Brickell Is Ditching Its Buttoned-Up Reputation to Become Miami’s Coolest Neighborhood
Once known for banking HQs and not much else, Brickell is now the place to be.
Miami is a dynamic city that has taken the world stage as a leading place to both visit and live, and it has seen some changes en route to that status. But no neighborhood has seen more of an upheaval than Brickell.
Just south of Miami’s downtown area, Brickell was once the epicenter of banking as a hub for multiple South American banks. The area would be bustling with suit-clad Miamians during the day, but things would really quiet down in the evening once happy hour wrapped. All that has changed and Brickell is now a vibrant, ever-changing area filled with some of the best shopping, dining, and partying options in the city.
David Grutman, founder of Groot Hospitality which owns and operates several Miami restaurants including Komodo and Gekko in Brickell, loves this area both for work and play. “Brickell has become the heartbeat of Miami,” he says. “You can feel the energy—it’s electric.”
With wonderful coffee shops, world-class shopping, plenty of rooftops to watch the sunset, and a waterfront promenade for jogging or walking, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this lively enclave. So from great food to cool ways to spend quality outside time, here are the best things to do in Brickell.
Things to Do in Brickell
Do some retail therapy at Brickell City Centre
If you're looking to spend the day—and maybe your entire paycheck—somewhere, then look no further than Brickell City Centre. This massive destination offers more than five-million square feet of stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Shop until you drop at luxury retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Maje, and Rebag; get glam at DryBar and Brickell Nail Bar; catch a movie at CMX Theater; play a round at Puttshack; or join the Nike Run Club for a few miles around the neighborhood.
Get outside
Now that it’s not all 9-to-5ers, enjoy Brickell’s expanse of outdoor activities. Alice C. Wainwright Park is one of the last remaining remnants of Brickell Hammock, once the largest tropical hardwood forest in South Florida. The park, located just at the gateway to Key Biscayne, offers waterfront picnic opportunities, as well as a basketball court, barbecue areas, a playground, and bike racks. Leashed dogs are welcome, so bring your best friend for some waterfront playtime.
The Underline is a work in progress that, once completed, will span from Miami’s Brickell area to the Kendall neighborhood. The path gets its name because a majority of the path is located under the Metrorail, the city’s main train system, but don’t let it fool you. The pristine pathways are lined with native gardens and offer a nice route for exercising or exploring. Take a leisurely walk or bike the 2.16-mile path from Brickell Backyard south to the historic Roads, Shenandoah, and Silver Bluff neighborhoods in the City of Miami—or enjoy the Brickell Backyard area, a short path that also offers an outdoor gym, nature and butterfly gardens, gathering places, and a flex basketball/soccer court.
Take advantage of skyscrapers for sunset views
Brickell’s skyline is impressive from the streets—but it’s even more spectacular with a bird’s eye view. If you can’t spring for a penthouse condo, Brickell has some gorgeous rooftop bars and lounges where you can enjoy the views with a drink in your hand. Rising 40 stories above Brickell, Sugar at the East Miami Hotel is the area’s tallest lookout point and the bar offers live DJ sets, cocktails, and amazing views. Rosa Sky, located on the 23rd floor of the Element Hotel Miami, serves cocktails and tapas in a party vibe. Though the views impress, they’re no match for the lounge’s light shows and DJ sets, which light up the night.
Restaurants and Bars in Brickell
For late-night bites: Miami is known for its ’round-the-clock action, so if you’ve got a hankering in the wee hours of the morning, fear not—Sand’which has got you covered. The restaurant is open seven days a week, 22 hours a day (its closed between 6 and 8 a.m. for cleaning on weekends, and 5 and 8 a.m. during the week). As the name suggests, there are a plethora of hot and cold sandwiches from a hearth croque monsieur, made with your choice of traditional ham, turkey, salmon, or tuna, to a build-your-own option.
For dinner and a party: If your idea of a good time includes live music, cocktails and noodles, Baby Jane is the place for you. This Brickell bar has a killer cocktail program that includes a watermelon collins and a spicy passionfruit margarita; along with a food menu that includes Japanese izakaya items like dumplings, pork belly, and tuna poke tacos. Oh, and the kitchen’s open until 1:30 am on weekends and 12:30 am on weekdays.
For celeb sightings: David Grutman—who many would deem a celebrity in his own right—might have built a nightlife and restaurant empire, but Komodo remains his flagship restaurant. This massive, high-energy spot specialized in Peking duck, sushi, Wagyu dumplings, and inspiring calls to Deux Moi.
For an over-the-top scene: London’s Sexy Fish is an under-the-sea fantasy filled with Damian Hirst art, a giant aquarium wall, and a lifelike mermaid greeting you in the bathrooms. The food and cocktails are equally enthralling—think seafood towers and a dessert tray served inside a giant clamshell.
For no-gimmicks glamour: If you’re seeking an exclusive experience, chef Kevin Cory’s Naoe is an intimate omakase restaurant on Brickell Key. Each evening, Cory serves only a handful of guests the finest seafood flown in from Japan, leaving you with a treasured meal memory.
Hotels in Brickell
If you’re looking to lay your head after a long day in the Miami sun and a sultry evening, Brickell has a wide range of sophisticated accommodations. The DUA Miami (formerly the SLS Brickell) offers 124 rooms and suites (each with its own private balcony), an on-site spa, a rooftop pool and bar. If you’re opting for luxury, the Mandarin Oriental is a gorgeous hotel that offers a sophisticated cocktail lounge, and fine dining at La Mar by Gaston Acurio. Thanks to its location on Brickell Key, you’ll get prime views of the Brickell skyline and over toward Miami Beach.
For a budget-friendly option, stay at the CitizenM Hotel and you’ll rest in a futuristic pod complete with mood lighting and a custom iPad that controls everything from the curtains to ordering room service. The hotel has a rooftop bar, and a gym (and snacks) available 24/7.