Want to explore Hialeah? Here are some cool spots to visit in the City of Progress

With a new 24-hour entertainment district called Factory Town coming along, new luxury developments and a revamping of the classic Hialeah racetrack, the City of Progress is shredding its old “agua, fango y factoria” image and progress is coming at a rapid pace.

While you might not see Hialeah in any trendy “Must Visit” travel magazines list yet, like Miami Beach, Wynwood or Brickell, the city has its own local appeal that makes it one of a kind.

Hialeah is an industrious blue-collar city, full of beauty and local character. Pass by, have a cafecito and experience it for yourself. Here’s where to go:

For drinks

Unbranded Brewery, 1395 E 11th Ave., Hialeah; La Cocina Cocktail Bar, 1000 E 16th St., Hialeah

Take a stroll around the Leah Arts District, with dozens of stunning colorful murals, studios and art galleries. Once there you can enjoy a beer at Unbranded Brewery, the largest craft brewery in South Florida and taste local flavors like Guava Pale ale and “El Pachanguero,” a crisp lemonade shandy. If you prefer a more intimate setting, try the speakeasy vibes at La Cocina from the guys behind Kush.

Tip: La Cocina’s Walter Mercado mural in the women’s bathroom is the spot for selfies. The men’s room is dedicated to Hialeah Spiderman, a local character who zips around Hialeah in a Spidermobile wearing a full costume.

Bargain hunting

Flamingo Plaza, 901 E 10th Ave., Hialeah; Ñooo Que Barato!, 1198 W 23rd St., Hialeah

You can try your bargaining skills at the iconic Flamingo Plaza, a thrift shopper’s paradise, with more than a dozen large and small second-hand stores that sell everything from vintage clothing to Boho furniture pieces. Another destination for deal seekers: Ñooo Que Barato!, which sells everything from house dresses to suitcases to the white linen outfits you need for your santeria ceremony.

Tip: Stock up on “Agua de violetas” and statues of all your favorite saints at Ñooo Que Barato!

Mom-and-pop restaurants

Pan.com, 1255 W 46th St. #18, Hialeah; La Fresa Francesa, 59 W 3rd St., Hialeah; Pa’ comer Cuban Pizza, 455 W 23rd St., Hialeah; Breadman Bakery, 5804 W 20th Ave., Hialeah

There is a culinary renaissance happening in Hialeah. The creative duo behind Pan.Com is reimagining Cuban cuisine with fresh new takes on Cuban classic dishes.

You can try the award-winning La Fresa Francesa, a delightful and unexpected boutique French restaurant serving guava-filled crepes with Instagram-worthy decor.

You must experience an authentic Cuban-style pizza at Pa’ comer, considered the mecca of Cuban pizza connoisseurs.

And of course, for the dessert, indulge at the recent New York Times featured bakery Breadman, creators of the world’s first croqueta cake.

Tip: The croqueta cake is all anyone will talk about if you take it to a party, so be ready to hear the gasps.

Rick Perez is the Editor of @hialeahlove1925, an Instagram account that tells the forgotten stories of Hialeah, profiles famous Hialeah residents and shares the history of Hialeah’s many landmarks.

This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Want to explore Hialeah? Here are some cool spots to visit in the City of Progress."