The location at Tenth Street and North Miami Avenue was just screaming for a neighborhood bar, thought building owner Chris MacLeod. The building, which houses an artist residency program, the offices of LegalArt, and NeMesis, had an empty corner space, so MacLeod and partner Manoles Papageorgiou got to work.
The Corner has a great cozy neighborhood vibe. Although it just opened this past weekend, it feels like it's been around for years. Chalk that up to the bar, made from 150-year-old wooden beams and a giant mirror that were carefully trucked in from up north, the chalkboards that feature extensive beer and wine selections, and the candlelit dining area.
What makes this a place on our radar is a specialty cocktail list and interesting takes on bar food. Zuma alum Meli Cala manages the kitchen, where a small but inventive menu includes a Chicago-style Kobe dog ($5.50), deconstructed deviled eggs ($5), and all day breakfast salad ($7.50), as well as a selection of sandwiches.
Chris Funk, formerly of Gigi, knows his way around the bar, which features a blend of classic cocktails (like the Sazarac and the Death in the Afternoon) and new creations. Cocktails range from $12-14 and are well worth it for the thought and craftsmanship that go into them.
Ernest Hemingway created the Death in the Afternoon, named after his novel about Bullfighting in 1935. A blend of Absinthe and Brut Champagne, Hemingway's recipe calls for you to "drink three to five of these slowly" ($13).
The Honey Pit is a new cocktail with a classic vibe. A blend of dark rum, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and basil-infused honey ($13).
Death's Door white whisky has a taste reminiscent of a very fine tequila. The clear color comes from the fact that it's not barrel aged.
Chris Funk making a Whitey on the Moon, a blend of Death's Door white whisky, clove, milk, and lemon zest. This cocktail tasted spicy and Christmas-y. Like a lighter version of eggnog ($13).
The Falerno, made with Anejo rum, Maraschino liqueur, muddled candied ginger, and citrus had a distinct Caribbean flavor. It brought to mind seeking shelter from the afternoon sun in a dark bar in Montego Bay ($13).
The Cham Wow. Yes, it's named after the loud obnoxious guy on television. Made from vodka, muddled raspberries, lemon juice, and champagne. Funk calls it a "panty dropper" because of it's deceptive pink color. Get it here or make it at home with his recipe.
The Cham Wow
6-7 raspberries, muddled
1 1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
Pour shaken ingredients into a Champagne flute, top with Brut Champagne.
The Corner is open Tuesday - Thursday from 11 a.m. - 5 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 8 a.m. They serve lunch, dinner, and late night snacks. The kitchen closes an hour before the bar.
The Corner, 1035 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, 305 961-7887
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