Tiki Vibes in Downtown Miami at Esotico

Inspired by traditional Tiki Bars, the Graspa Group and celebrated Bartender Daniele Dalla Pola bring serious tropical vibes and playful cocktails to downtown Miami with Esotico. A modern twist on Tiki culture, the space is tastefully decorated combining floral wallpapers and a neon “Aloha Miami” sign with velvet teal couches and real Palm trees, the place screams tropical oasis. 

An extensive list of cocktails features creations inspired by tiki cocktail history; here, you will find drinks like The Zombie, described as “very smooth, very powerful” this 1930s recipe uses Bacardi Carta Oro rum, grenadine syrup, fresh lime juice and Angostura bitters. Along with other cocktails on their signature’s list, you have the option of purchasing the tiki glassware as a souvenir. If you are visiting with a group, make sure to peek inside the Volcanos and Social Cocktails section. These large format cocktails are a crowd pleaser and deliver both on taste and experience. Picture yourself sharing a Treasure Chest or drinking a Manoa Punch out of a giant shell. And if rum is your spirit of choice, you’ll be delighted to know they offer an impressive selection from around the world. Their goal is to carry 365 different rums in the near future, “one for every day of the year” said Graziano Sbroggio, owner of Graspa Group. 

Navy Grog
Navy Grog

The wide selection of signature drinks, limited edition mugs, rums, negronis and classic cocktails with a twist, make Esotico the perfect choice for Happy Hour. Get ready to kiss the workday goodbye with half-priced Tiki cocktails and a selection of small plates ($5–$12) from the “Tropical Chow Menu”. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday, 5 to 7pm. 

The food menu features a variety of sharing plates and full dinner options. Starters perfect for opening up your appetite are the Black Truffle Dumplings, shrimp and pork dumplings served with a truffle ponzu sauce and lemon zest, the Octopus Hot Dog, served on a brioche bun with a Mezcal relish and the Anakakia Lobster Roll, dressed in lemon butter and sherry sauce. Full dinner options include the Luau Pig, which can be ordered to share for $35, a slow-roasted pork shoulder served on a banana leaf with coconut rice. The Hawaii Five-0, a unique coconut fried rice with shrimp, crab meat and vegetables. If you are in the mood for even more decadent dishes, try the Black Kraken a squid and calamari risotto or the Peking Duck (half $43 or full $79). Poke Bowls are also available if you are looking for lighter fresh fare.  

Perfect for casual drinks and bites after work or to venture out and try different flavors in a colorful and playful atmosphere, Esotico Miami sure has something for everyone. Located in downtown Miami (1600 NE 1st Ave), Esotico is open for dinner Monday through Saturday at 5pm. Click here for reservations via OpenTable.

 

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