During the last decade, the Wynwood Art District has become one of the hottest destinations in Miami. Having moved to Miami Beach recently, I am grateful to be a short car ride away from it. And with all of the Covid-19 restrictions and isolation this past year, I am thankful to be in a warm-climate city so I can explore all of the wonderful outdoor activities that this exciting neighborhood offers. Indeed, Wynwood has it all – – culture, creative bites and fun.
Being an arts-centric neighborhood, Wynwood is one of the most happening spots in Miami. Every year, this enclave of 50 city blocks hosts millions of international and local visitors alike. Known for its vast amount of street art, Wynwood is a major destination for art aficionados, foodies and hipster shoppers. It also attracts those who simply want to spend an afternoon or evening in a creative, lively and cool place.
A Bit of Wynwood History . . .
In 1913, the City of Miami annexed the Wynwood area. Soon thereafter, it attracted middle class families. By the late 1920’s, commercial businesses, including a Coca-Cola bottling plant and the American Bakeries Company, opened operations there. These companies provided local residents with ideal opportunities to live and work in Wynwood.
Wynwood as Little San Juan . . .
After World War II, Wynwood residents started moving to newly developed suburbs. Although this urban flight took a toll on Wynwood, Caribbean immigrants began to move into the area bringing new life to it. By the late 40’s and early 50’s, this new group of residents included a large influx of Puerto Ricans, resulting in the neighborhood being known as “Little San Juan.” The Puerto Rican influence in the area became evident as public buildings, parks and schools started to be renamed after important Puerto Rican figures. Moreover, local eateries specialized in Puerto Rican cuisine and churches catered to the Hispanic community.
Miami’s Fashion District . . .
The boom years in Wynwood gave way to the creation of a garment industry, which included retail shops and manufacturing facilities. However, by the 1980’s, this massive warehouse district started to decline. Once a hub for garment manufacturers, businesses started to move out. In fact, companies relocated manufacturing overseas seeking cheaper labor and closer proximity to supply chains. Then however, in the early 1990’s, Korean Americans started to buy properties developing the Fashion District. Some of these businesses still exist today.
Wynwood on the Decline . . .
Over time, the neighborhood became more diverse and included African-Americans, Haitians, Cubans, Colombians and Dominicans. In the late 1970’s, the population reached roughly 18,000 people. However, in the 1980’s, the neighborhood rapidly declined. And, the absence of businesses led to high unemployment. Crime increased and drug trafficking became rampant. The area also suffered destruction during the riots of 1988. As a result, Wynwood became a neighborhood of grungy body shops, empty storefronts and vacant warehouses.
The Rise of Graffiti . . .
Graffiti writers had taken to the streets to tag their names on city walls throughout urban areas in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In cities throughout the country, graffiti appeared everywhere – – on subway cars, buildings, bridges, underpasses, sidewalks and benches. Its unsanctioned placement assured that individual messages were seen by a wide audience. Of course, at that time, graffiti was seen solely as a form of illegal activity, vandalism and a nuisance. An appreciation for its artistic value had not yet formed.
Inevitably, the vacant warehouses and boarded-up buildings of Wynwood became an ideal canvas for graffiti artists. Over time, as graffiti increased across the United States, it became more sophisticated, displaying greater artistic skill. Moreover, graffiti began evolving into Street Art with all kinds of artistic expressions and messages. Often the artwork reflects the artist’s views on social issues, politics and the environment. Street Art is usually temporary, large scale and immobile; the viewer sees it as he walks or drives by it.
Wynwood Gentrification . . .
In the late 1980’s, because of high rents, local artists sought out alternate affordable workspaces. Wynwood seemed like a good candidate, and the Bakehouse Art Complex became the first artist facility to be established in the area. The organization, founded in 1985 by artists for artists, moved into a building that previously housed the Flowers Baking Company. Their mission was (and still is) “to address the need for affordable living and work spaces for artists in Miami’s urban core.”
By 1993, art galleries started to occupy Wynwood’s vacant warehouses. These galleries showcased fine art and promoted art education. Meanwhile, the presence of Street Art started expanding. By then, it was seen as a creative and vital artistic expression. And, its creators were viewed as providing new life to many of the dilapidated city blocks with their incredibly inventive and lively artwork. This was the beginning of Wynwood’s revitalization.
The Creation of the Wynwood Art District . . .
By the mid 2000’s, the local art scene got several boosts. For instance, local artists and galleries launched the well-known “Wynwood Art Walk”. At the same time, around the world, galleries and museums started selling Street Art. Developers and investors saw what was happening in Wynwood and began acquiring properties in the area. They also started incorporating Street Art onto the façade of new buildings.
In 2009, real estate developer and arts visionary Tony Goldman opened “Wynwood Walls”. It became the world’s largest open-air museum dedicated to a collection of curated murals, which are usually repainted once a year. Goldman was the force behind the 70’s revival of SoHo in Manhattan, New York and South Beach, Florida in the 80’s.
Wynwood Walls solidified the transformation of Wynwood and elevated the exposure of street artists. Furthermore, the Wynwood Art District became an international destination. It became part of the flourishing art scene in Miami, which also hosts Art Basel — an international art fair staged annually in Miami Beach.
Exploring Wynwood . . .
Wynwood has become one of America’s hippest neighborhoods with 400+ businesses, 200+ painted murals, and 30+ eateries. During your first time there, start by visiting Wynwood Walls, located in the epicenter of the Wynwood Art District. You will be in awe of the striking murals painted by some of the world’s most influential urban artists. Make sure to get tickets ahead of time. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, tickets are limited and must be purchased for entry at specific time slots.
Finding More Art . . .
From there, start exploring the neighborhood. Street Art is present everywhere your turn. Many of the artists or crews — groups of artists who work as a team when creating murals — have created some remarkable pieces. Works vary in size from multi-story façades to single walls. Some are highly intricate, some express socio-political messages, and some play homage to the neighborhood. But above all, they are equally imposing and impressive.
Wynwood is also known for its variety of art galleries, restaurants, microbreweries and funky retail shops. So, take time to explore the side streets off NW 2nd Avenue (Wynwood’s main artery) which runs through the heart of the District. You just don’t know what Street Art you’ll discover as you stroll the area – and that’s part of the fun. Like most places, weekends tend to be much busier; if you have concerns with social distancing, go during week days.
Getting Up Close with Wynwood . . .
If you are seeking to satisfy your thirst for cultural knowledge and increase your familiarity with Street Art, sign up for a guided Wynwood tour. It is a great opportunity to get a better grasp of how this type of art became part of Miami’s art scene. Local guides take you around on foot, bikes, Segways or golf carts. You can even combine art and food by taking a culinary tour. Here are some companies offering Wynwood tours:
Casual Eateries . . .
There are a lot of great casual and affordable dining options in the area. Out of the many local taquerias, we tried Coyo Taco. Located in the heart of Wynwood, Coyo has an interesting menu and delivers on flavor and pleasure. For instance, the Carnitas de Pato and Camaron tacos were very tasty. Place your order inside and dine at the outdoor tables.
If you want to satisfy your craving for Asian cuisine, head over to 1-800-Lucky. This is a hip food hall specializing in pan-Asian inspired dishes. The space design includes individual stalls, like those you would find in an Asian market, each with its own specialty. In addition, there are two full bars, an ice cream spot and a record shop. Besides the interior dining tables, there is a large courtyard with ample outdoor seating. And a DJ spins live music helping create a special vibe.
As for food offerings, you can get some great stuff including ramen, dim sum, sushi, steamed bao buns, and Filipino entrées. Our highlights included the Peking Duck Bao from Gold Marquess, and Shrimp with Chive and Shanghai Soup Dumplings from YIP Dim Sum. We rounded out our meal with a delightful sizzling Chicken Sisig (also available with pork) from Jeepney, a recently opened stall by New York City chef Nicole Ponseca.
Eat Good Karma . . .
Wynwood offers a bit of everything, including a café specializing in vegan cuisine. At Love Life Café, all menu items are made with 100% plant-based ingredients. This business is committed to being socially responsible and concerned with the environment, the animals, and the community. The café offers an extensive menu exciting to both vegans and non-vegans. It includes: soups and salads, veggie burgers, arepas, burritos, tacos, pizza and bowls. Make sure to leave room for dessert as well.
Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth . . .
Dasher & Crank is a great option for artisan ice cream in the heart of Wynwood. It makes its batches in small sizes, allowing it to create ingenious flavors on a weekly basis. So far, Dasher & Crank has created over 425 flavors and it continues to come out with new every week. As a result, it constantly rotates its selections on the menu. Its signature flavor and its most popular is Ube, which is coconut and Filipino purple yams. At first, the color is a bit off-putting but once you taste it, you will be sold on it. The Strawberry Cream Cheese with Guava Jelly is another delicious and unusual flavor.
Or, stop by Morelia Gourmet Paletas for an exquisite handcrafted gourmet popsicle. Here you will be able to select from the 16+ flavors and then customize your paleta with dipping sauces and toppings. The Dulce de Leche filled with Dulce de Leche and dipped in dark chocolate was simply scrumptious. Another favorite was the Passion Fruit Filled with Condensed Milk. Even though these are not inexpensive popsicles, they are worth every penny. Don’t miss these mouthwatering delights.
And no matter what, make sure to stop at The Salty. It is the most creative donut shop you will ever find. Its donuts are spectacular — innovative, delicious and beautifully presented. I kid you not when I say that eating one is like going to sweetness heaven. This is a great spot for a quick treat or if you want to take a dozen goodies home. We loved the White Chocolate Tres Leches and Pistachio Cannoli donuts.
Dinner Fare in Wynwood . . .
KYU . . .
For more substantial, upscale fare, head to KYU. This hip, unique and inventive Asian inspired restaurant is outstanding. Its inventive menu and great service makes a memorable meal. In 2016, a year after it opened, Kyu received a James Beard nomination for “Best New Restaurant”.
First, make sure to order the Roasted Cauliflower with goat cheese, shishito and herb vinaigrette — one of KYU’s signature dishes. Second, even though I typically do not order chicken when eating out — because I eat so much of it at home — the Korean Fried Chicken with braised spinach and red chili butter was irresistible. The restaurant is a bit pricey but the food and experience are worth it.
Palmar . . .
Make sure to place Palmar high on your list of dinner destinations, especially if you like Modern Chinese cuisine. Owner Javier Ramirez has created a menu that adds tropical touches to classic Chinese dishes. A good example is the Steamed Grouper with Coconut Sauce and cassava fries. Another excellent dish, Palmar’s Szechuan Beef, is simple and heavenly. Not only does the meat melt in your mouth, but the Szechuan sauce may have been the best we have ever tasted. Even though the restaurant has received several accolades over the years, its menu continues to be very reasonably priced.
Bakan . . .
If you are in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, make a reservation at Bakan. This modern and artsy indoor-outdoor restaurant offers dishes from several Mexican regions, including Oaxaca, Yucatan, Veracruz, etc. The Vuelve a la Vida is amazing. It is a seafood cocktail, similar to ceviche but with a well-balanced sweet and tangy tomato sauce. Likewise, the Mole Coloradito with Short Ribs is an impressive mound of succulent short ribs served with a luscious mole. In addition to having over 500 mezcals and tequilas, the cocktail menu includes inventive options such as the Sera Melon, Sera Sandia — a watermelon Margarita made with mezcal — and the Tulum Vibe — mezcal, orange liquor, cucumber and lime juice.
Happy Hour Highlight . . .
The recently opened Freehold is an excellent option for drinks. It has a beautiful and spacious outdoor bar and cocktail lounge. It feels like an oasis in the heart of Wynwood. The happy hour (daily from 5-7 pm) is awesome. This is also a fun stop for lunch or dinner if you are in the mood for burgers and pizza. The staff is super friendly and welcoming.
Finding Novelty Items . . .
If shopping is your thing, you will enjoy some of the cool and vibrant boutiques in the area. For instance, Frangipani is independently owned and sells a variety of fun and unique products. Its offerings range from sustainable clothing and accessories to home décor. The products, sourced all over the world, are handmade, sustainable, artistic and distinctive.
Glottman should be on every person’s itinerary when exploring Wynwood. This retail showroom and design company has an exceptionally creative concept. Glottman combines a Shop (offering design and lifestyle products), a Showroom (showcasing textiles, furniture and lighting), and a Studio (providing lighting design, interior design and architecture services). Its retail products are super modern, unusual and stunning. It’s one of those stores where it is hard to walk out empty handed.
For more unique and artsy finds, head to the Wynwood Shop. This creative store is chock full of items that are carefully curated from local emerging brands, art from prominent Miami street artists, and jewelry from up and coming designers. It features home décor, books, sunglasses, and men’s and women’s apparel. This is a shopping experience that is all about discovery.
Concerned about our impact on social and environmental issues? Stop by the Wynwood Tribe, formally known as the Nomad Tribe. The boutique focuses on artisans and brands that follow sustainable practices and ethically made products. It sells clothes and accessories for both men and women. In addition, the shop has a textile-recycling program – the Green Nomad Project. Drop off some of your old wardrobe garb and you’ll receive a discount off your next purchase of any Wynwood Tribe apparel.
A Great Destination . . .
While we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the Covid pandemic, it will be some time before things return to normal. In the meantime, we continue to take precautions and search for safe destinations to satisfy our wanderlust. Wynwood happens to be an open-air haven with tons of possibilities. It is a place where you can escape for a few hours and obtain some self-indulgent bliss. Here you will restore your soul by being surrounded by incredible Street Art, experiencing culinary innovations, and uncovering exquisite wares.
