Daydreaming of a sunny escape? Book it to The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. Whether you spend your days lazing around the pool (or in the hammam) or getting out and about to explore, there's never a dull moment at The Spa. But if you do venture away from our little slice of paradise, we've got some suggestions. From days staring at cool art to nights on the town, these Miami recommendations come straight from our team on Belle Isle.
Eat
Walrus Rodeo
Walrus Rodeo is a vibrant restaurant tucked away in the same "am I in the right place?" complex as its beloved sister hotspot Boia De. While it may share the imported Italian pizza oven from the previous occupants, it's not your average pizzeria. In fact, as its website states, it's "not a pizzeria." The oven is used to cook up a wide range of delicious options, including mustard green lasagna, wood-oven quail, charbroiled oysters and the-absolute-must carrot tartare.
Joliet
In a city where good Southern food is a rare find, Joliet stands out for its simplicity and authenticity. From the Lost Boy Co. team behind one of our other favorites, Tropezon, their latest addition is on our regular rotation. Take a bite of the cornmeal fried yellowtail, served with the perfect side of hushpuppies and chow chow, or sink your teeth into the Johnny cakes, paired with pimento cheese and thick slices of ham. And let's not forget the sweet cornbread. But Joliet is more than just its delicious food. From the moment you step into its casually cool dining room, adorned with art and plants, you'll feel the warm Southern hospitality. It's busy, but organized in a way that never feels overwhelming. This is the perfect spot if you're seeking a sophisticated option that still delivers the mouthwatering fried goodness of Southern cuisine.
Tam Tam
Inspired by “quan nhau," Vietnamese for drinking places, Tam Tam has officially moved into its permanent location Downtown Miami so you can get your fix whenever you want. From the moment you walk into its cool diner-inspired space, you'll immediately fall in aesthetic love. Have you ever had fire ant-topped steak tartare? No? Well, you need to immediately. Don't shy away from things you haven't tried yet because once you do, you'll be wondering how you went this long without them.
Drink + Go Out
Miami Sound Bar
Piggybacking on the live vinyl trend that Dante's HiFi brought to our neck of the woods, the recently opened Miami Sound Bar is your new go-to for an intimate spot to sip on solid cocktails with vinyl-only DJs curating your soundtrack for the evening. If you’re tired of the club scene but still like to get in a few subtle dance moves, this is the perfect destination to satisfy your unfulfilled music cravings.
Understory
On the hunt for a spot that feels like you somehow stumbled into an underground jungle party? Look no further than Understory, the urban garden oasis where Jaguar Sun and their team of culinary experts will tantalize your taste buds with their rotating food and cocktail concepts. With weekly programming that changes faster than a Miami summer storm, you'll never get bored at this eclectic venue. Come for the music, stay for the food, and enjoy the best of Miami all in one place.
Eagle Room at 27
After eating at 27 Restaurant, we highly recommend heading upstairs to Eagle Room — a fun, intimate space that basically turns into a living room dance party, Wednesday-Saturday. While the bar is small, if you're there early enough you'll be sure to snag a comfortable spot. If you're not an early bird, night owls are welcome until the wee hours. Blantant bird puns not required.
Medium Cool
Housed in the former Rec Room space in the basement of the Gale Hotel, Medium Cool has already proven to be pretty cool. Their menu has something for everyone, incorporating a twist on classic cocktails in their “Sort of Martinis,” “Boozy Stuff” and “Drinks with Bubbles." Looking to start off your weekend with something a little more low key? Check out their Friday Jazz Happy Hour, 6-9PM.
Things to Do
Rubell Museum
Prepare to have your mind blown by the Rubell Museum, the crown jewel of Miami's Allapattah neighborhood. Step inside this one-level wonderland, complete with 36 galleries, a performance space that can bend to your will, a research library that'll make you feel smart just by being in it, a bookstore to satisfy all your reading needs and an indoor-outdoor Basque restaurant that'll tickle your taste buds in ways you never thought possible. And if that's not enough to make your heart skip a beat, wait until you feast your eyes on our all-time favorite exhibition — the incomparable Yayoi Kusama's "Narcissus Garden." 700 stainless steel spheres that'll transport you to another galaxy, flowing 200 feet along the central gallery in a never-ending stream of reflection. Get ready for an experience you'll never forget!
Miami Beach Bandshell
This open-air amphitheater in the North Shore Historic District is now nationally recognized as a historic site. Home to a consistent lineup of international & local musicians plus full-blown festivals that don't go into the wee-hours of the night, the Miami Beach Bandshell has a little something for everyone.
OCISLY Ceramics
Of Course I Still Love You (OCISLY) Ceramics is a pottery brand that started in South Beach and now has its studio in Casa Mida, a small oasis located in the hustle and bustle of Wynwood. Hosting multiple wheel throwing and glazing classes weekly, and myriad curated events, OCISLY focuses on bringing the community together through teaching the skills and appreciation for the art in pottery making. Be sure to check out one of their music themed classes from Rosalía to Mariah.
Miami Design District
Once an agricultural space and part of the charming Buena Vista, Miami Design District has evolved into a luxury mecca for fashion and design. From Acne to Cartier, Gucci to Rick Owens, Bottega to Chrome Hearts, no matter your style (but definitely depending on your wallet), it has it all. After you've worked up that proverbial post-shopping sweat, indulge in one of their restaurants or cafés that won't break the bank. If you're a king or queen of convenience, do some damage at the recently-opened KITH then mosey right on upstairs to snack on something at MFG's Sadelles.
Simonett
Simonett has officially checked into yours truly for her latest Brand-in-Residence. The Miami-based womenswear label and multi-brand concept store focuses on design ingenuity and sustainable practices, carrying independent brands in the ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories and home design spaces. Some of their brands include Coperni, Chopova Lowena, Sunnei, Simon Miller, Bevza, Panconesi, Siedres, Gimaguas, Tigra Tigra, Ottolinger, Kijun, Low Classic, Nodaleto, and Eliou. Outside of curating a commerce space, Simonett will be hosting in-store events championing designers and artists from around the world. Open now through May 31, 2023. Stay tuned for who will takeover our pop-up space next.
