Most locals would like to keep their favorite spots a secret, but our friends at Find. Eat. Drink. have uncovered five places where chefs and bartenders go for under-the-radar dining and drinking.
Lou’s Beer Garden
Without an insider to tip you off, you wouldn’t know this bar exists. “It’s in the back of a small boutique hotel,” says bartender Ryan Goodspeed (Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink). “It’s just a no-frills poolside bar.” Bartender Gabe Orta (Broken Shaker) is also a fan of Lou’s: “It’s very laid back, non-pretentious, and everybody has a lot of knowledge about beer. They also have a good selection of food.” 7337 Harding Ave., Miami Beach, 305-704-7879
El Carajo
“This place is what Miami is all about," says sommelier Allegra Angelo of this tapas bar hidden in the back of a gas station. "They serve simple, good tapas and have a surprising and impressive wine cellar—wines from all over the world—that surrounds the high tables in the back.” 2465 S.W. 17th Ave., Miami, 305-856-2424
Foxhole Bar
“This is a real locals’ haunt with no sign—just a light over the door,” says chef Simon Stojanovic (The Bent Fork). Tucked down the back of a dark alleyway on Miami Beach, this two-level bar has an arcade, a gun case with vintage firearms, and leather banquettes. “It's a great SoBe dive bar,” says chef Michael Pirolo (Macchialina). “Granted the rest of the country wouldn't consider it so, but that's just how we roll.” 1218 14th Ct., Miami Beach, 305-534-3511
Pinolandia
Bartender Danny Valdez (Regent Cocktail Club) calls this 24-hour Nicaraguan fritanga "an off-the-beaten-track gem for Cuban food." It’s small, so expect a line; when it's time to order, get the carne desmenusada, stewed beef tongue, whole fried fish, ribs, and tacos. 119 N.W. 12th Ave., Miami, 305-324-4656
Sushi Deli & Japanese Market
“It's a weird, unmarked little Japanese market with a sushi deli in it,” explains bartender Goodspeed. “It's pretty hard to find and really off the radar. Foodies and chefs know about it.” Sushi chef Makato Ukuwa (Makato) comes here to buy Japanese ingredients and chef Norman Van Aken likes that chef Michio Kushi has fresh fish flown in from Japan. 1412 79th Street Cswy., North Bay Village, 305-861-0143
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIND.EAT.DRINK. (LOU'S; SUSHI DELI); FOXHOLE
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Find. Eat.Drink. is the first travel guide app curated by the world’s top chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, and food stars passing along their favorite places to eat, drink, and food shop around the globe.
