The April Hit List: Boia De, Monty’s Raw Bar, Sweet Liberty, and More

The famed bar recently relaunched its drag brunch with two seatings every Sunday. This iteration, titled “Fruit Cocktail,” welcomes the return of hostess Karla Croqueta and friends. You can look forward to an afternoon of bottomless drinks, burlesque, acrobatic drag queens, and plenty of breakfast favorites like the Big Breakfast Sandwich, Chicken & Waffles Y’all, and Lobster Benny.

Dining status: Indoor tables only. Reservations are required for brunch. Bar seating is first come, first served.

When Miami’s oldest bar closed in 2014, fans went into mourning. But now, even though it can no longer say it’s the oldest continuously operating bar in Miami, the watering hole is back, thanks to Kush Hospitality Group. The reincarnation, just down the street from the original, honors Tobacco Road’s spirit without trying to completely replicate it. You’ll find vintage memorabilia on the walls, live musical performances, and a similar laid-back vibe. The food has a Kush twist: the Classic, a cheddar cheeseburger shares the spotlight with Frita by Kush, a burger topped with guava jelly, potato stix, bacon, Swiss cheese, and LoKal sauce.

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables. Reservations not required. Takeout is available.

Snuggled between a coin laundry and a doctor’s office, you have to really be looking for the simple florescent exclamation mark sign to find this gem. Currently all tables are outside due to the pandemic, but that doesn’t detract from a menu that skews Italian — with a surprising flair. Dishes here are made to share, so you may want to order double of some beloved items like the potato skins with stracciatella, caviar, and egg, and the tagliolini nero with king crab and truffle. 

Dining status: Outdoor tables only. Reservations are recommended. (Pro tip: Set a Notify.) Takeout and delivery are available on Sundays.

Salsa beats welcome you into this quaint bistro. But here, Latin flavors play a supporting role to the main attractions: Chinese dumplings, fried rice, noodles, and a variety of Asian-inspired dishes that grace the tasting menu. There’s also a three-glass wine pairing option or you can choose your own adventure from a selection of diverse bottles. For dessert, the raw mamey tart and coconut milk arroz con leche bring your palate back to Miami. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables are open for reservations.

The expansive oceanfront tiki hut specializes in frozen cocktails like the boozy piña colada or rum runner, paired with gulf oysters, Key West conch salad, ceviche, peel-and-eat shrimp, and plenty of bar snacks like yucca fries, mozzarella sticks, and chicken wings. Come here for the views, and stay for the relaxing atmosphere. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables available.

Pandemic-inspired survival instincts kicked in when the Niu Kitchen owners decided to move it into their Arson space a few doors down and combine the menus. You’ll find Spanish charcuterie like lomo Iberico and manchego cheese along with Niu’s signature dishes like ous  — poached eggs in truffled potato foam topped with jamón Iberico and black truffle – and arros sec, their paella-style rice with mushrooms, botifarra sausage, and aioli. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables are open for reservations.

Another owner who made a pandemic pivot is David Fouquier of Fooq’s. He’s turned his bistro into a pizza-making enterprise. This New York-style pizza menu is anything but basic with both round and Sicilian squares and options like the Wild Shroom with maitake mushrooms, thyme, garlic, shallot, mozzarella, garlic confit, caramelized onions, parsley, and sourdough breadcrumbs or the Pepperoni, with tomato, mozzarella, pepperoni, roasted red onion, Calabrian chili paste, and honey.

Dining status: Takeout only; call 786-536-2749.

This sultry restaurant with its lively bar is a great place for a happy hour that ends up running into dinnertime. The cocktails here are both pretty and ambrosial, while the international dishes range from crispy yucca bites and cheeseburger croquettes to shrimp pad Thai, risotto, and pulpo a la Huancaína. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables are open for reservations.

You can catch chef Jeremy Ford in his signature cap most nights, working behind the glass window that overlooks his buzzing kitchen. The menu’s descriptions don’t do his dishes justice – what you think you’re getting will be something so much better than you ever expected. And to get your dreamy food kick before your next visit, catch the Top Chef winner charming audiences once again on Fast Foodies, his new show on truTV.  Pro tip: order the 8-course tasting menu to get the full experience.

Dining status: Indoor and limited outdoor tables are open for reservations; call 786-372-6596.

Resembling a lounge set on the French Riviera with its plush couches, stylish décor, and lush courtyard, this restaurant will transport you away from Miami, even if it’s just for one night. Plus, its famous Thursday Dinner Party is back, complete with live entertainment like stilt walkers and fire breathers, and DJ, plus French-inspired fare, and plenty of bubbly. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-763-8688.