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River House Wine & Bar (Little Havana)
BARS • First Round
The Skinny: Situated on the tropical back patio of the historic Miami River Inn, River House Wine & Bar is a new wine shop and cocktail bar that opened in March, with a wood-burning pizza oven and cooler full of DIY charcuterie — making it Little Havana’s instant go-to for laid-back outdoor good times.
The Vibe: Originally built in 1908, the pastel-yellow clapboard home evokes Key West vernacular architecture on a compound featuring century-old buildings and a palm tree-filled patio. River House is set on the Inn’s back patio, beneath outdoor chandeliers draped amidst the foliage. But perhaps its most distinct feature is an old Canyon City Lines bus, retrofitted with chairs and cocktail tables. You can grab a bottle of wine from the racks in the original lobby, then pop it open and relax in the bus or one of the outdoor tables. The outdoor pizza kitchen sits just off the tables, and there’s live music on Friday nights.
The Drinks: The bar trades heavily in wine, organized by country and region. If you're overwhelmed, the staff is happy to point you in the right direction. There are also craft beers from Doral brewery Prison Pals. The cocktail menu is short, made up of drinks with clever names like the Bonny and Clyde, with mezcal and tropical fruit.
The Verdict: River House Wine & Bar is a winner, fusing history with a touch of in-the-know cool that offers a relaxing, off-the-beaten-path experience. –Matt Meltzer
→ River House Wine & Bar (Little Havana) • 437 SW 2nd St • Wed-Sun 6p-1a.