A fully immersive visit to Wynwood is about more than just the murals. It’s well known that the former warehouse district has turned into a street art mecca because of its outdoor artwork, but only experienced visitors know the fashion and culinary hot spots that thrive inside the painted walls.
Treats to Taste
Wynwood is perfect for hungry eyes and hungry bellies alike. The busy streets are budding with new restaurants that serve locally sourced, artistically crafted cuisine. The Lunchbox blends the best of worldwide food trends with the flavors of Miami. Menu highlights include everything from a charcuterie plate to the Wynwood Salad, which is a mix of kale, avocado, curried peas and spicy shrimp. Sandwiches are served on wooden boards with the restaurant’s logo branded into the side, and water comes in a mason jar.
If you’re still not satiated, head back to Mmmm, a restaurant that features ice cream flavors like cafe con leche and Nutella, or for extra goodness, one of the Mmmm sundaes. The chocolate chip sundae comes brimming with whipped cream, house-made ice cream and a chocolate chip cookie.
If veganism is more your speed, snack on raw chocolate cookies and milk from Jucy Lu. This hidden gem whips up some of the best smoothies and acai bowls in Miami. It’s also right across from Mister Block Cafe, a lesser-known but arguably equal alternative to Panther Coffee. Both spots are located by a shady seating area, so you can sip your smoothie or fresh brew while enjoying the outdoor murals.
Galleries to Glimpse
Some of Wynwood’s best artistic displays are safely housed inside air conditioned galleries, so you can enjoy some cool air after a meal outdoors. Across from the main exit of the Wynwood Walls is the inconspicuous GAB – a studio that entails a gallery and boutique in one. You can find everything from a human-sized print of goldfish in a jug to handcrafted bags made of soda tabs in this unique exhibition.
Just around the corner is O. Ascanio Gallery, home to eye-catching contemporary works and funky primary-colored sculptures. For art lovers with an eclectic taste, Gallery 212 is the ideal destination. Find everything from one-of-a-kind leather jackets to a giant sugar skull horse sculpture here.
Another favorite is Etra Fine Art, where texture, color and shape are given free reign. This gallery has greyscale abstract murals, bright blue molds of a ram’s head and even a bedazzled Buddha. Keep an eye out for more showrooms; there are easily 50 different galleries in the neighborhood.
Shops to Scout
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Wynwood is its array of eclectic shops. For everything from screen-printed tees to handwoven bags, check out Frangipani’s colorful and quirky collection. Trendsetters with an eye for design will want to buy everything in the store.
If you’d rather put the design on your eyes, check out one of Wynwood’s sunglasses shops, like Illesteva, Warby Parker or Wynwood Shades. You can even find dorm decor in Wynwood. Moooi sells reasonably priced modernist knickknacks alongside pricey design pieces. Plant the Future sells the ever-trending succulent and cactus terrarium, one of which is in the shape of a stormtrooper helmet. Cover all of your stationary needs at Wynwood Letterpress, and when you’re all done, wash your hands with some authentic Australian soap at Aesop.
Popping into a few of these shops ties together a perfect day spent in Wynwood. After all, eating delicious food and shopping for unique trinkets beats getting whacked with a selfie stick at the Walls.
Photos by Contributing Photographer Haley Walker