At Sheba, live music and a chance to eat with your hands -- just remember to wipe before you clap. Photo: Nikki Konefsky
Eat, drink and get rocking
By Nikki Konefsky
Miamians are craving more from local restaurants these days and eateries are responding by getting into the groove and serving up live music as a sumptuous side dish - yummy. So whether you prefer Latin drum beats with your arroz con pollo or classic rock as an accompaniment to your cheeseburger and fries, favorite local haunts are spicing things up and offering customers a large musical menu. Below are some of the places that struck a chord with us.
Soya e Pomodoro
The perfect blend of Italian hospitality and downtown Miami charm, Soya e Pomodoro has patrons dancing on their feet the latter part of most weeks. Served alongside delicious pasta and seafood dishes, the restaurant's musical fare is eclectic, energetic and well...it just rocks. On Thursday nights, Soya plays host to a Cuban jazz band -- think Buena Vista Social Club -- with guitarist and trumpets to boot. Friday night makes way for seven-year-old guitar prodigy Lucciano Pizzichini, who has jammed with the likes of Santana and Juanes and has an upcoming Tonight Show appearance -- and yes, he's still in elementary school. If you still want more, Saturday nights feature Hidalgo, a Latin jazz band that keeps the place rocking until closing time, which is usually around midnight. Amazing music compliments amazing food at this citified eatery. The whole experience is sure to leave you saying gratzie!
120 NE 1st St.; 305-381-9511
Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
Beautifully decorated and intimate, Sheba is Miami's only Ethiopian restaurant and prides itself on serving up authentic delicacies to regulars and newbie's alike. Nestled in a corner of Miami's booming Design District, this unique venue ups the spice factor on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with an eclectic live music lineup that includes jazz, Haitian, Brazilian and African music. Starting in April, Sheba will unveil a dinner show on Friday and Saturday nights that will feature traditional Ethiopian dancers, as well as music indigenous to the region. Combine cultural musical entertainment with delicious cuisine and South Florida diners are in for a one-of-a-kind evening.
4029 N. Miami Ave.; 305-573-181
Luna Star Café
Similar to kicking back and listening to tunes in your best friends living room, Luna Star Café in North Miami offers visitors a truly balanced experience. With interesting and eclectic live music, often featuring impressive singer/songwriter types with a folk flavor, we recommend checking out their website to get the 411 on what they have cooking -- musically speaking that is. Foodically speaking, their menu is extensive and delicious with fresh, mouthwatering paninis, salads, pizzas, desserts and much more. This intimate neighborhood joint also boasts over 50 different domestic and import beers and an array of caffeinated beverages to keep customers vibeing to the music all night long.
775 NE 125th St.; 305-799-7123
Sunset Tavern
The favorite watering hole of University of Miami students and seniors alike, Sunset Tavern has been rocking South Miami and beyond for over ten years. Like their food and beverage selection, Sunset Tavern offers a variety of musical acts to enjoy alongside your pressed duck sandwich. Robbie Hunter, a local acoustic guitarist plays there most Wednesday and Friday nights, DJ Holly Rock spins the latest tunes on Thursday evenings and you can ease into your workweek with the Mike Bordelon Quartet, a nice complement to Sunday brunch on the patio. Sunset Tavern is good old neighborhood fun, and the joint is definitely in tune with what their diners are looking for.
7230 SW 59th Ave.; 305-665-0060
One-Ninety
Even a change in location couldn't keep this place from drawing a crowd. The new intimate locale creates the perfect Miami backdrop for local singer/songwriters to showcase their talent. Alan Hughes, the owner, chef and musician known to take the stage himself, stays true to his reputation of creating an atmosphere that supports low-key fine dining, and the live music is the cherry on top. On Thursdays you can check out Jesse Jackson, a singer-songwriter who plays a Latin American instrument called the cuatro and is known for songs that include clever wordplay. Other nights of the week well-known local acts like Jacob Jeffries, Cleveland Jones and Rachel Goodrich also make appearances and dazzle with their amazing musical abilities. For an accurate lineup for the week, call ahead and prepare for the quintessential downtown Miami dining experience.
26 NE 54th St.; 305-758-7085
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Great guide... there are other places with music, of course. Another in South Miami is Tobacco Road. And several in Coral Gables have live music now, including Fritz & Franz.
Posted by: slevinson on Mon, 2008-04-28 12:31