Burgers, BBQ, a bar: This corner of Coconut Grove wants to be a local favorite
Despite its ever-changing face — or perhaps because of it — Chef Michael Beltran loves Coconut Grove.
This comes as no real surprise. Born in Hialeah and raised in Miami, Beltran opened his Michelin-starred restaurant Ariete on Main Highway in 2016, helping to usher in Miami’s Michelin star era. He opened Chug’s Diner, designated a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, a few blocks away as a pop-up in 2019, making it a permanent spot after renovations in 2021.
Beltran has witnessed as the neighborhood has changed, from the redevelopment of CocoWalk to the influx of new restaurants.
“It has definitely changed in the time in the 10 years that we’ve been open in the area,” said Beltran, also the force behind Brasserie Laurel at Miami Worldcenter. “But it’s incredible. It really is a special place to me. It’s like the last real walking city within Miami. If you live in the Grove, you can literally walk anywhere and pretty much provide yourself with any kind of experience that you want.”
Now, Beltran’s Ariete Hospitality Group, which also operates The Taurus in the Grove, has opened a fast casual spot called Chuggie’s, one of three new concepts at 3444 Main Highway behind Chug’s Diner that aim to make the neighborhood even more approachable.
‘Everything is about comfort’
At Chuggie’s in Suite 15, the menu is small and based on the sort of family-friendly comfort food you grew up with at an approachable price: $8 burgers, fritas and chicken sandwiches, plus soft serve for dessert.
There’s even a “Happiest of Meals” option for kids for $9.99 that includes a cheeseburger or four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, a soda or juice and a prize.
“Everything is about comfort, everything is about community, everything is about affordability and family,” Beltran said. “I grew up on soft serve. It’s just something that I love dearly, so we thought it made sense with the concept.”
The restaurant is a mere 450 square feet, with outdoor seating on Fuller Street, giving it a laid-back patio atmosphere and making it an easy gathering place for anyone strolling the Grove.
A Grove speakeasy
The other concept now open at the address is Mae’s Room, a dark and atmospheric speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a sophisticated take on classic and modern cocktails. The creation of Mae’s Room, led by hospitality veteran Tom Lasher-Walker, the bar will focus on martinis, old fashioneds and daiquiris.
Marc Chasin, co-founder and CEO of Mae’s Group, said he was “thrilled to join forces” with Ariete for the project.
“The group’s track record in Coconut Grove speaks for itself, and by combining our strengths, we can introduce concepts that not only stand on their own but add to the neighborhood’s identity,” he said.
Mae’s will not take reservations; service is walk-in only. The bar will be open Wednesday through Sunday.
A BBQ favorite
The most anticipated opening of the trio may be Chef Raheem Sealey’s Drinking Pig BBQ in suite 16. Located between Chuggie’s and Mae’s Room, the restaurant is scheduled to open Nov. 26.
This marks the first brick-and-mortar spot for Sealey’s beloved pop up, which first opened during the 2020 pandemic in his front yard in North Miami. Sealey is also the chef partner of Shiso Miami in Wynwood.
Andrew Falsetto, CEO of Ariete Hospitality Group, said that together, all three businesses are good fits for the neighborhood.
“Coconut Grove has always had a strong sense of community, and these three concepts are our way of adding to that fabric,” he said. “As Miami locals, these openings are personal for all of us.”
Chuggies
Where: 3444 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, suite 15
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
More information: chuggiesmiami.com
Mae’s Room
Where: 3444 Main Highway, suite 17
Hours: 5 p.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Thurday-Saturday; closed Sundays
More information: @maesinthegrove
Drinking Pig BBQ
Where: 3444 Main Highway, suite 16
Opening: Nov. 26
More information: drinkingpigbbq.com
This story was originally published November 18, 2025 at 4:30 AM.