My award for classy happy hour (and I might go so far as to say the best happy hour in Miami) goes to Lafayette Steakhouse. How so? The ambiance is sophisticated, the service impeccable, the food selection refined, not to speak of delicious. And it’s a top value given the price and quality, offered Tuesday through Saturday from 6 to 8 p,m.. My discriminating friend about town was impressed too. Stay tuned to the end of the blogpost for the recipe for the Hugo Spritz.
In a way, it wasn’t a surprise since I’ve been impressed with dinners I’ve had here and know the credentials of the French born Mathieu Massa, of Mr. Hospitality, owner and operator of Lafayette Miami. Executive chef is also French, Kylian Goussot whose pedigree includes Michelin starred restaurants alongside luminaries like Joel Robuchon and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.Pastry chef Nelson Mendoca worked beside Alain Ducasse.
Mathieu collaborated with Escala Forma Studio on the design, carefully selecting artwork that’s a combination of vintage and contemporary, teaming a rich deep toned color scheme with fine woods and leather upholstery, and low level ambient lighting. All give the restaurant a sense of intimacy in its two floors, one a balcony. There’s a DJ or live entertainment nightly.
We went at 6 pm, the start of their happy hour and knew we had two hours. Our toast was a glass of red wine which I chose from 15 wine selections ($8 each and a 6 ounce pour) and for her, their Hugo cocktail of St.Germain mint , prosecco and soda ($10, one of five choices). My California wine was very good, and the original cocktail, tasty and refreshing, a welcome alternative to the ubiquitous Aperol spritz. Happily, they shared the recipe for the Hugo with me which you can see below.
We ordered one of each light bite, five total, which we shared. It was just enough food; in fact, we had some leftovers as the dishes were rich, so a small amount of each was satisfying. First up was their own riff on the lobster roll, brioche lightly toasted and stuffed with lobster, curry coleslaw, green apple and pickled fresno chili. Then came the Wagyu beef sliders on a brioche bun with a plump, beefy burger with old cheddar, confit onion and pickles.
They brought them out with the gougere which look like round croquettes, tasty and creamy with their aged cheddar cheese and smoked bacon center. Fancy wagyu was teamed with Iberico pork for chunks of divine sausage with cheddar.
Though everything was delicious, my favorite of the evening was the truffle croque monsieur, a French classic, here with finger size brioche sandwiches filed with fontina cheese and black truffle. Downright decadent. The price of all this? $63, a deal for the best happy hour in Miami. Wines by the glass are $8 and cocktails are $10.
After having the best happy hour in Miami ,how could you not have dessert, so we chose the New York style cheesecake for two which looked like an elegant torte with vanilla chantilly and red berries compote on top ($26 for two)and the pistachio tentacion a novel combo of creamy pistachio ice cream and cherry amarena ($16). All were delicious.
There’s a DJ and select entertainment on weekends.
Valet parking is available for $25 and garages are nearby.
For my full review of Lafayette for dinner, click here.
Lafayette Steakhouse, 1111 SW First Street, Miami.
The Recipe for the Hugo Spritz:
- 0.5 oz of St. Germain
- 1 oz of club soda
- 4 oz of sparkling wine (prosecco)
- 5 mint leaves
Directions: In a wine glass or coupe, gently muddle 5 fresh mint leaves to release their aroma. Add 0.5 oz of St. Germain and 1 oz of club soda. Top with 4 oz of chilled sparkling wine or prosecco. Stir gently to combine and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
Enjoy!
