MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT
& Other Esoteric Affairs
by Casey Gillespie
Coconut Grove is boring, Coral Gables is a hike and South Beach is packed—what's a hipster to do? Well, if you promise not to tell—we want to keep this one to ourselves—then head across the causeway to a bohemian little enclave known as the Miami Design District.
Covering a mere 18-square blocks—Northeast 36th to 41st street between North Miami and Northeast Second avenues—this unique and pedestrian-friendly community is just north of downtown Miami, less than ten minutes from South Beach and is rapidly becoming all the rage with artists, interior designers and fashion mavens alike.
And, just so you won't look like a tourist lost in the shuffle, here's our friendly guide to show you the way...
FEET, GET MOVIN'
SOHO LOUNGE
This is where the people you actually want to hang out with go. This place boasts local, regional and national bookings of art exhibits, punk, indie and garage bands. Saturdays are '80s night! They have the best '80s movies showing and your favorite video games inside the club. There are three separate rooms, each devoted to different tastes. Every night there is at least one room where DJ Alberto Moreno spins salsa, merengue and bachata. It's like college with a cooler crowd: Ladies 18+ get in free before midnight $6 and men 21+ there's a $10 cover.
Why: Four important words: There's-no-dress-code. T-shirts and jeans are the standard uniform and the doorman only turns you away if you're under 18 or acting like a punk.
When: Daily from 10pm - 5am
Where: 175 NE 36th Street, 305.576.1988
I/O LOUNGE
One of the best underground music venues around. Probably best known for their über-hip party Poplife, which happens each and every Saturday night. Different DJs spin in the bar room, live room and in the garden lounge so there's something for everyone (hence the crowd). On Thursdays, the Spam Allstars spin an eclectic mix of music just begging you to come out and dance. There are also rumors of tentative plans to add a soul-food party on Tuesdays and a jazz brunch on Sundays. Another reason why we love this place? The lax dress code: Wear jeans and get in anyway! Definitely frequent their web site for info on upcoming shows.
Why: Because indie rock takes you back to your college days, and all your "club wear" is at the dry cleaners.
When: Right now just Thursday to Sunday 10pm until you stumble out. Sometimes they open earlier depending on the show.
Where: 30 NE 14th Street, 305.358.8007
DISTRICT
Formerly Piccadilly Garden, this restaurant/bar/lounge has undergone a $750,000 renovation. Cool stuff includes a glass bar that changes colors, a glass ceiling with running water inside of it, artwork by Royi Akavia, gleaming white couches, ottomans, dark wooden tables and an outdoor water fountain bordered by palm trees and decorated with colored titles. Ultimately, it an intimate eatery/hangout place perfect for conversations and, well, high-priced drinks. Cuisine is considered, interestingly enough, New American. And unlike its neighbor Grass, there's no velvet rope to maneuver.
Why: Because you're never too cool to hang out with good friends, engage in good conversation and get stinkin'-ass drunk.
When: Monday - Saturday
11:30am - 4 pm (lunch)
6pm - 4am (dinner and late-night fun)
Sunday 11am - 3:30 (brunch)
Where: 35 NE 40th Street, 305.576.7242
EAT
GRASS RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
An al fresco Asian-fusion restaurant that turns into a lounge after the kitchen closes. Indoors: plenty of dinner seating; Outdoors: chickee huts and DJs spin loungy house music. They offer a tasty menu filled with ceviche, an array of fish dishes, bamboo sake steamed izumi dai, pan roasted Andes rainbow trout and a tempting Thai seafood fricassee. Once the last plate is served and the tables are cleared, that's when the real fun begins. After midnight, this place turns into a scene and a half you'll be lucky to find a space at the bar. But remember, wear your Vogue finest and bring a supermodel or you're not getting in. Why: Finally, a place off of South Beach that will leave you and your friends waiting on the wrong side of the velvet robe all night long.
Why: Because it's cool.
When: Wednesday - Saturday 7:30pm until the music stops.
Where: 28 N.E. 40th Street, 305.573.3355
ONE NINETY
A neighborhood bistro with a bohemian and casual ambiance featuring work from local artists and live music that will make you get up and dance your pants off. The eclectic (think tapas and endive salads) and very reasonably priced (Seared foie gras for a mere nine bucks?) menu more than makes up for the fact that they only serve beer and wine. Saturday nights this little diamond in the rough becomes "Cuba Nocturna" from 11 p.m. until the wee hours of the morning, and if you miss the all-afternoon Sunday brunch you'll be kicking yourself in the pants all week long.
Why: Because a good crowd never goes out of style.
When: Tuesday - Thursday 6pm - 11pm;
Friday and Saturday 6pm - midnight;
Sunday brunch 11 am - 5pm
Where: 190 NE 46 Street, 305.576.9779
FOOD CAFÉ
Offering both cozy indoor and breezy courtyard dining this charming little eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Venezuelan native and a Telemundo Network celebrity chef Lorena Garcia has garnered an established local following. Situated among several art galleries, decor showrooms and photography studios it's the perfect venue for grabbing a cup of coffee and four-layer chocolate cake with friends, or indulging yourself on chicken pallard, sesame seared sashimi tuna, Maine lobster risotto or cilantro lime charred churrasco. And all at the price of a neighborhood hangout to boot.
Why: Great food even your bank account will approve of.
When: Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm;
Tuesday Saturday 6pm - 10pm
Where: 130 NE 40th Street, 305.573.0444
SOYKA
Yet another venture from Mark Soyka, the man who brought you South Beach's News Café and the Van Dyke Café. Outfitted in a trendy nouveau-industrial style with stressed concrete walls and a high-beamed ceiling softened by polished terrazzo floors and lots of plush booths and a tiny, outside garden for those who want a little sunshine with their meals. Open for both lunch and dinner, the focus of the menu is comfort food, but they also offer salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, marinated skirt steak, half a roasted chicken and sesame seared salmon. At the bar they shake one of the meanest martinis around, and they attract the artsy high-profile clientele that we have come to expect.
Why: Really, how many times can you fight the spring break crowd on Ocean Drive before going completely postal?
When: Sunday-Thursday11am - 11pm;
Friday and Saturday11am - midnight
Where: 582 NE 4TH Court, 305.759.3117
CANE A SUCRE
Here we've found a quaint little French bakery offering the best almond croissants and brioche this side of the Atlantic Ocean. A French bakery that can hold its own in a predominately Latin-infused neighborhood deserves a shout out, don't you think?
Why: Because sometimes a café con leche just won't do.
When: Monday- Friday 7am - 6pm;
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Where: 3535 NE Second Avenue, 305.572.0111
DOGMA GRILL
In the midst of the urban chaos known as Biscayne Boulevard, a great outdoor dining experience is thriving. These hot dogs are served up in an array of unbelievable combinations, from the health-conscious Athens (cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese) to the self-indulgent Pomodoro (caked in bruschetta and feta cheese). They offer many different sausage varieties ranging from traditional franks to Polish sausages and even veggie dogs. Try getting that at Burger King.
Why: Because hot dogs are en vogue again.
When: 11am - 7pm daily
Where: 7030 Biscayne Boulevard, 305.759.3433
ANDIAMO
A storefront pizzeria connected to a car wash! Think brick ovens and gourmet toppings like roasted eggplant, broccoli rabe, kalamata olives, and truffle oil. Order by the slice or bring the family and get a whole pie. So good you'll want them to wash your car twice.
Why: Because pizza & carwash fit together almost as well as peanut butter & jelly.
When: Monday - Thursday 11am - 11pm;
Friday - Sunday 11am - Midnight
Where: 5600 Biscayne Boulevard, 305.762.5751
CITRONELLE
Coined as Haitian nouvelle cuisine this minimalist, 40-seat room with gray a industrial-style ceiling and blood-red walls is the newest eatery to see and be seen at. Expect to pay South Beach prices on a dinner for two, but the best time to drop in is for Sunday brunch - the more pretentious crowd doesn't dare to cross the causeway on the weekends.
Why: Haitian food is so trendy no one has a clue yet.
When: Tuesday - Thursday 6pm - 10pm;
Sunday 6pm - 10pm;
Friday and Satday 6pm - 11:30pm.
Closed Mondays.
Where: 7300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305.757.2555
BUY
BAGUA
Located in Buena Vista East (a.k.a. "uhh...over there east of the Design District"), this cool little boutique specializes in feng shui products. A must-have from this place is Tom Batchelder's hand-made candles (seen on tabletops at Café Sambal in the Mandarin Oriental and One Ninety).
Why: Because more feng shui will make your life immeasurably better.
When: Wednesday and Thursday 12pm - 6pm;
Friday and Saturday 12pm - 9pm;
Sunday 12pm - 5pm;
Monday and Tuesday by appointment only.
Where: 4600 NE Second Avenue, 305.573.9292
BOUQUET
A unique and intimate European-style wine bar and café boasting an exotic market. They specialize in wines (of course), yummy Segfredo coffee, fresh flowers, imported cheeses, scrumptious desserts, artisan chocolates, aromatherapy candles and flower waters. Prices are very reasonable and it's the perfect place for a glass of wine or an after-dinner coffee and dessert. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating (you have to check out the koi pond). This is a great place to pick up hostess gift for a dinner party or simply to treat yourself.
Why: Because you have to hang somewhere, and Starbucks went out with tight-rolled, acid-washed jeans.
When: Sunday - Wednesday 7:30am - 7pm;
Thursday - Saturday 11am - 7
Where: 5580 NE 4th Court, 305.754.6700
SHOPPIE SECONDS
Everything from vintage concert tees to barely-used mod furniture at basement bargain prices. Leave your smelling salts at home there will be no need to resuscitate anyone from sticker shock - they really do have cash and carry prices. Bonus points: Mention their web site and get an additional 10% off.
Why: Because no matter how you package it, "Retro" is just another name for "used" and these guys know it.
When: Monday - Friday 12pm - 7pm;
Saturday 1pm - 6pm;
Closed Sundays.
Where: 2344 NE Second Avenue, 305.573.1755
HIHO BATIK
A wide variety of hand-painted, hand-dyed one-of-a-kind clothing. "Batik" is actually an ancient art form that uses wax and dyes to create an image. They offer custom made items, just ask!
Why: So you'll never show-up at a party wearing the same outfit as someone else again (isn't that reason enough?).
When: Monday- Saturday 11am - 6pm;
Closed on Sundays.
Where: 6909 Biscayne Boulevard, 305.754.8890
THE DOO
PRIMAL HAIR STUDIO/ DIVINE TRASH
The coolest bi-level shopping/salon experience known to man. On the ground level, Divine Trash offers an eclectic array of items from velvet couches to vintage gowns and jewelry. Upstairs is a full service salon, Primal Hair, with none of the attitude you're used to from such an establishment. Added coolness factor: All the artwork on the walls is for sale, so if you see something you like while you're processing you can take it home with you. Ask about the handmade jewelry they sell as well.
Why: Maybe bangs weren't such a good idea, huh?
When: Open 7 days, call for an appointment.
Where: 7242 and 7244 Biscayne Boulevard;
Primal Hair Studio: 305.759.1181;
Divine Trash: 305.751.1973
DRAGON LOFT
A very Zen-like fitness center offering both private and group classes in pilates, yoga, kung fu, mystic dance, mountain dragon kung fu and mountain dragon kung fu for kids. They also offer alternative healing methods such as the Swedish and the deep tissue massage, as well as traditional eastern massages like tui na, shiatsu, reflexology and Chinese wudan. Now where else (besides China) are you going to find all that? Visit their web site regularly for special offers, holistic news and workshops.
Why: Oh come-on, why not?...YOU'RE IN MIAMI.
When: Open seven days a week (check web site for class schedules)
Where: 7300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305.758.2501
posted by 4RentinBeach.com @ 7:43 AM
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