Wynwood is our favorite neighborhood in Miami. What used to be a run down, abandoned and crime ridden area was revived by local artists who began covering the walls with colorful and vibrant artwork. As it grew in popularity, it quickly became a hipster mecca. Now the streets are filled with high end, eclectic shops, art galleries and restaurants. Even though it lost its origins, it’s still one of the favorite areas for locals. Anything goes in Wynwood: when you go inside a bar, you will find people from all walks of life. Wynwood is friendly to everyone – and we would argue that you will find a cooler scene here than in South Beach.

Some artists are commissioned to paint, others do their work in clandestine. Never boring and always changing, we find ourselves sometimes just driving around the neighborhood to check out new artwork that popped up overnight. Given how open and accepting Wynwood is, its hipster flair and all of the great restaurants, bars and of course, artwork, it’s no wonder that this is a regular spot for us.

Wynwood Walls – Fun for the whole family. An outdoor art gallery. This is on the main street of Wynwood (NW 2nd). There will be plenty of art to see just walking around but this is a great collection from artists around the world and worth the stop. Free! http://www.thewynwoodwalls.com/walls

R House Wynwood Drag Brunch – Saturdays and Sundays with shows at 11:30am, 2:30pm or 6pm. Fills up quickly so definitely make a reservation in advance. So fun! https://www.rhousewynwood.com/

Coyo Taco – Obama ate here (and when he did everyone in Wynwood lost their minds)! That’s not why we love it but it adds to the many reasons lol. Open late and always busy, this place is a casual spot with Mexican street tacos, elote, margaritas, beer and Mexican sodas. In the back of the restaurant is a door that appears to lead to the kitchen. It’s actually a secret door to a bar/club that opens at night. Favorites: Cochinita pibil tacos and chicken salad. http://coyo-taco.com/

Balkan – Pretty much the entire staff knows us here as we frequent this place at least once a week! Also a Mexican restaurant but higher end, Balkan serves elevated Mexican food and cocktails with a gorgeous outdoor patio facing the main street. We love the food, drinks and atmosphere and recommend staying with some of the smaller plates like the appetizers and tacos rather than the main entrees that are more expensive. Favorites: Queso fundido with poblanos, aguachile con camarones, cochinita pibil tacos. https://www.bakanwynwood.com/

 KYU – Expensive but really good. This place is always packed and virtually impossible to get in without reservations. Try to make them well in advance if you want to go. Otherwise, we suggest going in for Happy Hour and finding a seat at the bar to enjoy their delicious cocktails and take advantage of the reduced pricing. Favorites: Korean fried chicken (from happy hour menu). From the main menu, I love the wagyu beef brisket (seriously, so good) and the soft shell crab steamed buns. For cocktails we love The Wynwood Mule, the Spicy Shiso Sour and the Duck Duck Jus. https://www.kyurestaurants.com/

Words from the wise……stay off Ocean Drive for food and drinks! Anyone who has ever been a first-time visitor to South Beach makes the classic mistake of ordering the giant margarita with a Corona inside. Each drink is $50, and it’s not that good! Ocean Drive is mostly tourists it’s super fun to people watch, but you will overspend for mediocre food. If you go one block west, to Collins Avenue or Washington Avenue, you will find more unique spots that are much less expensive. Also, remember t0 check your bill because gratuity is almost always included in South Beach. The beautiful beaches, glamorous scenery and Art Deco (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco) architecture give South Beach all of its charm and one of the reasons we chose to party with our guests here.

 In addition to the beach itself, take a stroll down Española Way and Lincoln Road. Both have tons of outdoor dining options. Lincoln Road is much larger, full of shops, while Española Way is much more quaint and charming. Although touristy, they are both a lot of fun.

Tapas y tintas

Spanish tapas and live Flamenco performances. Española Way. https://www.tapasytintos.com/

Havana 1957

Cuban food. Ropa vieja and lechon are favorites. Española Way or Lincoln Road – both have locations. https://www.havana1957.com/

CLEO

Mediterranean, pricey but really good. https://www.sbe.com/restaurants/locations/cleo-south-beach/

Bodega

Mexican tacos, inexpensive, club in the back. https://www.bodegataqueria.com/

Moshi Moshi

Late-night sushi spot. Inexpensive and good. There are 3 locations: one in South Beach (our fave), MIMO and Brickell. https://www.moshimoshi.us/locations