Lionesse Wetlab

Lovely views, and some of the most affordable craft brews on tap in Miami. I was really pleased to see that they had Green Man on tap, one of my favorite beers from back home. Definitely a gem worth going to.

It was a beautiful Thursday evening so decided to head to Lionesse Wetlab to have a drink. There did seem to be a limited selection of food items, but I only ordered a few craft beers.
Quality
Lionesse Wetlab has a small, but excellent collection of beers on tap. There is a blackboard listing the beers and on it is something regardless of your taste. The bar also has a few different wine options as well, but it definitely is a beer locale.
Quantity
Definitely solid pours of beers and from looking at the glass of wine another woman was enjoying, those pours are as generous as they come.
Value
Definitely some of the cheapest beer you are going to find in Miami. When you first see the blackboard you probably will assume it is all on special, but it stays that way all hours.
Ambiance
The Wetlab bar is a fantastic dive bar with beautiful views hidden away in the University of Miami Marine School. First thing you have to understand is you have to work for this bar, theres no clear place to park, no signs, and the campus is pretty deserted so you have to navigate it on your own. Just know that the bar is located in the back corner away from the Seaquarium right on the water. The bar itself is in a small corner of a bigger cafeteria space. It is underwhelming, but all that is necessary because you grab your beer and head to the deck. The deck overlooks the remainder of Key Biscayne as well as a small channel that runs through it. When the weather is beautiful you can sit out and watch as boats calmly pass by as well as enjoy birds hunt for their dinner. The music tends to be quiet and very relaxing and most of the chatter just comes from the regular graduate students that frequent the bar.
Crowd
On a Thursday evening the crowd was small but a bit rowdy. Almost everyone there was clearly a Marine student from the University of Miami, many of whom looked like they spent the day on a boat or at the beach. Definitely don’t get dressed up as you will look out of place as everyone there is wearing flip flops and shorts. However, don’t confuse the crowd for a college bar, it is much more laid back drawing its crowd from the Graduate population, not the new to drinking undergraduates.
Service
The bartender was extremely friendly and quick with pouring beers. The staff clearly knew most of the crowd and made their rounds. Seemed like everyone working was having as good of a time as those hanging out.
Parking
Parking can be confusing, but if you head out later in the evening there are plenty of spaces on the campus you can park in. However, the earlier you go you need to be cautious as they do monitor whether you have parking passes. However, the bar doesn’t really open until 5 so you are probably safe. Also, expect the gate to be closed if you stick around later, but it opens automatically when you pull up from inside the school.
Extra
Lionesse Wetlab is definitely on the list of essential dives and hidden gems for Miami. It has beautiful views, cheap drinks, and a very relaxed atmosphere. Just keep in mind you have to work for it the first time and the hours are limited so always check to see if they are open before heading out.

Great views and decently priced beer. Bit out of the way, but worth the trip.

One of the best hidden gems I have found in Miami. The bar is hidden in the back corner of the University of Miami campus on Biscayne. The inside bar is tiny, but has a large selection of beers all of which are at very reasonable prices. They also had a few different wines and the bartenders provide very generous pours. I went on a Thursday and because it was summer they did not have food, but they said during the fall and spring school semesters they open the kitchen as well. The bar has very limited hours, but it is a tremendous place to watch the water. You can sit on the porch overlooking the causeway and enjoy the views of the rest of the key. Got lucky and was able to watch the police boats patrolling and chasing boaters who entered restricted areas. Not a flashy place, but if you want to show off that you know of some cool hidden spots it is perfect. After a day at the beach it would be a perfect stop off for happy hour. Definitely worth a return trip.

Great waterfront bar. Great view and a good vibe. Parking is best on the south side off the main garage. Head east. Part of the adventure is finding it. Good IPA’s and friendly service and patrons. Wish I knew about it sooner.

This hidden bar on miami’s campus is awesome. It’s likely gained some popularity from posts like this one or other links online but what a great spot! We weren’t sure where to park and ended up parking across the street on the grass which gave us no issues, We had a tough time finding the bar and walking through random school buildings to get there but finally with some assistance found it — it’s actually part of a functioning restaurant on campus. The bar itself appears to be run by grad students and most people sitting on the outside deck also seemed to be in the program too. But we didn’t feel weird or out of place.
Now the two best parts:
1. Awesome view of the water from the outside deck. Fun to watch the sunset and get the breeze.
2. 5 drinks cost $ 20! We had beer/​cider and each one was an amazing $ 4. That’s pretty fantastic. Did I say awesome too? Cause those are awesome prices.
The bartenders were friendly, the music was a quirky indie mix that later changed to what I dub «middle school hip hop» a la music I liked when I was in 6^th grade (and not ashamed to admit I still like!)
I’d recommend this place to anyone who wants a cool, casual indoor/​outdoor bar with nice views and cheap drinks.

$ 3 Pina Coladas and free pool! That alone deserves 5 stars in my book.
RSMAS regulars, thank you for letting UM’s medical school invade your sanctuary every once in a while. You’d be welcome to come party with us on our side of the city, but sadly, Jackson has yet to open its own bar.

Nothing fancy but worth a look.
Went there once with the usual Unilocal crowd and found it interesting. Great view of Key Biscayne and cheap beers. That’s about it.
Didn’t like the tons of mosquitoes biting me.
It’s more of a hidden classrom/​bar on campus… which would be considered weird or illegal in some countries.

It would appear that I may really be out of step with my fellow Unilocalers on this one, but there are only two good things I can say about it. Cheap drinks and a nice view, other than that it’s nothing but a bland school (almost high school looking) cafeteria with an after thought looking six seat bar. As for food, basically nonexistent except for what you might find in a bag from what would come out of the likes of a vending machine.
The outdoor patio presents a nice view, but is really in need of some awnings, a thorough cleaning, some sprucing up and a little colorful décor. Like the cafeteria itself, the patio is bland with an institutional presents about it.
The place is totally void of having any panache or pizzazz to it. So, have I seen better? Yes, a lot better.

Whoa! This has been on the wish list for some time now. Life just hasn’t cooperated in timing and location till now.
1^st) This is a special (brilliant) location intended for the student of this school and must be respected for its intended purpose.
2^nd) A special niche location that brings an invigorating beer and liquor menu to a special «porch» overlooking Bear’s Cut.
3^rd) OMG they are so young… yikes!!! Yet, I completely enjoyed the company I shared and felt the awesome vibe of people coming together with a unique common denominator. Science and beer — can it get any better? Oh yeah, Marine science and beer. Yay!!!
Long Live RSMAS Wetlab!

I really was avoiding this place at all costs. I had been invited by friends before and nothing really appealed, yeah it’s cheap and yeah it’s a tucked away hidden gem — but it’s just a bar, right?
No — Wetlab is more than that. It is a gorgeous view of Key Biscayne, something you can’t really pay less to see anywhere else. It’s a collection of interesting people, students, tourists, dogs, friends, drunks, etc. It’s kind of like a VIP hidden location that someone has to guide you to in order for you to find it. And it’s just so laidback and relaxing. Nothing pretentious, nothing to show off for and dress up, just here to have a good time and unwind.
And the biggest perk of all, they are VERY generous with their liquor. Plastic cups come in the large size only and at the extremely reasonable price of $ 3 for yes, cocktails! Mojitos for $ 3, fruity drinks for $ 3, vodka cranberry for $ 3, there is not one other place I can think of in Miami that has such spectacular prices, and its even better cause it’s right on the water.
This is one of the places that definitely makes me appreciate Miami even more.

tucked away in an amazing location, u will find a place like no other… I cannot tell u how to get there because I wanna keep it all to myself!
Great laidback atmosphere, cheap drinks and great views of the ocean. I will def visit this place again!

Sorry, but I don’t see the point. Maybe it’s better in the day, but then who has that much time to visit it in the daytime in a weekday (unless if you’re a student)? So, if you’re already here, studying here, or just within 100 feets of here, then sure, I see the point of stopping by.
Otherwise, picture this:
After a long exhausting day, people would want to go relax and have a drink.
Got it.
And cheap drinks (cash only)…
Cash, ah, um… as long as it’s dirt cheap.
And with bay views free for your eyes to gaze at…
Hm… okay, it’s sounding nice.
Only thing is that at night, you literally can’t really see anything.
Uh?
And when you step back into this «dive» bar from the pitch darkness, you’re greeted with the eye-​pain-​inducing interiors that reminds you so much of a crappy cafeteria you’ve had back in school — which is all made apparent by the brightly-​lit florescent lights…
Oh Lord No… Please… no…
Well, it’s not so bad… there’s fake fish hanging on the wall — maybe to remind you of your school’s «Seafood Surprise Fridays»?
(no need to go further)

This is not a fancy bar. It’s a place for $ 2.50 beers and waterfront views. In short, it’s awesome.
We headed here for a pre party before the Unilocal Elite event, and despite getting a little lost trying to find the place, I was pleasantly surprised. We parked in a visitor spot out front, and asked a few people where to go as we walked through UM’s marine campus. When we walked into the Commons building, it felt like I was back in college on my way to class. We headed for the cafeteria, and around the corner, we saw a bar and pool table. Jackpot. We ordered a few beers, some that I hadn’t heard of before. Blue Moon and Stella are $ 2.50 for the bottle here. You can’t beat that. We headed outside to sit and watch the sunset. Yep, that’s right… cheap beer with one of the best views I’ve had at a bar.
After the Elite event, we came back for round 2. We chatted with one of the bartenders and enjoyed the cool breeze on the patio. Seriously, why didn’t I know about this place? I can’t wait to come back.

Well, I’ve finally been here (twice in one evening!). I get it. Trust me, I’d read Paul’s review. I was fully prepared to not like the place — hey, Miami now has some pretty good bars. How great could a bare-​bones bar in an atmospheric and oceanic sciences university campus be?
Well, let’s see. Start with the cheap beer, only marginally higher in price than if you bought it at the supermarket. Oh, and we’re not talking about crap beer, either. These kids and profs are too smart to drink the fizzy yellow stuff. No, this is real beer… cheap real beer. For example — I started the evening with a mere $ 20 bill and a couple singles in my pocket, as I forgot to hit the ATM. Yes, this is a cash only bar. Almost any other place in Miami not named Zeke’s, if you show up with $ 22, you’re screwed. One Andrew Jackson doesn’t go very far in this town. Or so I thought. How is it that I could have a Southern Tier Double IPA (draft), a Cigar City Jai-​Alai, a Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, and a Guinness… fork over $ 20, and still have a few bucks left over, net of tips?
And here’s the real coup… you’re not just getting cheap beer, you’re getting cheap beer with a view. Go to the patio, look to your right, and see the entirety of South Biscayne Bay stretched out before you. Did I mention that from that vantage point, the sun sets behind that bay?
Of course, this place isn’t cool. It doesn’t exemplify what outsiders think Miami is. It has more of a 1963 Miami feel. Or maybe even earlier. You could have been sitting at the Wetlab’s location in 1930, and aside from the Bear Cut bridge not being there, it would have looked nearly the same.
This place was being talked about seemingly every day back when I first joined Unilocal.I was skeptical… but yeah, I get it.

I was crazy excited to check this place out after stumbling upon a mention of it on Unilocal.I couldn’t have picked a better night to go than last night.
Get there around 530 and got a pitcher of Rogue Dead Guy for $ 9, ftw. The bartender said that they were closing early cause there was a private party. Quickly drank that pitcher and got another. Between the time that the bar closed and when we got the second pitcher, it was decided that we were staying for the private party. Win.
The private party was for something. But I don’t think we ever figured it out. They had free drinks. Thank you. They had a buffet. Thank you. I suppose I’ll have to look at the free t-​shirt I got to know what the party was for.
Did I mention the view? Spectacular. The only other view that might match up is Shuckers.
This has become my new favorite bar.

It’s tough to write a review about this place, simply because one of the best attributes of the Wetlab is the fact that it is sort of a well kept secret, a hidden gem, undiscovered by the posers and wanna be’s.
** Alert ** if you are one of the above, please don’t read any further, keep driving and pull a u turn and head to Velvet Rope heaven, this one is only for the mere mortals.
We had the incredible opportunity to share in some super cool conversation with some friends here, it was mellow, cool and some dude was in the corner rocking some pretty awesome tunes in his guitar, jamming with pals.
All this awesomeness is best washed down with cool beer, beyond that, all that is left is chill.
This is a huge reminder of why I live in Miami and enjoy every second of my life in paradise.

Ahoy, you’ve got to love higher education. My colleague Maria wanted to start off our evening by taking advantage of the weather, so we rounded up the troops and landed at the Wetlab, a campus watering hole.
With a name like that, I imagined some preposterously douchey South Beach club, but this place was barely a bar, in the best possible way. It’s cash only, but you don’t need a lot of the green stuff, with $ 9 pitchers of beer coming at you.
You could really spend a whole day and night here, and if we didn’t have swelligant dinner plans, that could have happened.
My only regret: not trying a shot called a Jäger Ball, and I’ve already said too much…

Got great weather and just need a place to relax? Head on over to Wetlab. I always knew this place existed but probably would have never been able to find it without following three unpretentious looking people from the parking lot into the area who I could tell were the pool-​playing type.
When we entered the cafeteria-​looking room, I still wasn’t quite sure if I arrived. Then I looked on the dock where I saw a couple familiar faces and the gorgeous backdrop that was Key Biscayne.
Add in the music from another patron jamming on his guitar, pitchers of beer, and a few snacks, and you have the perfect afternoon.
I’m definitely planning on coming back here again. With good company, this place makes for a great time away from the bright lights and glitz that runs rampant in Miami.

What a cool place! Last week we met up with some very friendly Unilocalers and Maria. We were only there for about one hour because we had to pick my sister up from Ft. Lauderdale airport.
Trying to find the place can be somewhat of a challenge. But well worth the time. Walking through a campus and cafeteria, I am thinking what the heck… We finally find it and it literally is a small little bar with very friendly bartenders, a pool table, and the best part, the view.
You walk out onto the deck and it is breathtaking. Just amazing!!!
The drinks are so cheap. Some people would think five stars but this little gem is well worth it. Where can you go into a casual bar with such a view and good service with such a gorgeous view. They do not offer food, but hey you can bring your own.
So glad I stopped in to finally appreciate what this gem has to offer. Forget the snobbery, high class fancy décor with high price tags. Hubby and I did not want to leave. All I could think of is what a great place to come with a group of friends, out of town guest, or just as a couple. It can be very romantic for a couple as well. From what I am told if there is a crowd there, they keep the bar open til whenever. Nice patio tables on the deck with chairs to just sit back and enjoy the bay.
Cool, chill spot with so much to offer. I am looking so forward to going back very soon. Really, really thought this was the cat’s meow!

My goal at the «wettie» was to meet famed professor, Dr. George Milianaire
. We were both PhD (playa hater degree) candidates at the University of Unilocal Miami and now have the unique opportunity to work together on a National Institute of Dionysian Technology grant.
In the fashion befitting a summa cum laude graduate, the co-​principal investigator was already ‘working’ when I arrived. He was field sampling what I hypothesized was a full glass of iced tea, turned out to be a «triple» of Dr. Jack Daniels’ inebriating fluid. The experiment of the evening was to record the amount of alcoholic solutions two almost non-​human primates could imbibe, without succumbing to severe liver trauma. Needless to say we collected a considerable amount of data.
The alcoholic chemical engineers prepare solutions so damn cheap that even post doctoral pepper students can afford them (it is on the first floor of a research building after all).
Being scientists, we are much too busy to eat balanced diets. The metabolic kitchen satisfies with a menu that share two taxonomic properties in the food hierarchy… everything is fried and cost-​effective (and sometimes free).
The function of the Wetlab is to provide research teams with the necessary lab supplies to conduct on-​site fermented sugar studies. You can feel comfortable buying a round, without having to call to increase your credit limit first. No matter how tight your fiscal budget is, you can certainly afford $ 15 of funding to get completely mashed up.
Thank you for reading our research summary and expect that all of you will read our paper –
«The role of molecular gastronomy paired with fermented alcohol solutions in the human primate behavioral system».
Best Regards,
Dr. Rony Moral-​Less, PHD, PharmD, Chair of the Department of Zymurgy, Unilocal Center for Dipsophilia, Pharmaceutical and Culinary Sciences.

A bar where I can take my baby.
With a beautiful view of the water, cheap drinks, a pool table, Foosball and good friends.
Where there is not only NOT a dress code, you would look stupid in heels.
And, if you don’t mind a little walk through a parking lot, beach access to a beach that has… wait for it… original Miami sand! Soft and yellowish.
Even if you don’t drink (like me) the conversation is great because these are some smart cookie college kids. It is just a place for a wonderfully good time, plain Jane style.