Photos courtesy of Cervecería La Tropical
It’s an ordinary weekday afternoon. You’re tired, stressed and ready for a break when you stumble upon Cervecería La Tropical, in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. The expansive garden out front feels like an escape from life’s endless obligations. Clusters of bright blue Adirondack chairs set under swaying palm trees beckon guests to settle in and stay awhile, while industrial pedestal fans ensure the Florida heat becomes little more than an afterthought.
Inside, the sprawling space is part industrial brewhouse, part neighborhood gathering spot. Colorful murals nod to Wynwood’s artistic spirit, while communal tables and a sweeping bar encourage conversation among strangers and regulars alike. Behind the bar, a glass wall provides a glimpse into the brewing operations responsible for up to 20 house beers, while a massive LED screen at the far end of the taproom captures every major sporting event — an added bonus for soccer fans following this summer’s World Cup matches.
Garden
Cervecería La Tropical recently celebrated five years since opening in Miami, though its roots date back to 1888 in Havana, where it became Cuba’s first brewery. Manny Portuondo, the great-great-grandson of Federico Kohly (the landowner of the Havana property), opened the Miami brewery as a tribute to the Cuban institution. Beers like La Reina, a Belgian blonde ale with notes of mango, banana and honey from the Florida Keys, and the Sabrocita, a hazy pale ale with flavors of papaya, guava, pomelo and mamoncillo, lean into tropical influences, while La Original, the exact recipe of the Vienna-style lager first produced in Cuba in 1888, pays homage to the original brewery.
Distilled beer cocktails like the Espresso Martini, which uses Tropical 50 La Negra Nitro Stout, and the Cubana Flaquita, a lower-calorie take on a mojito, offer creative twists on classic favorites. Ready-to-drink cans of Pasióntini or Havanito cocktails are refreshing options to enjoy under the swaying palms. Visitors can also take freshly poured beer to go, while those skipping beer altogether will still find plenty of choices, including standard cocktails, wine and mocktails.
Cervecería La Tropical menu items
Chef Cindy Hutson
Chef Cindy Hutson, best known for Ortanique on the Mile, which shuttered in 2020 after two decades in operation in Coral Gables, is the creative force behind the food.
Hutson was instrumental in creating the brewery’s original menu before stepping away to pursue other projects, and her recent return brings a welcome revival of the tropical-inspired dishes she calls “Cuisine of the Sun.”
Starters like the Sea Salt Tostones (fried green plantain) topped with garlic herb chimichurri, Chickpea Salad Bowl (butter lettuce, vegan mayo, tomato and cucumber) and Ceviche Of The Day signal Cervecería La Tropical is just as much about the food as it is the beer. New additions include vegan Stuffed Charred Poblano with red quinoa, chickpeas, charred corn, smoked corn coulis, salsa roja and vegan Mexican cheese, and La Tropical Seared Spiced Tuna Tataki with mango sweet pepper salsa and wasabi crema. Baked Salmon with pico de gallo, cilantro lime crema and jasmine rice is another popular newcomer. Key Lime Bread Pudding is the perfect finale, capturing the familiar tropical flavors that make Miami feel like home.
Baked Salmon
That sense of comfort explains why you’ll find a diverse crowd on any given night: Co-workers unwinding after a long day, couples lingering over date-night drinks and extended families celebrating birthdays with young children in tow. In an age when much of our socializing feels rushed, distracted or isolated, Cervecería La Tropical is a restorative respite, celebrating a sense of belonging alongside a thoughtful, varied menu that caters to everyone’s needs. Prior to my visit, I wouldn’t have called myself a beer drinker, but after sampling several pours from Cervecería La Tropical’s Beer Flight, I realized I’m a beer lover after all. I just hadn’t found the right one — until now.
Cervecería La Tropical is located at 42 N.E. 25th St., Miami. For more information, call 305-741-6991 or visit cervecerialatropical.com.