2019 was a bloodbath for local restaurants. But these are the closings we took personally
Not all good things last forever.
That’s especially true in Miami, where our favorite places come and go, leaving us only with sweet memories and a fear of further gentrification.
What will close in 2020? We shudder to think about it. For now, we’ll just look back fondly (well, mostly fondly).
Here are some of the beloved spots we said goodbye to in 2019.
Pubbelly
Chef Jose Mendin lamented the closing of his gastropub, one of the Sunset Harbour originals, as much as we did: “That was definitely my baby.”
Tap Tap
The Versailles of the Haitian community - where griot, music and politics reigned - closed after 24 years.
Soyka
The original Biscayne Boulevard pioneer was replaced by the garish we mean upscale pan-Latin restaurant Chica. While Soyka’s menu had declined, we miss its original industrial shabby chic vibe.
Sushisamba
This popular spot on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road decided not to renew its lease. Rising rents are no fun for anyone.
Perricone’s
The closing of this downtown Miami favorite has a happy ending: A new location nearby is coming.
Ad Lib
OK, let’s be honest. It’s not that we don’t care that this replacement for Swine in Coral Gables closed. It’s that we never got a chance to eat there before it did. So maybe we’re not quite tearful about this one.
Wynwood Yard
Wynwood will never be the same after the closing of this outdoor venue. We know it’s reviving as the Doral Yard sometime in 2020 - but it’s just not the same when you have to brave the Palmetto to get there.
La Centrale
The Italian food hall that wasn’t Casa Tua Cuchina in Brickell City Centre has been rebranded as Luna Park, with new restaurants on the second floor and a Michelin chef opening a spot on the third floor in the coming year. We hope there will be another rose fountain.
Purdy Lounge
Of all the closings in 2019, Dirty Purdy’s demise hurt the most. So many late nights. So many drinks. So many hangovers. We have to grow up now. Damn you, gentrification.