Brickell goes “Beachy”

The Hoxton makes me want to visit Brickell even more now.  This New England inspired eatery is laid back and cozy yet classy.

It’s replacing the Lucky Clover which I never even entered.   After all, how could it set itself apart from all the other Irish Pubs in this town.  Perhaps, that’s why it isn’t there anymore.

Before my boyfriend and I arrived I wasn’t sure how our night would go, because I heard poor reviews from co-workers and websites.  But, I needed to see for myself.   After all, it just opened a mere 3 months ago.  Also, the encouraging email I received about a promotional event  for last Thursday included an extended happy hour, free manicures, pedicures  massages, jewelry (which I totally gave into, after 2 drinks) and feather hair extensions!   I’m not sure if the hair extensions or extended happy hour that lured me in, but I am SO glad I went.  Shout out to all the haters- please give this place a second chance!  If this location was in Coconut Grove, I would definitely become a regular (so then again, maybe it’s a good thing).  

From the white wooden panels, to the stripes on the chairs this “beach like” Hampton’s look is quite successful.  Majority of the color theme is a preppy navy blue and white, which made me feel like I was in a Nautica catalog, but in a good way.  The servers even wear matching polos, so all country club members can feel right at home. Upstairs, are candle lite shelves showcasing pictures of the beach, reminding me of summers in Habour Island.  For all you sports fanatics, don’t worry there are many TV’s as well as a projected screen for your Superbowl fix. If you like live music, there is a large stage directly underneath a giant Audrey Hepburn frame, where  Jazz bands typically play.

As we checked in, we were given a complimentary drink card upon entrance and luckily found seats at the bar.  These were only good for wine, beer and house liquor not, specialty cocktails.  I really wanted to try the Pimlico (Tequila, agave, watermelon puree, cilantro and lime juice) but, maybe next time.  Then again during happy hour specialty drinks are $8, which doesn’t sound like a “happy” deal to me.  Throughout our time, the bartender  (think his name was Mike)  was incredibly attentive and kind all while, dealing with everyone stampeding towards the bar.  My white wine tasted a bit dry and dull so I switched to Prosecco.  Happy hour usually ends at 8PM but, it was extended till 10PM.  Check out their deals:

Happy Hour Menu

This cool comfortable environmental is so refreshing for a happy hour in Brickell.  Typically, when I go to specials in this area the bartenders are arrogant, people are fighting for drinks, and you can barely carry a conversation.  After we finished 2 drinks, we were too enthralled to leave!  So,we decided to try out their menu.  

Love at first bite

The food selection was smaller than I thought.  Then again, less ingredients means  less complications which hopefully means higher quality dishes.  I would have gathered there be more seating arrangements for the filling menu items such as Fried Chicken, Fish and Chips and Duck Poutine, but then again this is New England style.  My eyes were set on some oysters ($2 during happy hour), which I was oddly craving.  Personally, I believe any restaurant serving exceptional oysters doesn’t need anything else.  Here’s my verdict:

Oysters: Gimmie’ Gimmie’ More!  These were imported from the Massachusetts region and man I could tell.   I was pretty skeptical about eating oysters at a new place for a cheap price but, I could snack on these fresh aphrodisiacs every day.  Instead of horseradish, it was served with a complimenting horseradish vinaigrette.  

Mussels!

Mussels: If you like these as much as we do, definitely give this take a try.  It comes with a few toasted slices of sourdough  bread, and the mussels are generously large.  The sauce has some white wine, thick cut, essential applewood-smoked bacon chunks and butter.

Hand-cut Fries

French Fries:  This basket of thick cut fried potatoes is a great dipping device for the mussel’s broth.  You can even taste the quality of the potato.   For my taste, some more seasoning would have helped.  If you love fries, you should try their Duck Poutine, it’s smothered in pulled duck gravy and vermont smoked cheddar…whoa.

After more than a few drinks later and a full satisfied stomach we headed out.  On the car ride home, I could only talk about how impressed I was.  We agreed that The Hoxton would surely be the new hot spot of Brickell.  In my opinion, every other drinking scene nearby there is already over-killed, over-priced and over-rated.  However, I would probably only drink here during Happy Hour or a different special event (drinks are a bit pricey).  Eat the oysters!  The Hoxton even brought back memories of my home back in Long Island.  This place is perfect for an after work drink and snack, since it almost makes you forget you’re even in Miami.

Come to The Hoxton for a better kind of happy hour.  You won’t want to leave.

Happy Hour: Every day 5-8

Specials: Check out their Facebook for future bands, and events (Superbowl too)

Parking: Valet or there is a lot inside Mary Brickell Village

Location: 111 SW. 1st Ave

Hours: M-Thurs. & Sun. 5-12, Fri. & Sat. 5-3