Abi Maria, a Cuban-Inspired Cocktail Bar, to Open in Downtown Dadeland

It's been a year since chef Jorgie Ramos opened Barley, an American Brasserie, bringing black truffle burrata cheese, smoked pork belly, and a daily mac 'n' cheese dish to Downtown Dadeland.

Now Ramos plans to debut Abi Maria, a pre-Castro-Havana-inspired craft cocktail bar located a few steps from Barley in Downtown Dadeland. It is expected to open sometime in November.

“I’ve been wanting to create a bar concept for a while,” Ramos says. “After seeing the level of success Barley has achieved at Downtown Dadeland, I knew this area was the prime location for Abi Maria. My goal is to create a unique space for people to come enjoy a cocktail before dinner or a light bite with friends over good conversation."

The 1,000-square-foot space will offer a selection of classic Latin cocktails, frozen drinks such as daiquiris, an oyster program, and small plates. Many of the bar's cocktails will use various rum varieties.

Though a definitive menu has yet to be released, expect a refreshing light-bites menu similar to the one Ramos serves at Barley, such as smashed avocado, Korean fried pig ears, and Serrano ham and manchego cheese croquetas.

Abi Maria will join a growing roster of forthcoming restaurant openings at Downtown Dadeland — a residential and retail development in East Kendall — including Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen, Pubbelly Sushi, and Teriyaki Madness, along with already-opened concepts such as Harry's Pizzeria, Ghee Indian Kitchen, and the Brick.

Abi Maria. 8880 SW 72nd Pl., Miami.