Thankfully, everyone was wrong, and the place is usually packed with people who enjoy an artistic diversion or two. This new culturally aware South Florida's gotta eat though.
This week at Arsht the Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights is showing, so after you enjoy learning about uptown, you can grab a bite to eat in downtown. Instead of spending a ton of cash at Prelude by Barton G., the in-house restaurant, take a short walk or drive and eat in the neighborhood.
Here are a few suggestions.
Walking Distance
Bin 18 (1800 Biscayne Blvd.) is a swanky and intimate restaurant. It's not cheap, but the "roadside European cuisine" sure is tasty, and they have a very nice beverage selection.
Catch Grill and Bar (1633 North Bayshore Dr.) is located in the Marriott Biscayne Bay, just around the corner from the Arsht. It has a nice, swanky feel with a full bar, but nothing too pricey or pretentious. Seating overlooking the lovely bay acts as a nice sedative after a long work day, before or after a show.
The DRB (255 N.E. 14th St.) or Democratic Republic of Beer is immediately across the street from the Arsht and though beer and not food is the main attraction, they have plenty of dishes from around the world. If you sit outside, you can watch all the people coming and going to the theater.
Wynwood
Joey's (2506 NW 2nd Ave.) is a really lovely Italian restaurant with a classy atmosphere. They just announced a pre and apres theater three-course prix fixe menu. It's $20 per person, everyday but Sunday, 6 to 7 and 10 to 11 p.m. starting April 4.
Wynwood Kitchen and Bar (2550 NW Second Ave.) is a brand new spot right in the heart of Wynwood Walls. While you eat your American cuisine, you can ogle the graffiti art on the walls. Finish off your meal with a cocktail named after a contemporary artist.
South of the Expressway
Miss Yip (900 Biscayne Blvd.), Miami Beach's best Chinese food, just opened a new location in downtown. Miss Yip has Buddhas' bellies to rub for luck and a nice upscale feel. The dum sum, Hong Kong inspired chow will fill your belly before the big performance.
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