What’s Hot in Wynwood Right Now
It doesn’t need to be Art Basel season for something new to sprout up in Wynwood. These days, the neighborhood has as many bars and restaurants debuting as it does murals on side street walls. From Americana fine dining to laid-back local watering holes, here’s the hottest new spots to hit up on a night (or day) out in the neighborhood.
Raw chef extraordinare Matthew Kenney brought his Venice-based eatery to Miami’s Sacred Space serving up his signature plant-based cuisine in the indoor-outdoor restaurant that feels like an organic oasis in Wynwood. Take a seat on the palm-tree lined patio next to the reflecting pool and sample a selection of items ranging from a raw “cheese” plate (which includes white truffle) to coconut ceviche tacos for gourmet fare that makes vegan look and taste more delectable than you’d ever expect.
105 NE 24th St., Wynwood; 305-814-5365
The Bar Next Door
Wood Tavern’s been the go-to spot for backyard beers in Wynwood from the beginning, but now regulars are looking for a bar with just as much of a Cheers feel can post up in its sister spot that as its name suggests is just next door. With laid-back banquette seating and TVs lining the wall, this casual joint has an air of classiness and a sophisticated cocktail menu to match the ambiance. Throw in the fact that Brooklyn’s Carnal (which started as a pop-up at Wood) now has permanent chefs manning the kitchen at The Bar Next Door and you have a recipe for late night munchie success serving up everything from short rib sandwiches to classic cheeseburgers.
2519 NW 2nd Ave., Wynwood; 305-748-2828
Combine music festival vibes with a street food-style smorgasbord and you have the new al fresco Wynwood Yard (pictured at top). The backyard pop-up brings cuisine from local food trucks like plant-based della test kitchen, UK-inspired The British Garden (which whips up a proper Sunday roast) and Taiwanese “ice cream with a fork” Mr. Bing—in addition to the Mortar & Pistil garden and bar—so you can take your pick and then scope out a spot to spread out on the grass or post up at a booth. Swing by for daytime events like BBQs and fairs or dance all night long during summertime silent discos and pop-up parties.
56 NW 29th St., Wynwood; 305-771-4810
A throwback to diners of days past, Wynwood Diner has become a meeting spot for the community to mingle over both brunch and boozy work gatherings, ordering from a menu of all-day breakfast faves served at spaces ranging from the café to the cozy lounge, with armchairs and a leather sofa surrounding a fireplace. There’s also a suprisingly spacious outdoor patio. Chef Daniel Trujillo’s menu plays on classic fare like buttermilk pancakes and eggs benedict, mixing in more internationally inspired flavors for savory and sweet dishes like churro waffles, British omelet hash and pollo Cubano sandwiches—served morning til night.
2601 NW 2nd Ave., Wynwood; 305-747-7888
Zuma alums Chef Michael Lewis and general manager Steven Haigh have partnered to open the wood-fired Asian eatery inspired by Japanese and Korean yakiniku, a Japanese term for grilled meat. The sustainability focused duo–who are even planting trees to be used in their grill and reducing waste with an Orca composter–are heavy on the local factor when it comes to their cuisine, which includes chilled crudo like tuna tataki and sliced Hamachi, as well as smoky pots of Thai fried rice with king crab, roasted grouper and Korean fried chicken.
251 NW 25th St., Wynwood; 786-577-0150
Drawing inspiration from his native Colombia, owner Nicolas Hoyo worked in upcycled furniture and décor for his Latin-inspired watering hole that is the definition of shabby chic. Co-owner Beto Perez brings bar experience from the South American country, mixing in honey combs produced in lychee fields and floral syrups to add a tropical note to traditional cocktails like margaritas and mojitos. Stop by on weekends for late night Latin beats or take advantage of happy hour specials like $4 brews and cocktails du jour all week long.
167 NW 23rd St., Wynwood; 786-409-2241
This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 3:06 AM.