where to eat and drink during art basel
art basel in south beach will have you and your crew searching for more than just the hottest new artist.
Published Dec 2, 2015 9:00 AM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Lovebirds, head to…
Casa Tua
1700 James Avenue
The ivy covered restaurant and hotel, parallel to the sparkly water and white sand (South Beach prime), boasts delicious Italian fare (don’t leave without ordering the carbonara) in a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Get cozy under the twinkling lights in the garden and cheers with a glass of bubbly. Rolling deep? No problem. Casa Tua is equally accommodating towards large parties (round tables!) and private dining.
If you want a little New York meets Miami…
Beachcraft
1 Hotel South Beach 2395 Collins Avenue
The farm-to-table Miami love child of Tom Colicchio combines South Beach chic with a touch of Hampton’s sophistication. Food and service are stellar, as is the view of the open kitchen. Must-orders include house made focaccia & olive butter and veal & ricotta meatballs. The expansive and exclusive bars upstairs will be a VIP hangout as 1 Hotel South Beach is the little sister to hot spot W Hotel next door.
Hang with the movers and shakers…
The Broken Shaker
Who knew a hostel could be so trendy? Reminiscent of Montauk’s Ruschmeyer’s and Surf Lodge, Freehand Miami is home of the laid back “shaker” bar complete with pool, lounge chairs and a revolving door of Miami up-and-comers. Daily specials include one cocktail and punch per day, but honestly, any drink will do. Full disclosure, this feels more like Brooklyn than South Beach.
The trendiest (and newest) place to stay…
The Hall South Beach
A 1940’s Art Deco (aren’t they all?) classic that was recently transformed into the newest Boho South Beach boutique hotel, boasts amenities such as an Olympic sized pool, it’s Campton Yard (a “come as your are” backyard hangout) and Sunny’s, Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn’s first Miami outpost. A post-Basel party hangover cure? Sunny’s South Beach Acai Bowl (to go).
If you’re craving something a little more country…
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Take a break from ceviche and caipirinhas. Notably one of Miami’s most important restaurants for changing the trajectory of the town’s foodie scene, Yardbird undoubtedly makes Florida “southern.” Easily some of the country’s best southern food. Indulge in the salty-sweet Yardbird classic, Chicken ‘N’ Watermelon ‘N’ Waffles while sipping on bourbon.
If you dig the (new) hotel scene…
Shelborne Wyndham Grand 1801 Collins Avenue
The renovated Shelborne is the newest of the large hotels on Collins Ave. And while we patiently wait for the highly anticipated Sarsaparilla Club to open this spring with former Yardbird and NYC Root & Bone chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, it’s Oasis Bar & Grill offers beach front dining, fire pits, and sexy cocktails for after art show hopping.
Looking to get local…
300 Alton Road
Monty’s Sunset is what one would expect; a local dive bar with little frills, salty locals… and killer sunsets. Daily happy hour specials make your wallet smile after typical South Beach price gouges.
Want to get weird late night…
1220 16th Street
Mexican street food served out of an airstream taco truck is some of Miami’s best Mexican. Spice up your night and enter the blue porta potty door for a late night scene full of tequila and guacamole.
The best drink in Little Havana…
1513 SW 8th St
Get off the beaten path and try this “once old is new again” Little Havana hotspot from 1930. Cocktails that conjure a past time and live Cuban music get you working off all the food you just ate.