Take a Look Around the New Tobacco Road Tribute Bar Now Open in Brickell

Tobacco Road — Miami’s oldest bar with a liquor license dating back to pre-Prohibition times — famously closed its doors after 102 years in business in the fall of 2014. And for those nostalgic for the popular watering hole and restaurant, they can get a slice of nostalgia at the new Tobacco Road by Kush (650 South Miami Avenue) — self-described as 50 percent pop up and 50 percent homage to the now shuttered bar.

Matt Kuscher of Kush Hospitality Group has taken over the space for the tribute bar alongside Patrick Gleber, one of Tobacco Road’s original owners. The new outpost is housed in the former River Oyster Bar location in Brickell, which is just doors down from the original Tobacco Road location.

“I’m not trying to recreate Tobacco Road,” said Kuscher. “You can’t replicate something with so much history. This is a tribute to the spirit of that place, a spot people can come to eat, drink, reminisce, and indulge in a little nostalgia. And have some fun in the process.”

From a wall adorned with the original venue’s vintage gig posters dating back into the 1980s to old Miami memorabilia, Tobacco Road’s new space features a number of new décor pieces like signage that reads “Legalize Kush” and “This Sh*t Ain’t the Real Tobacco Road” along with a small stage and live performance area in the dining room. The space seats 95, including outdoor seating for 10, and a 30-person private dining space that will soon be transformed into a VIP room.

As for food, the menu focuses on American bar food with a twist. Think dishes like wings rubbed with Old Bay and sofrito, barbecue chicken nachos, bang bang shrimp, vegan jambalaya, chicken and waffles, and a “death” burger topped with sautéed onions, jalapeños, spicy mayo and siracha.

Beverage offerings range from a large selection of beers broken down into three categories: draft, craft, and shitty. A variety of cocktails with tongue and cheek names are also on the menu like the include Dan F*cking Marino, a nod to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, which was shot in Miami, consisting of Montelobos, campari, and vermouth; Sh*t Miami Girls Say, a“bubble gum” version of a Cosmo; This Ain’t the Real Tobacco Road, a take on the infamous Moose Juice that comes complete with free souvenir cup; and Pinga Colada made with Havana Club rum. The bar also offers an extensive whiskey list as well as a section called Shit*y & Mini – dive bar classic cocktails such as Beam and Coke and scotch and soda served with a mini liquor bottle flipped upside down in the glass.

Tobacco Road by Kush is now open Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until midnight. Call 786-703-3120 for more information.