol of sophistication, creativity, and cultural fusion. Here, Italian cocktail traditions meet Miami’s magnetic energy, offering a venue where drinks, food, and ambiance converge in perfect harmony.
The Visionary Behind the Bar: Valentino Longo
At the heart of ViceVersa’s success is Valentino Longo, Rome-born bartender and 2020 winner of the prestigious Most Imaginative Bartender title from Bombay Sapphire. Longo trained at Europe’s most elite bars, including Rome’s Stravinskij Bar at Hotel de Russie, the Ritz London, and later the Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons Surf Club in Surfside, Miami.
Longo wanted more than just another cocktail bar—he envisioned a place that embodies the spirit of “vice versa”. Whether it’s cocktails before dinner or gelato with an after-drink, the bar adapts to the mood of the guest. His Italian roots and international expertise gave ViceVersa a strong identity, rooted in timeless aperitivo culture yet tailored for the cosmopolitan energy of Miami.
Location and Atmosphere: Where Italian Futurism Meets Miami Chic
ViceVersa’s physical space is as important as its cocktails. Set inside the Elser Hotel at 398 NE 5th St, the bar immediately impresses with its Italian Futurist design language. Emerald green tiles, slate walls, bronze palm sconces, and bold murals designed by modern futurist artist Jean Vaquier (Folzer) create a cinematic mood.
The 60-seat space, with an additional 18 stools at the bar, is intimate yet electric. It feels equally perfect for a date night, pre-theater drinks, or winding down with friends. As Time Out Miami describes it:
“A bartender’s bar, but not in an off-putting way… sexy and fun, bathed in deep teal hues, a soft glow and just the right amount of downtown buzz.”
The Cocktail Program: Reinventing Italian Classics
ViceVersa’s menu is built on a three-pillar cocktail philosophy:
- The Negroni Family
- Martinis
- Signature Creations
Each category reflects Longo’s craftsmanship and his ability to reimagine Italian staples for a modern audience.
The Mi-To Blend: Dolce-Amaro Magic
At the center of the menu is a proprietary blend called Dolce-Amaro, inspired by the classic Milano-Torino (Mi-To). It combines bitter liqueurs, vermouth, sherry, and osmanthus orange water, becoming the base for house specialties like the Americano, Negroni Sbagliato, and even a Negroni punch served family-style.
Martini Variations
ViceVersa’s martinis are daring and playful. The Avanguardia features Bombay Premier Cru, sherry, marsala, and Cocchi vermouth, while the Martini Doppio offers a savory twist with pickled onions infused in sherry vinegar, garlic, and herbs.
Signature Drinks
Highlights include the Affogato Martini, pairing house-made pistachio gelato with espresso flavors, and the Brucio in Bocca, a fiery tequila-vermouth mix with Barolo marmalade and pineapple. The Italian-VICE pays tribute to Amalfi lemon granitas with lemon sorbet and bergamot liqueur.
Beyond Drinks: A Culinary Menu That Matters
Unlike many cocktail bars that treat food as an afterthought, ViceVersa has developed a full dining program that matches the creativity of its cocktails. The menu was created in collaboration with Carey Hynes and Justin Flit, alumni of the much-loved Jaguar Sun.
Raw Bar and Crudo
The raw bar offers Treasure Coast oysters, Royal Red Shrimp carpaccio, and Kampachi with cherry-bomb relish. Each dish is designed for freshness and simplicity, complementing cocktails without overpowering them.
Neo-Neapolitan Pizzas
Pizzas are perhaps the most surprising highlight. Made with cold-fermented dough and baked in a high-temperature oven, they come in creative variations such as:
- Clam Pizza with white sauce and lemon zest
- Bad First Date with taleggio and pepperoncini
- Sopressata with Thai chili and hot honey
- Mortadella with pistachio ricotta
- The Italian Job with vodka sauce, sausage, and ’nduja
Appetizers and Sides
Wood-fired flatbreads with cured meats, fennel salad with Piave cheese, and house-made stracciatella are staples. Mondays feature a limited-edition burger from Chef Flit that quickly sells out.
Desserts
The bar doubles down on its Italian identity with daily house-made gelato and sorbets, completing the aperitivo-to-digestivo journey.
Recognition and Accolades
ViceVersa has rapidly risen to critical acclaim:
- Best New Bar 2024 by Eater Miami
- James Beard Award Finalist 2025 for Best New Bar
- Featured in the Financial Times as one of Miami’s defining new culinary destinations
These accolades place ViceVersa not just among the best bars in Miami, but among the most innovative cocktail venues in the United States.
Why ViceVersa Stands Apart
- Authenticity: True Italian aperitivo culture brought to life by a Roman master.
- Versatility: Drinks, dining, dessert—all seamlessly woven into one experience.
- Design: A futurist-inspired space that is both moody and welcoming.
- Recognition: Awards and global media coverage within just a year of opening.
- Community: From $1 oyster Sundays to late-night gelato, it has quickly become a gathering point for Miami locals and visitors alike.
A Bar That Redefines Miami’s Drinking Culture
Miami is full of party destinations, but ViceVersa proves that nightlife can be elegant, thoughtful, and rooted in cultural tradition. It is more than a place to drink—it is a space to savor, socialize, and connect with Italian culinary artistry in a city that thrives on diversity.
In just one year, ViceVersa has established itself as a benchmark for Miami cocktail culture, one that blends luxury with accessibility and creativity with authenticity.