Happy hour really is the happiest hour, while the culinary offering in the Design District keeps growing so does our happy hour offering. Check out the he best drinks and bites while the sun sets and let the stress of your day melt away.
Ember
Brad Kilgore is on fire and so is his newest restaurant, a wood-fired American bistro, Ember! The interior design is designed to evoke a 1920s train station, imagine terrazo and marble floors, ribbed wood ceilings, white oak and camel-colored leather. The perfect environment to sip on a Tom Collins or Old Fashioned cocktail; Southern fare, generous portions, and the playlist is all about the 80s. Happy hour is Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., $6 cocktails and wine, and a selection of popular bites. The crispy fried oysters might just be our favorite.
Located on the first floor of Paradise Plaza, 151 NE 41st Street, Suite 117.
Le Jardinier
We’ve all been anticipating the arrival of Le Jardinier, the vegetable-forward restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli, a Jöel Robuchon protege. In addition to a stellar menu, this standout spot has a pretty stellar happy hour. Go every Tuesday through Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sundays, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $9 cocktails, select wines and elevated bar bites. We highly recommend the pumpkin croquettes with romesco and sweet potato. Pro tip: if you are going with a group, order the sparkling Piscine de Rosé, it serves up to six people. Located in Paradise Plaza, 151 NE 41st Street, Suite 135.
Estefan Kitchen
Would you expect anything less than an awesome happy hour from one of Miami’s celebrity couples, Gloria and Emilio Estefan? Estefan Kitchen is a high-energy, high-end Cuban restaurant located in Palm Court. Fitting for a duo who spent their life in show business, the restaurant has glittering white tables, purple mood lighting, a live pianist, dancers and singers behind the bar. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Cuban mojito is a classic but the bites are not to be missed: try the Cuban quesadillas, mojo chicken wings with guava honey hot sauce or homemade croquetas, to name a few.
Located in Palm Court, 140 NE 39th Street, Suite 133.
Swan & Bar Bevy
Everyone who's anyone has been to Swan & Bar Bevy, which is why it should be on your list, too. Head upstairs to Bar Bevy and give the Happy hour a go! The “$8 'Til 8” deal, which runs every Tuesday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is totally worth it. Bites, cocktails, beer and wine are all $8 apiece, and don’t leave without trying the Groot Dip Sliders with roast beef, caramelized onions, gruyere and sauce au poivre. The restaurant and lounge is co-owned by nightlife empresario David Grutman and music superstar Pharrell Williams, and the sliders are Grutman’s grandmother’s secret family recipe.
Located at 90 NE 39th Street.
Kaido
Kaido is chef Brad Kilgore’s second restaurant in the Design District—a sexy, Tokyo-inspired lounge and restaurant. The restaurant’s name also translates as “curious one.” Right above the bar hangs a chandelier made with 1,200 butterfly knives, if that isn’t Insta-worthy…Join the in-the-know locals for happy hour every Tuesday through Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Some of Kilgore’s most popular bites are included in the Happy hour: crunchy tofu, salmon nigiri, arancini and spicy beef tartare.
Located on the second floor of Paradise Plaza, 151 NE 41st Street, Suite 217.
Harry’s Pizzeria
When you want something easy and casual, look no further than Harry’s Pizzeria. The food is from James Beard Award winner Michael Schwartz (so you know it’s good), and nothing is more than $10 during happy hour, including the pizzas. Happy hour runs every weekday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Order the short rib pizza and thank us later.
Located at 3918 North Miami Avenue.
Michael’s Genuine Food + Drink
Another Michael Schwartz must-try is Michael’s Genuine Food + Drink. A true OG spot in the Design District. Take advantage of the happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday, wine, beer and cocktails are all half priced. Get the thick-cut potato chips with the pan-fried onion dip, and if you’re into oysters, you can get an amazing deal per half-dozen. See the whole happy hour menu here!
Located at 130 NE 40th Street.
St. Roch Market Miami
Food halls have been all the rage in Miami, and few are as popular with the locals as St. Roch Market. Go to the second floor of Palm Court and head straight to the center bar, The Mayhaw. Has a “7 ‘til 7 deal” with select fine wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails. If you are hungry you have 11 exquisite vendors to choose from.
Located on the second floor of Palm Court, 140 NE 39th Street, Suite 241.
MC Kitchen
This Italian spot is a hidden gem in Miami, and their happy hour is even better. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, stop by MC Kitchen for an “Aperitivo Hour”. Their signature drink is a take on Aperol spritz, called the MC Spritz, and is made with Aperol, prosecco, strawberries and blood orange Pellegrino. Pair it with a salumi and cheese board with marinated olives and rosemary crostini, and you’ll be living “la dolce vita” in no time.
Located at 4141 NE 2nd Avenue, #101A.
