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Dining in Historic Places

1940s picture of Matheson Hammock concession stand, now Red Fish Grill
1940s picture of Matheson Hammock concession stand, now Red Fish Grill Photo: Dade Heritage Trust

First it was Baking in Historic Places. Then drinking. Now, Dade Heritage Trust wants diners to support restaurants located in historic buildings.

Looking for a taste of history with your meal? Dine out in a place with a past. “The historic buildings and venues Dade Heritage Trust features are unique, one-of-a-kind and can never be replicated,” says Christine Rupp, executive director. “They tell Miami’s story. These buildings have stories to tell, symbolize a specific time period in Miami and provide examples of how historic buildings evolve with the community – all great reasons to preserve and adaptively re-use these structures.”

A building may qualify as historic if it’s at least 50 years old and has a significant architect, builder, and style or design elements. Owners of historic buildings may get incentives such as property tax breaks, Federal Historic Tax Credits and the possibility of selling development rights.  

Once pandemic restrictions are over, Dade Heritage Trust will resume programs that feature tours of venues and a discussion about its history and cultural and architectural significance. “These programs help teach people about the significance of the featured buildings and create advocates for historic preservation,” says Rupp. “We have fun, socialize and learn!”

The Miami River Inn in earlier days
Located next to the Selina Hotel, an historic inn on the Miami River, this bar/lounge features a tropical vibe and
cauley-square-redland.jpg
This collection of restored structures near the railroad Henry Flagler built more than a century ago includes The Tea Room
Lost Boy is part saloon/pub and neighborhood bar
Try cocktails and sandwiches among the vintage furniture and “history in every grout line” in this stylish tavern in the
Wall of images at Red Rooster Overtown
Clyde Killens’ former pool hall in Miami’s historic Overtown has been revamped for Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant and lounge, ice cream
Early picture of Matheson Hammock concession stand
The classic oolitic limestone building, originally a 1938 WPA bath house on the beach at Matheson Hammock, is now home
Rosies pop-up is at the Copper Door B and B
Feel-good dishes like buttermilk biscuits, shrimp and grits and spicy chicken sandwich at Akino West and Jamila Ross’ pop-up at
Bohemian decor at Soya e Pomodoro
Since 2004, this Southern Italian restaurant has been serving dishes like fazzoletti with pear and ricotta and homemade gnocchi in
The Taurus in Coconut Grove
Built in 1919, Miami’s oldest drinking establishment serves comfort-food classics from chef/partner Michael Beltran, including sandwiches and burgers. Its well-known
Pool lounge at The Vagabond
Inspired by the street food cultures of Greece and Turkey, the restaurant/lounge Mr. Mandolin is part of the restored 1953
Zucca in Coral Gables
Authentic Italian food and craft cocktails on the ground floor of the 1926 Hotel St. Michel, originally a retail and

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