“My love for Miami is endless,” Tatiana Moreno, a Miami native and bartender at cocktail hotspot Sweet Liberty, says.
Located in Miami Beach, Sweet Liberty is relaxed and welcoming, despite the countless awards and accolades that have poured in since it opened in 2015. It’s a testament to its dynamic team, undoubtedly one of the best in the country.
Moreno is proud to be from Miami and represent her city. “Being born and raised here might make me a little biased,” Moreno says. “However, I truly believe my city is full of some of the most cultural and diverse communities. We have something for everyone, every mood, every day.”
In our Miami Bartography, we set out to explore the city with Moreno’s personal itinerary.
DRINKING
The Corner
“While popular for being open insanely late and being littered with bartenders and weirdos alike in the early hours of the morning, I love this bar for a different reason: their smoked weenies. Tiny little cocktail weenies surrounded by cornichon pickles. Simple but delicious. Once for my birthday they brought an order of these with a candle in it. Tuesdays there are my favorite because it’s jazz night and being that The Corner is a small place, you get a pretty intimate, free show. They also carry over 100 craft beers and make a mean cocktail.” Location.
Mac’s Club Deuce
“The Deuce is the ultimate dive of all dives. It’s an important stop if you’re interested in being a part of real Miami Beach culture. “Miami Vice” even had their cast party here in the ‘80s. It’s been open since ’64, and it’s closed for just three hours a day and with possibly the best happy hour on the beach going from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is my favorite place to have a High Life and shot of tequila. Don’t forget your cash, though. They don’t take plastic.” Location.
Mama Tried
“I tend to overindulge here — but this is one of my favorite places to bring people when they’re visiting. Mama is home away from home! They have shaggy red carpet, sick tunes, and a ceiling with actual shooting stars, plus some of the most fun bartenders to take shots with — and you can get a bag of chips for 50 cents. Walking in and having Tyler Kitzman or Domingo Murillo yell across the bar at me with the biggest smile already pouring my Guinness is something I treasure, and so will you.” Location.
Sweet Liberty
“O.K., so yes, this is where I work, but I mean Sweet Liberty is amazing and I often catch myself spending time there after my shifts and on my days off. The Piña Colada is a MUST. It’s the perfect combination of our rum blend, house-made coco mix, pineapple, Jamaican coffee beans, and PX sherry. It’s a Piña anyone can get behind. There are also 800-plus spirits and a badass cocktail menu to explore, and I like to think we’re a pretty rad crew to hang with.” Location.
EATING
Macchialina
“You’d better wear something stretchy to come here. When I tell you that this is the best Italian food in all of south Florida, you better believe it … with an array of pasta, cheeses, and killer wines curated by Jacqueline Pirolo, this has become one of my preferred places to eat in Miami. The pork sausage polenta is my go-to starter and the reason I come, but I stay for the cacio e pepe. If you’re in town (especially if you’re here on a Thursday) you don’t want to skip out on $10 pasta night.” Location.
Ricky Thai Bistro
“A little off the beaten path up in north Miami is where you’ll find the best Thai food in the city. Ricky Thai is a small mom-and-pop restaurant maybe seating 25 people max with some seriously authentically delicious and spicy food. The red curry and tom kha gai are my go-tos, but if you’re into pad Thai, theirs is phenomenal. There’s something so homey and warm about eating here… It’s only open for seven hours a day, but this place is a must.” Location.
27 Restaurant & Bar
“Want to feel like you’re at a dope house party with some fire food and drinks? Then you need to come here. The service at 27 (located right next to Broken Shaker) is always something to be talked about and elevates the experience to the next level. My favorites include: the whole catch of the day paired with taco fixings along with Chef Jimmy Lebron’s seasonal chicken dishes, which in the past have come in the form of chicken pot pies; jerk chicken; and, currently, a chicken tagine made with 27 spices and paired with a bulgur couscous. YUM.” Location.
SLEEPING
The Miami Beach EDITION
“Right around some of the biggest hotels in Miami Beach lives the EDITION. It’s one of the most gorgeous and aesthetically beautiful hotels around, but let’s talk partying. They’ve got an underground late-night bowling alley and ice skating rink, and, when you’re ready to dance, Basement, their nightclub, is waiting for you.” Location.
The Standard, Miami Beach
“The not-so-standard Standard is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to hang in. Don’t worry, if you don’t want to dish out and splurge to spend some nights here, you can grab a day pass and use all of the amenities that include their luxurious pool, steam room, sauna, and mud baths. There’s also a darling view from the pool to the bay and even a jammin’ playlist underwater!” Location.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Wynwood
“This is the art district of Miami and one of our newest neighborhoods; it’s home to locals and tourists alike. Breweries, restaurants, and bars galore … this area is always poppin’. It’s a little more relaxed and casual then the Beach, so it’s easy to bar hop and serves as the perfect place to spend a couple hours just walking around. And while there are tons of galleries, you can also get your art fix by simply just walking around — there isn’t a single blank wall in the neighborhood that’s gone without a street artist leaving their mark. Wynwood is truly something beautiful to see.” Location.
Little Havana
“This is where true Cuban culture lives. Calle Ocho, a place where you’ll find Máximo Gómez Park — we refer to it as domino park because it’s filled with people chatting about life and playing dominos. It also has the yummiest bakeries and Cuban food in the city. For a true cantinero Cuban bar experience, visit La Trova for some classic Daiquiris, Ball and Chain for salsa night, and the historic Tower Theater for some film.” Location.
