Shows me for not being up on the Miami restaurant scene.
When I heard the name Casa Florida, I was reminded instantly of the penchant for many Florida homes, especially mid-80s construction, to have an enclosed back patio room known as a Florida room.
Think of a patio, but instead of screening and bugs and heat, it instead has windows and air conditioning and comfort. One of my family had a Florida Room in their house when I was growing up, and I sure loved it.
But no, Casa Florida is actually a restaurant and cocktail house in Miami, exceptionally close to Jose Marti Park and the Miami River.
Interestingly enough, the vibe is very much what I had expected, with wicker chairs and an old bus sporting cocktail space amongst oversized, oversoft rattan seating. Lots of pastel paints and pale greens surrounding the lush tropical vegetation.
Sure, it used to be an actual house. And sure, their pension for loud music has gotten them in hot water with their Little Havana neighbors. But how can you truly hate a place it serves local fish dip, house made empanadas, and a watermelon tostada that looks
