An Old-School Way to Party in Modern Times
by Aline Ndalla-Pautrot
Mad Radio Miami has found a way to gather all means of making music, ranging from digital to vinyl, for a crowd with taste and a bit of an edge.
Located by the Little River, this vibrant vinyl bar first started in Medellín, Colombia where the owner is from, before moving to Barcelona. According to general manager Israel Sunshine, it felt logical for the brand to open in the US as a gateway to going global. Turning four years old this December, it’s an open secret that locals know but sometimes hesitate to share because it’s that good.
Reminiscent of Berlin’s famous spot Club der Visionäre, it is defined by the manager as an upgraded dive bar.
For vinyl lovers, it’s a safe haven, and for those who are intrigued, it’s a pleasant surprise. The spot has found a way to mix a more relaxed upstairs space (open from 5PM to 3AM), where small DJ sets play tracks ranging from classics to 80s hits starting at 8PM, while patrons enjoy a drink or a bite of what Sunshine calls “one of the best smash burgers in the city.”5
As you take the stairs down, you enter a dimly lit red space known as their Club Room (open from 9PM to 3AM), where the music spans house, tech, and more. The decor is thoroughly branded as Mad Radio, featuring an open circular DJ booth, a visual reminder of their logo, complemented by a nice patio space. Here, the point is to revive clubbing culture by incorporating old-school touches such as the photobooth and retro arcade games located at the entrance, yet with a spacious dance floor that gives people the opportunity to fully enjoy the set being played—all while having the chance to go chat outside and enjoy a cool breeze.
As the antithesis of the usual Miami-style bar and nightlife scene, Mad Radio Miami establishes itself as a place where people get together on their own terms to enjoy the moment around great music, people, food, and drinks, all while remaining deeply grounded in the culture. It encompasses an old-school mindset while adding a new-age twist to stay modern.
As for the future, the plan is for the Miami location to still be here in ten years, as long as the community allows it to, by stopping by and supporting the team. For more information and for special event listings and promotions, visit Mad Radio Miami at: madradio.co/spot/miami
