¡Viva Miami! Sitting at the heart of it all, between the still bustling nightlife of South Beach and the nuance of transformation at the Downtown/Edgewater side, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is the oasis of serenity in this thriving and dynamic city. Aside from the powder beaches and endless sunshine, there are boundless possibilities and culture to experience right here in the different neighborhoods throughout Miami.
Tropezón
Newly minted and extremely buzzy, Tropezón is the newest bar to grace Miami Beach breathing new life into what is normally the tourist trap of Epañola Way. The extensive assortment of infused gins and delicious Andalusian tapas partner well with their cozy interior and approachable al fresco space-complete with vintage western movie posters and colorful mosaic tiles. Familiar bites abound include a truly hit-the-spot arroz al horno, gambas al ajillo, and cocktails to quench any thirst. Dive-y yet quaint, Tropezón is just a damn good time without any pretension.
All Day
As one of the cult favorite coffee bars in Miami, All Day has become a café institution since opening some years ago. With a cooler-than-thou staff and clientele, All Day is laid back, casual, and airy (outdoor) dining with an artistic flair. Creative and comforting takes on brunch favorites include decadent breakfast sandwiches (served all day, naturally) Tres Leches French Toast, and heaping avocado toast – a perennial favorite. Fresh, homemade empanadas and croquetas also serve as the ideal accompaniment to your coffee drink of choice, pulled to perfection by their baristas.
Andrew Downtown + Lot 11
Named after the hurricane that swept South Florida in the early’90s, Andrew Downtown has taken Miami by storm. Carrying a wide range of well-known skate brands, Andrew even has its own custom collection of everything from totes to tchotchkes. If you’re tired of stealing your boyfriend’s oversized tee, be sure to shop their shirt selection to add to your own closet. After you picked up your new board or sneakers, slide on over to Lot 11 Skate Park, the 45,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility under the I-95 overpass which is the brainchild of Andrew founder, Nick Katz. If you don’t quite know how to skate, you can always gawk the day away pretending you’re in a socially distant Harmony Korine film.
Artechouse
Miami’s location of immersive at space Artechouse has found its audience nestled amongst the bright lights of South Beach. With recurring digital and multimedia exhibitions by emerging and established artists, visitors enter trippy new worlds via hypnotic, often light-based visuals.
Lucali
Luckily, we don’t have to trek all the way to Brooklyn to get our fix for rustic, brick oven pizza. Just across the bridge from yours truly sits one of Miami’s favorite Italian joints and recently Michelin-rated, Lucali. Homestyle freshness and a cozy rough-edged atmosphere combine for a winning choice for lunch or dinner. Since the pandemic, Lucali has added additional and distanced seating, but it still maintains the intimate, candle-lit attitude that it’s known (and loved) for.
Sana Skin Studio
A newcomer to the Wynwood area this year and making a splash with its highly anticipated launch, Sana Skin Studio is in a league all its own. Miami’s very first shop dedicated entirely to 100% clean beauty, non-toxic wellness, and natural skincare products & services, Sana offers a highly curated aesthetic experience throughout their inventive and dreamy Wynwood flagship. Skincare and wellness buffs can find products from the buzziest of clean brands such as Pai Skincare, Naturopathica, Ursa Major, Lesse, Supernal, Fur, Jose Rosebrook, Bathing Culture, Moon Juice and more- many of which aren’t available anywhere else in Miami. If you make a trip to Sana, we promise you (and your skin) will be all the glowier for it.
Margot
Have you jumped on the natural wine train? Us too. Well, thankfully, there’s our favorite natural wine and aperitivo bar, Margot to give us our fix. Margot has got the cozy cool bar culture down to a science. Allowing only a handful of patrons in on a first-come basis, Margot is ensuring natural wine lovers can enjoy their potables alongside the chicest of the Downtown Miami crowd. Plus, they have a delicious assortment of bites to help soak up all the different wines you're undoubtedly going to want to try.
Plant Miami
For all fans of plant-based cuisine or those of us that just like a good meal (sans the beef) Plant wholeheartedly delivers. Trendy, romantic, and artistic, Plant has become entrenched as a go-to haunt for decadent organic, plant-based, and gluten-free delights. Their fare tastes delicious and just so happens to be vegan, as opposed to the other way around.
Rubell Museum
A spectacular selection of contemporary and modern art awaits at the Rubell Museum, newly minted in its Allapattah locale. Founded by Don and Mera Rubell, the couple began collecting art 54 years ago and since then they have amassed pieces from such names as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cecily Brown, Keith Haring, Rashid Johnson, Hayv Kahraman, Jeff Koons, William Kentridge, Yoshitomo Nara, Cindy Sherman, and Mickalene Thomas, among others. From the beginning the couple sought to collect art from emerging contemporary artists and support artists that have been largely overlooked. The new Museum location (a repurposed DEA warehouse, no less!) now features inviting gardens and a new restaurant featuring cuisine from the Basque region. The Rubell Museum is a must see and a true gift to Miami’s art community.
Simonett
Simonett is culty, fashion-girl favorite around town known for its eclectic pieces and artful perspective. Their current residency right here at yours truly features a RTW and resort-inspired fashion selection of curated pieces from creative partner brands as well as accessories and art objects.
Café La Trova
Café La Trova is the cozy and quintessential Little Havana hotspot. With a retro flair and a Cuban soul that will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to Havana in it’s heyday. The establishment takes their craft cocktail reputation seriously and has received the accolades to prove it, appearing on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. James Beard award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein ensures classics like Arroz Con Pollo, Ropa Vieja, and empanadas stand out. With nightly live music to boot, you’ll be saying Viva [Little] Havana!
Versailles
There’s no doubt, Versailles is a Miami institution and no list would be complete without at least a mention of this Cuban cuisine mecca. Versailles is notoriously packed at all times, however they’ve implemented safety without dampening the experience with an outdoor, covered dining option and socially distanced ordering. Doling out Cuban favorites for nearly 40 years now, a trip to Versailles should be on your Miami bucket list.
Josh's Deli & Chowdown Grill
Josh’s Deli feels like one of those locals-only hidden gems that never disappoints. Chef/Owner Josh Marcus is the heart and soul of this place and makes everything, and we mean everything, from scratch. Breakfast and brunch on homemade challah French Toast to smoked Tuna Latkes to a pastrami sandwich that would rival that of any NYC deli institution. Josh’s Deli is full of adapted Jewish classics with infusions of true culinary creativity. Amidst the pandemic, Marcus introduced Chowdown Grill, an exclusively Friday night dinner experience where he experiments with Chinese and fusion- think lobster knish egg rolls. He posts a menu on Instagram every Friday for ordering takeout or dine in. Tables are at a premium as the location has the square footage of an NYC eatery, but trust us, a trip to Josh’s Deli leaves nothing to be desired.
Tran An
Tran An is the fast casual bahn mi shop and noodle bar Little River has been waiting for! Warm, inviting, and intimate, this little spot is a true treasure. The interior is nothing short of stunning with warm reds, oranges, pinks and romantic lighting – Tran An is high design meets high quality eats. The space is tight, but they are fastidious about following all health guidelines have have implemented contactless ordering for safe dining within. Also available are casual outdoor picnic tables to eat alfresco, if desired.
Lucio Wine Shop
Vino lovers, we’ve got the hookup of where to get your natural wine shopping fix. Family owned, Lucio Wine Shop has everything your wino heart could desire and all labels therein are exclusively natural and organic.Only allowing one customer in at a time, to ensure social distancing in the small space, the experience almost feels like a curated conversation about meeting your needs, likes, and wine preferences with their large selection. We recommend grabbing a bottle (or 3?) and heading to the beach!
Vizcaya
For history buffs, garden lovers, or those who might want a dose of what feels like Europe in Miami – the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is for you. Built in the early 20th century by businessman and magnate John Deering, the estate house features and Italian Renaissance style and extensive expertly manicured gardens that are perfect for strolling on a sunny afternoon. Masks are required and tickets must be purchased online prior to visiting.
Flour and Weirdoughs
Fairly new on the scene, Flour and Weirdoughs is the stuff bakery-lovers dreams are made of. As if all-time favorites such as Danishes, pastelitos, and cinnamon rolls baked fresh daily weren’t enough, enter stage right, their specialty weekend breads which includes a Cacio E Pepe Loaf (this is not a drill!) and an unbelievable pork belly Chicharron Loaf among many others. Nestled on Key Biscayne, any croissant lover would be remiss to miss out on their “It’s Brisket B*tch” croissant, which features slices of high-quality brisket amidst those buttery croissant layers. Snack on your baked goods and coffee while walking the scenic key or set up your picnic on the nearby beaches for a full adventure on Key Biscayne.
