Street Wise: A Stop-by-Stop Guide to Brickell Avenue, Miami

Brickell Avenue in Miami is lined with skyscrapers | © Felixtm / Depositphotos.com

25 November 2021

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Barbecue joints, brunch spots and boutique hotels line this Manhattan-like stretch of Downtown Miami.

Soaring ‘scrapers, broad thoroughfares, swathes of waterfront – there’s a touch of Manhattan about the buzzing Brickell district in Miami. While it’s the city’s financial center, there’s a whole lot more to it than slick high-rises and corporate HQs, such as an impressive array of cultural hubs, top dining destinations and happening nightspots. Starting just across the river in Downtown Miami, Brickell Avenue is its main artery, stretching the length of the neighborhood, with a couple of great places to stay nearby, too. Book your hotel with Culture Trip now.

SLS Brickell

Courtesy of SLS Brickell / Expedia.com

A fabulously overstated, look-at-me façade is just the start at this over-the-top Miami landmark hotel. Philippe Starck-designed interiors, an impressive art collection and seriously swanky features come together with artful aplomb. The 124 elegant white-and-pink guest rooms are spread over a whopping 55 floors, with upper levels offering dreamy views over Miami’s skyline and the bay beyond. You have the pick of three pools, plus top-notch dining – all just a block away from Brickell Avenue.

Miami Circle National Historic Landmark

Historical Landmark

The Miami Circle at Brickell Point in downtown Miami

You’re certainly not spoiled for choice when it comes to green spaces in Central Miami, which makes this waterfront swathe all the more enticing. Its location, just across the bridge and flanked by shimmering towers, adds to its urban-oasis vibe. It owes its existence largely to the preservation of an architectural site with ancient remnants of pre-colonial structures. Follow the River Walk Trail around the water, which connects to the manicured Brickell Park featuring the eponymous mausoleum.

Baby Jane Cocktail & Eatery

Bar, Asian, $$$

Waitress garnishing a cocktail with rosebuds

With much of its street-level entrance obscured by plants, Baby Jane provides another welcome splash of greenery on Brickell Avenue. Step inside, and you enter a cozy-yet-playful mix of exposed brick, neon lighting and curious wall hangings. Whet your appetite with one of the creative cocktails before perusing a menu of mostly Asian-inspired dishes. The steaming bao buns and salty ramen stand out among the best in the city, plus regular live music and DJ sessions up the on-point vibe.

Hutong Miami

Restaurant, Chinese

Lofty double-height ceilings create an immediate sense of drama as you enter this eye-pleasing high-end Chinese restaurant. Century-old bricks combine with Pop art colors and a wall of hand-carved wood panels to add to the theatrical vibe. The food is equally beautiful and expertly cooked, with flavors drawn from northern China and staples like peking duck and dim sum perfectly executed. To truly indulge, try out the “free-form” brunch menu, which can include sake or champagne, depending on your mood (and budget).

B Bistro + Bakery

Restaurant, American, $$$

Peruvian-born Henry Hané cut his teeth in various Michelin-starred restaurants around the world before opening his Miami restaurant – so you can expect high-quality creations on the menu here. While the food is far from fussy, flavors are superbly considered and occasionally unexpected, with American favorites alongside Latino dishes. Freshly baked treats make this a popular breakfast and brunch spot, so you might have to wait for a table.

BBQ & Craft Company

Restaurant, American, $$$

Vegans look away. This meat-forward restaurant was opened by Anthony Nicolosi, a certified pitmaster and official judge for the Florida BBQ Association. It means that you won’t find a better barbecue-oriented outpost in town, with a menu of coal-cooked carnes ranging from pork belly to chicken wings. What’s more, there are 25 craft beers sourced from South Florida breweries and picked to pair with whatever you choose to chow down on.

Atelier Monnier Brickell Cafe

Bakery, Cafe, European, French, American, $$$

Sweet colorful French macaroon biscuits on pastel mint background

A firm favorite among locals and lunching office workers, Atelier Monnier Brickell Cafe is part of a small chain of refined French bakeries dotted around Miami. For the sweet-of-tooth, a selection of beautifully crafted macarons, cakes and tarts is always impeccably presented for maximum browsing potential. Artisan breads, quiches and savory croissants make up much of the lunch menu, with everything made in-house by an international team of baking experts. You’ll also find an extensive list of French wines to drink in or take out.

Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell

Courtesy of Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell / Expedia.com

From its ubiquitous geometrical motifs and splashes of primary color to mid-century-style furnishings and industrial-chic touches, this Hotel Indigo is a visual feast sure to appeal to design lovers. Rooms are smart with handy comforts like coffee machines; plus, you’ll find walk-in rainfall showers and quality bath products, too. After a stroll down Brickell Avenue, a few minutes away, return to cool off from the Miami heat in the hotel’s L-shaped pool.

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