This historic Miami Beach landmark is now home to new restaurants serving Florida fare

After it was built in 1916 — just a year after Miami Beach was incorporated by a handful of hardy residents who knew not the pleasures of air conditioning — the Carl Fisher Clubhouse at the city golf course was a haven for elegant events.

Now, the oldest public building in Miami Beach is home to two new venues, a restaurant and event space that hope to bring back that old-time glamour.

Part of the Miami Beach Convention Center and located north of the main convention center building, the restaurant Rum Room offers indoor and outdoor dining amid 1920s tropical chic, with cuisine that combines Florida history with Miami influences (that means Latin, Haitian and Central American fare). Expect such items as local corn, Florida River Gold potatoes and other produce and spices grown on Redlands farms, and don’t be surprised when beans and sofrito make appearances.

The kitchen will be led by executive chef Samantha Cruz, former chef de cuisine at Miami Beach’s Planta. Seafood plays a starring role in the appetizers, with fish dip nachos, wild caught crudo, grilled octopus, conch fritters and crispy garlic butter shrimp. You can also order Serrano ham croquettes, black truffle corn tamales and ropa vieja empanadas.

There are also pressed sandwiches and entrees like the catch of the day, salmon, shrimp and grilled ribeye. You can end your meal with an old-time classic (pineapple upside down cake) or modern favorites (churros).

The cocktail menu will — naturally! — highlight rum drinks, thanks to a large selection of local and imported rums.

Venu, the event space at the historic landmark, was designed to host up to 200 people. It too boasts a 1920s style, reminiscent of the speakeasy days of Al Capone (another colorful, criminal part of Miami Beach’s history). It will host events for the convention center but also be open to the public for holiday Sunday brunches, serving dishes from Rum Room’s menu or custom-ordered menu items.

“When visitors dine at Rum Room or Venu, I want them to know that Miami is the place to be and something to see and taste,” Cruz said in a statement. “There’s so much diversity, influence and flavor here, and we’ve created menus that allow guests to experience it with every bite.”

Danny Medina, regional vice president for Sodexo Live!, which operates the venues with management company OVG360, said in a statement he’s pleased with the Miami Beach Convention Center partnership.

“We’re looking forward to helping guests make everything from a business lunch to life’s biggest celebrations memorable in a unique way,” he said.

Rum Room and Venu

Where: 2100 Washington Ave., Miami Beach

Opening: April 22

More information and reservations: www.rumroommiamibeach.com

This story was originally published April 20, 2023 at 12:05 PM.