Longstanding Stephen’s Deli Transforms Into Kush by Stephen’s

Hialeah mainstay Stephen’s Deli, which was taken over by Kush Hospitality last year, is transforming into Kush by Stephen’s (1000 East 16th Street) starting October 14.

“The legacy of Stephen’s Deli will continue to live on in the space for our very loyal fanbase,” owner and operator Matthew Kuscher notes. “Looking at how the Hialeah market is changing, it was evident to me that the spirit of Kush – fun, casual, not taking itself seriously – was what needed more of here. The closures gave us the time we needed to revamp everything from the menu and bar program and even decor.”

The menu, which will continue to feature New York deli-style options, will offer “greatest-hits” from both the original Stephen’s Deli and Kush. Kush items now available in Hialeah include dishes like the Florida alligator bites and its popular frita, along with Stephen’s specialities like the matzoh ball soup, the Reuben, and the Rachel. Newcomers to the menu include dishes like the Goy-ish croquetas made with pastrami and “Reuben” fillings, chili con plantanitos, the DJ Laz spicy chicken sandwich, and Ana Maria Polo’s tuna salad wrap. All day breakfast will continue as well with offerings like Don Francisco’s bacon, egg, and cheese; Walter Mercado’s bagel with lox, and the chicken-n-waffles.

Changes will also be found in the restaurant’s bar program. The beer selection has expanded, along with a new cocktail program with drinks like the Sex on The Sofa made with Havana Club, Plantation Rum, orgeat, and pineapple garnished with a faux-condom wrapper and the Señora Butterworth created with Old Forester, mezcal, sriracha maple syrup, and bitters served in a miniature maple syrup jug with Kuscher’s mother-in-law’s face plastered across it. Weekday happy hour will resume from 5 to 7 p.m. with buy one, get one specials free specials on select drafts and wine; $2 off specialty cocktails; $5 shot and a beer, and $5 selected apps.

The space has gotten a revamp as well with plenty of pop culture references that have quickly become a Kush signature. The space now features Seinfeld memorabilia, old Miami signage, photo negatives from Kuscher’s past, and a new mural reading “Hialeah AF” in the dining room near the restaurant’s beer-only package store.

The restaurant will be open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. For more information call 305-887-8863.