La Traila Barbecue

Formerly a “first come, first served” pop-up, La Traila Barbecue has turned into a Miami success story, serving up some of the Magic City’s finest barbecue. With a recently opened brick-and-mortar location, Austin-born Mel Rodriguez and Miami native/Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie have given a Miami spin to Texas-style barbecue with a menu focused on platters and meat sold by the pound, from smoked pulled pork and spareribs to smoked turkey and USDA Prime beef brisket. While burgers and a fried chicken sandwich offer stellar departures from these platter-sized plates, La Traila’s signature dish remains the duo’s famous “Brisket Sundae,” which begins with a base of creamy mac ’n’ cheese that’s layered with sides like baked beans and creamed corn before the final touch: a heap of house-smoked brisket topped with cotija cheese, fresh crema, and house-made barbecue sauce.