Brickell has no shortage of shiny new openings, but Sunkissed is a bar that actually feels like Miami. Loud in the best way, full of color, layered with culture, and buzzing well past dinner hours. From the moment you walk in, the room hums. There is live music setting the tempo, art that nods to the city’s soul, and a crowd that looks ready to stay awhile. It is sun drenched energy after dark, bottled up and poured generously.
At the heart of Sunkissed is David Cedeño, the force behind Minibar. Cuban American and Miami born, Cedeño set out to create a bar that reflects the city he loves, not just visually, but emotionally. It shows. In the kitchen, he teamed up with chef Jimmy LeBron of Broken Shaker fame, and together they leaned hard into local seafood and bold flavors. This is bar food with serious ambition. Everglades Oysters arrive bright and briny with mango vinaigrette. A Caesar Crudité is beautifully presented and finger-licking fun. The Smoked Fish Dip is served hot, actually hot, with grilled sourdough made for aggressive scooping.
Then things get decadent. Lobster Toast floats over a rich bisque like it knows it is the main character. Confit Arroz con Pollo comes finished with mojo verde. A Swordfish Milanese shows up the size of your face, topped with nori tartare and some greens on the side to make you feel better. Stuffed Flounder is packed with crab and bathed in a curry beurre blanc. And then there is an eight ounce ground ribeye Burger Au Poivre with caramelized onions and white cheddar, split in half, swimming in a house burger sauce that is easily one of the best in Miami right now. This is not a late night afterthought. This is a destination burger.
The cocktail list leans playful and polished. The house Sunkissed mixes Ilegal mezcal, Aperol, lemon, and fresh papaya. Biscayne Bay glows bright blue with vodka, pineapple, rosemary, lime, and salted blue curaçao. Royal Palm brings mezcal back into the mix with cucumber, lime, mint, and jalapeño. The Henry is a rum old fashioned built on Santa Teresa 1796 with chocolate bitters. And the standout for us was Mayaimi, a Negroni inspired stunner made with coconut fat washed Bombay Sapphire gin, Campari, and Carpano Antica.
Sunkissed is open Wednesday through Sunday and works just as well for dinner, live music, late night, or all three in one visit. It feels like the kind of place you stop by for one drink and leave hours later. Come for the food, stay for the music, and do not be surprised if you get a kiss on the cheek on your way out. Miami style.