Doral Gets a Live Entertainment Focused Gastropub— and More Openings

December 4

DORAL— Fans of live music have a new spot to head to as Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen (3450 Northwest 83 Avenue) has debuted inside of City Place Doral. This mark’s the Arizona-based chain’s first South Florida location and features a rustic-meets-industrial 6,000-square-foot space complete with an outdoor ‘Garden Bar’ and inside ‘Rock Pub’ along with a plenty of live music acts on hand. The menu boasts beers from local Miami breweries along with dishes like conchinta tacos, torta de pollo, and, of course, the aptly named Doral burger.

WEST MIAMI — Taiwanese cuisine is not something that is abundant in South Florida but Hi Pot (1665 SW 107th Avenue) is looking to change that. The west Miami newcomer specializes in Taiwanese hot pot that are a hearty spin on soup, where guests can mix-and-match their hot pot based on proteins like available lamb and beef and spice level desired. All are served on a hot plate with a side of rice or vermicelli on the side.

CORAL GABLES — Taking over the former OBBA Sushi location is Mediterranean restaurant, Fish and Lamb (160 Andalusia Avenue). One the menu guests can expect a lot of, well, fish and lamb dishes like shrimp plantain baskets, ceviche, rack of lamb, and something called a “lamb volcano” made with lamb topped with tomato, pepper, and onions. The eatery also offers happy hour, a Thursday night ladies’ night and half-priced wine on Wednesdays.

November 26

SOUTH MIAMI — Oysters are the star at the newly opened Gringo’s Oyster Bar (1549 Sunset Drive). Housed inside the former George’s on Sunset location, Gringo’s offers a menu filled with an extensive selection of oysters, plus items with a New Orleans slant like five different po’ boy sandwiches, shrimp and grits, smoked fish dip and more.

EDGEWATER — While poke restaurants are all the rage nowadays, new seafood-centric, counter service spot, The Seafood Bar & Market, does poke bowls but so much more. Keeping with the theme it serves up dishes like lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, ceviche, sushi sandwiches, fish tacos and burritos, and all day brunch.

SOUTH BEACH — Mediterranean eatery Cleo (1776 Collins Avenue) has re-opened on South Beach. The 180-seat indoor/outdoor space helmed by Chef Danny Elmaleh, features not only a brand new look and feel but also a refreshed menu with a mezze bar, along with new dishes like Moroccan fried chicken, grilled branzino, lamb tartare, and more.

DOWNTOWN MIAMI — Inspired by cuisine of Tijuana, newcomer PEZ (20 W Flagler Street) serves up Mexican influenced dishes like tostadas, fish tacos filled with items like marlin and octopus, seafood soups, grilled oysters, plus an elaborate cocktail menu.

November 6

MIMO — Miami’s classic hotel The Vagabond has completely revamped its eateries. Now open inside the the new Vagabond Village (7301 Biscayne Boulevard) are Vagabond Sushi Bar & Market, Brigitte at Vagabond and The Oasis Pool & Bar at Vagabond — all that are the brainchild of Amir Ben Zion, the same guy behind places like Bond St, Miss Yip, Buck 15, Bardot and Gigi. Vagabond Sushi & Market features an extensive sushi menu along with a grab-and-go market, while Brigitte serves as a pool hall and cocktail bar. Outside guests will find The Oasis, its newly revamped pool bar complete with a tropical feel and live music on the weekends.

WYNWOOD — Hip Wynwood coffee shop, Brothers & Brawlers, has transformed into Selina Brawlers (2819 NW 2nd Avenue). Designed to resemble a 50s hotel lobby with a “twist,” it offers brewed beverages from Eastlick Coffee and Panther Coffee as well as clothing and accessories, home decor, art from well-known local and international artists and more.

CORAL GABLES — The team behind Eating House has partnered with coffee makers Per’la Specialty Roasters to open the House of Per’la. Taking over the former Café Curuba space (2626 Ponce de Leon Boulevard), it showcases a large assortment of coffee concoctions like pour overs, cortados, and macchiatos, along with a revamped food menu from Giorgio Rapicavoli with items such as daily frittatas, house made baked goods, egg sandwiches and more.

DOWNTOWN MIAMI — Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar (600 NW 1st Ave – Mezzanine Level) is the latest food and beverage outpost to open at Brightline MiamiCentral Station. The java house’s rotating menu features different coffees each season made into drinks like flat whites, lattes and more. To celebrate the opening, Parliament is serving complimentary drip coffee from open to close on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov.6) to guests who display their “I voted sticker” or closed ballot.

October 23

EDGEWATER — Tucked inside the new X Miami building is Mockingbird Cafe (230 NE 4th Street), a coffee shop and cafe serving up plenty of latte art, bites like avocado toast, and more, in a plush environment filled with couches and neon signage that’s hard to not take an IG selfie in front of.

BRICKELL — Latin Cafe 2000 (1053 Brickell Plaza), which has two existing locations in South Florida, has debuted in Brickell and brings with it the area’s first ventanita. Aside from the dose of coffee, expect traditional Cuban breakfast, lunch and dinner cuisine plus a full bar serving up drinks like the Floridita Daiquiri and Cuban Mule.

LITTLE HAVANA — The team that is credited for bringing back Ball & Chain four years ago is at it again, as they have just taken over operations of iconic Calle Ocho Mexican spot, Taquerias el Mexicano (521 SW 8th Street). The food menu will remain the same — offering traditional Mexican cuisine like tacos, tortas, burritos, flautas, enchiladas and fajitas, plus upstairs sells Mexican sweets. They have also tapped bartender Erick Gaytan to create and modify the Taquerias el Mexicano cocktail menu.

October 15

MIDTOWN MIAMI — Tortas — aka Mexican sandwiches — are the star at the newly opened MadCar Restaurant (3527 NE 2nd Avenue). The counter service eatery offers up 10 different sandwich in traditional and not-so-traditional combos like the Hawaiian Torta filled with ham and pineapple or the La Argentina sorta with pickled peppers and ando steak. In addition to the tortas, options like burritos, quesadillas, tamales, and tacos also fill the menu.

COCONUT GROVE — Taking hints from its name, Home by Gigi (3413 Main Highway) offers up homestyle eats in a cozy setting. Offering up a menu filled with dishes like grilled cheese, shrimp po’ boys, chicken parm, and avocado toast, in a quaint and colorful two-story setting that features miniature hot air balloons hanging throughout.

LITTLE HAVANA — Omakase isn’t the first thing one might think of in Little Havana, but Ahi Sushi Bar (1527 SW 8th Street) is trying to change that. The quaint, eight-seat restaurant from the team behind Lung Yai Thai Tapas serves up an omakase style menu with seating happening on the hour from 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Sunday, along with a concise a la carte menu available for both lunch and dinner.

FT. LAUDERDALE — Shake Shack (2400 North Federal Highway) has officially opened its first outpost in Fort Lauderdale. The eatery offers its incredibly popular burgers, chicken sandwiches and fries, along with local focused items like concretes made with The Good Pie seasonal pies and Funky Buddha beers on draft.

September 25

MIAMI BEACH — Miami’s newest hostel, Generator (3120 Collins Avenue) has officially opened its doors. The first U.S. outpost for the European brand features two bars — The Jim & Neesie and Driftway. Gui Jaroschy (formerly of Broken Shaker) is the food and beverage director for the brand, that will serve plenty of frozen drinks and low ABV cocktails in a cozy living room-like setting. Food will be served by Chef Daniel Roy featuring ceviche, burgers, pasta, and more.

DOWNTOWN MIAMI — Adding to the newly buzzy downtown bar scene, Jaguar Sun (230 NE 4th Street) is now open on the ground floor of X Miami apartments. The bar, run by Will Thompson, will feature cocktails made with small batch brands ranging from classic aperitifs to tropical tiki. New to Miami, Chef Carey Hynes (once chef de cuisine for David Chang at Momofuku Nishi), will be serving shareable housemade pastas including cacio e pepe and rigatoni, oysters, fresh salads, country ham, and more.

September 19

SOUTH MIAMI — A new sports bar and grill has arrived in South Miami, just in time for football season. Called Pub 52 (5829 SW 73rd Street, Suite 6) it features more than 30 TVs, seating for more than 190 people, and a menu filled with burgers, jumbo wings with 15 different sauces, flatbreads, and a raw bar. The bar itself boasts 30 local beers, plus a large variety of bourbon and cocktails.

AVENTURA — Every arepa one might imagine can be found on the menu at the new Amaize (19129 Biscayne Blvd). At this counter service eatery, guests have the choice of going the create-your-own route with proteins, cheeses and vegetables, or to pick an already created flavor combo, all served with choices of sides like marinated tomatoes, cucumber salad, corn salsa, quinoa and guacamole.

BAL HARBOUR — Vegan kosher chocolate is not a phrase one hears all too often, but that’s what’s on the menu at new chocolate shop BON Chocolatier (1001 Kane Concourse). Guests can expect to find a variety of different chocolate truffles in flavors ranging from salted peanut butter to blackcurrant French lavender, plus items like chocolate bars, chocolate pretzels, Rocher hazelnut, strawberry bark, pate de fruit (fruit paste squares), and more.

LITTLE HAITI — Popular food truck Doggystyle (99 NW 54th Street) has gone permanent with its new brick-and-mortar location. The concise menu offers classic and not-so-classic hotdog choices like the Merica’ dog made with a bacon wrapped hotdog and topped with cheese and spicy mayo or the vegetarian friendly carrot dog made with a marinated carrot and garlic herb mayo, plus items like yucca fries, cheese bites, and soda and beer.

September 13

CORAL GABLES — Fixpresso, the new fixed price coffee café, has debuted in Coral Gables and features a menu where everything is just $2 each. Housed in the former Starbucks location (200 Miracle Mile) it showcases Subway cart inspired decor and menu of items like hot and cold beverages, pastries and sweets, sandwiches and more.

SOUTH BEACH — Icebox Cafe, has officially unveiled its new space, The Lounge (1855 Purdy Avenue), in honor of its 20th anniversary on Miami Beach. The space is offering rotating daily entertainment options along with a menu of small plates menu featuring dishes like brisket tacos, salmon tartare, and ropa vieja lettuce wraps, in a lounge style atmosphere.

WYNWOOD — Popular watering hole and taco shop, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, has opened a new food truck outpost at entertainment venue, Wynwood Marketplace (2250 NW 2nd Avenue). Guests to the new Wynwood location can expect the same flavors as the original Miami Beach concept, with dishes like braised short rib burritos, churros with Nutella, al pastor tacos, and Vegan pollo asado tacos, along with daily happy hour specials.

BRICKELL — Housed on the 15th floor of the W Miami, ADDiKT (485 Brickell Avenue) features an eclectic menu with flavors from Asia, South America and Europe. Located inside the former 15^th & Vine Kitchen and Bar space, its all-day menu offers dishes like crab and pork belly eggs benedict, a New York style bone-in steak but with chimichurri and seared bok choy, seared golden tile fish, and charred cauliflower.

July 25

KENDALL — The second outpost for Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s (8495 SW 162 Avenue) has debuted in Kendall, which marks the company’s 97th location overall in the country. Expect the same cuisine found in the other locations like the “Big As Yo’ Ass” burritos, chicka-chicka boom-boom enchiladas, and more.

DORAL — Popular Miami Lakes restaurant Cancun Grill (7835 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 3-01) is expanding its wings with a new location on Doral. With a more modern and industrial vibe than its original sister location, it features colorful floor tiles, wall art, exhibition kitchen, and an expansive bar area. On the menu guests can expect dishes like tacos al pastor, guacamole topped with ribeye steak, a large mezcal selection, plus specials like “All You Can Eat” taco nights on Tuesday and Thursdays.

CORAL GABLES — In other expansion news, Italian restaurant Salumeria 104 (117 Miracle Mile) has set up it’s second location in Coral Gables. The popular Midtown restaurant centered around the Italian deli idea, features all the dishes that made its original location a star — like gnocchi al Romana and almond cake— plus it also features a takeaway option that sells meats by the pound.

July 18

DOWNTOWN MIAMI — For the summer only, the EPIC Hotel’s 16th floor rooftop will transform into a Mediterranean eatery appropriately called EPIC Pop-Up (270 Biscayne Boulevard). The 45-seat restaurant features a Mediterranean tapas menu with dishes like Jamón Serrano con melon, Andalusia marinated olives, stuffed dates, conch salad and mussels escabeche, plus larger plates like grilled fish Provençale and Spanish-style prawns with garlic and olive oil. The pop-up will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday through the end of the summer.

DOWNTOWN MIAMI — Nothing is more appropriate in this weather than an ice cream shake, and such is the idea behind Shake That: Milkshake Lab a new pop-up inside Freshko Gourmet (228 SE 1st Street). The menu features four permanent offerings including Nutella Tiramisu, Miami Heat, Oreo, Banana caramel, along with one changing flavor created based on preferences and feedback from consumers.

July 12

WYNWOOD — A new Italian eatery, Sette Osteria, has officially set up shop in Wynwood (2103 NW 2nd Avenue). The DC-based restaurant, which has two locations in the city, serves up traditional Italian fare like soups, pastas, flatbreads, calzones and pizzas along with heartier meat and fish entrees. The rustic indoor/outdoor space features an open kitchen, 30-seat bar area and large patio, along with a daily “wine down” happy hour and a weekend brunch.

CORAL GABLES — Just debuted Mediterranean inspired M House showcase Miami-meets-Europe feels. Inspired by the longtime Coral Gables favorite Giacosa, it features a menu filled with Mediterranean dishes octopus with roasted zucchini, smoked shrimp cocktail, and more, plus a full bar program complete with wines from around the region.

BRICKELL — Cake Thai has popped up at B Bistro (600 Brickell Avenue) for dinner and late night eats daily. Expect the same style of dishes that made the restaurant so popular like banana leaf wrapped branzino, duck laab, and plenty of sticky rice, all served family style.

June 26

BRICKELL — Sushi hotspot Katusya has opened the doors to its second location in Miami, and 14th in the world overall at the SLS LUX Brickell Hotel & Residences (8 SE Street). Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it features the same classic dishes as its 13 other counterparts like A5 fried rice, tea smoked duck and Kani crab avocado along with cocktails from the restaurant’s S Bar.

SOUTH BEACH — A soul food restaurant has set up shop on South Beach. Called Pink Teacup Villa (1524 Washington Avenue), it features cuisine by chef Lawrence Page from docu-series “Hustle and Soul.” On the menu are dishes like five-cheese macaroni and cheese, buttermilk fried chicken with a sweet potato waffle, fried pork chops, and pineapple cornbread. No word yet if cameras will be rolling at this location.

SOUTH BEACH — Spanish tapas South of Fifth are what’s on the menu at the newly opened Vino Tinto (423 Washington Avenue). Helmed by chef Claudia J. Almanza, it offers classic Spanish dishes such as papas bravas, tortilla, parilla, churros, and as the name alludes — plenty of wine.

BRICKELL — Housed in downtown Miami’s 83-story Panorama Tower — aka Florida’s tallest building — is the newly opened Cuban eatery, Caña (1102 Brickell Bay Drive). Dubbing it Cuban comfort food with a “twist,” the menu is filled with items like puffed chicharrón, crispy octopus, Cuban churrasco and more.

SOUTH BEACH — Shore Club has new restaurant to call its own, Diez y Seis (1901 Collins Avenue). Overlooking the hotel’s famous pool, it serves a variety of high-end Mexican dishes from Jose Icardi for breakfast, lunch and dinner, like a short rib benedict, hangover burrito, cactus salad, and cocktails served in tequila carts tableside.

May 30

SOUTH MIAMI — Miami’s first outpost of cult-loved chain Halal Guys (5966 S Dixie Highway) has officially opened up its doors in the Magic City. Expect much of the same menu that can be found in its hundreds of locations around the country like gyro platters, chicken wraps, falafel, along with that famously hot, hot sauce.

DOWNTOWN MIAMI — Bloom Skybar (121 SE 1st Street) has taken over the space once occupied by Pawnbroker on the roof of the Langford Hotel. Expect the same Downtown Miami views as its predecessor once boasted, plus classic cocktails like Old Fashioned’s, Margaritas and more along with bites like sliders, wings, and shrimp cocktail.

WYNWOOD — French barbecue hybrid Sixty10 (6010 NE Second Avenue) has set up shop in Wynwood. Specializing in roast chicken in half and whole varieties, and dark or white meat, it offers outdoor seating, BYOB (for now) and salads, soups, and a sides like brussel sprouts and coleslaw.

BRICKELL — Now hungry diners don’t have to venture to Doral to get their Pepito’s fix. The popular eatery has set up a new location, Pepito’s Plaza Brickell (901 Brickell Plaza, Suite 101) with a massive menu ranging from burgers to arepas with seven different sauces to serve them with.

WYNWOOD — Pi by Half Moon Empanadas (56 NW 29th Street) is the latest food truck to come to Wynwood Yard. Made with empanada shell “halos” filled with combinations of meats, seafood and veggies like a Cajun shrimp risotto Pi made with Creole mustard and a a twist on ropa vieja made with duck, yellow rice imperial, sofrito aioli and plantain crunch.

May 16

BRICKELL — Jack’s Miami ( 901 S Miami Avenue) has expanded its South Florida footprint, debuting a new location in Brickell in Mary Brickell Village. This location is considered more on an “express” location with a smaller menu catered more for delivery and takeout, with a few seats available for outdoor dining.

AVENTURA — Tap42 (19565 Biscayne Blvd) has debuted its latest location in South Florida, this time inside Aventura Mall. The new location features 250 seats and a 1,200 square-foot patio overlooking the Aventura Slide Tower, a 93-foot-tall glass and steel slide designed by Carsten Höller. Expect the same menu as other locations featuring high-end pub fare plus plenty of drink offerings.

SOUTH BEACH — The team behind spots like Toscana Divino and Ironside Pizza have debuted their latest concept: Caffe Italia (1451 Ocean Drive). The space, which is inspired by Italian coffee shops and bars, is an all-day space offering grab-and-go baked good, salads, and paninis during the day, and at night time offers Italian apertivo options like wines, beers, charcuterie and pasta.

BUENA VISTA — Created by the founders of Buena Vista Deli, Café Crème (5010 NE 2nd Avenue) has officially opened at the newly debuted Upper Buena Vista complex will offer all the French pastries to baked breads that BVD was known for, plus soups, sandwiches, and heartier main dishes during the evening hours like duck confit, curry chicken and steak frites.

FT LAUDERDALE — The Balcony (1309 E Las Olas Blvd), an upscale two-story restaurant with a rooftop and balcony on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard, is now open. The eatery features New Orleans-style cuisine like alligator and shrimp jambalaya, fried green tomatoes, baked oysters, along with cocktails and live music.

May 2

COCONUT GROVE — From the team behind Coconut Grove favorites Strada in the Grove and Farinelli 1937 comes their latest restaurant: La Rue Bistronomie (3145 Commodore Plaza). Housed right by its sister restaurant, this French-inspired bistro serves up classic Parisian fare like quiche lorraine, endive salad, French onion soup, and roasted asparagus, all in a quaint, open-air setting.

WEST MIAMI — Just in time for crawfish season comes New Orleans themed eatery, Cajun Boil (10162 W Flagler Street), dedicated to all things, well, cajun. On the menu guests can expect massive, build-your-own boils filled with everything from crawdads to frog legs, plus gumbo, oysters, and a bevy of fried bites.

DELRAY BEACH — The man behind popular watering hole Better Days has taken his talents up north for his latest venture, The OG (166 SE 2nd Ave) — short for Oceanside Grocers. Positioned as a “secret” cocktail bar, it features the same eclectic feel as Better Days (and the same gratis popcorn) with drinks like the Hillbilly martini, sangria served in an ICEE cup, and Bloody Marys served in in a Campbell Tomato Soup can, all using citrus and herbs grown in the garden out back.

PALMETTO BAY — One of South Florida’s favorite sausage slingers, Babe Froman Fine Sausage (9216 SW 156 Street), has set up a permanent shop after years of making appearances at local farmer’s markets. On the menu meat lovers can find everything from duck bacon bahn mi’s to Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, plus all the typical findings of a butcher shop like sausages, steaks, bacon slabs, and cheeses.

PINECREST — Nitrogen ice cream and cookie restaurant Phenomenom (11401 S. Dixie Highway) has debuted its fourth location in Pinecrest. Hungry diners can pick up mix-and-match nitrogen ice cream creations plus cookies ranging in flavors from oreo to sugar cookies, ice cream cookie sundaes, and ice cream cookie sandwiches.

CORAL GABLES — B Bistro has set up its second outpost inside the ritzy The Collection ( 200 Bird Road) auto dealership. Hungry diners and car buyers alike can purchase pastries and desserts, breakfast and lunch items like paninis and toasts, plus grain-based salads, open-faced sandwiches, homemade soups and more.

March 23

AVENTURA — Shake Shack has opened up its doors in Aventura Mall this morning, marking the third Miami-area shack, with existing locations in Coral Gables and Miami Beach. The new space, housed inside the mall’s new food hall feature communal seating including swings and shared bar tables, as well as an outdoor terrace. It’ll feature the fan favorite menu items that the restaurant is known for plus local brews from Wynwood Brewing Company, SaltWater Brewery, Due South Brewing Company and Funk Buddha Brewery.

CORAL GABLES — Brooklyn import Cafe Grumpy has set up its first location outside of the Big Apple in Coral Gables (2516 Ponce de Leon Blvd). The coffee shop serves up a variety of different coffee from the top regions around the world and boasts a variety of classes to learn more about coffee.

SUNSET HARBOUR — There’s now a new spot to get a gelato fix. Bio Bio Gelato (1201 20th Street, Unit 8), the Italian newcomer, has opened up its first location in the United States in the health leaning neighborhood. The menu boasts a wide selection of “organic” gelato flavors like ricotta and caramelized fig, ginger and lemon, pistachio, along with the regular chocolate and vanilla suspects.

NORTH MIAMI — Everyone’s favorite croqueta slingers, Sergio’s Cuban Cafe, is debuting its latest restaurant in North Miami (1821 NE 123 Street) this weekend with quite the fete featuring complimentary empanadas and cafecito on Saturday, March 24th from noon to 3 p.m. plus the first 100 people get a free bowl.

CORAL GABLES — Chicago-based Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen (301 Miracle Mile) has set up shop in Coral Gables, marking its sixth U.S. location. The eatery serves dishes like “create your own steak” allowing guests to choose the type of cut, seasoning, sauce or topping they’d like, plus options like the spicy “angry” meatball, grilled shrimp, wood-fired pizzas, plus a daily happy hour.

January 30

DESIGN DISTRICT — The mastermind behind the desserts at places like Alter and Brava, Soraya Kilgore, has debuted her first standalone ice cream and sweets shop MadLab Creamery in the Miami Design District (140 NE 39th Street). The store serves up unique ice cream creations topped with items like cotton candy and edible glitter, along with chocolate bark by the pound, Japanese cheesecake, cookies and cupcakes.

SOUTH MIAMI — Good-for-you, fast casual eatery American Harvest has debuted its second location in South Miami (5958 South Dixie Highway). This 2,900 square-foot locale serves as the restaurant’s flagship outpost and serve dishes found on the original menu like the steak tacos and rotisserie chicken skillets along with new items like acai bowls, a variety of toasts and the ever important meal: weekend brunch.

SOUTH BEACH — Call Me Gaby is the newest addition the South of Fifth neighborhood (22 Washington Avenue). It serves a variety of pizzas like the Carla, made with Mortadella, basil pesto, and pistachio crumble; and the Gina, made with “Fior di Latte,” baked potatoes, Chiodini mushrooms, stracciatella; along with other more classic pies. And although the pizza is the star of the show, there also an assortment of antipasti, salads, and pastas rounding out the menu.

SUNSET HARBOUR — The team behind Lincoln Road stunner Juvia and Sushi Garage have debuted their lunchtime poke concept, Sunny Poke (1784 West Avenue). Housed inside Sushi Garage, it offers create-your-own poke bowls with more than 15 different toppings and a variety of proteins, too.