Swanky New Speakeasy Opens in Coral Gables

A new speakeasy has opened quietly above Babette in Coral Gables, just in time for the holidays and Christmas vacation. Romeo Room, a cocktail lounge and live music space from owners Dani Chavez-Bello and Alexandra Oliveros Febres-Cordero, is now officially welcoming guests upstairs at 303 Alcazar Ave.

Instead of simply adding more tables to the restaurant below, the team created a standalone experience. The lounge offers drinks, small plates, and live music Wednesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., accessible only by a spiral staircase inside Babette.

An Intimate Escape Upstairs

The owners deliberately moved away from the idea of an expanded Babette, choosing instead to create a room with its own vibe. Chavez-Bello noted that the architecture of the second floor contributed to the project’s direction.

“The key is the size,” he said. “With 32 to 40 seats, the room always feels full. You feel like you’re in a different place.”

That limited size means the pace here is more deliberate. Because space is at a premium, prime tables are tied to minimum spends. The owners designed the space to feel controlled rather than crowded, filling it with a collection of vintage furniture, artwork, and objects gathered over time. Chavez-Bello described the room as intentionally intimate, closer to a private lounge space than a bar designed for large crowds.

Small Plates and a Whiskey-Led Bar

The kitchen at Romeo Room focuses on bites that complement a drink rather than a full sit-down dinner. The menu features elevated finger foods, such as ham croquetas finished with golden osetra caviar, Ibérico Cinco Jotas carved to order, and truffled mac and cheese.

“The only dish we share with Babette is the chawanmushi,” Chavez-Bello says. “Everything else is exclusive to Romeo.”

Behind the bar, the focus is on whiskey, with a deep selection of Japanese producers alongside Scotch, tequila, and mezcal. The cocktail list sticks to classic foundations with subtle, sophisticated twists. For those looking for something simpler, the house pours Estrella Damm.

A Curated Soundscape

While music is central to the experience, the owners have steered clear of the typical high-volume club format. The weekly schedule features DJ sets and live performances on Thursdays, with sound balanced to ensure guests can still hold conversations.

“We’re very particular about the music,” Chavez-Bello says. “No reggaetón. That’s banned.” The speakers instead pump out a mix of soul, jazz, older pop, and select modern tracks. Even the decor serves a purpose here, as the soft furnishings were chosen to soften the acoustics and maintain a steady energy level.

“It’s not for everybody,” Chavez-Bello says. “And that’s okay.”

Romeo Room. 303 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables, above Babette; romeoroom.com.