[image]
[title]Beyond the neon skyline of Downtown Miami, past the bohemian enclaves of Coconut Grove, a low-key neighborhood is quietly taking shape as a groovy local hotspot. I’m talking about Westchester, more specifically, the Bird Road Art District.
The so-called district looks like any old warehouse lot to the untrained eye. But take a closer look, and you’ll find clusters of cool local shops and stops to explore: art studios and furniture stores, a viral French bakery, Miami’s first sake brewery, and the best smash burgers this side of the Palmetto Expressway. And just outside the district, there’s even more buried treasure to behold.
Glamorous? No. Fun? Absolutely. I have only the best memories of frolicking ‘round Bird Road with my sister when we lived in Glenvar Heights, and I’ve revisited it three times just for this story alone. All to say: let curiosity guide you, and you’ll be happily surprised. From workout classes to craft breweries, here’s how to have the perfect day in (and around) the Bird Road Art District.
Where is the Bird Road Art District?
It's located just east off the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and south of Bird Rd (SW 40th Street), in a mostly industrial area. For the purposes of this guide, we've also included businesses in Westchester that lie just beyond BRAD.
Wake and bake with Miami’s best croissants.
Before your Bird Road journey begins, do yourself a favor and place an order for pick-up at Casa Bake, a French patisserie with some of the tastiest, flakiest croissants I’ve ever had (some say they’re the best in the country!) Do this in advance, at least one day prior, and you’ll have even more mouthwatering treats to choose from, like Casa Bake’s sourdough bread or decadent Danish pastries with truffle-cream filling. (P.S. They also host pastry classes!)
Work up a sweat at a local Miami fitness studio.
They say wellness is all about balance, like offsetting a hefty bag of croissants with a bit of exercise. Join a sizzling dance class at Vixen Workout, train like an athlete at Victory PROformance, or melt into a sound bowl meditation at Flow State Studios. Of course, there’s always Tropical Park. The 275-acre green space is stacked with courts and playgrounds for just about every activity—baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, track and field… the list goes on. Go for a leisurely walk, practice your swing at the batting cages, or crash a little kid’s birthday party in one of the pavilions.
View this post on Instagram
Shop for antiques and hand-made furniture.
The Bird Road Art District has long been a secret shopping spot for me, my sister, Maureen, and our family friend Gennine, who’s lived in the area for over 30 years. Consider the following our gift to you.
–J&J Rattan is a jungle of lush tropical plants and home decor sourced from all over the world, like rattan wardrobes from the Philippines and vases made of Italian glass. The business, however, is 100 percent Miami—this family-owned store has been in the same location for over 49 years! They also sell orchid arrangements and fun holiday decor.
–Nadeau is another emporium for sturdy, hand-made furniture at reasonable prices. A majority of their solid wood pieces are crafted by artisans in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Inventory moves quickly here, but those in-the-know can pounce on fluted credenzas via the store’s Instagram page.
–Urban Lofts is more of a traditional storefront with a mix of modern and eclectic furnishings staged together, a la West Elm or Restoration Hardware. They receive new inventory almost daily, often sourced from Brazil, the USA, and Indonesia.
–More of a classic beauty? Waldan’s Antiques & Vintage Furniture is layered in timeless art: candelabras and silver trays, Art Deco desks, and so much more. (Call ahead as opening hours may vary.)
Find an outfit (or three) for your next vacation.
For bargain hunters and antique thrifters, Bird Road has a lot to offer. Many of these shops are locally owned and family-run, too, which means your retail addiction directly supports the local economy. Win-win!
Searching for a pair of fabulous heels? Visit Shoes To You, a boutique dedicated to fancy footwear. Espadrilles, metallic sneakers, and sling-back pumps are typically priced at less than $150 a pair. For colorful dresses and Sunday brunch ‘fits, check out Prinzzesa or Secret Vanity. Reveal Boutique is stocked with matching sets and floral print jumpers. Next door, Blanco de Ibiza sells breezy linen sets for men and women. In need of a bridesmaid dress? Try your luck at Maruchi, a hidden gem with racks on racks of silky, ruffled ensembles. Complete your look with retro ‘80s vintage from Turn Back The Clock Shop—a family-owned luxury retail spot with a maze of goodies, vintage designer bags and cheeky costumes.
View this post on Instagram
Join a pottery class and mingle with Miami artists.
As the name suggests, the Bird Road Art District is home to many artists and creative hubs. For further insight, we spoke with MANO Fine Art’s Cuqui Beguiristain, who organized the neighborhood’s monthly art walk for six years.
Sadly, the art walks have taken a hiatus, but there are plenty of local art happenings to enjoy. Start by scouring the district’s Instagram page, where Cuqui reshares exhibition news and open studio days from her neighbors, like Tony Mendoza, collaboARTive, and Campins Fine Art Gallery.
Join a leather workshop at Artworks Associates, get your hands messy at Anhinga Clay’s pottery class, or head to Flow State Studios for vibey art events paired with mind-body wellness, like their monthly “meditate and paint” night. (Psst…they also host live music concerts and free weekly yoga!)
View this post on Instagram
Try the neighborhood classics.
For a fast-casual feast, head to Frankie’s Pizza or Arbetter’s Hot Dogs, two iconic Bird Road eateries. Tropical Chinese and Kon Chau are among Miami’s best Chinese restaurants and top contenders for the city’s best dim sum. Locals love Matsuri for authentic Japanese sushi and $12 bento box lunch specials. Bangkok City is an excellent Thai restaurant known for its crispy duck. And for the carnivores, Graziano’s O.G. location is a temple to Argentine asado, serving flame-grilled picanha, grass-fed steak, and classic parrilladas piled high.
View this post on Instagram
Grab a drink with the locals.
By now, you’re probably ready for food and maybe a glass of alcohol. Boy, are you in luck. The Bird Road area has some of Miami’s best breweries and local restaurants, many hidden in plain sight.
Fancy a cocktail or two? Head to Thorn, a funky local hangout with drinks that pack a punch. Founded by John Falco (the creator of Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. down the block), Thorn is a cozy spot for day-to-night imbibing. They have a full kitchen and solid bar food, including chicken wings, burgers, and classic pizza pies, and an on-site creamery for dessert. Bring your pup and sit on the outside patio, or bring your girlfriends for ladies' night on Thursday. They also have weekday happy hour from 4pm to 7pm, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
You can’t visit the Bird Road Art District without a little brewery hop. Start at Shōjō’s Dojo, the first and only sake brewery in Florida, masterminded by husband-wife duo Haidar Hachem and Mari Orozco. Shojo’s neon-lit warehouse is a wonderland of Japanese sake and craft beer, sommelier wine lists, and imaginative sake-based cocktails like the ‘Agua de Violeta,’ an easy-sipping purple drank with yuzu juice, SŌTŌ Sake Junmai, and fragrant violet liqueur – an homage to Miami’s favorite baby cologne (if you know, you know).
Thursday through Sunday, Shojo’s Dojo leans into theme with local F&B collabs (think ramen and onigiri pop-ups), and artsy events like anime cel paint nights. They also brew their own “cloudy” sake on-site, host karaoke, and fundraise for local charities (their annual “Pitty Party” benefits Miami-Dade Animal Services). And if that weren’t enough, they have arcade games, dominos, foosball, billiards, and a claw machine where lucky winners can hook a pair of Speedos.
Next, take a walk ‘round the block to Wild House, a taproom and brewery by Miami’s Unseen Creatures. Groups have their pick of indoor-outdoor tables, food truck bites, and over 25 beers on tap from Unseen Creatures and Prison Pals, a local brewery based in Doral. Dip your toes into day-drinking with the ‘Time Moves Slow’ Kölsch, or up the ante with their signature ‘Fresh Start’ Cold IPA, a cross between a lager and a hazy IPA. Televisions are a’plenty here, too, great for March Madness watch parties.
Finally, it’s time to get weird at the beard—Lincoln’s Beard, that is. A brewery and a funhouse for cheeky events, the Beard knows how to throw a party. You never know what you’ll stumble into here. Goat yoga? Crawfish boil? Bad Bunny look-alike contest? Yes to all. In addition to shenanigans, they have a full bar and rotating brewskis made on-site.
Whatever brings you to the Beard, don’t leave it without Lala’s Burgers. A permanent pop-up by the Apocalypse BBQ team, Lala’s chefs up ultra-juicy smashburgers topped with crispy-edge patties, melty American cheese, brisket bacon bites, and a secret Lala sauce you’ll beg to take home. Luckily, you can, along with a bag of fries and chunky chocolate-chip cookies made from Lala’s family recipe.
Thus concludes the ultimate jam-packed day in the Bird Road Art District—unless you’re jonesing to keep the party going, in which case, Bird Bowl is open ‘til 2am…Cheers!