Good spots in Miami?

I am originally from NJ and now live in Miami, so maybe I can help you out.

As for local beer, you'll definitely want to check out Wynwood Brewing in the Wynwood (art) district of Miami - it's about 5-10 minutes north of downtown/brickell area of Miami. They have improved tremendously in the short time they have been open and I look for them to continue doing big things. Funky Buddha up in Oakland Park is always a fun time, great beers and an amazing facility, but it's a solid 30 minutes from Miami (don't know about your access to a car). Further north, in Boynton Beach is Due South - whose stuff has really improved in the past 6 months.

In terms of beer bars in Miami, we are relatively limited, although Kush in Wynwood and LoKal in Coconut Grove are probably your best bets. The Abbey in South Beach is very good too.

There are a couple of stores to check out as well if you want to bring some stuff home - Total Wine in North Miami or the Quick Chek on Ponce have the widest selection of local beers.

I am not the biggest Cuban fan, but have heard at Cafe Versaillas is a must and I have also heard great things about Latin Cafe in Coral Gables.

Hope that helps, message me if you want any more info about the slowly expanded craft beer scene here in Miami.

 

Wynwood Brewing and Kush are really cool spots downtown..wynwood for good local brews and kush for great food (same people that do LoKal that was recomended above)
World of Beer has 3 locations in Miami (Kendall, Midtown, and dadeland)...if you are on the beach/downtown...midtown is your best bet..(they will also let you buy to-go bottles at 33% off retail price and mix and match 6-packs)
Funky Buddha Brewery is about 20-30 min North in Oakland Park (depending where in Miami you are) and is definitly worth the drive if you have the time
Schnebleys Winery / Miami Brewery is pretty south in homestead

As far as cuban food..again it all depends on where in Miami you are..if youre in coral gables Villa Habana is my personal favorite..
Exquisto on calle ocho is super authentic
Puerto Sagua on South Beach is awesome (kind of pricy)..try the oxtail!

hope this helps..Miami is an awesome place, the beer scene is slowly growing, but what they have to offer currently is pretty neat..

 

Check out Palacio de los Jugos on Flagler and W 57 Ave, true blue artery-clogging Cuban cuisine. Very delicious and hella affordable, where the locals flock to for a grab and go.

Also El Mago de las Fritas for a Cuban-style burger (mixed in half and half with chorizo and topped with potato sticks, etc), on SW 8 St. and the 5000's block area.

Finally, La Camaronera for some awesome shrimp po' boys, pan con minuta (fried snapper sandwich), fried shrimp and fish, and other seafood.

 

As for package stores there is Sunset Corners on 72nd, stop n shop on Ponce De Leon and/or Le Juene and the aforementioned Total Wines. There are several others with smaller selections. Mendez Fuel on Coral Way and Big Game on Le Juene do growler fills.

 

Oh and Mega Discount on Bird Rd. Sometimes has some surprises.

 

Like when I went there in February and bought for BCBCS. The selection there is hit or miss and the store can be a bit unorganized, but sometimes it's worth it.

 

Is that the place off of 17th Ave? Iv'e seen it before and I'm a sucker for a good fried snapper sandwich

 

That place off 17th sells beer too if it's that restaurant / gas station you're referring to.

 

If you know where in Miami you plan on being that could help as well...big difference between Avaentura, South Beach, Kendall, Homestead (etc...etc)

 

The beer scene in Miami might have some new players by the time October rolls around too! When is the J.Wakefield taproom supposed to open? Also definitely need to be more specific than just "Miami" and about how far you are willing to drive/access to transportation. It's a pretty big area.

 

I'll second the recommendation for Cafe Versailles. Also, while you're down that way, hit up The Local (different from The LoKal and arguably better).

 

Yes, matter of fact. They're known for 'em. If you follow The Lunch Box on twitter, you might be able to get your fix on the go from their food truck.

 

If you're heading in October then J Wakefields and Concrete Beach will be open in Wynwood on the same street as Wynwood Brewery. As a pure beer standpoint, there's World of Beers (Doesn't serve food) & Brass Tap (Serves food). You could also check out Titanic Brewery that's a full blown restaurant that has good beer and GREAT food. It's located right beside UM. If you're up for a small drive to Ft. Lauderdale then there's Stouts Bar & Grill, Tap 42, and American Social.

As for Cuban food, my favorite is Larios off the 826 and Flagler (Best mojito in town too). Las Carreta if sort of like a "fast food" type place but it's good nonetheless. Islas Canarias and Versailles have been around for a long time and they're a nice sit down place in the heart of Little Havana

As for bottles places, I go to Total Wine and this small liquor store on 87th Ave and Bird Rd (SW 40th ST) that happens to be right across from a La Carreta.

If you wanna make it an entire day thing take the Miami Brew Bus.

 

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