fbpx

Behind the Craft

Though alcohol clearly isn’t the healthiest beverage, The Craftsman probably is your most health-conscious bet when you’re looking for a buzz. Dustin Elmalem, owner of the Miami pop-up bar—an extension of the original Craftsman in New York—offers craft cocktails free of added preservatives, along with a neighborhood bar vibe.

While the Harlem location is a craft café by day and craft bar by night, the Miami version of The Craftsman (900 S. Miami Ave., Suite 135) keeps its focus on the drinks. While the venue does serve small plates and craft sandwiches—the kitchen is open until 4 a.m. daily—it’s known best for its laidback atmosphere and quality cocktails and beers.

“Nothing from a soda gun ever goes in any of our cocktails,” says Elmalem, who has worked in the industry his entire career. “That’s kind of our niche.”

Cocktails like the Tequila Mockingbird—a blend of Cazadores Blanco tequila, cold-pressed ginger and kale juice, with a cayenne pepper rim—and A Greek in Manhattan—The Craftsman’s take on an old-fashioned—are named for famous books and authors. Along with the clever cocktail names, The Craftsman has live music, DJs and Latin parties, depending on the night. On Wednesdays, the establishment teams up with Miami Comedy to host a live comedy show, and Thursday is ladies’ night. Day to day, it’s a laidback vibe, with low-playing music and friendly staff and bartenders.

Though the Miami bar, which opened in September, is a pop-up location—a temporary establishment, as the name suggests—Elmalem hopes The Craftsman’s Miami bar will be open at least for the next year.

“I want patrons to feel comfortable. I want them to feel like it’s a neighborhood bar and not a nightclub or a place with hassle,” Elmalem says. “There’s a lot of that in Miami, and we don’t want that.”

 

A Greek in Manhattan

Ingredients:

2 oz. rye whiskey

1 oz. FOS Greek mastiha

3 dashes Angostura bitters

Directions:

Stir ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Strain into rocks glass with ice. Garnish with lemon peel and zest.

You May Also Like

Casa Sensei in Fort Lauderdale Launches Dine-in Deal for Cruisers 

The Japanese/Latin fusion restaurant offers waterfront dining and happy hour specials.

Minty Z Opens Second Location in Midtown Miami

The plant-based Asian dim sum concept offers Asian fusion cuisine designed for sharing.

Capital Tacos Readies for Launch of Tamarac Location

The award-winning restaurant chain will open its doors on June 8.

Michelin-Recognized Ariete Hospitality Group Opens El Vecino in Miami

The premier cigar and cocktail bar is the third Ariete Hospitality concept that has opened at the WorldCenter.

Other Posts

The Dish: All Hail Queen Miami Beach

The showstopping concept from Mr. Hospitality takes destination dining to new heights.

Tom Aviv, Masterchef Israel Champion, Brings His American Venture to Upper Buena Vista

The Israeli sensation’s restaurant offers an innovative menu and retro vibe that transports guests to Tel Aviv in the 70s.

Bar Lab’s Christine Wiseman Receives Top Bartending Honor From North America’s Best Bars

The Miami-based lifestyle consulting and precision management agency focuses on creative hospitality, event planning, market branding and innovative beverage programs.

Padrino’s Opens New Plantation Location Featuring Contemporary Design and Cocktail Menu

The Cuban restaurant continues to offer its beloved homemade classics that are true to its authentic roots.