Miami’s rooftop scene just got a major upgrade. The Roof at The Moore officially opened its doors on December 19, 2024, becoming the first and only open-air rooftop lounge in the Miami Design District. For hospitality professionals, design enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a perfectly crafted evening, this venue represents something genuinely fresh in a city known for pushing boundaries.
Forget everything you think you know about rooftop bars. This isn’t just another spot to grab a drink with a view: it’s a design-driven cultural hub where architecture, art, and hospitality converge in ways that feel both intentional and effortless.
A New Chapter for The Moore
The Moore building itself is already a Design District icon. Originally constructed during the 1920s Florida Land Boom, this 90,000-square-foot landmark has been reimagined as a four-story cultural destination that houses some of the most exciting hospitality concepts in South Florida.
On the ground floor, you’ll find Torno Subito by acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura, along with the striking Elastika sculpture by legendary architect Zaha Hadid. The second floor hosts a private members space, while co-working facilities occupy the third level. A boutique hotel and art gallery round out the fourth floor.
Now, The Roof adds an entirely new dimension to this already impressive offering.
Where Design Meets Hospitality
The launch was developed in collaboration with Alpha Hospitality Inc., a Miami-based hospitality group that supported the concept, operations, and promotion of the rooftop. This partnership brings together WoodHouse’s visionary approach to hospitality with Alpha’s operational expertise: a combination that shows in every detail.
“The Roof at The Moore reimagines the rooftop lounge concept as not just a bar, but a refined space where nights and moods are composed,” said Brady Wood, Founder of WoodHouse, the visionary hospitality group behind The Moore.
Every element has been considered with the same care you’d expect from a high-end design studio. Balinese elements: teak woods, amber lighting, soft candle warmth, and carefully selected furniture: create an atmosphere that feels both exotic and familiar. The skyline views provide a stunning backdrop, while a curated soundtrack drifts between old-school hip-hop, golden-hour house, and timeless classics.
For food and beverage professionals watching how venues differentiate themselves in competitive markets, The Roof offers a masterclass in atmospheric design. The space proves that creating a distinct identity doesn’t require reinventing the wheel: sometimes it’s about executing foundational elements with exceptional attention to detail.
Programming That Sets the Tone
What truly distinguishes The Roof from other rooftop venues is its thoughtfully curated programming. Rather than relying solely on location and aesthetics, the venue has built an event calendar that gives guests reasons to return.
Amber Hour serves as the signature daily ritual: a sunset experience that fuses craft cocktails with live saxophone and house music. It’s the kind of moment that transforms a casual drink into a memory.
Additional programming includes:
- Karaoke nights for those seeking interactive entertainment
- Old School music nights celebrating hip-hop classics
- European house themed evenings for electronic music enthusiasts
- Monthly Art & Cocktail events featuring collaborations with Miami’s most exciting galleries and creative talent
“We want to invite guests to shed the day with an intimate, relaxed atmosphere that prizes the best in design, music and cocktail artistry: and above all, connection with others,” shared Simon Sorpresi, WoodHouse President of Clubs and Hotels.
This emphasis on connection reflects a broader trend in the hospitality industry. As technology continues to dominate daily life, venues that facilitate genuine human interaction are becoming increasingly valuable. For restaurant owners and hospitality managers looking to build sustainable leadership teams, The Roof demonstrates how programming can transform a space into a community hub.
The Craft Cocktail Experience
No rooftop lounge succeeds without exceptional drinks, and The Roof delivers on this front with a menu that balances creativity with craftsmanship. The bar program emphasizes quality ingredients and skilled preparation: no shortcuts, no gimmicks.
The bar bites menu complements the cocktail offerings, providing guests with options that enhance rather than distract from the overall experience. This thoughtful approach to food and beverage pairing reflects the venue’s commitment to holistic hospitality.
For beverage industry professionals, the cocktail program at The Roof represents the kind of elevated bar experience that consumers increasingly expect. The days of basic well drinks and generic mixers are fading; today’s guests want drinks that tell a story and demonstrate genuine expertise.
Location and Accessibility
Finding The Roof is part of the adventure. Located at Jade Alley – 176 NE 41st Street, Miami 33137, the venue benefits from the Design District’s walkable urban environment while maintaining an exclusive, tucked-away feel.
The decision to make The Roof accessible to the public through SevenRooms bookings represents a smart approach to exclusivity. Rather than limiting access entirely, the reservation system creates a curated experience while ensuring that interested guests can secure their spot.
This balance between accessibility and exclusivity is something many food service industry operators struggle to achieve. The Roof demonstrates that you can maintain a premium atmosphere while still welcoming new guests: it’s all about how you manage the experience.
What This Means for Miami’s Hospitality Scene
The opening of The Roof signals a maturation of Miami’s hospitality landscape. The Design District has long been known for high-end retail and art galleries, but dining and nightlife options have historically lagged behind. The Moore’s comprehensive approach: combining fine dining, private membership, hotel accommodations, and now rooftop lounge: creates a true hospitality ecosystem within a single building.
For food and beverage companies considering expansion into South Florida, this development suggests that the market is ready for more sophisticated, design-forward concepts. Miami’s dining scene continues to evolve beyond beach bars and tourist traps toward venues that can compete with the best in New York, Los Angeles, and international destinations.
The partnership model between WoodHouse and Alpha Hospitality also offers lessons for operators exploring collaborative approaches. Rather than handling every aspect in-house, strategic partnerships can bring specialized expertise while allowing each party to focus on their strengths.
Planning Your Visit
The Roof at The Moore is now open for bookings to the public through SevenRooms. Given the venue’s unique position as the only open-air rooftop lounge in the Design District, reservations are highly recommended: especially for Amber Hour and special programming nights.
Address: Jade Alley – 176 NE 41st Street, Miami 33137
Whether you’re a hospitality professional seeking inspiration, a design enthusiast drawn to the venue’s aesthetic, or simply someone looking for an exceptional evening out, The Roof at The Moore delivers an experience worth the trip.
For those interested in how reservation systems impact guest satisfaction, the SevenRooms integration at The Roof provides a case study in modern hospitality technology implementation.
Meta Description: The Roof at The Moore brings Miami’s first rooftop lounge to the Design District, blending craft cocktails, curated music, and Balinese-inspired design.
Tags: #MiamiHospitality #RooftopLounge #DesignDistrict #FoodAndBeverage #MiamiNightlife
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
