Thirsty Guide To Brickell Miami: Where To Stay, Eat + Drink

Also known as the “Wall Street of the South”, this sleek and shiny Miami city neighborhood has become studded with towering banks and financial institutions working with many a bitcoin etf token over the recent years.  Brickell possesses the glitz and glamour and the dense urban feel of Manhattan, but the vibe is all Miami. 

Brickell is architecturally landmarked by the Brickell Avenue Bridge that spans the Miami River and the three-block-long Brickell City Centre complex with four levels of shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

The place to stay, the spectacularly stylish EAST Miami hotel, is interconnected with Brickell City Centre.  Visit here to experience -at a leisurely pace, Brickell’s sophisticated bar and restaurant scene. And, be prepared to be pampered.

Read on to learn more about the luxe treatment at EAST Miami and where to best indulge yourself with food and drink in Miami’s glitzy Brickell ‘hood.

EAT + DRINK

BARS 

SUGAR MIAMI

Set in a lush garden, Sugar Miami is an Asian-influenced restaurant and rooftop bar in the heart of Miami’s Brickell City Centre.  Located atop the 40th floor of the EAST, Miami Hotel, this cozy hotspot offers gorgeous panoramic views, exceptional signature cocktails, and delish small plates and sushi rolls.

We suggest you kick off the evening taking in the scene while sipping on one -or more,  these cocktails:

RIDE INTO THE SUNSET – a refreshing spritz stirred with Sevilla Orange Gin, Aperol, Citrus, Basil Syrup and Grapefruit Soda.

ALIVE IN THE NIGHT TIME – a beautiful and flavor-rich cocktail stirred with VSOP Cognac, Passionfruit, Vanilla Bean Syrup and Marigold.

TROPIC THUNDER – a boozy tropical mix of Anejo Rum, Amaro, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Peychauds and Jamaican Bitters.

Enjoy with spicy Bang Bang Shrimp and Boneless Korean Chicken Wings.

788 Brickell Plaza, (on the rooftop at EAST, Miami Hotel), Miami – Brickell City Centre; sugar-miami.com; @EASTMiami 

EST.33

The creator of Singha beer, the number one brewer in Thailand, have brought a new dining experience, EST. 33 Thai Craft Kitchen & Brewery, to Downtown Miami. Located on the fourth floor of Brickell City Centre (BCC), the restaurant and brewery has an expansive outdoor patio that overlooks the mall’s atrium and bar.

EST. 33 combines Asian flavors with the distinctive techniques of American barbecue. Plus, it has an onsite brewery that produces refreshing beers using time-honored Thai traditions, and is heavily influenced by Miami’s tropical flavor. Along with their signature pale ale, Singha, notable house craft brews include the 33 Pale Ale, Legend Lager and Aromatic Snowy -a summer wheat beer brewed with fresh orange peels and coriander seeds. All house brews are available on a four-beer flight.

Enjoy your brewskis with tasty Red Curry Crab Croquettes or Steamed Shrimp & Pork Dumplings. Do stay for dinner, and order the delish Pad Thai or Smoked Thai Spice Rubbed Beef Brisket, and, for dessert, the yummy Mango Coconut Sticky Rice.

701 S. Miami Avenue, Miami – Brickell City Centre; https://est33.us/ ; @est.33_miami

SEASPICE BRASSERIE & LOUNGE

Take a short ride to this elegant waterfront hotspot to take in spectacular views of the Miami River and downtown Miami skyline, while sipping on specialty crafted cocktails. We recommend:

STAYCATION SPRITZ -stirred with Ketel One Grapefruit Rose Vodka, Select Aperitivo, Montenegro Amaro, Rosemary and Q Club Soda.

SEASPICE GIN & TONIC -mixed with Tanqueray Gin, Apricot Turmeric Thyme Cordial, Lemon and Q Tonic.

YELLOW TAIL -shaken with Dobel Diamante Tequila, Passion Fruit, Spiced Agave and Lime.

As for apps, chill down with Strawberry Gazpacho – drizzled with Marcona almonds and aged balsamic; load up on protein with Hudson Valley Pan-Seared Foie Gras -on a steamed brioche, crowned with onion marmalade and caramelized apple; or indulge on Barbacoa-Grilled Oysters -topped with Pecorino Romano, garlic butter, and lemon, (1/2 dozen or 1 dozen).

If you’re feeling extravagant, order the Seaspice Carnival platter -a feast of two 2 lb. Maine lobsters, 12 jumbo shrimp, 24 oysters, king crab, tuna hamachi and salmon tartare, kanpachi ceviche -and 2 oz. Golden Osetra caviar.

412 NW North River Drive, Miami; https://www.seaspice.com/ ; @seaspicemia

TIP: Since you’re on the water, why not rent a yacht from Boatsetter.com -a boat-sharing app that connects qualified renters, boat owners, and licensed captains. Take out a 41′ cruiser for a river tour, or island hop for the weekend, with or without a licensed captain. Boat owners must be aware that having a boat lift is essential, and you can find one by clicking here.

https://www.boatsetter.com/ ; @boatsetter

FINE DINING 

QUINTO MIAMI

Find this authentic South American restaurant on the 5th floor of EAST Miami. Widely spaced tables and a neutral palate create a serene atmosphere inside, while the garden setting of Quinto’s outdoor dining space overlooks Brickell City Centre and the Miami skyline.

The house specialty is slow-cooking large cuts of beef and seafood over a wood-fired barbecue grill called a parrilla [pa-REE-ja]. This Argentinian grilling technique dates back to the days of the gauchos, which are South America’s version of cowboys.

Quinto’s has a large menu selection to consider, so we recommend a cocktail to accompany its study, such as these: 

ORANGE DUCHESS -a refreshing spritz made with Orange Peel Infused Sparkling Wine and Fresh Rosemary.

CHILI RITA -a spicy and potent mix of Tequila Reposado, Red Wine, Thai Chili, Lime Juice and Agave Syrup.

Or, for the table order a pitcher of South America’s version of sangria, CLÉRICO – a fruity wine cocktail made with White Wine, Crème de Cassis, Green & Red Apple, Fresh Lemon and Orange Juice.

As for an appetizer, go for the Pulpo a la Plancha -a seared octopus served with potatoes confit, all seasoned with paprika.

A parrilla grilled steak is a must, such as the Entrecôte -a 14oz Ribeye steak with a side of Verduras al Horno (wood-fired roasted vegetables). Pair your meal with a wine varietal considered the next Malbec – Tannat.  

This is a red wine grape, historically grown in the South West of France, but now one of the most prominent grapes in Uruguay. Tastes range from red to black fruit with hints of black licorice, vanilla, dark chocolate, espresso, and smoke. The more oak aging, the more spice-driven the wine.

We ordered the medium-bodied Bodega Garzón’s Tannat. It has the fruity aromas of cherry and red plum and the light earthiness of oak; while juicy and spicy on the palate; very easy to drink.

You will not have room for dessert, but you must not leave without Alfajores to go. Alfajores are scrumptious Peruvian shortbread sandwich cookies that are covered in powdered sugar and have a rich and creamy dulce de leche filling.

788 Brickell Plaza (located in East Miami hotel), Miami – Brickell; easthotels.com/miami/quinto ; @quinto.miami

KAORI

This Asian fusion restaurant has two levels, a cocktail bar and lounge on the ground floor and an intimate dining room upstairs. Kaori’s elegantly minimalistic design and eclectic mix of warm neutral wood and stone are quite striking. Be prepared to be equally impressed by the drinks and the cuisine.  We suggest starting off the evening the following:

KOSUMO – this Asian version of the classic Cosmopolitan is shaken with Ketel Citroën Vodka, Mizu Lemongrass Shochu, Cranberry, Ginger, Yuzuri Yuzu Liqueur and Lime.

ISAN DAIQUIRI -a little sweet, a little tart, and very delish cocktail made with Brugal 1888 Rum, Coconut, Lemongrass, Ginger and Lime, then garnished with Makrut Lime Leaf, Cilantro and Umami Drops.

For mains, order the delectable Winter Black Truffle Crusted Maine Lobster served with seared local Mushrooms and drizzled with Truffle Honey and Yuzu-Soy. Or, the scrumptious Miyazaki A5 Strip Loin with Ssäm Sauce, Black Garlic Ama-su, Maldon Salt, and served on Ishiyaki Grilling Stones

After dinner, consider the KARAJILLO -this riff of the Mexican dessert cocktail, blends Mezcal Unión Uno, Espresso, Licor 43, Chicory and Okinawa Sugar, then poured over a large Salted Milk Ice Cube.

871 S. Miami Avenue, Miami – Brickell; kaorimiami.com ; @kaorimiami

LPM MIAMI

Miami’s bright and airy La Petite Maison (LPM) is the sole US outpost of the globally beloved Riviera-inspired restaurant and bar. Along with its fabulous French Mediterranean cuisine, it is renowned for its signature classic cocktails served from a typically stone and pewter bar, or, in Miami’s case, a zinc bar.

One such LPM drink is their famously delish Tomatini, a Martini shaken with Ketel One Vodka, fresh muddled Tomatoes, and seasoned with Salt, Pepper, and White Balsamic. 

LPM also has a specialty cocktail menu honoring French poet and artist, Jean Cocteau. 

The tart 1889 Americano is mixed with Martini Ambrato, Suze (a bitter French apéritif), Toasted Pineapple, Vanilla and Fever Tree Light Tonic.  Or, try the mocktail version, Couteau Limonade -made with Smoked Pineapple, Gentian Flower topped up with Fever Tree Light Tonic,

Whatever you order as an appetizer or meal will be scrumptious. However, we do highly recommend the Poulpe Finement Tranché -thinly sliced Octopus with Lemon and Green Chilli Dressing and the new Pappardelle Fraîches Ragout de Veau.

Finish the evening with the decadent White Chocolate Tiramisu paired with the after-dinner drink, Hommagestirred with D’usse Cognac VSOP, Martini Rubino, Cherry Heering, Coffee and Cacao Nibs.

1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami; lpmrestaurants.com/miami; @lpmmiami

STAY

EAST Miami 

This Miami outpost of the legendary EAST Hong Kong and Beijing hotel properties by Swire offers a supremely stylish and sumptuous stay in the heart of the city’s Brickell District. The LEED-certified EAST Miami uses textural materials, posh furniture, sculptural art, color, light and Feng Shui to create its elevated and tranquil atmosphere.

High-tech is also incorporated throughout, such as the key card activated touch panel in the lobby used to call and designate the elevator which will bring you to your floor. The interior of the elevator, an infinity room created with mirrors and LED lights, is an experience in itself. 

Within its 40 floors, the hotel hybrid comprises 352 guest rooms, eight suites and 89 residence suites, that range in size from 300 to 1,800 square feet. Each room enjoys dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies with views of Miami’s urban skyline and Biscayne Bay. 

We adored spending time on the wrap-around balcony of our Corner King room. It offered the perfect spot to admire city lights and pretty sunsets. But, our favorite part of the 410 square foot room was the deep and sleek 5-foot soaking bathtub with water temperature control and a remote-controlled shade ready to reveal yet another breathtaking view. 

Room amenities included an art installation wall behind a comfy king-size bed with deluxe bedding and plenty of plush pillows. Besides overlooking the corner balcony, the bed faced a large, wall-mounted flat-screen LED TV over an upholstered chair and end table. Storage drawers with hidden shelves housing a coffee maker and fixings were along one bedroom wall, as was a work/bistro table with cushioned booth seating.  

Aside from the tub, the bathroom has an enclosed toilet, a walk-in rain shower, and a dual sink counter with a separate goose-neck filtered water dispenser.  All rooms have free Wi-Fi, bedside reading lamps, light/temperature control panels, an iPad mini for music on a bedside tablet holder, UBS outlets, accessible electrical outlets throughout, and a room safe. 

East Miami’s top-level hospitality includes dining venues, an award-winning rooftop bar; four pools with a bar and a swimsuit dryer.  In addition, the hotel is connected to Brickell City Centre, a restaurant, entertainment and shopping complex for culture-loving foodies and fashionistas.

788 Brickell Plaza, Miami – Brickell City Centre; https://www.easthotels.com/en/miami/ ; @eastmia

TIP: Geeko, the Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant owned by Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny and his partner and hospitality entrepreneur, David Grutman, is located directly across the street. But, you’ll need your platinum card to get, and afford, a resy.

DO

MASSAGE THERAPY

LEAF SPA BY K’ALMA

Head to nearby Leaf Spa inside Hotel AKA for a pampering experience. Choose from a selection of plant-based treatments that are designed to restore natural nourishment to your mind, body, and soul.

The Feliz Happy Hour Spa Menu, with a choice of 30 minute treatments, is available on weekday afternoons.  We went with the express body massage with aromatherapy using an essential oil, which is chosen based on the consultation with your masseuse. 

You are led to the spacious locker room area which has a sauna, private bathrooms, separate showers stocked with bathing products, and a vanity area with hair dryers. 

Before the treatment, we were offered a glass of prosecco and taken to have our feet bathed in special salon pools filled with essential oils and flower petals.  Even though the massage was only a half hour, it was thorough and impactful. 

Afterward, we rested with hot tea in the relaxation room. Before leaving the spa, we were brought over to the Wishing Tree to tie a red ribbon to a branch to secure our wish and future good fortune.

1395 Brickell Avenue (inside Hotel AKA Brickell), Miami – Brickell

To book an appointment, please email reservationsmiami@leafspas.com or call (305)-534-5555

RETAIL THERAPY

Brickell City Centre has four levels of luxury, premium and world-class dining and entertainment that are interconnected over three city blocks and anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, the largest Zara in the US, and the VIP Cinema Experience from CMX.

We recommend shopping for items that will create a spa-like experience using your room’s luxe soaking tub.  For example, find the perfect fragrance in a scented candle from the luxurious Parisian brand DIPTYQUE, then, head to ROY OF FRANCE to select some treats, such as chocolates, macarons, candied fruits, or calissons – diamond-shaped sweets made with candied fruit and ground almonds, and a split of French champagne. 

Your entertainment options at Brickell City Centre include CMX CINEMA -a dine-in movie theater complex, PUTTSHACK -an indoor miniature golf and restaurant venue, and SOCIAL HUB MIAMI – a selfie photo studio with 18 unique staging installations.

701 S. Miami Avenue, Miami – Brickell; https://www.brickellcitycentre.com/index.php/whats-here/directory ; @brickellcitycentre

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