14 November 5-11, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | ▼ COCONUT GROVE MATCHA DO Coconut Grove is about to get a little brighter, but not everyone is seeing yellow. La La Land Cafe, the rapidly expanding coffee chain known for its signature yellow cups, dreamy cottagecore aesthetic, and Instagram-famous matcha drinks, is moving into the former Lokal space along Commodore Plaza. Construction is already underway, although an official opening date has yet to be announced. Coconut Grove Magazine shared the news on Oct. 14, sparking mixed reactions among Miam- ians and highlighting a familiar tension between welcoming new businesses and preserving the neighborhood’s independent character. For longtime Grove regulars, the announce- ment is bittersweet. Lokal, the beloved burger- and-craft-beer spot, was more than just another restaurant. It was a neighborhood gathering place that embodied the Grove’s laid-back, dis- tinctly local spirit. And judging by the comments beneath the magazine’s Instagram announcement, not every- one is ready to trade burgers and beer for matcha and cloud foam. “Another trendy ‘cafe’ LAME!” wrote one com- menter. Others responded with a simple “No thanks,” “Terrible,” or “Annoying.” One user urged the publication to report on “all the local/Miami na- tive businesses getting pushed out of the Grove.” But plenty of others welcomed the news. “Helll yesss,” wrote one user, while another de- clared, “So excited for this.” A third chimed in with “i can’t wait.” Still, La La Land is more than just another pho- togenic coffee shop. Founded in Dallas, Texas, the brand has cultivated a devoted following through its cheerful yellow-and-white interiors, specialty coffee, organic ceremonial-grade matcha, and a mission centered on kindness and human connection. The company also operates as a social enter- prise, providing employment and mentorship op- portunities to young people transitioning out of the foster care system. Its “More Yellow” philosophy spreads warmth, positivity, and a little extra joy through everyday interactions. However, it’s sometimes overlooked because of the coffee chain’s many celebrity col- laborations. Social partnerships range from artists like Post Malone to influencers like Kelsey Cale- mine (known online as Fatherkels). The menu features signature drinks like the “Banana Cloud Latte,” “French Toast Latte” and “Strawberry Fields Matcha,” along with avocado toast, truffle burrata toast, and other sweet and savory breakfast options. For coffee lovers and matcha enthusiasts, La La Land’s arrival brings another popular name to Miami’s growing café scene. But for those watch- ing Coconut Grove evolve, the opening raises a familiar question: Can a neighborhood welcome new businesses without losing the local character that made it special in the first place? Whether La La Land wins over the Grove re- mains to be seen. For now, its signature yellow cups are on their way, and the neighborhood has already made one thing clear: Not everyone is seeing the sunny side. La La Land Cafe. 3190 Commodore Plaza, Mi- ami. lalalandcafe.com. VICTORIA STANZIONE ends, Naia is poised to become one of Las Olas’ hottest new hangouts. 904 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; naialasolas.com. Pho Nam The acclaimed duo behind Michelin-recog- nized Vietnamese hotspot Tâm Tâm has an- other hit on its hands in downtown Miami, and this time, it’s all about pho. Opened Sep- tember 3 on East Flagler Street, Pho Nam is the latest venture from chef Tam Pham and sommelier Harrison Ramhofer, serving the comforting Saigon-style noodle soups and Vietnamese street food Pham grew up eating. Expect rich, slow-simmered beef pho, spicy bún bò Hu., crispy bánh xèo, and traditional Vietnamese coffee brewed through a phin fil- ter, with creative variations topped with salted foam or coconut slushie. With lines al- ready forming outside, Pho Nam is quickly becoming one of downtown’s most exciting new spots for authentic Vietnamese cooking. 270 E. Flagler St., Miami; phonammia.com. Teo Teo The team behind beloved Caracas Bakery has a new trick up its sleeve, and this time, it’s all about rotisserie chicken. Opened Oct. 18 right next door to Caracas Bakery in MiMo, Teo Teo is a casual new spot serving perfectly roasted, golden-brown chickens with potatoes, carrots, and a selection of flavorful dipping sauces. The Venezuelan menu is refreshingly simple, with half or whole chickens and a chicken Caesar sandwich served on a soft baguette. It’s a welcome new addition to Biscayne Boulevard, especially for anyone looking for a quick, delicious lunch or an easy takeout dinner. 7285 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; instagram.com/eat.teoteo. [email protected] Fresh out the frying pan from p13 Provided by Teo Teo Teo Teo is a casual new spot serving perfectly roasted, golden-brown chicken. | TASTE TEST | ▼ Café Café Provided by La La Land Cafe Viral coffee chain La La Land Cafe will open in the former home of beloved Coconut Grove restaurant Lokal.
