There is a neighborhood nestled right in the middle of the Julia Tuttle and MacArthur Causeways. You may have called it something else—maybe Wynwood, Midtown, or even Brickell. Chances are you have probably spent some time in Edgewater Miami without even realizing it. Ever picked up cupcakes from Bunnie Cakes or had lunch at The Daily? Yup, that is all Edgewater. Much like the rest of the city, this stretch of Miami property is still figuring out her identity. Let’s get to know her a little better, shall we?
What to Eat
You won’t find any big chain restaurants in this neck of the woods. Edgewater holds its charm by housing mostly locally owned and family operated restaurants. Mignonette is the creation of Miami native Chef Daniel Serfer, bringing some of the freshest palate-pleasing and locally sourced seafood dishes in the 305—right to your table. Along with a menu that is sure to impress all of the fishermen in your life, you will also find a variety of oyster options to order, so take your pick!
Prefer an Italian home cooked meal like Mama made? Jack’s will be your home away from home. Jack’s Home Cooking serves you up with exactly that! The authentic Italian dishes will have you practically drooling over the menu. That Sunday Gravy will send you home with a minor case of food coma… okay, maybe a major case.
A Hidden Gem
The most hidden gem of them all is a little white building, home to NOA Café. While it is unintentionally hidden, you will likely drive right by before realizing it is even there. The owner’s Mediterranean background shows up on the menu. So does her travels with an array of dishes from Pad Thai and fettuccini to lamb shawarma and teriyaki salmon.
Keep It Casual
Of course, like in any proper Miami neighborhood, you will find yourself ordering cafecito y croquetas from a walk-up window at Enriqueta’s. Find locals here grabbing their pick-me-up on the way to work, or even a block over at Latin Café 2000 on Biscayne.
Who’s up for dessert? Lulu’s Nitrogen Ice Cream is always a favorite using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and adding a splash of liquid nitrogen as the grand finale.
And what would an up-and-coming neighborhood be without an Asian restaurant?! Fuchai is the newest addition to NE 2nd Ave, opening their doors less than 2 weeks ago. The Chinese and Korean Kitchen serves up all of your Asian go-to’s— fried rice, bao buns, grilled kalbi, spring rolls, and all the variations of lo mein you could ask for.
Stay Thirsty, My Friends
Lagniappe House is not your typical bar/lounge. It has character written all over it. The moment you walk in, you are taken out of the city as you head over to grab a bottle of wine (pay at the counter). Most nights you will find a local band such as The French Horn Collective filling the room with music that makes your soul smile. The outdoor patio is filled with odds and ends that appear to be random thrift store finds scattered throughout the space in all the right places.
Locals and visiting friends fill nearly every seat. Stop at the outdoor counter to place a churrasco order or grab a few meats and cheeses from the fridge. The folks at Lagniappe will have it made into a platter for you with a side of jam—so delicious you’ll be asking to buy a jar to take home. Unfortunately, it’s not for sale, we’ve tried.
What Else You Got?
What looks like it may have been a gas station in its younger years is actually home to Bunbury Miami. This Argentinian wine bar serves up an endless variety of vino and tapas. This cozy space is full of charm and lives right on NE 2nd Avenue.
There may not be a ton of drinking and dancing options in the neighborhood, but that’s okay, Wynwood is literally just on the other side of the railroad tracks. And if you call an Uber, South Beach can be just a 10 minute drive across the bridge. Then, a few blocks north, you have the center of Midtown with places like Prohibition and Bitter Truth (whose doors are open till 4:00am seven days a week).
For those times when the clock strikes twelve, head over Mr. Pepito Miami food truck. Don’t look for a brick and mortar, Mr. Pepito is the food truck lighting up NE 22nd St., also open seven days a week. Also open late—and up the block adjacent to Lagnappe—you’ll find La Latina offering arepas and churros to satisfy those munchies.
Make You Sweat
TRIO Yoga studio is the place you begin your yoga practice and decide it should be a part of your everyday life. Their roster includes many of the most sought-after instructors in the city such as Renee Martin, Yana Gustav, and Sharon. Their classes can satisfy everyone no matter where in their practice they currently are.
Not a yogi? That’s cool. Find yourself down the block sweating like an athlete at LegacyFit. Manning Sumner and his team have made a name in the MIA as the gym you go to when you’re ready to drop the excuses to see the results you want. What began as one warehouse is now three and offers high-intensity partner interval training classes, kickboxing classes, and an open gym where you will likely bump into a few NFL players while in between sets.
Where the Grass is Greener
What’s a neighborhood without a park? Good thing we don’t have to find out as Margaret Pace Park sits right along the Biscayne Bay in Edgewater. Besides the stunning sunrise views over Miami Beach, Margaret Pace is the park you go to any given day. You can’t help but appreciate the paved sidewalk along the outskirts. It makes the perfect route for your morning run, walks with the pup, struggle with the stroller, or just taking a wander.
On one end you’ll find the guys playing a game of hoops and at the other an intense game of tennis. The park provides sanded volleyball courts with groups and leagues playing on the regular, grills for the BBQ get-togethers celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and lush green dog parks for our four legged kids.
See You Here Soon
Some of Miami’s most loved establishments are in the Wynwood, Brickell, and Design District areas; all just steps from Miami’s gem filled with even more gems, Edgewater. When you decide you just love the place and choose to relocate, be sure to swing by the Midtown Garden Center and grab a fresh bouquet from Zoom Bloomz to make your new place feel like home. We’ll see you real soon!
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