Bodega Taqueria y Tequila will bring its lively bar scene and fast-casual taqueria to Coral Gables with the opening of its latest location at 317 Miracle Mile in January. It will be its eighth establishment nationwide and the sixth in South Florida. The Coral Gables outpost is the brand’s first hybrid concept in the region and has recently debuted in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The new concept has evolved from its original speakeasy-style lounge to a casual, all-day neighborhood bar to suit the “City Beautiful” community. In addition, new self-ordering kiosks will provide a more personalized service experience at the taqueria, while the bar and mezcaleria will continue to offer full-service experiences.
The Coral Gables location reflects the brand’s dedication to providing a distinctive dining and social experience that caters to various neighborhoods and settings. The establishment blends the popular taqueria and lively bar scene in a communal area with indoor and outdoor patio seating. The venue also houses an exclusive mezcaleria spanning 506 square feet, which was first introduced in Coconut Grove and is renowned for its vast collection of high-end mezcals and tequilas. This private space accommodates up to 26 guests and offers an elevated cocktail experience with unique programming. The new location aspires to be a hidden gem in the community, providing an energetic and welcoming atmosphere for those seeking it.
At the Coral Gables location, a new cocktail and mezcaleria menu is set to debut alongside its renowned food offerings. The establishment will also feature daily programming, such as Margarita Mondays with $5 frozen and draft house margaritas, three for $11 classic tacos on Taco Tuesdays, half-off bottles of wine on Wine Wednesdays, and $1 beer on Tap Thursdays until the keg is tapped. The weekends will include game-watching specials, including $1 wings, $5 draft beer, Bloody Mary, and Michelada. Moreover, the mezcaleria will host Flight Night and Mezcal Mondays, featuring various agave-based and non-agave cocktails, including the Millionaire Margarita. Guests can enjoy rotating flights showcasing lowland and highland tequilas, single village mezcals with paired garnishes, eight specialty margaritas, three large format shareable cocktails, and two mocktails.
“Our new location on Miracle Mile is not just about bringing our renowned taqueria and spirited bar experience to a new locale; it’s about embedding ourselves in the fabric of the neighborhood,” says Jared Galbut, CEO and Founder of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila. “We aim to create a space where locals can enjoy their experience in a more casual setting at any time of the day. Guests can expect a vibrant happy hour scene, in addition to enjoying pre- and post-dinner cocktails in the mezcaleria, as we create a different experience that is more elevated and yet still approachable from the nightlife scene the brand is known for. This opening marks a significant milestone for us as we expand the hybrid concept and introduce the self-ordering kiosks and an open floor plan for the bar, a little unique to the traditional speakeasy found at nearby Coconut Grove and South Beach locations.”
Under Galbut’s leadership, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has experienced significant growth in recent years. The brand has been following a strategy to expand its footprint, which resulted in opening two new locations in Chicago and signing additional leases in Washington, D.C. The first Bodega Taqueria y Tequila was established in South Beach in 2014 and has since expanded throughout South Florida and other areas. There are no indications of the brand slowing down as it intends to double its presence in the next two years, including establishing new locations in Nashville, Tennessee, Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, and Downtown Miami at Natiivo Miami.