Shireen's Favorite Things

Drinks and bar bites on a Friday night at one of the hottest new bars in town: “The Sylvester Cocktail Bar & Lounge” in Midtown Miami.

One of the things I really miss about living in Manhattan is the really cool and eclectic bars I used to frequent. In any given borough or neighborhood, there was always that one magical place where you could meet your friends and wash the day away with a fabulous cocktail. We’d talk, laugh, play pool and just enjoy one another’s company…

When I moved back to Miami, I suddenly realized the bar culture was much different. If I wasn’t in a nightclub with blaring dance music, I was pushing my way through an overly-crowded hotel restaurant in hopes of finding my way to the bar to buy an overpriced, sadly-poured, paltry martini. Oh, how I missed my freestanding watering holes, but thanks to “The Sylvester,” I’m back in the game …

The newly-opened cocktail bar & lounge, which also specializes in coffee, tea and CBD, is a tropically-inspired oasis in Midtown Miami. With palm frond wallpaper, antique furnishings, shabby/chic chandeliers and a smattering of retro-inspired art, you’ll feel
like you’ve stumbled onto the set of the tv show “Golden Girls” or better yet, the movie “Birdcage” (without the performing drag queens, of course.) Its groovy personality has a hint of nostalgia, too. They have a foosball table, Chinese Checkers and a Playboy pinball machine.

The most impressive parts of the place, though, are the creative cocktails and tasty bar bites. Thanks to co-owners Ben Potts & Brian Nasajon (of Beaker & Gray fame,) the menu is a sampling of all things South Florida, at least the good parts and this experienced dynamic duo totally knows what they’re doing…

Case-in-point: the “Nooo Que Frio,” which is their take on an Old Cuban. Liquid nitrogen muddled mint, green apple, Italian liquor and sparkling wine makes for an interesting mix. Don’t let the green juice look fool you, it’s a cocktail that packs a punch. If, like me, you like a little more zing in your drink, the “Magic City Mule” is a #MustTry made with vodka, house pineapple ginger beer and chili pepper bitters. The campy copper cup it comes in is definitely worth a #SippinSelfie.

Both drinks paired perfectly with the “Arepa Grilled Cheese” made with Swiss cheese, yellow corn & tomato cream or go with something lighter like the “Key West Shrimp Hand Roll” stuffed with quinoa, pickled chili and peanut cream. #ComeToMama

My favorite drink of the night was the “Cayo Hueso Gimlet.” If you’re a regular blog reader, you know I’m
obsessed with The Florida Keys and this drink is an ode to its signature Key Lime Pie — made with tequila, graham cracker milk, Key Lime cordial and topped with a Key Lime truffle. I wish it came in a pitcher, because I practically inhaled it. The cheeky “Monkey Jungle” is a close second made with scotch, nitro cold brew, chocolate and banana custard cream. Holy Toledo, Batman! This fab take on an Irish Coffee doesn’t disappoint….

And neither does the “Chicken Liver Mousse” and for the record, I’m not exactly a liver lover, but this rich and creamy treat served with blueberry jam, pickled mustard seed and everything crackers is #TheBombDotCom. Speaking of, the “Medianoche” sandwich with palm sugar ham, house mustard and cucumber is love between two buns.

If you’re looking for a unique place to wet your whistle, catch up with friends or just enjoy a fun Friday night — complete with an after hours snack — “The Sylvester” is one of the best hang-out’s in Miami and who doesn’t wanna drink to that? Cheers to one of my #FavoriteThings.

The Sylvester
3456 N. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33127
USA, Earth, The Solar System

Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm – 1am
Friday – Saturday: 4pm – 2am

Be Social:
IG: @thesylvesterbar
FB: @TheSylvester