The best places in Little River to eat, shop, and drink

If you’re looking to up the swag daddy odometer on your wardrobe, consider a visit to Reserved. The upscale thrift store is stocked with interesting finds—concert tees, military jackets, vintage Hurricanes gear—and heaps of classic Levis in every shape imaginable. The space also functions as a listening bar, complete with red leather couches and a sizable vinyl collection. Serious thrifters and “I’m just here for fun” people can easily hang here all afternoon.

Time Out tip: Reserve has online inventory for last-minute outfit needs. Call to confirm the item is in stock, purchase it online, and pick up your goods from the store the same day.

What started as a pandemic pop-up has blossomed into one of Miami’s most exciting restaurants. Of course, I’m talking about Sunny’s. Practically every food critic is talking about Sunny’s, too, and with good reason. Executive Chef Aaron Brooks has crafted a masterpiece menu of elevated steakhouse classics, accented by crudos and ultra-delicious pastas that stand on their own. Even the bread basket is worthy of praise (the Parker House Rolls should be studied for their addictive properties). Sunny’s golden-hued dining room and tableside martinis make even the simplest orders feel special. This is a place to celebrate with friends, woo your out-of-town relatives, or treat yourself to a solo date without the tear-inducing price tag. 

Time Out tip: Reservations are tough to snag, but the terrace and bar room are available on a first-come, first-served basis (the terrace has a limited menu, while the bar room offers a full selection). Casual diners can hang out at the outdoor bar for happy hour, served from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.

If you, like me, occasionally miscount your pushups because you are lazy, Legacy Fit has a solution: Partner Interval Training. Here’s how it works. Members pair up with a partner around the same fitness level. After a warmup, partners rotate through 20 interval stations—like rowing machines or battle ropes—taking turns to perform each exercise. While one person moves, the other person motivates (and keeps an accurate count on those pushups). Besides the mind-body benefits of strength and cardio training, Legacy’s program is great for meeting new people. Pro athletes, new moms, and silver-haired seniors are all regulars here. Even more to love, the Little River gym serves as the brand headquarters. It’s a far cry from Legacy’s humble warehouse beginnings; this place is state-of-the-art, stacked with brand-new equipment and massage therapists on speed dial. 

Time Out tip: Newcomers can book a free trial class at any Legacy location, including their Little River headquarters.

There’s something for everyone at The Citadel. Part food hall, part marketplace, this mixed-use building is home to some exceptional food and drink concepts selling everything from pizza to pho, to Cali-style breakfast burritos. Chart your own food crawl with burgers from USBS, small-batch ice cream from Sweet Melody and Caribbean conch fritters by Manjay. Soak up city views from the Key West-inspired rooftop, then hop down the rabbit hole of Sir Thrifty, a psychedelic gold mine of vintage comic books, action figures, letterman jackets and other nostalgic finds. 

Time Out tip: Stop by for stellar happy hour deals, every day from 4pm to 7pm. We’re talkin’ $8 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beer, and light bites from Citadel vendors.

Mids Market is a haven for all things thrift and vintage. We’re talking designer labels, Gameboy consoles, records and so much more. Owners Ryan and Evelyn Frankel draw from their experience with vintage wholesale to curate Mids’ selection, using sales data and trend insights to stock the best selection of what’s hot and what’s to come. Vintage is typically priced $15 to $100, though most items are $35 or less. (Thrift bins start at just $6 per item!) Across this spacious storefront, you’ll also find a Hi-Fi sound system, arcade games, an apothecary, museum-style exhibits and a “rework station” to cut, sew and bedazzle your secondhand finds. 

Time Out tip:  Mids’ swap program offers in-store credit for gently worn clothing aligned with their most popular styles, like Y2K ensembles, pro sports jerseys, and vintage designer goods. 

This floral design studio is an OG Little River staple. Miami-founded and women-led, Rose Coloured crafts whimsical, garden-style bouquets available for pre-order and same-day pickup. They also sell a curated selection of gifts and goodies like dried floral artworks, cheeky birthday cards, candles and more. We love their DIY stem bar, where you can pick and choose various stems from $3 and up to create a budget-friendly bouquet.

Time Out tip: Pop over in the morning and order your bouquet in person to view their inventory and choose your favorite vase. 

Vietnamese food is a family matter at Tran An, a cozy design-forward restaurant with retro flair. Chef Jon Nguyen named Tran An after his grandfather. The menu is served in an old-school photo album, complete with 4x6 prints of Chef Jon’s childhood. Even the animal busts nod to the family’s Chinese zodiac signs. The same thoughtfulness applies to Tran An’s kitchen, where "Uncle Jon" experiments with family recipes and Vietnamese comforts like Hanoi-style bún chả, chicken slaw, bánh mì with maggi butter and strawberry Vietnamese coffee. Stop by for grab-and-go lunch specials or pull up a chair to chat with Tran An’s friendly chefs. When you’re here, you’re part of Uncle Jon’s family.

Time Out tip: Order take-out on the spot from Tran An’s counter, or snack on $5 happy hour specials Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6pm.

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Since 2021, Off Site has stood as a beloved nano-brewery with some of the best sandwiches and glizzy dogs in town. Now, a changing of the guards will bring the Little River hangout under new ownership—but not all hope is lost. In fact, we’re pretty excited. Miami-born brewer and former Off Site employee Theo Castillo is taking the reins this fall with plans to expand production under his own local beer brand, No Seasons. A grand reopening as No Seasons x Off Site will maintain favorites from Off Site’s kitchen and introduce Castillo’s Florida-fied beers like the Nisi Nector, a tropical Sour Ale with passionfruit and guava. Booth seating, Dolphins game specials, and local collabs are also brewing for fall.

Time Out tip: Pair the smoked pastrami reuben with No Seasons’ Guava Waves wheat beer for a luscious, tangy flavor bomb.

ZeyZey looks like it could be a friend’s bohemian bungalow—if your friend had their own natural wine gazebo, custom sound system and vinyl listening room, shipping container cocktail bar and mainstage for live performances. The 15,000 square-foot music venue hosts community-driven programming and outdoor performances on the weekends, vinyl DJs and electronic dance parties inside, plus monthly residencies featuring Miami mainstays and DJ collectives from around the world.

Time Out tip: Many of the events are ticketed, and you can get discounted entry if you purchase your tickets in advance. Check their website for the weekly lineup.

Hidden on The Citadel’s mezzanine floor, Bar Kaiju is dedicated to the weirdly wonderful world of kaiju, a Japanese term for “strange beasts.” Where most bars conjure up a drink and name it afterward, Bar Kaiju begins with a legendary creature, and builds the cocktail based on the culture, geography and physicality of that kaiju, all with ingredients and flavors commonly found in the kaiju’s native land. Pull up a seat at the bar and chat with Kaiju’s mixologists for even more brilliant discoveries—you’ll quickly learn why it’s ranked among North America’s 50 Best Bars.

Time Out tip: Take home a monster memento with Bar Kaiju’s fully playable trading cards; the holographic illustrations are works of art. 

If the words “pithy” and “mouthfeel” mean anything to you, Bar Bucce is your place. If the words “mortadella” and “margherita” mean anything to you, Bar Bucce is also your place. Macchialina’s team opened this Little River gem in May, beckoning pizza fanatics with creations like Shrimp Pie (rock shrimp, sweet onion, stracciatella) and more familiar favorites, such as meatballs, charcuterie, and eggplant sott’olio. Decorated sommelier and MICHELIN award winner, Jacqueline Pirolo, complements the menu with low-intervention wines and rare vermouths available for purchase at the Bar Bucce market, along with Italian sweets, magnum Champagne bottles, and chic artisan goods perfect for gifting. Curious tastebuds should pair their ‘zas with Japanese sake (“It’s a thing,” Jacqueline tells us). Order at the counter and kick back with friends, sip amaro cocktails at the indoor bar, or pick up some ready-made pasta for an epic dinner party at home. 

Time Out tip: Bar Bucce is a chill place to work during the day (no scorn for laptops here). They also serve sandwiches and pizza by the slice, exclusively during lunch hours. 

If you love vintage furniture, run—don’t walk—to Casa de Barcelona. This Little River showroom is bursting with inspiration in forms of rattan nightstands, travertine desks, and curved sofa beds that look straight out of a Miami Vice set. Helmed by a husband-and-wife duo, Casa de Barcelona often reupholsters its vintage finds, breathing new life into well-worn items. They also curate artworks and chic home goods such as bar carts and floor lamps. 

Time Out tip: In-person shopping is by appointment only, but savvy internet sleuths can jump on a sale via Casa de Barcelona’s Instagram.

éliou is a technicolor treasure trove of handmade jewelry, crochet dresses, and other playful designs dreamed up by two local creatives, Cristy Mantilla and Duda Teixeira. The brand’s Little River boutique doubles as a production space, where a team of women artisans pieces together one-of-a-kind creations and genderless fashions made with natural materials. Think freshwater pearl earrings, glass-bead necklaces and upcycled denim from deadstock fabric. If éliou’s celebrity fans are any indication, this Miami brand is one to watch. 

Time Out tip: Éliou offers same-day pickup for online orders, perfect for gifts and last-minute outfits.

Magie is a charming wine bar with a European sensibility. Rather than dedicated table service, Magie has a walk-up counter, similar to what might be found in Spain or Portugal (though rest assured, Magie’s team is standing by to share wine recs, clean up tables, and generally maintain pleasantries.) The indoor lounge is lined with mismatched furniture and funky artworks that lead to a fridge full of natural wines, craft ciders and various meats and cheeses for DIY charcuterie boards. They also have a small kitchen that churns out elevated bar snacks like escargot and olive tapenade, and various F&B collabs with the likes of Lazy Oyster, Wolf of Tacos and other local favorites. 

Time Out tip: Magie hosts fun community events and local collabs each month, posted in advance on their Instagram. Recent happenings include a singles matchmaking night, a leather-clad motorcycle meetup, and $35 bottomless wine specials.

Think of Primary as a local arts collective with a dash of punk rock attitude. At their Little River gallery, industrial interiors are framed by exposed beams and cement block walls, a perfect match for Primary’s curatorial vision to showcase contemporary artists with, as co-owner Books Bischof puts it, “a fringe narrative and almost-bootleg energy.” In addition to rotating exhibitions, the gallery has an outdoor sculpture garden and a summer residency program for local artists. Outside of the Little River space, Primary has led dozens of public art installations across Wynwood, the Design District and the new Miami World Center in downtown. 

Time Out tip: Curator-led tours are available by appointment, so definitely reach out.

Skn Elements is a boutique medspa that focuses on clinical skincare and barely-there cosmetic treatments. Along with microneedling and customized facials, they offer LED light therapy, laser hair removal, lash lifts, brow lamination, non-surgical body contouring and much more. “Accessible skin wellness” is the motto here; as such, Skn Elements has affordable monthly memberships to prolong your results. Their first-tier Silver Membership ($89 per month) includes one standard facial, and a tailored “tune-up” based on your specific skin needs. 

Time Out tip: Try to Glo2Facial, a popular three-step facial that combines oxygenation, ultrasound therapy, and lymphatic drainage for toned, glowy skin with zero downtime.

Founded by an award-winning tea mixologist, Admari is a modern tea studio with cozy living room vibes intentionally designed to welcome tea lovers and newcomers alike. Along with classic blends like Earl Grey and matcha, Admari sources rare artisanal teas and premium loose-leaf blends directly from farms all over the world, from Japan to Taiwan, to Colombia and Vietnam. Founder Adrienne Etkin personally visits her purveyors to learn the culture and cultivation of each specialty tea sold in her Little River shop. She later shares this knowledge at Admari’s CommuniTEA events, where locals mix and mingle over deep-steamed delights. 

Time Out tip: Check out Admari’s monthly writing workshops for some literary inspiration served with sensational tea.

There’s only one assignment at Homework Gallery: approach with an open mind. The once-nomadic art collective has officially set up shop in Little River, using its blank industrial space as a canvas for contemporary works by Miami-based artists. Exhibitions range from photography to painted collage, to ceramics by Homework’s latest artist-in-residence, Brigette Hoffman. 

Time Out tip: Exhibiting artists often lead art-making classes inspired by their practice. Visit Homework’s Instagram to RSVP and learn more.

There are several excellent reasons to visit San Lorenzo: the scrumptious seafood linguine, the relaxing water views and the parade of handsome servers dressed in tailored suits. But above all else, it’s the service that will charm you time and again. Italian hospitality is an art form at San Lorenzo, the latest no-menu concept from 84 Magic (the same folks behind Cotoletta and 3190 in Coconut Grove). In place of a formal menu, patrons are asked one question: carne o pesce? From there, a $140 prix-fixe experience unfolds, featuring plates of antipasti, followed by one giant entrée (your choice of meat or seafood), all designed to be shared with a special someone. Choose a seat outside for a chance of dolphin sightings, or cozy up indoors with a boho-Art Deco aesthetic that’s worthy of a Pinterest board. 

Time Out tip: The river views are delightful, but the real photo moment is on your way to the bathrooms. 

Motorcycles and coffee may seem an odd couple; Imperial Moto is proof that opposites attract. Housed in an old mechanic shop, this Little River cafe is big on responsibly grown beans and vintage motorcycles, as evidenced by the bad-ass bikes on display. Imperial Moto works closely with sustainable farms throughout Colombia and Brazil to ensure top-quality lattes, cold brews and other espresso-fueled favorites, all roasted in-house. Bikers can also shop Imperial’s branded line of helmets, gloves, and signature hats. And if that weren’t enough, Imperial Moto will soon serve wine and craft beer, expanding their cafe into a vibey evening lounge.

Time Out tip: Can’t make it to Little River? Follow Imperial Moto’s Instagram to catch their mobile food truck serving limited-edition bites like the turkey smashburger.

Walking through Plant The Future feels a bit like Alice in Wonderland. There’s a maze of mossy sculptures, mind-bending murals, and a life-sized gorilla with a mohawk made of grass. Indeed, the Mad Hatter would feel quite at home in this surreal garden. It’s all by design of Paloma Teppa, creative director for Plant The Future. Having been commissioned for projects around the world, Miami-based Teppa found a permanent home for her biophilic art and design studio in Little River, on the site of a 1960s gas station. Today, it’s a lush little sanctuary with an indoor gallery space and a café with outdoor seating, embracing the ethos of biophilia: that interacting with nature is the key to a happy, fulfilling life.  

Time Out tip: Shoppers can customize their very own displays with a range of cacti and succulents. Pick your favorites and the studio will arrange them on the spot to take home that same day. 

The sheer number of gyms in Miami indicates a city that is health-obsessed. And yet, our options for vegan and vegetarian dining are surprisingly slim. Enter: The Plantisserie, an organic plant-based deli and market that serves homemade creations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Think miso-glazed eggplant, pumpkin ravioli, acai bowls, and even chocolate desserts, typically priced by the pound. While not a traditional restaurant, the walk-up counter service and cafe seating invite guests to relax and enjoy their meals unhurriedly. Long wooden tables are great for dining with friends or sneaking in some emails during lunch hour. Shop the market for ready-made meals, pick up a can of mushroom-infused mate, or start your morning with coffee and creative empanadas. 

Time Out tip: Planning a dinner party? Shop the market for organic wines and blocks of vegan cheese that’d fool even your lactose-loving friends. 

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Long before sustainable fashion was on-trend, Carolina Kleinman was weaving her way through Mexico, meeting with local artisans and learning ancestral techniques passed down through generations. Fast forward 20 years, and the Argentine designer continues to work with small artisan cooperatives around the world, co-creating whimsical designs with Latin American soul. Visit her Little River studio for seasonal dresses, silky floral kaftans, palm tree-patterned bathing suits, and even hand-painted homeware. And an added bonus: Carolina K contributes 5% of every purchase to a non-profit partner, including Lotus House in Miami.

Time Out tip: The brand typically hosts bi-annual sales in Miami; get first dibs by subscribing to their newsletter. You can also shop past collections at a bargain price via Carolina K’s official website.

Families love it. Foodies love it. Even pizza experts love it. La Natural is proof that delicious wood-fire pizza brings people together, even in the unlikeliest of places. Javier Ramirez and Andreina Matos opened their Little River restaurant in 2020. Since then, they’ve amassed a baby cult following for their Neopolitan pies. Fanfare begins with a naturally-leavened dough fermented for 48 hours to achieve peak flavor and puff. Toppings span the classics (burrata, garlic confit) and the curious (prosciutto speck) while rotating plates explore what’s in season with local produce. They’ve got a phenomenal list of low-intervention wines, an aesthetically dreamy interior, and a roll-up garage door that opens to create a breezy indoor-outdoor vibe. Need we say more?!

Time Out tip: If you love creative mash-ups, keep an eye out for the Sunday Supper Series, a cross-country dinner collab hosted by La Natural. Recent guests include Herb Saint from New Orleans and Brooklyn’s Los Pinguinos. Get first dibs on tickets through La Natural’s newsletter.