Meet Elijah Harlow: Miami Nightlife Connoisseur
By Eric Barton | Jan. 24, 2025
In Miami just over a year now, Elijah Harlow is already making waves in Miami's glittering nightlife scene like he's been doing it for decades.
Class of '23 from Binghamton University, Harlow has traded lecture halls to become an account coordinator at Alchemy Agency. He’s got the inside scoop on every hotspot from Brickell to South Beach, and he's not afraid to use it.
So, whether you're a Miami newbie or a jaded local looking to shake things up, Harlow's guide might just be your ticket to rediscovering the Magic City. Just don't blame me if you end up dancing on tables at E11EVEN at 4 a.m. on a Tuesday. That's all on you – and maybe a little bit on Elijah Harlow.
ASK A LOCAL
Q: What's your ideal Saturday night look like?
Harlow: I’m definitely kicking off the night with a pregame at a friend’s place—mixing up dirty martinis, spritzes, or pouring some wine. Then, it’s off to dinner! My top spots for a night out depend on whether I’m in the mood for a party vibe or just amazing food. If it’s a party vibe, we’re heading to Queen, Delilah, or Mila. For incredible food, it’s Sunny’s Steakhouse, MIMI Chinese, Boia De, The Surf Club, COTE, Mandolin, or Osaka. After dinner, it’s time to sing and dance! We might grab a table at Mila Lounge, swing by Medium Cool, or hit Faena. Maybe even head to backstage at Toe Jam if something fun is happening in Wynwood. If we’re in Brickell, Socialista is the go-to (which means Cipriani for dinner before makes sense!). If dinner was at Casa Tua, we’d head straight to the members’ lounge upstairs for karaoke. Odds are, we’ll hit at least two of these spots before capping the night with a solid post-game.
Queen
Q: Weekend bender. Where do you go?
Harlow: If I’m pulling a long weekend bender, it starts the same as a Saturday night: pregame, dinner, and a lounge vibe afterward. But instead of wrapping up with a post-game, the night goes into overtime. That’s when Space, E11EVEN, or Factory Town come into play, and things go even later. During the day on Saturday or Sunday, it’s all about a boat day, with maybe a stop at Palm Tree Club. I’ll either hit the water on a speed boat with friends or maybe a big boat party —it’s the perfect way to keep the vibe going. To stay somewhat healthy, I’ll hit Sweat 440 in the morning or squeeze in a tennis match before heading to the boat.
Factory Town
Q: When the sun rises?
Harlow: For breakfast I’m usually heading down near Coconut Grove or Coral Gables, the perfect place to start your day. Depending on my mood, I’m either going to the super low-key Cafe Croissant or Chugs. It’s El Bagel if I’m picking up bagels and lox for everyone. With a big group, it’s , Sadelle’s or Green Street Café. If I’m feeling wild and on the beach, it’s brunch at Jaya at The Setai. If I’m in Sunset Harbor, I’m hitting True Loaf, and if I’m around Wynwood I’m going to Zak the Baker.
True Loaf
Q: Celebrity at the club story?
Harlow: While at E11EVEN, I’ve seen, A$AP Rocky, Kanye West, Jimmy Buttler, Julia Fox, Alix Earle, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, 50 Cent, Shaboozey, Zach Bia, Jeffrey Star, etc. That place is seriously always packed with celebrities regardless of the day of the week.
E11EVEN
Q: When you need a good cocktail?
Harlow: Monterey Bar at The Standard is so cozy and serves a great martini. CATCH Miami Beach makes my favorite dirty martini in town. Sweet Liberty shakes up incredible craft cocktails. The poolside bar Night Swim has a drink called High Dive that’s one of the most refreshing cocktails in town. At Over/Under, their gin dirty martini paired with a burger is unmatched. ViceVersa has the best Negroni. Champagne Bar at The Surf Club is the spot for a classy vibe. It’s Ray's Bar when I’m in the mood for fun. But honestly, my favorite might be Hillstone in Coral Gables—getting their spinach and artichoke dip alongside a dirty martini with their house goat cheese-stuffed olives is unbeatable!
Ray’s Bar
Q: Restaurant nobody has heard of?
Harlow: Breakfast at Cafe Croissant: absolutely incredible. Or The Joyce: it’s new, stunning, and amazing—but they’re only taking reservations through Dorsia at the moment.
The Joyce
Q: Best workout?
Harlow: Gym? Anatomy, of course. For workout classes, Sweat 440 in Sunset Harbour is a must. Pilates? JetSet is the best I’ve heard. If I’m playing padel, it’s at Reserve Padel Seaplane with three friends. For breathwork, pilates, or yoga, I’m taking a class with Miami’s favorite instructor, @JungleJohanna. And when I’m in the mood for something more casual, I’ll go for a walk across the Venetian with friends. Such a great slice of what makes Miami an amazing place to live.
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