Blind Pig, a New Speakeasy Concept, Steps Into Former Railroad Blues Space

As far as clever and attention-grabbing bar names go, you could certainly do much worse than Blind Pig. This evening will see the bar — named after one of the slang phrases used to describe illegal speakeasies during prohibition — opening its doors for the first time.

Self-described as “Miami’s only authentic speakeasy,” Blind Pig will be hosting a VIP opening tonight to welcome itself to Miami nightlife. Situated at 28 NE 14th St. — the former home of PS14, the self-explanatory Bar, Railroad Blues, and most recently 28 Newsstand — Blind Pig represents a far cry from the hedonistic insanity that characterizes the adjacent Steam Miami and the nearby 24-hour district. According to co-owner and longtime Miami-based mixologist Gustavo Osuna, Blind Pig plans to stick steadfastly to its prohibition era theme. With its 1920s aesthetic and Jazz Age mission statement, Osuna and the other minds behind Blind Pig are hoping the bar will lend a sense of intimacy and timelessness to Miami nightlife. Given the chaos and unpredictability that defines Miami after dark, not to mention the seemingly endless construction sprawl, the consistency provided by a “timeless” venue might be a nice change of pace for a city that sometimes seems to only look forward.
This commitment to bridging the past and the present permeates Blind Pig all the way down to the names in the cocktail menu. Real-life partners in crime “Lucky Luciano” and “Meyer Lanksy” begin and end the menu respectively, with the names of other infamously unsavory prohibition-era gangsters filling out the middle. Meyer Lansky — the drink, not the man — is anchored by Ilegal Mezcal, which along with Banyan Reserve will be helping to stock the 8 to 10 p.m. open bar the Pig will be offering during tonight’s proceedings. Complementing the drinks is a menu of American classics (Chicken N’ Waffles) and intriguing alternatives (Spanish Octopus) to conventional club fare provided by Chef Lilian Vitale.

Of course, no speakeasy would be complete without an appropriate soundtrack. Speaking on what attendees can expect musically, Osuna informed us that although predominantly jazz-oriented, Blind Pig will offer a diverse selection of music. As for what lies in store for tonight, Hip Bob Band and DJ Fernando will be the ones to provide the score to Blind Pig’s entrance into Miami nightlife.
Those looking to join the celebration tonight can RSVP here. Although Blind Pig will only be open Thursday through Saturday, it is Osuna’s hope that Miami residents will fully commit to hopping onboard with what he calls an “interesting concept.” In striving to provide as distinctive an atmosphere as possible, Osuna tells New Times that no expense was spared in acquiring furniture and decorations authentic to the concept of the era. As he tells us, “You’ll have to be there.”

The Blind Pig, 28 NE 14th St., Miami; facebook.com/BlindPigMiami.