American Social, the Las Olas gastropub that features dozens of craft beers and tap tables, is expanding to Brickell.
American Social, or AmSo, will open just after Labor Day at 690 SW First Ct. on the ground floor of the Neo Vertika building. The Miami-area location, nearly triple the size of the original Fort Lauderdale gastropub, will feature 6,500 square feet of interior space, 3,000 square feet of canopied waterfront space, and 200 square feet of dock -- in case you want to arrive by boat. In addition, a private room for up to 50 guests comes complete with water views and a gas-burning fireplace. Co-owners Paul Greenberg and Rick Mijares chose Brickell for their second location because the neighborhood spoke to them. According to Greenberg, Brickell is an "evolving, thriving, and visually stunning area of Miami. Our new location is a large, beautiful space right on the Miami River. We could not have asked for better real estate."
The two have tapped designer Laurie Mijares to decorate the new restaurant. Mijares helped develop the AmSo Las Olas concept.
See also: Finka Table & Tap Takes Bold Flavors to Miami's Hinterland
The menu will mostly clone that of its Las Olas parent. Executive chef Chris Palmer features pub favorites such as old-fashioned chicken and waffles ($13); a Miami heater burger ($16) -- a blend of chuck, brisket, and short ribs stuffed with Boursin cheese and wrapped with jalapeño bacon; and a Hawaiian poke tuna tower ($16), topped with wasabi caviar, sour cream, and a ginger rose petal.
An extensive craft beer menu will feature nearly 50 draft beers, along with tableside taps that offer both brews and cocktails.
Greenberg says that although "Miami's food scene has been steadily improving over the past few years at a faster rate than other areas of South Florida," he and Mijares are up for the challenge. "We are excited to join this culture of food connoisseurs.
In the end, however, regardless of a restaurant's location, there is one true constant. As Greenberg puts it: "We believe no matter where you go, people want to enjoy quality food and drinks in a timely fashion in an atmosphere where they feel comfortable. What will always be the same, no matter where we go, is our dedication and commitment to our guests/friends/family. No guest who enters our restaurants is ever a stranger. We make it a priority to meet and greet everyone who comes through the doors. We genuinely care about their needs and wants and do everything within our power to provide it."
The restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and late-night fare and hosts a weekday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday with half-priced cocktails and appetizers. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday.
This is the second Fort Lauderdale-based gastropub to announce expansion to Miami. Tap 42, a popular Fort Lauderdale pub, plans to open a Coral Gables location sometime in 2015.
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