Sunset views and tropical cocktails: Miami group opens rooftop bar at Hollywood resort

Unlike its popular neighbors to the south, Hollywood Beach has been marked by a distinct lack of rooftop bars.

But not anymore. It’s time to get ready for some spectacular sunsets: The Sunset Club Rooftop Bar & Lounge is opening at the Costa Hollywood Beach Resort.

The club marks the first foray into Broward County for the Last Call Hospitality Group, the force behind Miami’s neon-drenched Tipsy Flamingo, home of the pastelito cocktail, as well as Redbar and Sweet Caroline Karaoke Bar in Brickell.

The Sunset Club is “one of the only true rooftop bars in the Hollywood area,” said co-owner Juan Marcos Rancano.

All apologies to Muse Rooftop Bar at the Circ Hotel on downtown Hollywood’s Young Circle, which is indeed a rooftop bar but not on the water (from it, however, you can gaze upon the miracle that is the Seminole Hard Rock Guitar Hotel in west Hollywood). At Sunset Club, the main outdoor lounge overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. There’s also a smaller front lounge that boasts ocean views.

The lounge offers plenty of space for social distancing, moving from a relaxed daytime vibe to something a little more lounge-like when the sun goes down.

There will be live music and DJ sets and a cocktail menu that leans heavily on the idea of a tropical vacation for inspiration. An example: The Hot Summer Tales cocktail blends gin, lime, passion fruit, jalapeño and mint, while the Florida Sunset includes vodka, cucumber, pineapple, lemon juice, Aperol and mint. You’ll also find such classics as frozen daiquiris and mojitos.

If you’re hungry, order from a food menu from Chef Geancarlo Mayora, which highlights seafood, with dishes like hamachi tiradito, sushi rolls, grilled octopus, corvina tacos, tuna tataki, oysters and Argentine prawns. Entrees include shrimp risotto and branzino, but don’t fret, meat lovers — there’s a ribeye waiting for you, too.

“We set out to create a menu that offers upscale cuisine and refreshing craft cocktails to enjoy in an unpretentious setting with exceptional panoramic views,” Rancano said.

Starting Friday, you can see for yourself.

Sunset Club Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Where: Costa Hollywood Beach Resort, 777 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood

Opening to the public: Feb. 4

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday