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The best Wynwood restaurants and bars that you haven’t tried yet

We love Wynwood, but it changes so fast that it can be hard to keep up with the latest cool neighborhood spots. So, we asked Kerry McLaney, founder of 305 Creative and well-known woman about Wynwood, for recommendations of her favorite under-the-radar places for food and drink.

Boxelder

New on the scene is Boxelder Craft Beer Market, located next to the Ducati shop. Owners Nicole and Adam Darnell moved down from New York to open this bottle shop and tap room with a carefully curated selection of local, national and internationally crafted beers available to go or to stay. “We have 20 taps that are constantly rotating, including Kombucha on tap, as well as strong programming and event calendars that includes tastings, guest speakers as well as food and beer pairings,” Nicole said.

They loved the idea that several breweries were calling Wynwood home and that it was a hub for creative people seeking out new and different things in Miami. Specializing in craft brews, wine and bar snacks; they also sell t-shirts, hats and branded glasswear.

April brought several tap takeovers including a Wynwood Brewing Co bottle release event, a Santeria-themed event featuring M.I.A. Brewing, and Great Divide Brewing coming on April 24. Check out their social media and website for updated information and dates.

Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop & Cafe

If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop & Café has magic baking in those ovens. Derek Kaplan and Kimberly Murdock don’t mess around. From pies, cheesecakes, cakes, cookies and brownies to quiches and pot pies – there’s a little something for everyone. All products are baked from scratch on premises daily, and sandwiches are coming soon. Fireman Derek’s has a small seating area to enjoy slices or carry out and they’re planning an expansion with a larger production area. Their specialties are Key Lime and a salted caramel “Crack” pie.

They opened the shop in July, 2014 and absolutely love Wynwood. “We started out in Wynwood years ago before its popularity. We love all the friendly people, and artist community. There is no other place that has such diversity and originality. We are happy to be part of this vibrant growing community,” they said.

gastroPod

Tucked into the side street on 26th street near Wood Tavern is the gastroPod, owned and operated by Chef Jeremiah, formerly of Bullfrog Eatz. The gastroPod was one of the first mobile food trucks in South Florida which launched in 2009 at Miami’s Independent Thinkers satellite art fair during Art Basel.

The menu consists of short rib burgers, dirty dawgs, hand-cut fries, crispy chicken sandwiches and my favorite, Curry in a Hurry, which is a great vegetarian option. If you love Panther Coffee, you might want to try the Crack Shakes which combines cold brew, vanilla ice cream and agave. Specialty items such as gnocchi and kale pesto pop on and off the menu, so check their social media to see what they’re currently offering.

Also featured in the setback courtyard is Noodle Head, offering many pasta dishes such as the XO Noodle with a soft egg. You can keep it simple or get seriously adventurous with various noodle and add-on options of kimchi, roast pork or veggies. Chef Jeremiah also includes a gluten-free pasta.

Made in Italy Gourmet

Pietro Morelli and Francesco Belcaro opened this Italian gem in late January, 2015. It’s definitely an Italian experience to remember. With an amazing collection of items in the market such as pastas (with gluten-free options), sauces, sodas and beers along with primo selections of high-end wines and truffles, you’re sure to walk out with some authentic treats.

The restaurant offers sandwiches and pastas, along with reasonably-priced wines by the glass and Italian-style coffees. It’s a beautiful place to have lunch meetings in the area without the hassle. There is a communal table in the wine area that accommodates wine tastings and large gatherings. The Belcaros chose Wynwood because they feel it is the best and most happening neighborhood in Miami that is close to their New York ties.

Up next on the menu are regional weekly pasta options, cocktails with fresh fruit and wine. Starting in May, Made in Italy Gourmet will offer delivery in the neighborhood for the locals. Make sure to stop by and check out the space. La dolce vita!

Wynwood Café

The Wynwood Café is situated inside the Wynwood Warehouse Project and offers a wide range of goods and services. The Café caters to many locals with low-budget food options. Sandwiches range in price from $2-$9 with a special ‘sponsor-a-sandwich’ program where owner Danilo Gonzalez offers free incentives such as free coffee or tea and free sandwiches with accumulated purchases.

They also have salads, soups, fruit, smoothies, juices, snacks and ice cream popsicles that can be carried out or enjoyed on the property. Along with the Café, the Wynwood Warehouse Project has a small art supply store for convenient purchases in the area. Gonzalez also serves as art consultant to young and emerging artists. He organizes workshops, community and private events and hosts artists in the gallery where he has been involved in Wynwood for the past 7 years. He hopes to preserve the art community that is quickly being replaced by commercial developments.

There is free wi-fi, so feel free to come and grab some food and a juice and hang out, surf the web, and catch up on social media and emails.

Kerry McLaney is the Founder and Creative Director of 305 Creative Group and Miami’s Independent Thinkers. Tweet her at @305creative.