This is our and many locals favorite place (sometimes seems like I say it about every place but this time is definitely is). Very casual with different seating options. Balans gets packed in high season (November-April). Many locals spend their afternoons there all year long. This place doesn’t take reservations but (perks of being a long-time client) sometimes we do call to reserve our favorite table.
We usually try to sit on the lounge sofas right outside of the door as it provides a perfect view of Lincoln rd. so we can enjoy a quality people and dog watching. Because it is Miami Beach and you can experience a whole runway of cutest and prettiest dogs.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be constantly drinking, you won’t get kicked out of this place for not consuming every five minutes- although, with this happy hour menu and prices, you can’t NOT be drinking and eating!
Its a full on restaurant, not just a bar in case you get extra hungry and opt for a hearty dinner. They have lots of outdoor seating as well as plenty of indoor. Balans is Located right across from the apple store, hard to miss!
In reference to the food: Ribs are great in happy hour price and they are filled with soft slow-cooked meat that just melts in your mouth, not just a bony rib like many tourist traps in town. The size of the portion is also generous enough to share between friends and ribs come covered by a delicious BBQ sauce.
My another favorite is a chicken wings dish. They are covered in siracha sauce and come with blue cheese dip. Chicken quesadilla is another option for meat lovers. It comes with pico de gallo, side of guac and sour cream.
Don’t want meat? no problem, try the Mediterranean Trio, Eggplant casserole (not in the pictures) or a Fritto Misto for mixed plate of calamari, fish, and shrimp lightly battered and fried. Here in Balans they don’t cheap on portions and you will get the same sized portion on happy hour as during regular time.
Happy Hour includes almost all appetizers offered in the menu and most of well drinks.
Yes, drinks please! For a hot Miami Beach day try the Electric Lemonade… watch out because that blue drink creeps on you, maybe that’s why my hubby likes it so much, lol
Want something sweet, girly, bubbly and different? Lychee Champagne! Feeling Rose? try the B&G sparkling Rose! the point is that you will really get a nice service and good food and drinks. Ask your waiter for suggestions.
Local tip: if you like scotch- ask the bartender about the Scotch in Well. Usually, it’s Johnnie Walker Black. Yves ( @gentlemanyves ) drinks his scotch on the rocks, and at $7, he’s a happy man!
Another tip: if you are not liking any drink on the menu, ask your waiter what else do they have. barman can become very creative and still at a happy hour price (just make sure about that)
but did you know the happy hour in Balans is twice a day? first one is perfect for afternoon bites 5pm-7pm and you are ready to go to the movies or a concert, when you come back at around 11pm you will have already another happy-hour going on. with same menu items and same prices This time with live DJ.and then you can stay till closing.
they also offer brunches but this will be in another post (we don’t mix brunches and happy hours, they deserve their own spot.
Balans is located on 1022 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 tlf 305.534.9191 305.534.9191
