1. The Sports Exchange Open since April, this Coral Gables spot blends sports, dining, and stock updates in one place. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant and bar has high ceilings with exposed beams, a 60-foot bar, and seating for 170. The private Sky Box is available for receptions of 100.
2. Calamari Italian Seafood This Coconut Grove restaurant serves Italian and Mediterranean seafood dishes and can seat 260 guests in the main ding room. For private events, a wine cellar known as the Cave seats 25. Additionally, the covered side terrace seats 150 for semiprivate functions or twice as many for receptions and can be used in conjunction with the Taurus bar and its patio next door.
3. The Yard House This restaurant and sports bar opened in May in the Village of Merrick Park shopping center. The 12,000-square-foot space has 130 beers on tap with pipes running along the ceiling to a keg room in the back of the venue. The restaurant can seat 379 people, with an additional 100 in the courtyard, and has party menus available for groups of 20 or more.
4. La Cofradia Ceviche Bar After closing for three months earlier this year, this Peruvian eatery reopened with a new partner, new menu, and new name in May. The 1,750-square-foot restaurant, formerly known as La Cofradia, can seat 95 or hold 150 for receptions. The bar holds 30. A semiprivate dining area seats 10 to 15 guests.