Waxy O’Connors

The Irish pub opened its newest location along the banks of the Miami River in Brickell. Photo: Tomas Loewy.

 

Sara Liss10/12/2009

The goods: The Irish have invaded Miami, and they’ve chosen Brickell as their hotspot. Earlier this summer the condo canyon welcomed Brickell Irish Pub to the mix and that was soon followed by a downtown location of Waxy O’Connors, a shrine of beer and corned beef. Dubbed Waxy’s On The River for its fantastic waterfront patio offering views of the Miami River and the neon-lit Metrorail bridge, this location is the sibling to the Waxy’s on South Beach.

Ambiance: Nestled on the ground floor of the Neo Vertika building, the tavern consists of ample outdoor seating with high-top tables and flat screen TV’s mounted on the building’s exterior. Inside you’ll find a warren of carved wood booths, stained glass windows, hardwood floors and a 64-foot bar where a bevy of beers (including some rare microbrews), Irish whiskeys and single malt Scotches are dispensed by the accommodating bartenders.  

The grub: Traditional Irish pub grub along with Key West-style pub grub. Prices are neighborhood friendly; most starters are under $10 while salads and mains don’t top $14. Beers are $6.75 for draft pints and average $6.50 for exotic bottled brews like Leiffe Blonde and Strongbow.

Start off with a platter of smoked salmon served with dense dark bread and a side of perky greens. If you’re in a tailgating mood go for conch fritters, chicken wings and potato skins filled with bacon and cheddar cheese. There’s a thoughtful selection of healthier (though not very Irish) dishes like a mahi salad served with mandarin oranges and a lemon pepper vinaigrette and a selection of flatbreads topped with shrimp and avocado and chicken and gorgonzola. Mains show a bit more Irish flair with dishes like Bangers and Mash (sausages on a bed of mashed potatoes), corned beef and cabbage. Shepherds Pie and Guinness beef stew. The Irish Cream cheesecake, made with the sweet liquor, is a fitting coda to the Celtic meal.

Verdict: Plenty of outdoor seating and a hefty beer selection make this place a go-to for lazy Sunday afternoons.