If your Miami radar is set only to South Beach, it’s time to explore new turf this summer.
Across the MacArthur Causeway — nestled between Overtown and Brickell — a boom is churning along the banks of the Miami River.
This emerging hood is attracting a slew of sleek boîtes, bites, sleeps and boutiques that prioritize a quality, local vibe over the party-till-mañana scene on the beach.
Exemplifying this embrace of the low-key is the Underline, a $120 million High Line-inspired park (now in the early-planning stages) that will eventually snake through the neighborhood.
Here’s a tour of the new Miami River District — and its array of sophisticated spots with a South Florida twist.
1. East, Miami
788 Brickell Plaza; East-Miami.com
Handout Like the love child of Las Vegas and Brooklyn, the East is a brightly colored, luxury hipster haven from Asian hotel group Swire, along with Miami architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia and New York-based designer Clodagh. Just opened last month, the sleep’s 352 rooms offer keyless entry and walk-in rain showers. Donwstairs, restaurant Quinto La Huella grills up beef straight from the Uruguayan Pampas. Then there’s the gym, which boasts a 20,000-square-foot outdoor pool-and-deck area including a lap pool, cold plunge and hot tub. Talk about making a splash.
2. Seaspice
422 NW North River Drive; SeaspiceMiami.com
Courtesy photo One of the most popular spots in the neighborhood, this nautically themed venue is housed in a renovated warehouse perched directly on the riverfront. Guests often arrive by boat to feast in the indoor/outdoor dining rooms and newly opened Modern Garden lounge. The menu, from executive chef Angel Leon, includes caviars and “casseroles,” which are served clambake style. If you can’t snag a coveted sunset reservation, the Champagne-soaked brunch is a worthy alternative.
3. OFY
900 S. Miami Ave.; OFYShop.com
Courtesy of the designer This men’s boutique carries clothes and shoes from cool-kid favorites J Brand, Rag & Bone, Todd Snyder, Vince and Maison Kitsuné. Its curated selection rotates frequently, showcasing of-the-minute men’s trends. Adding to the stylish fun, the friendly, attentive staff offers happy-hour cocktails to shoppers and hosts swimwear “trunk shows.” (Could there be anything more Miami?) Look for the shop’s sister location, which recently opened in Wynwood.
4. River Yacht Club
401 SW Third Ave.; RiverYachtClub.com
AJG FILMPRODUCTIONS Rotating chefs. Private memberships. Docking privileges. Welcome to the swanky River Yacht Club, which brings a Palm Beach vibe to the riverfront’s emerging creative class. Though membership is not required — the restaurant and upper deck lounge are open to all — monthly dues get you access to a dedicated reservations line, invitations to special events, discounts on meals and a marina spot for your yacht.
5. Tarbay
630 S. Miami Ave.; Tarbay.com
Courtesy of Tarbay Venezuelan sisters Ana Sofia and Marta Tarbay launched their eponymous jewelry line in 2002, and selected this Miami River location for their stand-alone shop, which opened its doors last fall. Browse gorgeous stone-and-metal necklaces, cuffs, earrings and rings — all handcrafted by a community of women on Venezuela’s Margarita Island, and all mostly under $100. Colorful handbags and stylish shoes are also on hand at this one-stop accessories boÎte.
6. El Tucán
1111 SW First Ave.; ElTucanMiami.com
Greg Lotus Dress to impress at this upscale supper club straight out of old-school Havana. Tables seat up to 15, and the $85 tasting menu includes a nine-course Latin-inspired meal, served family-style, and accompanied by a live 1940s-Cuba-inspired cabaret performance. Or shimmy up for a spot at the bar, where handcrafted cocktails like the Rosadito are “tumbled,” not stirred.
7. Zuma
270 Biscayne Blvd. Way; ZumaRestaurant.com
Courtesy of Zuma Restaurant Fancy a sake brewed from the waters of Japan’s Lake Biwa without leaving the 305? Zuma’s got you covered, with a sip of bracing Biwa no Choju, served in their modernist Sake Bar & Lounge. A hit with both novices and aficionados, the Japanese restaurant serves a whopping 80 premium sakes, along with cutting-edge cocktails and the sake-like shochu — which, of course, they infuse themselves.
