Wynwood is the beating heart of Miami’s art scene, aka the city’s resident art student. The Wynwood Walls and neighborhood art galleries are guaranteed to spark inspiration for every level of art aficionado. Oddly enough, right now, Wynwood’s food scene is the real star of the show. Trade your spray cans for utensils because this foodie destination has everything from gourmet restaurants to inventive desserts and food trucks. Wynwood is home to many New York transplants (hello, Joe’s Pizza and Pastis). If you’re looking for a fun night out that will last until the next morning, Wynwood is the place to be. Whether you’re craving a sexy cocktail or a greasy smashburger, you’re spoiled for choice in Wynwood.
Eats
Otto & Pepe
Charming pasta bar with an all-star comfort food menu. While authenticity reigns supreme here, it’s still not your grandma’s pasta bar (and I can say this because I love all things having to do with grandmas, okay?). At Otto & Pepe, you’re sure to have a quirky, lovable, and delicious experience.
Doya
Contemporary Mediterranean food in a dreamy restaurant space and romantic outdoor courtyard. The plates are perfect for sharing and every bite tastes like it’s made with love.
Skinny Louie
The Smashburger that took Miami by storm. For many, Skinny Louie is the reigning Smashburger in the city, and if it’s not, it’s surely the most hyped. This lowkey burger joint is very good with its no-frills, greasy burger that satisfies the strongest of cravings.
Barcelona Wine Bar
A little slice of Spain in Wynwood. This casual tapas bar is very cozy, and the outdoor courtyard is one of the most romantic spots in the neighborhood. The menu is packed with classic and comforting tapas like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and tortillas, along with entrees like paellas of all kinds.
Pastis
Paris meets New York meets Miami. While Pastis is yet another Big Apple expat, this Parisian-style brasserie has nestled its way into the heart of Wynwood. God, it’s just good. This excellent, glamorous, yet unpretentious, French restaurant continually proves its icon status.
Uchi
Upscale, modern Japanese cuisine that’s perfect for a celebration meal or a sexy date night. Uchi is Wynwood’s resident cool girl. The food is delicious and incredibly fresh, but the impeccable service keeps you coming back. My tip: go for an early happy hour for $10 cocktails and hand rolls.
Maman
Goodbye Miami, hello South of France. Welcome to Wynwood’s chicest coffee shop. Perfectly curated in every way, this cafe can only be described as *darling*. Pastries, decadent drinks, cakes, croissants, and more, Maman serves up cafe classics with a decadent twist.
1-800-Lucky
A true Wynwood staple, 1-800-Lucky is constantly buzzing with energy. Take a walk through the market stalls of varying Asian cuisine and you’ll see why this casual eatery has kept Miamians obsessed since it opened. Ramen, sushi, bao buns, and so much more— you won’t leave hungry.
Bars & Cocktails
Dante’s HiFi
A dark, vinyl-filled listening room, Dante’s HiFi is one of my favorite spots for good music in Miami. This is an excellent option for when you don’t want to… how do I put this nicely… feel like you’re in Miami. When you walk into the moody interior and see the wall-to-wall records, you can’t help but want to order a semi-pretentious cocktail and demurely bop your head to the blaring music.
The Freehold
Reliable and consistently lively— The Freehold is a Wynwood classic for good reason. They usually have a live DJ playing and the indoor/ outdoor setup lends itself to a great party venue. I recommend going for happy hour when you’ll get half off cocktails (and order the pizza— it’s good stuff).
Higher Ground
Located on the third floor of the Arlo Hotel, Higher Ground is one of Wynwood’s few rooftop bars. It’s quintessentially Miami… think tropical vibes, palm trees, and good mojitos. Inventive cocktails and delicious bites make this *cute* date night spot even cuter.
Gramps
When you’re in the mood for a laidback cocktail, Gramps is the go-to. This casual dive bar can feel a bit “fratty” sometimes, but (but!!!!) with weekly events like karaoke and comedy shows, it still stands out amongst the competition.
The Sylvester
A Floridian 70s basement might not sound like the chicest of bars, but The Sylvester is creatively curated. This is a bar that has genuine quirk— the personality is strong and so are the cocktails. It’s the perfect place for a girl’s night out.
