Stay Cool at These Shady Restaurants

Summer in Miami means two things: a lot of sun and a lot of rain. As a result, many diners are rushing indoors to escape the elements and get some much-needed air conditioning. But what if you still prefer to eat outside? Thankfully, many South Florida spots offer covered outdoor dining to ensure you don’t sweat up a storm or get caught in the rain.

One such spot: American Social (690 SW 1st Ct., 305.570.4468) in Brickell. The beloved sports bar is home to a fully covered patio with some jaw-dropping views of the local skyline. Located along the Miami River, American Social provides guests with plenty of shade while they enjoy the venue’s elevated bar fare.

Among the restaurant’s many highlights: guava BBQ pork belly, mahi tacos, Nashville hot chicken and AmSo’s namesake burger. Visit during the day for close-up views of yachts and other boat traffic, or visit at night to watch the Brickell buildings light up. There’s no wrong choice here.

For an equally impressive outdoor experience, look no further than La Placita (6789 Biscayne Blvd., 305.400.8173) in MiMo. The Puerto Rican eatery features an intimate dining room, but it’s the lively outdoor seating that calls our names. With plenty of tables and cover, you can take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood without taking in too much heat or rain. Indulge in bites like empanadillas, chicken stew croquettes and whole fried snapper without

roasting in the South Florida sun. Pro tip: Make sure to check out the mofongo shop, which serves up the beloved mashed dish from the island with green plantains, pork belly and more. It’s a full meal for $15 or less.

If you’re a sports fan, Grails (2800 N Miami Ave., 786.870.4313) in Wynwood is the place to be for any big game or fight. The sports bar is known for its hybrid theme approach: The indoor area is all about sneakers, while the outside is straight out of “Miami Vice.” We suggest sitting in the latter section, as there’s more room to move and jump out of your seat for all those exciting matchups. Nitro watermelon tataki, BBQ ribs, poke nachos and cheeseburger dumplings are just a few of the items you can enjoy while cheering on your favorite teams.

Fancy a more upscale meal? Head over to Amara at Paraiso (3101 NE 7th Ave., 305.702.5528) from celebrated chef Michael Schwartz. The Edgewater restaurant is enormous and boasts some of the most sought-after tables in town. A big reason for its popularity: the stunning waterfront views of Biscayne Bay. The peaceful water is the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner or an outing with friends. On the menu here is an array of Latin-inspired fare like shrimp aguachile, yuca cheese puffs, arroz verde and dulce de leche flan. If you’re visiting with a group, consider ordering one of the large plates, like the surf and turf parrillada or the 24-ounce bone-in ribeye.

Openings

When it comes to recent openings in the Magic City, there’s no question that Ch’i (701 S Miami Ave., #339A, 305.257.8726) in Brickell is among the largest. Its Chinese-Latin fusion approach is actually four concepts in one: a market, a lounge, a garden and the main dining room. No matter where you end up, you’re never too far away from stiff drinks and decadent fare. In the main dining room, for example, guests can order duck dumplings, tuna tiradito, crispy lobster and wonton soup – to name a few items. And over at the mercado, you can get fried chicken wings, sweet and sour pork, and veggie fried rice.

Another notable name that has joined the scene: Dogfish Head Miami (325 NW 24th St., 305.796.2727). The renowned brewery has opened a South Florida outpost in the former Concrete Beach Brewery space. Like its predecessor, there’s no shortage of beer; expect to find all the favorites like 90 Minute IPA and SeaQuench Ale. Unlike its predecessor, Dogfish Miami boasts an expansive food menu with delicious selections like conch and sweet crab fritters, seared tuna tacos, and rock shrimp ceviche. Should you visit for brunch, the fried chicken and waffles is a must.

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.