As Ultra Music Festival makes its way back to Bayfront Park this weekend for its 17th rendition, downtown and Brickell flood with partygoers ready to untz-untz the day and night away. But somewhere between all that dancing, food is in order. Here, we take a look at spots near the festival to keep your thirst quenched, stomach lined, and the party going.
OTC.
Brunch: OTC
You’ll need some wholesome foods to counteract last night’s boozing, and satiate you for the day ahead. OTC’s brunch—specifically the Korean-style chicken and waffles with miso aioli, or the Coca-Cola-braised pulled pork grilled fontina cheese sandwich—readily fits the bill. Then get a jump on the day’s party with bottomless mimosas. 1250 S. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-374-4612
Classy Cocktails: MO Bar + Lounge
If what you require is something more than a mere vodka tonic, shake things up at MO Bar. Tucked into the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, the elegant lounge vaunts throwback cocktails prepped with fresh, house-made ingredients, herbs, and premium liquors by expert mixologist Angelo Vieira (The Florida Room, Sunset Lounge). Sip on mint juleps, Hemingway daiquiris, sazeracs, or a proper Manhattan, all while overlooking the bay, and Brickell beyond. 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami, 305-913-8288
Chill Out: Better Days
The level of cool is high at Better Days—think vintage couches, ’70s Playboy magazines, chalkboard tabletops, and Ouija boards. What started off as Brickell’s first pop-up bar has turned into an after-work hangout for folks in the hospitality industry looking for a nightcap. Do the same with the Michael Oughta Know Better, an extra-spiced blend of Modelo Especial and Clamato juice with a salted rim. 500 Brickell Bldg., Miami, 786-220-7690
Reenergize: Ten Fruits
Amid all Ultra’s beats-per-minute, your body will beg for liquid fuel (and not the alcoholic type). Recharge your batteries with some good ol’ nutrients (fruits and veggies). “Ultra goers don’t eat the whole weekend, but this is a very healthy meal in a glass,” says Ten Fruits owner David Polinsky about his pure, nonpasteurized, and wholesome concoctions. The Andean Elixir smoothie (quinoa, banana, lucuma, maca, carob, honey, and almond milk) will bring you back to life. 143 NE Third Ave., Miami, 305-373-7678
Crazy About You.
Dinner Feast: Crazy About You
Get a dose of fresh air and some supper at Crazy About You. The upbeat, casual eatery offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and a prix-fixe menu with all the fixings. Start with one of 10 appetizers (the Serrano ham croquettes are just like the spheres at sister restaurant Dolores Lolita), then choose among more than a dozen entrées. For dessert, spin the Ferris-wheel menu of sweets. 1155 Brickell Bay Dr., No. 101, Miami, 305-377-4442
Carbs to Burn: Moyé
At some point during the weekend, the urge for a hefty bowl of pasta will arise. Head to Moyé, where the owners of Sardinia Enoteca bring classic Italian fare from Puglia (the birthplace of burrata) to the Brickell neighborhood. The menu boasts pasta of all shapes and sauces (try the troccoli cacio e pepe), as well as house-made mozze. Indulge—you’re guaranteed to burn it off later dancing. 829 SW First Ave., Miami, 305-371-5168
Hook Up: Sidebar
Brickell’s most clandestine watering hole, hidden beneath the I-95 overpass on Calle Ocho, is exactly the kind of place you go when you don’t want to be found. Allow yourself to be seduced by the dim lighting via drop-down chandeliers, tufted leather couches, ample dance space, groovy tunes, and drinks that do the trick. Unwind among the sexy bar scene and outdoor garden as local artists such as Jacuzzi Boys, Ketchy Shuby, and Problem Kids provide a live music soundtrack. “I look forward to bringing a modern take on music, nightlife, and ambience to this street, and being part of Calle Ocho’s renaissance,” says owner Jason Odio. 337 SW Eighth St., Miami, 786-703-6973
The Pink Flamingo.
Drink Up: Black Bird Ordinary
Brickell’s hippest bar has introduced a bevy of clever cocktails to get your party juices flowing. Imbibe a Pink Flamingo (raw pistachio-infused gin, house-made raspberry syrup, fresh raspberries, egg white, and lemon). Not your style? Choose from 15 other fresh libations, sometimes made from herbs from the garden out back, or try the only Long Island iced tea on tap in the city. 729 SW First Ave., Miami, 305-671-3307
Late Night: The Corner
They say nothing good happens after 2 am, but at The Corner, you can have a crazy madame (that’s a croque-madame with bacon and onion), deconstructed deviled eggs, and Ernest Hemingway’s lethal blend of absinthe and Champagne (known as Death in the Afternoon) till the wee hours of the morning. The Corner gives midnight snacking a whole new meaning. 1035 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-961-7887
Afterparty: Club Space
Tales of breakfast being served on the infamous Space terrace have circulated for years, but only a few have experienced this phenomenon firsthand. Chances are high during Winter Music Conference, when top DJs forego the mainstream and get real underground during the club’s after hours, taking the crowd on a journey to outer space well into the hours of the morning, sometimes going straight through to evening of the next day. 34 NE 11th St., Miami, 305-375-0001
After-After Party: E11even/Touché Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant
After all is said and done (and when everything else has closed), make your way to Miami’s first and only 24/7 three-story cabaret club where the party never stops. Depending on your time of arrival, enjoy Cirque du Soleil-inspired performances on the hydraulic stage, dance club-style bottle service, an Italian dinner from celebrity chef Carla Pellegrino, or a three-hour-plus DJ set on a swank rooftop as the sun comes up. 29 NE 11th St., Miami, 305-829-2911
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANAIS GANOUNA PHOTOGRAPHY LLC (OTC)