Breakwater Hospitality’s newest waterfront spot serves up a true evening “out”
By Kylie Wang
If something’s not broken, you don’t try to fix it. Which is why Breakwater Hospitality took one look at the success they’d had with their previous open-air, waterfront gathering spots and pressed “copy.” Then, they headed down to Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove and pressed “paste.”
Don’t misunderstand – Regatta Grove has unique elements that make it, in our opinion, the must triumphant success of Breakwater’s similarly constructed properties. But if you’ve ever visited either of The Wharf locations in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you’ve definitely seen a version of this before.
The biggest difference here is Regatta’s dining options. The culinary lineup is like something out of a foodie’s daydream, with three James Beard semi-finalists (Chefs Jose Mendin, Jeff McInnis, and Janine Booth), one Michelin-starred chef (Jeremy Ford), and one Top Chef finalist (Kenny Gilbert). Together, the five have set up small, open-air eateries at Regatta, operating out of refurbished TEU containers that surround a playful green area set up with picnic tables.
Sunny Side Up Aussie Bites by Booth (of Stiltsville Fish & Bar, Root & Bone, and Mitalia fame) serves up exactly that, with sausage rolls, avocado toast, and “bubble waffles,” which come packed with ice cream and unusual toppings (pocky sticks, anybody?). McInnis (of Gigi and Yardbird) does things more Florida-style at his Tackle Box fish shack, with fresh-caught local seafood ranging from lobster rolls to crab cakes and the catch of the day.
Gilbert (author of “Southern Cooking, Global Flavors”), meanwhile, offers up deep south comfort food at the House of Birds & Biscuits, where you can choose from a variety of fried chicken sandwiches or try lighter sides like the kimchi watermelon rind. Mendin (of Nobu, Mosaico, Mercadito, and Sushisamba) keeps it simpler with The Piefather, a traditional pizza spot with a house-made specialty sauce and an interesting blend of toppings. And Ford (Stubborn Seed, Beauty & the Butcher) goes all out with his JJ’s Guilty Pleasures, where the menu consists of all the fast-food items you love to regret later: burgers, tacos, onion rings, and fries. Yum.
Of course, there are drinks aplenty as well. We counted five bars at Regatta, two on the smaller side, and another three featuring a full coterie of spirits, wine, and beer, in addition to the venue’s own tropical cocktails.
On a weekend when Regatta stays open all day and night from noon until 3 am (the location is only open Thursday through Sunday), the scene ranges from an upbeat brunch with lawn games and sports on the TVs lining the main bar to a real Miami nightlife experience with partiers ranging from 21 to 60-years-old stumbling past views of the marina, cocktails in hand, and music from a live DJ pumping throughout the space. But no matter when you go, it will certainly be fun – barring a little Miami rainstorm, of course.
