A fun Friday afternoon at La Placita in MiMo — where Puerto Rican cocktails, cuisine and creative decor are celebrated with substance and style.
When “La Placita” first opened, I actually thought they were giving away free food — that’s how crazy the crowds were. People were everywhere, taking selfies outside the restaurant with the larger-than-life Puerto Rican flag mural behind them and if they weren’t snapping pictures, they were waiting in long lines that easily snaked around the building. They were so busy…
It actually became a running joke between me and one of my Deco Drive co-workers, Daniel. Everyday we compared notes on our exciting new neighborhood atmosphere. MiMo (where we both happen to live and “La Placita” is located,) is a hipster area in Miami featuring repurposed Art Deco buildings, boutique businesses and interesting restaurants, but for whatever reason, it’s remained relatively sleepy — UNTIL NOW.
When “La Placita” opened its doors, it injected major moxie into the area and frankly, we needed it. I’ve lived in South Florida a long time and I’ve never seen such excitement for the opening of a restaurant and that was months ago. Crazy enough, it’s still bustling, but I finally managed to get an invite.
If you’re a Miami foodie, you probably already know the story. If not, it’s a juicy one (pun intended.) Hunky actor, Julian Gil and Chef extraordinaire, Jose Mendin (both Puerto Rican) joined forces to open “La Placita” — naming it after San Juan’s famed lively food market & nightlife hot spot — and that’s pretty much what you’ll experience when you go: amazing down-home Puerto Rican food coupled with an exciting atmosphere.
I started my #Spotlight experience on the restaurant’s tropical-inspired patio, featuring cozy tables with palm tree pillows, a love bird swing chair and a large open-air bar. I especially liked the domino tables, where you can play while enjoying a drinky-poo or two. If you’re really a domino lover, on Tuesday’s they hold tournaments and apparently, it’s all the rage. Speaking of a drinky poo or two…
I had to try “La Placita’s” signature drink: “Mama-Yak,” made with Don Q Cristal Rum, pineapple, passion fruit reduction and lime bitters. I swear, it’s sweet love in a cup. The “Mayaguez Sabe a Mango” is a close second. It’s a delicious concoction made with tequila, mango, lime, Earl Grey Tea, cilantro and rimmed in a savory salt. It definitely gets my vote for “most interesting.” If you’re more of a straightforward cocktail person, “Guava-te Mule” is a terrific take on the moscow mule, made with vodka, guava/ginger, lime, soda and tea bitters.
All the drinks paired perfectly with my two starters: “Empanadillas” (pizza/garlic flavor) and “Croquetas de Fricase de Pollo” (mini open-face chicken croquettes.) Both were delicious, but the finger-sized empanadas were to die for and are definitely a #MustTry. Side note: each flavor comes with a heavenly dipping sauce.
If you really want a taste of Puerto Rico, you can’t go wrong with “Mofongo Camarones al Ajillo.” If you’ve never tasted Mofongo, it’s basically mashed-up plantains mixed with broth, garlic, olive oil and pork cracklings (think pork rinds) and in this particular main dish, there’s a heaping helping of delicious shrimp. The “Lechon Asado” (roasted pork and chicharron) is another main meal that’ll give you a true taste of Puerto Rican heritage and it comes with a mouthwatering mojo sauce. Make sure you save room for dessert…
Because “La Placita” doesn’t play when it comes to the sweet stuff. In fact, they insisted on serving a platter of pretty little sweet things, like “Flan de Queso” (cream cheese flan,) “Natilla de Maiz” (custard pudding) and “Arroz con Dulce” (rice pudding with coconut and rum raisins.) #BeStillMyHeart If you’re watching your waistline, try one of their “Limbers,” which is a tropical twist on Italian ice. My favorite was the guava cheesecake. Yum!
“La Placita” is more than a restaurant; it’s a really cool, cultural experience in a hip Miami neighborhood, if I do say so myself 😉 and that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!
Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-11pm
Friday-Saturday 12pm-11pm
Sunday 11:30am-11pm
La Placita Miami
6789 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Florida 33138
305-400-8173
Be Social:
IG: @laplacitamiami
FB: La Placita Miami
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Rattan Purse in Violet by Amerii
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Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Es Muy Bueno” Auerbach
