Why Miami’s oldest bar is new again
The bar
The Anderson Bar
The Vibe
It may not look like much from the outside, but that’s part of The Anderson’s ‘hidden gem’ appeal. Located in Miami’s historic MiMo district inside Miami’s oldest bar, the former Magnum Lounge, The Anderson is a celebration of the past with a defiant nod to the future. From its neighborhood bar vibe to the ’80s memorabilia and illustrations that grace its interior and menus, this local favorite has ‘throwback’ written all over it. But with flavor pairings that range from vodka and truffle spray, to whiskey, egg whites and maple syrup, its beverage program by Bar Lab’s Gabe Orta and Elad Zvi is anything but old fashioned. Visiting guests can either sit inside and enjoy the dark, swanky ambiance at the bar, or outdoors in the venue’s lush patio area.
Something to sip
The Anderson Bar’s Death By Stereo is for those who like their booze hot and heavy. Strong yet deceptively smooth, it features Olmeca Altos Tequila, Amaro Averna, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, lime juice, and Epazote.
Other sips
The Mr. Anderson is a strong yet graceful twist on the classic Manhattan, combining The Anderson’s Woodfire Blend of Wild Turkey and Mezcal with punchy Cynar bitters and delicate cardamom-infused Punt E Mes vermouth ($12). Traditionalists can opt for the Sweep The Leg, a new school spin on the Old Fashioned that uses The Anderson’s Cowboy Karate blend of Basil Hayden and Wild Turkey with demerara sugar, orange and Angostura bitters ($12). If you’re looking for something totally nu wave, The Breakfast Club blends Butter Washed Jim Beam Rye with grade A maple syrup, pecan bitters and egg whites to create The Anderson Bar’s idea of the phrase ‘breakfast for champions’ ($11).
Something to savor
If you get the munchies while enjoying your sips, The Anderson Bar offers a menu of gourmet comfort food designed by Chef Alex Chang of The Vagabond to ease your cravings while tantalizing your taste buds. Here, guests will find Cool Ranch Beef Crackling — their take on fried pork rinds ($8) — on the same page as French Escargot ($15), Tex-Mex Queso ($9), and Crispy Rice with Uni and Key Lime Kosho.
The deal
The Anderson Bar’s happy hour happens daily from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and features select spirits and cocktails for $6, select shots and beer for $4, and select munchies for $6 and $9.
The rest
The Anderson Bar, 701 NE 79th Street, Miami
www.theandersonmiami.com
The recipe
Death By Stereo
1 1/2 ounces of Olmeca Altos Tequila
1/2 ounce of Amaro Avenra
1/2 ounce of Ancho Reyes chili liqueur
1 ounce of lime juice
3/4 ounce of Epazote syrup
Combine the ingredients in a shaker tin and shake very hard with cubed ice. Strain using a Hawthorne strainer into a rocks glass filled with cubed ice, then garnish with Epazote and a lime wedge.
This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 4:06 AM.