Okeydokey Miami is a food hall with more than one difference —  it’s a restaurant, offering both fast casual and full waiter service  on two floors, a comfy loungey area with couches next to one of three bars,  and soon to come on floor three, an entertainment lounge. My family and I went to check it out, trying a dish from each of six different food concepts, and some of their signature cocktails. We were impressed with the service options, delicious food, well chosen concepts and plus, they have a very good “buzzy” happy hour  .Want to combine your visit with something new and different to do? Read on until the end.

Okeydokey Miami is a project that was several years in the making, according to cofounder and CEO Stephane Benkemoun.Born and raised in France, Benkemoun decided to take his entrepreneurial dream from Europe to Miami: the food hall concept moved up several notches.

The 15,000-square-foot indoor and 3,000-square-foot outdoor space can accommodate approximately 300 guests and houses six full-service kitchens on the first floor and three bars. A hidden outdoor patio bar is in the offing for late June.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a hostess and led to a table, where they can order from any of the different outposts by scanning a QR code while still being assisted by a server, or can choose the traditional service route. The eateries were well chosen –  from Miami’s favorite cuisine, and food “evergreens” to the “hot” Eastern Med trend. This includes Little Bird, offering Miami inspired flavors and rotisserie chicken; Yoso Ramen, a Japanese eatery inspired by the chefs’ travels; MAC, an Asian kitchen  helmed by chef Michael Castino; Dal Plin, an Italian kitchen featuring house made pasta; Jaffa, an Israeli restaurant with a Mediterranean influence and kosher menu; and Coffee Break, a second-floor cafe serving breakfast, pastries, teas, and  juices with a large selection of healthy choices.

The second phase of the space will feature a third floor for guests aged 21 and over, an expanded cocktail program, live music, and DJ. The rollout will start in June with several entertainment events a month.

We started off with delicious signature cocktails (love the names) including the ‘I’ve Got 99 Problems But the Peach Ain’t One” that’s bourbon, crème de peche, blackberries and strawberries. Another pick is the “One Larger Cucumber Please” made with Sip Smith Gin, bail, lemongrass, italicus and cucumbers.($15-$16). For sure, I’d like to take my fruits and veggies this way! We ordered a dish from each of the restaurants. Everything was uniformly delicious, though we had some favorites. Our starter was the Israeli combo of hummus and salad with pita which tasted freshly made and was seasoned just so.

Then it was on to the bucatini with rich tasting tomato sauce and creamy burrata (they offer a gluten free version on all pastas for a supplement of $3) Next up, a selection of nigiri which my sushi savant proclaimed excellent. Also from the Asian menu we ordered the wok bok choy that worked well fried rather than the usual steamed and pan fried version, with tasty yet light seasoning. One of my favorites was next, a terrific riff on a poke bowl, the fried chicken bowl. A chicken breast was perfectly fried, cut up into slices, and rested on a bed of some of my favorites – edamame, avocado, seaweed salad, and white radish. For dessert we chose the petite Japanese cheesecake ($11). It was so good, we ordered seconds.Another favorite was the succulent half rotisserie chicken served with garlic seasoned fried potatoes and cole slaw. Most dishes are priced in the twenties and serve one if not sharing.

I’ve lined up my “must haves” for next time: a big mezze platter with hummus, tablouleh, chick pea salad, olives, Israeli salad plus a choice of shwarma, falafel, or crispy beef kibbeh ($41);  brisket butter burger with pimento cheese, brioche, thick pickle and truffle sauce ($19); and fettucine funghi and tartufo( $36).

Wine by the glass (a five ounce pour) starts at $12 and bottles from $32.

A friend and I went to their “happening” happy hour that’s a very good deal. Choose seating at the bar or in high top tables. A delicious cocktail menu offers nine choices for $8 each along with beer, $7; wine,$7   ; and shots from popular liquors, $7. Thirteen different light bites include everything from tacos (filet mignon, tuna, salmon) and charcuterie board (my pick) to queso croquetas, a good sized margherita pizza, hummus with pita and more for $5 to $14.  Happy hour at Okeydokey Miami  is Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.Free parking in front.

Okeydokey Miami is located at 268 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33130. It’s open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Want to make a day of it? Head on over to Puttshack, the first upscale tech infused mini golf at Brickell City Centre. To find out more, click here.