Dining in Historic Places

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

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!”