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Miami is hot right now—literally (I’m sweating just typing this) and figuratively. Sure, our city has always been caliente, but with the influx of northeasterners, major tech companies, award-winning restaurant concepts and more, it’s truly on fire. Now if you’re a transplant, you’re likely spending your time snatching up the most coveted dinner reservations on South Beach or snapping graffiti selfies in Wynwood—and while I’ve got nothin’ but love for these neighborhoods, I’m simply here to tell you that there’s more where that came from!
Sure, South Beach has some fab restaurants, fun bars, beautiful beaches, unparalleled people-watching and then some, but over the bridge, you’ll see a whole different side of Miami often reserved for proper locals. Today, I’m here to lift the curtain on a less hyped, yet equally enticing part of Miami you’ll want to explore ahora mismo.
Brickell, dear Brickell…my stomping grounds and the place I’ve called home for nearly a decade (damn, I feel old). Am I biased about Brickell? Hell yes. But am I right about its grandeur? Also, yes.
So now that I’ve likely overhyped the hell out of it, let me tell you why Brickell’s got it goin’ on. Whether you’re looking for a great place to indulge or a spot to sweat out last night’s booze, Brickell offers a little something for everyone.
For the caffeine fiend
True Baristas
This vintage coffee truck is a total MOOD. Impress your coffee date by recommending this little gem and watch their eyes light up at the sight of this perfectly curated truck that blasts oldies and serves up freshly baked pastries with your cup of joe.
Puroast
If you’re a true coffee nerd, Puroast is your spot. This is a proper coffeehouse that pays tribute to the bean and the roasting process. It’s also an ideal place to post up and crank out work while highly caffeinated.
Pasión del Cielo
If your sights are set on a particular type of bean (Colombian, Ethiopian, you name it), Pasión del Cielo has you covered. This is a true ‘choose your adventure’ type of spot, where you pick the origin of your coffee and leave the rest to the pros. Plus, there are TWO locations in Brickell alone, so you’ll never have to travel far for your coffee fix.
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For the fitness fanatic
CKO Kickboxing
Looking for a hardcore, full-body workout or just an excuse to punch something at the end of a long day? CKO Kickboxing is the answer. You’ll hit, kick, jump, burpee and sweat your heart out for an hour straight, leaving you depleted but feeling like a total badass.
Redbike Studios
If spinning gets your blood pumping and you thrive in a group setting with some synchronization, you’re going to love Redbike. With instructors who give you more energy than your morning cafecito, plus indoor and outdoor (waterfront!) classes to choose from, you’ll never moan and groan about having to work out again.
Sweat 440
Most Brickell-dwellers live a pretty fast-paced life, so convenience and efficiency are key. With 40-minute circuit classes starting every 10-minutes at Sweat 440, it’s the perfect solution to the challenges of a crazy schedule. You can jump in whenever the mood strikes—and the best part is you’ll never be late.
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For the fancy foodie
Osaka
When it’s listed on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, you know it’s gotta be good. Osaka serves up elevated Nikkei cuisine and some of the most delectable nigiri I’ve ever tasted. I’m talking about melt-in-your-mouth tuna foie gras, salmon belly, and torched shrimp and scallops. Looking to turn up the heat? Order the Mariscos al Fuego and the Hotate Parma and thank me later.
La Mar
For authentic Peruvian food with stellar views (and another 50 Best winner), La Mar never disappoints. With Chef Diego Oka at the helm, you know you’re in good hands. Snag a table outside, order a cocktail, all the ceviches, lomo saltado (shall I continue?) and sit back and appreciate the beautiful Brickell skyline by night.
LPM Restaurant & Bar
French food never had my heart until my first experience at LPM. You’ll feel like a classy broad (or gent) from the moment you step in the door, lock eyes with the bartender and order your first Tomatini (TRUST—shoutout to Barna, Slobo and Mitchel, the masterminds behind the bar). From there, it’s fresh bread with tomatoes and olive oil, escargot, duck l’orange and cheesecake. Don’t ask questions, just do as I say.
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For the night owl
Dom’s
If you’re looking for a charming, unassuming bar with style, Dom’s is a total hidden gem in Brickell. It’s the perfect spot to impress a date, grab a cold one after work, or wash down a slice of pizza from the adjacent DC PIE CO (yes, they’ll serve you pizza at the bar, win-win). While I admittedly work with the team at DOM’s, I still spend my time ‘off’ at their bar, so you know it’s the real deal.
Baby Jane
If I don’t nightcap at Baby Jane on any given Friday or Saturday, something is terribly wrong so please call the authorities. Baby Jane is the quintessential neighborhood bar where you’ll feel right at home while drinking and dancing ‘til the wee hours of the morning. Plus, they have a delish menu with Asian bites in case you don’t want to stick to a liquid diet.
Better Days
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Baby Jane you’ll find Better Days—so needless to say, it’s in my rotation. It’s casual, it’s fun, and it gives off major house party vibes. It’s the perfect place to close out your night long after you should’ve probably already called it.
So next time you’re looking to caffeinate, eat, drink, sweat and then do it all over again…don’t sleep on Brickell.
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