Miami’s Wynwood tells an all-too-familiar tale: local artists gather to set up shop in an industrial area, and the area suddenly becomes popular and cool. After its popularity rises, corporate brands and big chains slowly encroach on the area, watering down the cool factor and increasing neighborhood costs until the original go-getters get priced out.
While Miami’s art district is vastly different today than ten or more years ago, Wynwood has maintained some of its magic. The best bars and restaurants are now hidden gems in the city. Below are some of the best secrets and quirky favorites found in Wynwood.
Find Flavor and Texture With Real-Deal Cuban Coffee
Renowned for its strong, sweet flavors and thick texture, you don’t have to head to Little Havana to find the best cup of Cuban coffee. Suite Habana, a family-run cafeteria, invites you into this cheery and relaxed spot with a cup of specialty brewed Cuban coffee.
But there are other classic spots to check out to satisfy your coffee craving. Classic go-tos like cafecito, iced cafe con leche, and Jazzier offer cold brew tonics, matcha con leche, and a delicious bonbon coffee layered with house-brewed expresso and sweet condensed milk.
Some of the Best O.G.s Are Still Around
Elements of the “cooler” Wynwood can be spotted while walking the streets, including beautiful murals, graffiti artists with spray paint cans, questionable poetry written on the sidewalk, souped-up Pontiacs with the bass blasting, and more. While big businesses may have sprawled out in Wynwood over the years, some of the best O.G. spots have survived, keeping the “good ol’ days” alive.
Some Wynwood favorites include Gramps, a lovely spot to grab a penicillin cocktail, a flavorful “cure-all” drink if you’re nostalgic. For more drinks, check out Veza Sur, a better-known brewery in Miami, which is just the spot for a michelada. If you’re looking for food, KYU’s Asian Barbeque offers a decadent journey into interpretative Asian cooking.
Something New
You can still find hot spots from the past in Wynwood, but the Miami hot spot also includes a pocket of newer boutique bars and restaurants that hope to become new favorites.
Bringing her Michelin-starred cooking skills to the area, Chef Viviana Varese is at Otto & Pepe, a chic Italian restaurant with natural wine and pasta. If you’re near the vinyl hotspot Dante’s HiFi, check out Celia’s, a new smashburger place with simple wagyu-blend patties and Amsterdam-inspired frites from noon through late night.
Willy’s Neighborhood Bar is a new LGBTQ+ bar founded by a team of Miami nightlife veterans and Wynwood Pride organizers. When you head to Willy’s, you may walk into the smell of fresh coffee as the lead mixologist crafts his Colado Martini with fresh-brewed Cuban cafecito and espuma to create an ultra-frothy and tasty drink. While an evening at Willy’s may be more relaxed, late nights, including DJ sets and themed dance parties, can buzz with excitement.
Don’t Let the Chains Scare You Away
Yes, Wynwood has chains now, but some are worth it. While it may be hard to ignore the business giants, some of these spots can be pleasantly surprising. French bistro Pastis may be New York City’s quintessential Parisian-style brasserie, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a profiterole.
With long lines for the South Florida chain Skinny Louie and The Taco Stand (a national chain), there must be something these chains are doing right to keep people coming back for more.
Whether you are looking for a hidden haven from times past or ready to embrace something new, there are many worthwhile spots in Wynwood that will charm you to return.
