What: Oak Tavern, 35 NE 40th Street, Miami, FL 33137
Why: There’s just something about the Oak Tavern that makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over. It’s intimate, yet spacious; hip, yet doesn’t try too hard. What’s more, it’s the kind of place that makes me wanna get together with my closest friends and eat, drink and laugh the night away. It’s named after the “majestic transplanted giant oak tree” snuggled into its splendid outdoor patio.
The bar is big and welcoming and home to a killer Happy Hour with drink and snack specials. Off to the side, there’s a huge communal table and a-just-the-right-kind-of-size dining room beyond that. Almost everything inside is reclaimed wood; I especially like their whimsical wooden lamps that appear to be trees with lamp shade tops.The food is “Modern American” and easy to share.
When I dined there last week I tried the following: Crab Toast, Grouper Ceviche, Charcuterie Plate, Octopus A La Plancha and Heirloom Tomato Salad (all pictured in the blog.) The tomato salad and octopus were my favorite. Matter of fact, I’m still dreaming about those big, beautiful, juicy tomatoes and may have to go back to the scene of the crime. I’m pretty sure I demolished the plate single-handedly. The highlight was washing it all down with “The Green Mile” (made with gin, cucumber puree, Serrano pepper, cilantro and lime.) I left happy and ready to head back for more.
Where: It’s located in one of my favorite places in Miami: the uber trendy and chic Design District. It’s a sweet little lay-out, too. You walk right under a beautiful brick archway to enter “The Tavern,” which leads into a sprawling garden/patio area that blends right into the restaurant itself.
When you walk in, the vibe immediately engulfs you with warm lighting, a lovely art mural and a kicked-back, hipster energy; you feel like you’ve found a hidden hot spot. There’s a valet in front of the restaurant, but I always manage to find street parking. I like to stretch my legs and walk a few blocks, so I can enjoy the booming business landscape and the always interesting art murals the district has to offer.
When: Oak Tavern is open for lunch, happy hour, brunch & dinner! My kind of place.
Lunch: Monday-Thursday 12pm-4pm
Happy Hour: Everyday 4pm-7pm
Brunch: Saturday 11am-3pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Dinner: Monday-Thurs 6pm-10:30pm, Friday-Sat 6pm-12am, Sunday 6pm-9:30pm
Reservations: Make reservations on-line or call 786-391-1818.
www.oaktavernmiami.com
IG: @oaktavernmiami
Twitter: @OakTavernMiami
FB: Oak Tavern
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Editor: Matthew Auerbach
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