About Shh.. Miami
Shh.. Miami is a hidden speakeasy lounge located within the historic Franklin Hotel at 860 Collins Avenue in South Beach (www.timeout.com ) (franklinsuitessouthbeach.com ). Its entrance is famously secret—guests enter through a disguised bookshelf or hidden door in the hotel lobby (www.timeout.com ). Inside, the design blends vintage 1930s Miami Art Deco with a gritty New York City hip-hop vibe. A custom-built live-edge wood bar, charred “shou sugi ban” wood facade, hand-welded DJ booth and even a Marilyn Monroe-inspired liquid nitrogen vent give the lounge an immersive, Miami-made feel (www.scottywonders.com ). Shh.. was celebrated as “Miami Beach’s hottest new bar” with crowds dancing to old-school hip-hop beats late into the night (worldredeye.com ). It was a small, intimate venue – likely only a few dozen people at a time – known for its secret entrance, vintage decor and prohibition-era atmosphere. (Note: the Franklin building housing Shh.. is an authentic 1934 Art Deco hotel with signature geometric friezes, reflecting Miami’s historic architectural heritage (franklinsuitessouthbeach.com ).)
Events and Programming
Shh.. Miami specialized in nightlife events rather than live concerts or theater. The venue hosted late-night DJ parties and themed club nights focusing on old-school hip-hop, R&B and throwback music. In its heyday, Shh.. ran nightly events – especially on weekends – with local and guest DJs spinning classics and remixes that kept patrons dancing into the early morning hours (worldredeye.com ) (www.timeout.com ). World Red Eye photos from 2019 show packed “Shh Lounge Saturdays” with DJs and a lively crowd (worldredeye.com ). Beyond regular dance parties, occasional special events or VIP gatherings might have been offered (caribbean carnival after-parties, fashion parties, etc.), often promoted on Miami nightlife calendars. Cover charges were typical for weekends and special nights; ticket prices varied with the event (40–70 USD was common for Friday/Saturday club nights), and Beatport-style event tickets occasionally sold out in advance. Patrons usually stood or danced on the main floor; there was no full seated show—just a lounge bar and a few banquette or bar stools. Overall, Shh.. offered an exclusive, VIP-club feel where guests could expect a curated DJ set rather than a scheduled live show.
Tickets and Booking
Shh.. Miami did not have a traditional box office or ticket outlet. For most DJs and club nights, there was no advance ticket sale – guests would pay a cover charge at the door or be put on a guest list. For larger parties or special events (like VIP birthday bashes or private bookings), organizers could arrange table reservations or bottle service directly with the club in advance. In general, popular nights often had a cover fee (typically the range given above) and a strict 21+ entry policy. There was typically no public online ticketing; information came via social media or email invitations. If coordinating a big group, the safest strategy was to contact the venue or promoters ahead of time for a guest list reservation. Since there was often a line to get in on busy nights, arrive early or have your name on the list to avoid long waits. (Note: Shh.. has since closed, so actual bookings are not available today.)
Seating and Layout
The Shh.. interior was a narrow, underground-style lounge with moody lighting and a dance-oriented layout. A long carved-wood bar ran along one side (featuring the glowing charred-wood front), with high barstools for a few guests. The custom DJ booth sat along another wall, adjacent to the small dance floor where most visitors gathered. The rest of the space featured low lounge seating or booths against the walls—not like a theater with aisle seats. Given the club’s size, there was no bad view on Friday/Saturday nights; everyone stood or danced packed in. For a quieter experience, the best spots were by the bar (for people-watching and easy drink access) or near the DJ if you wanted to immerse in the music. Since sound bounced around, back corners could get muffled, so stick toward the center if you want ear-grabbing bass. Note that the phone booth photo booth sat off to the side, offering a fun witness to the action but not a seating area. In short, Shh.. was mostly standing-room, with lively dance-space. Any VIP reservations would have been set up as small table sections near the DJ or along the back wall – perfect for bottle service – though these were limited.
Getting There and Parking
Shh.. Miami’s exact address was 860 Collins Avenue (near the corner of Collins and a side street, just north of Lincoln Road). It sits in the heart of South Beach, close to major hotels and beaches. Driving is straightforward via I-95 to the 5th Street exit, or via Route A1A (Ocean Drive) if coming down Collins from mid-Beach. Public parking in South Beach is scarce and metered; the easiest option is to use the paid lots on or near Lincoln Road (around 16th Street and Collins) or any available municipal garage. Street parking along Collins Avenue itself can be tight (and hourly), so plan extra time. Uber and Lyft are very popular in Miami Beach – they can drop you directly at the entrance or near the hotel. As for transit, the free Miami Beach trolley (Collins Express or Middle Beach Loop) stops on Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue, a block or two from Collins, and various Metrobus lines run along Collins or 5th Street (www.miamibeachfl.gov ). If you’re coming from downtown or the airport, the South Beach Airport Express bus (route 150) or a South Beach Trolley can connect you efficiently. Overall, most guests opted for rideshare or a short downtown parking stroll up Collins, then walked the remaining block to find the hidden door. Taxi drop-off along Collins or the small loop in front (used by the hotel) worked well, and there were a few private parking garages in the area charging nightly rates. (Keep in mind late-night returning to your car: always note the location. Nearby lots on 12th or 17th street are 10–15 min walk away if Collins is full.)
Inside the Venue
Stepping inside Shh.. Miami was like entering a secret world. The entry was discreet – once the bookshelf swung open, you were in a dimly lit, narrow Art Deco lounge. Security usually checked IDs (strictly 21+), so have your ID ready. Inside, carpets dampened sound but the music was still loud nightclub volume. Weaving past a nonfunctional vintage phone booth (cleverly placed for selfies) (www.timeout.com ), guests found the carved-wood bar on one side (offering a variety of craft cocktails, local beers and spiked hip-hop era drinks) and a small dance floor towards the back. Bartenders served drinks from custom illuminated shelves; the drink list was creative but had all the classics (expect cosmopolitans, “hottest tracks” shots, etc.). There was likely no kitchen or gourmet food – just bar bites or light snack platters if any. Restrooms were in the back, near the dance floor; expect one each for men and women, clean but often busy on peak nights. A coat check was not obvious given the tight space, so guests usually stowed jackets at their tables or backpacks under seating. Staff wore club attire and the vibe was relaxed but upscale. The dress code was not formal; jeans and nice shirts were fine, but no shorts or sandals (common for South Beach nightlife). Phone photos were tolerated (as shown by published nightlife pictures), but outsiders carrying video cameras to record DJs might be politely turned away. Overall, Shh.. felt exclusive yet unpretentious: the interior design and friendly staff kept people talking and dancing. One fun detail: the wall-mounted non-working phone booth made for a popular Instagram backdrop. The music system was powerful with clear bass – DJs used quality speakers and a proper mixing setup – so wear earcupping shoes for dancing! This was a no-frills, no-pretend space: no fancy lounges or grand lobbies, just a real wood-and-black décor club vibe.
Nearby Amenities
Shh.. is in a lively section of South Beach, so there are plenty of places to grab food or stay before or after the party. West of the venue, Lincoln Road Mall (a pedestrian dining and shopping street) is just a 5–10 minute walk north, with dozens of restaurants (Italian, seafood, sushi, burgers) and bars. Closer to Collins, casual spots include La Sandwicherie (around 14th Street, famous for late-night sandwiches) and Havana 1957 (a classic Cuban cafe two blocks away). For a sit-down meal, nearby favorites include Shark or Saffron in the of avenue’s hotel area, or front-porch cafes on Washington Avenue. If you want cocktails or a quick drink before the show, there's a row of bars along Collins: (for example) Shenanigans Irish Pub at 13th, or Meat Market Steakhouse at 12th & Collins, both walkable. After the club, diners often head to the Big Pink diner at 16th & Collins for post-party grub, or grab coffee along Lincoln Road. For late-night rides, note that some bars off Collins (like the wave lounge, Blue) have later service, and ride-share pickup is easy from the wide sidewalk in front of the hotel. Hotels in the immediate area include The Franklin Suites itself (the hotel hosting Shh..), the Avalon Hotel at 310 Ocean Drive (two blocks east), the Betsy at 1440 Ocean (3 blocks east at 15th), and the W South Beach (1111 Washington Ave, 2 blocks south on Washington). Other South Beach hotels like Loews (12th/Collins) or Freehand (1845 Collins, a few blocks north) are a short Uber away. In summary, there’s no shortage of pre- or post-club dining and lodging near Shh.., and most guests plan to ride-share or walk to nearby hotels or Lincoln Road afterward.
What Makes This Venue Special
Shh.. Miami’s claim to fame was its secretive, speakeasy-style experience. Hidden behind a bookshelf in a 1930s Art Deco hotel, it captured the intrigue of a Prohibition-era club right in modern South Beach. Its design married vintage Miami architecture (franklinsuitessouthbeach.com ) with New York old-school hip-hop culture, creating a unique fusion vibe. Patrons loved that Shh.. felt like a private party: only those “in the know” could find the entrance, and once inside the mood was intimate and exclusive. The custom decor elements (like the charred-wood bar and nitrogen floor-vent (www.scottywonders.com )) and novel touches (the faux phone booth photo-op (www.timeout.com )) stood out against the typical neon-lit clubs nearby. Guests often say famous local DJs or celebs would drop by quietly since it was a low-key spot. Culturally, Shh.. gave Miami Beach a break from dance-pop and EDM scenes by celebrating older hip-hop, R&B and soul – music styles not common in most South Beach venues. That made it beloved among Miami’s longtime music fans. The nightlife press even dubbed it a top secret hot spot: “Keep the secret… Shh Lounge is Miami Beach’s hottest new bar,” raved a club photography site (worldredeye.com ). In architecture terms, operating in the Franklin Hotel tied Shh.. to Miami’s rich design history (franklinsuitessouthbeach.com ). For artists and audiences, its blend of nostalgia and novelty (Hollywood glam meets street vibe) felt special – it wasn’t just another generic bar, but a hidden gem that played underground music nights. Locals remember it as a place where true Miami nightlife aficionados could gather, earnestly dancing to golden-era tracks in a beauty-of-Miami backdrop.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you plan to visit Shh.., here are some insider pointers. First, remember its secret entrance – don’t walk past the Franklin Hotel lobby thinking there’s nothing there. You enter via a hidden panel (a bookshelf or false wall) and may need to be buzzed in. Once inside, dress in smart-casual attire (South Beach nightlife standard: collared shirts, dresses or smart denim) – definitely no swimsuits or flip-flops after 7pm. Always carry your photo ID; Shh.. strictly enforced a 21+ rule, and they could ask for IDs at the door or inside. Security is generally friendly but firm: they may pat-down or inspect bags, so keep your belongings minimal. Feel free to bring a camera phone for pictures (they have a fun phone booth prop!), but big professional cameras usually require permission. Tips: arrive early on peak nights (Friday/Saturday) to avoid a long line; the door commonly opened around 7pm, and lines could form by 11pm. Cover charges are usually cash-only at the door, and tip at least 15% on drinks as with any bar. One common mistake is not realizing you have to find the correct door – take your time in the lobby. Another tip: if you have access, ask a friend local to get you on the guest list so you can skip the line. For accessibility, it’s worth noting Shh.. had steps and narrow passages, so wheelchair access was limited. If you need accommodations, call ahead to see if they could arrange an alternative entrance. Finally, check the closing time (around 4am) to plan your ride home; Uber/Lyft to most areas will be plentiful late night, and there is no free bus at that hour. In short, treat Shh.. like a secret party – be respectful, go prepared, and you’ll enjoy one of Miami Beach’s most unique nightlife experiences.
Is Shh.. Miami still open for guests?
No. As of the latest updates, Shh.. Miami has closed permanently. It operated through 2019 and into 2020 but did not reopen. Check local news or social media to see if the space has a new tenant. (As of this writing, there are no current nightlife events at 860 Collins Avenue under the Shh.. name.)
What was the capacity or size of Shh.. Miami?
Shh.. was a small, intimate lounge. It held only a few dozen people at a time. There was room for about 30–50 guests comfortably — it wasn’t a large concert venue. This small size contributed to its cozy, hidden speakeasy atmosphere. If you were there, you’d notice it felt much smaller and more packed than a typical nightclub.
How do I find the hidden entrance to Shh.. Miami?
The entrance was concealed in the Franklin Hotel lobby. Look for a hidden door behind a decorative bookshelf or wall panel. In practice, staff would often buzz you in or swing open the panel if you asked politely at the front desk. Since it was a speakeasy concept, you had to know to look for an unusual latch or book. (No public street sign indicated the door.)
What was the cover charge at Shh.. Miami?
There was no fixed cover price all week long. On non-peak nights entry might have been free or a small cover; on busy weekend nights or special events, cover charges typically ranged around $20–$70 per person. These charges helped pay for DJs and staff. Always carry cash for the door, as clubs of this style usually took cash covers (though drinks could be card).
Was seating or VIP table service available?
Shh.. had limited seating. Most people stood or danced near the bar and DJ. However, a few small booth areas along the walls could be reserved as VIP tables or for bottle service. If you booked in advance through the venue or a promoter, you could have a small private table section (usually priced per bottle). Walk-in guests typically stood at the bar or mingled in the open space.
What is the dress code at Shh.. Miami?
The atmosphere was trendy but not ultra-formal. The dress code was essentially smart-casual: jeans with a nice shirt or blouse, or casual dresses for women, and clean shoes (no flip-flops). The venue discouraged beachwear, ripped workout clothes or overly casual attire. Think South Beach nightlife standard – not a suit-and-tie, but not board shorts either.
How do I buy tickets or RSVP to go?
Shh.. didn’t operate like a theater with advance ticketing. For most DJ nights, tickets weren’t sold online; instead, guests typically paid a cover at the door. If you needed priority access, you could try getting on a guest list by contacting the venue or promoter before the event. Scheduled special events (like a big party) might sometimes have online ticket links, but generally entry was on a first-come basis at the box office door.
Where can I park when visiting?
Street parking on Collins Avenue is limited. Your best bets are paid lots or garages near Lincoln Road (a 5–10 minute walk north) or around 12th–17th Streets. Rates run about $1–2 per hour. A few meters run along side streets, but they fill fast. Many guests used rideshare (Uber/Lyft) instead. If you drive, plan to park a bit away and walk or share a scooter/trolley. Always note your space number or garage if parking far.
Which public transit options reach Shh.. Miami?
Being in South Beach, Shh.. wasn’t directly on the Metrorail or Metromover, but buses and trolleys serve the area. The Miami Beach FREE trolley (Collins Express or Middle Beach Loop) stops on nearby Lincoln Road (around 16th St), requiring a short walk. Miami-Dade Metrobus Route 120 runs along Lincoln Road; Route 145/144/119 run on Collins one block over. Check those schedules – most run till late evening. Late nights, rideshares or taxis are most convenient.
What was the age restriction at Shh.. Miami?
Shh.. enforced a 21+ policy. Because it was a full-fledged nightclub serving hard liquor, you had to be at least 21 with valid photo ID to enter. Teens or college students under 21 were not permitted, even on the guest list. So always carry your driver’s license or passport if planning to attend.
Did Shh.. have wheelchair access?
Unfortunately, Shh.. was known for its secretive, old-lodge entry, which included a narrow doorway and possibly a few steps. It did not advertise formal ADA access. In practice, it was likely not wheelchair-friendly throughout (limited space and non-ramped entrance). If mobility is a concern, you would have needed to call ahead and check if alternative accommodations were possible. Otherwise, it functioned like a typical underground bar (mostly standing room).
Does Shh.. Miami have a coat check or lockers?
There was no official coat check. Space was limited, so guests typically kept coats or bags with them at their standing spots or tables. In Miami Beach’s warm climate, patrons rarely wore heavy coats, so it wasn’t a big issue. Just leave valuables in your car or secure bag, as you’d in any small club.
What kind of drinks were available?
Shh.. was primarily a cocktail lounge at heart. The bar served a variety of mixed drinks, beer, wine, and shots. Expect creative signature cocktails (often nodding to the ’90s hip-hop vibe) as well as standards like mojitos, margaritas, and martinis. Bar snacks were minimal (maybe chips or nuts). Alcohol prices were in line with South Beach nightlife – plan for $15–20 per cocktail. The theme was more about dancing and drinks than dining.
Can I take photos inside Shh.. Miami?
Yes, photography by patrons was generally allowed (many guests took selfies by the old phone booth or group photos). However, be respectful. It was not a formal no-phone policy like some high-end lounges. Professional cameras without permission might have been restricted, but smartphone snaps were fine. The club even encouraged it with its Instagrammable decor. Just don’t block the DJs or lighting with big flashes – the mood was casual.
