As we ramp up for fall, these are some of the most important new event and meeting venues slated to open (or reopen) in Miami/South Florida, with options for everything from cocktail receptions and conferences to business dinners and corporate meetings. Here's a preview of the hotels, restaurants, bars, lounges, and other spaces the city will be buzzing about this season.
5. Dylan's Candy Bar
The famed New York candy empire will join South Beach’s Lincoln Road Mall this November. The 3,500-square-foot candy storefront will showcase a blend of nostalgic and imported treats, featuring displays by M&M Mars, Hershey’s, and Jelly Belly. Along with the shop, patrons will be able to enjoy a main-level café with seating for 80, as well as a private event space on the second floor.
Photo: Courtesy of Dylan's Candy Bar
1. Blue Moon Hotel
Following an eight-month restoration to reinstate its ’30s charm, this Collins Avenue hotel (a composite of what were formerly the Lafayette and Les Suites) will be unveiled this month. More than 2,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor event space is available for executive cocktail parties, weddings, or corporate gatherings, including an intimate 180-square-foot executive boardroom to accommodate 10 conference-style, and new restaurant FIX, with fresh, local cuisine and a creative cocktail menu.
Rendering: Courtesy of Blue Moon Hotel
2. Winter Haven
A historic Art Deco property on Ocean Drive, Winter Haven is preparing to complete its restoration this month. Along with a lounge, martini bar and a restaurant called Il Bolognese, there will be multiple creative spaces for special events, meetings, and private dining receptions, including a 1,600-square-foot rooftop terrace.
Rendering: Courtesy of Winter Haven
3. Cay at DCOTA
Opening in October, the recent multimillion-dollar overhaul of the 10,000-square-foot DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas) event space in Dania Beach includes Cay, an 1,100-square-foot, 84-seat restaurant. The design concept’s inspiration was old Key West, by direction of Miami designer Sam Robin, and kitchen and catering operations helmed by Thierry Isambert of Thierry’s Catering and Event Design. The menu features classic Florida cuisine and fresh seafood, which can be served at private events using the 2,000-square-foot catering kitchen. The entire DCOTA event space can host seated affairs for 350 guests or cocktail receptions for 500.
Rendering: Courtesy of DCOTA
4. Thasos
A modern Greek restaurant serving traditional cuisine, this new Fort Lauderdale indoor-outdoor eatery opened in August and was erected by Art Bengochea and designed by Angelos Angelopoulos. The 5,000-square-foot space can be reserved for lunchtime celebrations for as many as 260 people.
Rendering: Courtesy of Thasos
6. Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar
In the Village of Gulfstream Park, this Latin dining concept will feature indoor-outdoor accommodations, colorful interiors, and mosaic glass tile. A 3,000-square-foot patio is fit for 150, while the 7,000-square-foot dining area accommodates 135. A bar area will welcome 50 guests. Catering will be available for events at other venues when the Hallandale Beach spot opens in November.
Photo: Courtesy of Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar
7. Room Service Miami
Modeled after a luxury hotel concept, this 3,500-square-foot restaurant-lounge comes with a bellman, a butler, and a private suite. The dinner seating accommodates 94 patrons. French maid service and a DJ take over the late-night shift, when 270 guests can enjoy specialty cocktails. The entire space, which opens this month, is available for buyout, along with a private area for as many as 30 people.
Rendering: Courtesy of Room Service Miami
8. Jelsomino
A theatrical karaoke lounge preparing for an October opening, Jelsomino has plans to put an old pastime back on the South Beach map. Available for private events such as business mixers or bachelorette parties, the main room hosts a capacity of 80. For more intimate affairs, secure one of four V.I.P. rooms that can host as many as 20 guests. In addition, there will be innovative food and drink pairings and an American Idol-inspired floating stage to enhance the performance factor.
Rendering: iCrave
9. Riva at Harbor Beach Marriott and Spa
The Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa reintroduces modern American dining establishment Riva, a 4,650-square-foot space that opens this month. A part of the hotel’s $1.2 million renovation that began in June, the restaurant will now offer two private dining rooms with accommodations for meetings. The nautical-themed space hosts 132 indoor seats and 70 outdoor seats.
Photo: Courtesy of Harbor Beach Resort
10. The Gale
Slated for a December reveal, this '40s Italian Riviera-themed South Beach hotel will include a bridge to the neighboring Regent Hotel. It will have a 3,200-square-foot Italian restaurant, a 2,500-square-foot pool deck, a 2,000-square-foot basement club, and a 1,500-square-foot Chicago-born speakeasy called Drumbar.
Rendering: Courtesy of Menin Hotels
