Five years later the Grove is hot once again with Panther Coffee, Harry's Pizzeria, and Glass & Vine just some of the notable spots bringing new life to the area's sophisticated-yet-bohemian vibe.
Kuscher, who also owns Kush in Wynwood, is poised to double down on Coconut Grove's culinary renaissance with today's opening of the Spillover, which features sustainable seafood paired with ciders, meads, and sour beers. The name, itself, is a reference to Lokal. Originally, the new eatery was supposed to be located next door to Kush's original burger spot, but the lease fell through. "The deal didn't happen but I fell in love with the name and logo so much I didn't want to change it. Now we look at it like it's a joke since there are no restaurants next door or close by to spill over. We're the no Spillover by Lokal."
The 50-seat restaurant, located behind the Mayfair Hotel at 2911 Grand Ave., Suite 400D, is decorated with Old Bay seasoning cans (a riff on the cork and cassette tape decor of Lokal). A black brick focal wall is painted with names of Miami neighborhoods, and the bathrooms are tributes to Spanish television stars Don Francisco and Chapulin Colorado. Contributing artists include Camilo Rojas and G-Wiz. A 20-seat outdoor area is perfect for relaxing with your four-legged friend.
Like Kuscher's other two restaurants, products will be sourced as locally as possible. Seafood will come from Trigger Seafood, a local company that features local line-caught and spear-caught fish daily. Shellfish is sourced from the Florida Keys and Bahamas, and produce will come from Homestead farms when possible. Additionally, poultry will come from Lake Meadow Naturals and Proper Sausages will provide the sausage. And, like Kush and Lokal, meals will be served in a casual, convivial setting. Kushner says there's a need for a good seafood joint in Miami, noting, "You either have oyster bars or extremely high-end seafood places or way too low-brow seafood places."
About 35 different menu items are featured including Gulf shrimp corn chowder ($6), Gulf shrimp mac & cheese ($11), Bahamian conch strips ($12), an Old Bay pan seared crab cake on a challah bun ($15), a lobster BLT made with Miami Smokers bacon and house spicy mayo ($23), and the restaurant's own version of a pan con
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There's also a doggie menu. Served al fresco only, pups can choose between chicken and rice, meatballs and veggies, or Cuban chew-gars ($5 each).
Kuscher's restaurants are as known for well-curated beer offerings as much as food and The Spillover is no exception, with a focus on European brews, sours, ciders, and meads, under the care of beverage director Vanessa Guiracoche. Ciders from Italy, Spain, France, and England will be offered alongside local products from Hollywood Brewing and Cigar City.
Meads will range from $5 for a glass of Viking Blod from Denmark to a $185 bottle of barrel aged mead from Boston Beer Co. Alternating flavors of Counter Culturekombucha and Eternity Roasters cold brew on nitro will also be available.
The Spillover is open Sunday through Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.