Shireen's Favorite Things

A delicious brunch at Stiltsville Fish Bar in Sunset Harbour, where the ease of beach living is complemented by great seafood and killer cocktails.

One of my favorite places on planet earth is “The Florida Keys” and a lot of it has to do with the amazing food and incredible laid-back, beachy atmosphere, but why drive hours South when all you have to do is head to Sunset Harbour and dine at Stiltsville Fish Bar?

The restaurant is incredibly charming and drenched in its own seaside personality, with weathered “shabby chic” wooden walls and gorgeous seashell chandeliers. I especially love the huge windows/doors that open up an entire wall of the restaurant; allowing diners to see what life is really like on Miami Beach.

When I went for brunch a few weeks ago, I watched paddle boarders, kayakers and park-goers bask in the beautiful weekend weather. My Spotlight experience wasn’t just about a great view, though; the true stand-out at Stiltsville is the innovative food and drink. Speaking of…

“Mary The Green Garden Gnome” — Stiltsville’s take on the Bloody Mary — was the perfect way to start my day. The yummy tequila-based drink is a spicy concoction of green tomato juice, Tabasco, jalapeño and comes topped with a heaping helping of pickled veggies. Because it’s so popular, I tried “Cobia Tiradito” (made with avocado, crispy hominy & popped corn) from the dinner menu. I hate being dramatic, but this is #FoodPorn at its finest. It was incredible. A must-try.

“The Smoked Fish Dip” (made with cherry wood smoked local catch,) reminded me of something you’d enjoy on a hot summer day in New England. It’s served with tasty homemade toasted saltines. If you’re more of a sweet tooth kind of bruncher, the “Hummingbird Waffle” has your name written all over it (made with rum caramel, charred pineapple, pecans & mascarpone whip.) #CarbLoversRejoice

One of the most impressive things I’ve seen since I started the food blog is “The Big Kahunalada” for two — a drink & appetizer combined. The awe-inspiring treat is served in a ginormous copper pineapple: one half is filled to the brim with vodka, rum, lemongrass, coconut milk and pineapple, the other half comes with two extra large crispy coconut shrimp which have great texture – think Nabisco’s Shredded Wheat.

As if I wasn’t impressed enough, the “Sweet Corn Spoon Bread” (which is on the dinner menu,) made its way to the table. If you like decadence, you’ll wanna wrap your mouth around this dish. It’s made with buttermilk cream and scallions. Take it to the next level by adding buttery poached lobster. Sticking with a savory theme, I tried “Pork Belly Bacon & Sweet Corn Pancakes” with poached eggs & “Stiltsville Egg Benedict” with Blue Crab Cake (they have Lobster and house-made Pork Belly Bacon choices, too.) If I were a dead woman walking, both would be included in my final meal. Lol. I mean, do I actually have to choose?

I’ve been dying to take a swig of “The Mermaid Formerly Known As Janine” ever since I spotted her on Stiltsville’s Instagram. The drink, named after Executive Chef Janine Booth, is a mix of vodka, bubbles, passion fruit pearls and vanilla bean. The sassy copper sea creature was made especially for Stiltsville (by Absolut Elyx) and is definitely a social media picture waiting to happen. #Cheese

Impressive in a different deep sea kind of way: “Big Fish For 2” which is a Crispy Whole Snapper seasoned with lemon basil salsa verde & dusted in key lime. Not only does it look spectacular, it’s cooked to perfection: delicate, moist and incredibly fresh. And don’t worry, they do the work for you, deboning and serving.

What’s brunch without a little baked dessert? I’m a sucker for a good Beignet (think Cafe Du Monde quality) and Stiltsville’s are perfectly powered and served with chicory coffee pudding. I also tried the single-serving “Strawberry Rhubarb Pie” with Rhubarb ice cream. Hello, #HeavenOnEarth — don’t judge our upside down ice-cream picture. James (my photographer) and I were so excited to taste it, I’m not sure HOW it ended up that way.

While Stiltsville is gorgeous and the food is to-die-for (the pictures don’t even do it justice,) the attention to detail, incredible customer service and kindness is what puts it in a league of its own.

Executive Chefs Jeff McGinnis & Janine (the aforementioned mermaid mug inspo,) who happen to be engaged, have taken their combined knowledge of food and hospitality and built something pretty special. If you love the beach, fresh seafood and long for a one-of-a kind dining experience, Stiltsville is not to be missed and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Cheers!

Stiltsville Fish Bar
1787 Purdy Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
786-353-0477

Brunch is Saturday & Sunday: 11:30am-4pm
For dinner, lunch and happy hour check-out stiltsvillefishbar.com

Be Social:
FB: @StiltsvilleFishBar
IG: @stiltsvillefishbar