13 May 9-15, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | Contents | Letters | news | night+Day | CuLture | Cafe | MusiC | 3201 RICKENBACKER CAUSEWAY KEY BISCAYNE, FL | 305.361.3818 WWW.THERUSTYPELICAN.COM BE SOCIAL WITH US! FIND US ON HAPPY HOUR miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | RIPTIDE | METRO | NIGHT+DAY | STAGE | ART | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | ▼ EDGEWATER EDGEWATER GETS ITS FIRST COCKTAIL BAR The first proper, late-night cocktail bar in Edgewater has finally arrived, and it’s a dream come true for any cocktail connoisseur who lives near Morningside, Edgewater, or Omni in Miami. This is because those who reside in these areas have had to go to Wynwood to get a proper cocktail from a bar — that is, until now. The Graspa Group, which owns Segafredo, Spris Pizza, Salumeria 104, and Osteria, has opened the Canvas Bar at 1600 NE First Ave. in the heart of Edgewater. The long overdue neighborhood bar will serve elevated comfort foods, handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and even global wines with retro entertainment, including vintage arcade games, billiards, and foosball. There- fore, this spot has all the fixings to become a local favorite. Plus, it doubles as a sports bar and a tropical speakeasy. We’re not kidding. Inside the Canvas Bar, you’ll find the Ka- ona Room, a “speak-tiki” (modern-day speak- easy with a twist) that is located behind a secret door in the back. The Kaona Room was inspired by the tiki cultural craze that began in the 1930s, and guests can expect Polyne- sian vibes complete with a creative cocktail menu with exotic mixed drinks and rum flights, alongside island-inspired food and desserts. The hidden retreat that feels like you’re somewhere in the Pacific plays swanky jazz tunes and even has a tiki-tchotchke de- sign throughout the space. As for the rest of the bar, the Canvas Bar features tropical and nautical-inspired decor all over its walls, including palm-tree patterned wall coverings, bamboo accents, and hues of vibrant yellow. The indoor dining area has 21 tables, three sofas, and a 12-seat bar where guests can catch the latest sporting event via eight large, flat-screen TVs. Adjacent to the indoor dining area is a lounge area with a classic pool table and vintage arcade games such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Guests can also partake in foosball matches on the outdoor patio, perfect for an alfresco dining experience under some ambient string lights. “We’re eager to play a role in the area’s on- going development, particularly with the construction of more residential buildings, it’s evident that there’s a need for a neighbor- hood hub — a place where everyone can un- wind over good food and drinks in a relaxed setting,” says general manager Giuseppe Cas- tiello. “While Miami is known for its upscale venues, we noticed a yearning among locals for a more approachable atmosphere, which is why we created the Canvas Bar — a hang- out haven where everyone is welcome.” The Canvas Bar has a foodie-ready menu, including savory appetizers, burgers, sand- wiches, salads, and authentic Roman-style flatbreads (known as pinsas). Some appetizers we’re excited about are the pulled pork bao buns served with a hot honey sauce and the fried mozzarella pearls topped with marinara sauce. As for burgers and sandos, the Angus burger with bacon, tomato, lettuce, caramel- ized onions, cheddar cheese, and gochujang sauce sounds great, as well as the “Canvas Breaded Chicken Sandwich” topped with a ricotta-basil aioli, crispy parmesan chips, and marinara sauce. There are also truffle mush- room ricotta flatbreads, prosciutto flatbreads, and even baby back ribs to share. As for the cocktails, some of the featured ones are the “Limoncello Margarita” featur- ing Don Julio tequila, limoncello, basil, and crushed Lemon Heads (no joke), the “Pista- chio Key Lime Martini” made with Grey Goose vodka, Amaretto Di Saronno white, pistachio cream, and lime. There are also spritzes available on the menu, such as the “Camperol Veneto” made with Campari, Ap- erol, prosecco, orange wheel, and olives, and the “Ciao Bella” made with gin, Italicus, pro- secco, lemon, and basil. Of course, expect some classic cocktails, as well, such as the “Clover Club” made with gin, egg white, fresh lime juice, and raspberry | TASTE TEST | ▼ Café The Canvas Bar photo The Canvas Bar, the first official cocktail bar in Edgewater, has opened with an arcade and hidden tropical speakeasy.
