126 June 27- July 3, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times b e s T o f m i a m i ® 2 0 2 4 of CO2, and the “Kappa” is a martini-style bev- erage made with Bombay Sapphire, coconut, cucumber, shiso, and nori. BEST MARGARITA Oh! Mexico 3 area locations, including, 1440 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, 33139 305-532-0490 ohmexicorestaurant.com There are margaritas, and then there are Oh! Mexico margaritas. This South Beach Mexi- can restaurant, with three locations on Espa- ñola Way, Ocean Drive, and Lincoln Road, has plenty of variations on the drink theme. What- ever your margarita jones, this place has got the cure, with a range of tequilas and mezcals to choose from and tons of flavor profiles. Kiwi, jalapeño, watermelon, and cucumber all promise refreshing and surprising moments. Order yours on the rocks, frozen, large, or smaller. And Oh! Mexico also turns its margar- itas into popsicles, the perfect way to brave a blazing beach. BEST MARTINI Prime 112 112 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, 33139 305-532-8112 mylesrestaurantgroup.com/prime-112 The main tools you need for an awesome mar- tini: an ice-cold glass and quality booze. And es- tablished South of Fifth steakhouse Prime 112 knows how to get the job done right. Known for serving celebrity clientele, the bartenders can stir (or shake, if you fancy yourself a James Bond type) one mean martini. Whether you’re into vodka or gin, blue cheese-stuffed olives or a twist, or maybe something a little sweeter like a lychee martini, Prime 112 whips this cocktail up exactly to your specifications, serves them super cold, and, mercifully, filled to the brim. BEST BAR FOOD Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company 237 20th Street, Suite B Miami Beach, 33139 305-763-8217 mysweetliberty.com Miami Beach’s Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company has killer drinks and sets a vibe with DJs and live music. But best of all? It serves up the best of the best bar food. That’s thanks to a menu by James Beard-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, who packed it with filling and fan- tastic fare, like her famous fried chicken, cauli- flower nachos, and a tuna crudo that’s absolutely melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The neon sign asking you to “pursue happiness”? These folks know that happiness is a full late- night belly. The entire menu is served every day until 4:30 a.m., so you’ll barely have to leave the dance floor to get in that late-night bite. BEST RESTAURANT TO DIE IN THE PAST YEAR Paradis Books and Bread 12831 W. Dixie Highway North Miami, 33161 Much more than a simple café, Paradis was one of the most beloved places in Miami and a cru- cial gathering spot for local activists and advo- cacy organizations. The food was comforting yet sophisticated, the wine was well-curated, and the books were radical and insightful. It’s perhaps that last bit that resulted in a Fox News-incited harassment campaign against the restaurant, which led to them locking their so- cial media. It was one of many reasons, along with family issues among the collective owner- ship, that Paradis closed its doors. It will be deeply mourned and sorely missed. BEST RESTAURANT TO COME BACK FROM THE DEAD Kyu 251 NW 25th Street Miami, 33127 786-577-0150 kyurestaurants.com/location/kyu-miami-1 Miami’s popular modern Asian restaurant, Kyu, officially reopened in Wynwood with a fully renovated dining area and its classic roasted cauliflower. In 2022, when Wynwood lost Kyu, the strip along NW 25th Street wasn’t quite the same. First opened in 2016, the pan-Asian, wood-fired restaurant led by executive chef and Eleven Madison Park alum Christopher Arellanes shuttered for more than two years af- ter storms caused severe damage. After exten- sive updates, Kyu is back, and fans of its famous roasted cauliflower and beef short ribs can fi- nally rejoice, feast, and heave a sigh of relief.
