Baum and Saliba saw a notable gap in Miami's social scene: While there were plenty of flashy venues catering to tourists, there was a lack of places locals could call their own.
"In recent years, there's been this incredible boom in Miami, but the majority of places opening were going toward the same idea, which is this over-the-top, Vegas-on-the-beach experience," Baum shares with New Times. "And there are only so many of these experiences that someone who lives here is looking for."
"We wanted to create a neighborhood concept, something for Sunset Harbour," explains Saliba. And so, BeyBey was born — a space where the spirit of two vibrant cities converges.
When Samuel Baum, a Miami nightlife veteran, and Tiger Saliba, a seasoned restaurateur from Lebanon, joined forces to create BeyBey, their idea was to create a fusion of the cities of Beirut and Miami, offering vibes as welcoming as they are cosmopolitan.
World Red Eye photo
The name itself, BeyBey, is an abbreviation of the phrase "my house is your house" in Arabic, beyte beytak, embodying the type of hospitality the duo envisioned. Behind a gold-hued outer wall separating the venue from the sidewalk is a trio of spaces designed by acclaimed architect Michael Dolatowski: the dining room, the garden, and the living room, each with its unique charm.
The dining room and bar, designed to emulate a welcoming kitchen counter, offer a menu of cocktails with a Lebanese twist. Think classic drinks infused with regional ingredients, served alongside a curated selection of zero-proof beverages, global wines, and rare Champagnes. Art pieces by local female artists adorn the walls, adding pops of color and personality to the purple-hued room.
Venture into the garden, reminiscent of traditional Middle Eastern architecture, complete with a central fountain housing a banyan tree and mosaic-adorned tables, setting the stage for stylish dinners al fresco.
And finally, there's the living room, BeyBey's lounge area is where the night comes alive with eclectic beats, featuring a blend of funky, disco, and soulful dance music. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a drink late into the evening and soak up the atmosphere.
The dining room and bar, designed to emulate a welcoming kitchen counter, offer a menu of cocktails with a Lebanese twist.
World Red Eye photo
"Between the garden, living room, and the dining room, you can spend a whole evening here and have multiple different experiences," explains Saliba. "You can start with a drink at the bar, then move out to the garden for dinner, and then go into the lounge for late-night music and a drink to cap your night until 1:30 a.m. — three dates in one."
But it's not just about the ambiance and the cuisine — it's about the crowd and the vibe. BeyBey exudes an effortlessly cool and hip atmosphere, attracting diverse patrons who appreciate its unique blend of influences.
"In a city known for its glitz and glamour, BeyBey stands out as a cool place where locals can truly feel at home," Saliba proudly declares. "It speaks to the power of blending cultures and creating spaces that are as diverse as the people who inhabit them," sums up Baum.
BeyBey. 1330 18th St., Miami Beach; instagram.com/beybey. Wednesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Happy hour daily 5 to 7 p.m.
