This new restaurant in South Miami is serving top-notch Texas-style craft barbecue

Miami’s barbecue scene is heating up. La Traila Barbecue, the beloved, buzzy pandemic pop-up, is officially back on April 15, this time with a bigger footprint, a broader menu and a Tex-Mex edge.

Led by Austin-born pitmaster Mel Rodriguez, La Traila first gained a cult following in 2020 with its no-frills, first-come, first-served approach. A year later, La Traila had its first brick-and-mortar location and earned back-to-back honors as Miami's Best BBQ. Now, Rodriguez will open the latest chapter at 5840 SW 71st St.

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“For me, this time it’s personal,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “It’s Texas metal, Miami energy, and every lesson I’ve learned on one plate. We’re not repeating–we’re raising the standard and pushing the boundaries of what barbecue means in a city that’s finally becoming a true culinary destination.”

The core will remain classic Texan, with slow-smoked brisket, house-made sausages and tender turkey breast, all cooked on massive on-site pits. But the new menu also weaves in Tex-Mex classics like smoked beef cheek barbacoa, Tejano churrasco skillets and brisket burnt ends queso fundido, as well as more mainstream fare like tacos and burgers.

One of the biggest additions is breakfast. For the first time, La Traila will serve Texas-style breakfast tacos daily. The soft flour tortillas piled with smoked meats, eggs, potatoes and housemade salsa will fill a gap in Miami’s morning food scene. Or, as Rodriguez put it, "Breakfast tacos the way Texas intended."

The 160-seat indoor-outdoor space mirrors the menu’s hybrid energy, blending Texas grit with Miami flair with picnic tables, an open kitchen and a full bar. And every weekend will see live music from a rotating lineup of bands.

La Traila officially opens April 15 and will serve food from 9am-10pm daily. For more information and reservations, click here.