Brickell - Miami, FL

Brickell was developed in the 1800s by some of Miami’s original pioneers. In the early 1900s, it was referred to as “Millionaire’s Row” and was called home by the wealthiest of South Florida' aristocrats.

The Haitian Heritage Museum may be found at 600 Brickell Avenue and serves to showcase one of South Florida’s most colorful and artistic cultures. The Brickell neighborhood also houses the Brickell Gallery and hosts annual culinary and artistic events such as the Brickell Food and Wine Festival, a Taste of Brickell and the ever-enchanting Brickell Art Walk.

The exclusive Brickell enclave contains several Latin, Brazilian and Asian restaurants. Many of the city's most luxurious nightclubs can be found within walking distance of Brickell's posh, five-star eateries, all of which tempt your taste buds with a variety of culinary delights. The majority of this neighborhood's restaurants and nightclubs sit along Brickell Avenue, which runs north toward Bayside and southwest toward Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.

Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House, located on Brickell Avenue, has the reputation of being one of the finest restaurants in the city. Epicurean delights remain luscious enough to delight the pickiest of diners, and the place comes with fantastic service and an upbeat atmosphere. Truluck's prepares seafood and meat dishes that complement each other in presentation and taste. Customers flock to this locale for stone crab claws in season, and patrons can purchase a side of fresh oysters on the half-shell to go along with the claws. Truluck's also serves steamed or grilled fish prepared perfectly. Try some deserts, such as the rich chocolate bag and chocolate malt cake, to top off your multi-course meal.

Brickell also offers a large selection of Asian restaurants. Bonding Sushi Restaurant, located on South Miami Avenue, has a large menu, moderately priced food and copious dishes of artistic Japanese and Thai cuisine. After-house banking and legal crowds popularize Bonding Sushi, as well as couples and groups of friends who trickle in during the later evening hours. This upscale Oriental restaurant serves awesome tuna tataki and tom yum soup, along with a colorful pad thai if you desire something other than Japanese cuisine.

Clubs in the immediate vicinity quickly fill up during the weekends, as they provide a wide range of decors and entertainment. The Blue Martini, frequented by young professionals, pulls in the crowds due to its happy hour specials, and the food is great. Stop in to sample a martini from the huge drink menu, then choose where you want to kick back and relax. Party on the patio, in the main lounge or in one of the VIP rooms.

Fifty Nightclub at the Viceroy Hotel defines exclusivity, towering 50 stories above the city to allow celestial views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown district. Fifty opens its doors on Friday and Saturday nights only, so arrive early to beat the crowds. This club's lavish decor comprises marble, wood paneling and tropical plants. The rooftop lounge rocks on weekends with some of Miami's most popular DJs. VIP reservations run about $300 for a party of five, so book your reservations early.

Taxis can easily be found and Uber also makes it services available in the neighborhood. Brickell’s commercial zone is known for its dearth of public parking, while in residential areas many people park on the street, free of charge. You may need to use a valet at a local restaurant, club or hotel for parking because of the neighborhood’s location and its popularity. I-95 is located within a few minutes-drive of the Brickell district and the on-ramp is less than ¼ mile north of the Miami River. While the area doesn’t contain a bicycle lane, cyclists can utilize the quiet side-streets and the main thoroughfare with caution.

While the Brickell neighborhood does contain a lot of banks and high-rises, its residents have easy access to several lush, tropical parks. Dog-friendly Brickell Key Park has many weekday regulars, escorted by their furry friends. It provides a great view, waterside paths and plenty of space for runners, joggers and fitness buffs. Best of all this park charges no fee for entry.

Fitness fanatics can head over to Jose Marti Park on 351 Southwest 4th Street for their daily exercise regimen. This facility contains a swimming pool, gym, fitness track, athletic fields, children’s recreation area and after-school activities to keep the kids busy. They do charge a small fee for some of their amenities. Also worth noting, many of the locals gather at Brickell Key Park every New Year’s Eve to watch Bayfront Park’s famous fireworks show over Key Biscayne. Make sure to bring a blanket, the kids and the dog for a fantastic time

Due to its location, the Brickell neighborhood ranks as one of the priciest in urban Miami, with a very high cost of living, as demonstrated by an average rental rate of $1,897 per one-bedroom unit. Owing to its proximity to downtown Miami, one could easily walk from the Brickell business district to Bayside in 10 minutes, and given the price of taxis in the area, that's probably a better option. Beer and alcoholic beverages can be costly in this upscale neighborhood, so plan on spending in excess of $8 per domestic beer and more for an imported one. Gas prices in this part of Miami fluctuate between 1 to 2% above the national average.

Since Brickell contains mainly commercial or residential buildings, locals who want higher-end boutiques or stores head to Coral Gables or Coconut Grove. Reach both areas within 10 minutes, traffic permitting. Downtown Miami, located less than half a mile north of the commercial district, also has many shops known for discounted clothing, accessories and jewelry.

Anyone interested in fine watches, gold jewelry and precious stones needs to check out the Seybold Building at 36 NE 1st Street. This vertical mall houses dozens of jewelry stores and gemstone merchants. Buchwald's has one of the largest selections of gold and diamonds in this high-rise, so put them at the top of your list. Look for higher-end women's clothing at Blush Boutique in Mary Brickell Village. This quaint shop stocks posh women's clothing and accessories for its upscale clientele.

Many Brickell residents shop at Publix, situated on 911 Southwest 1st Avenue, since this grocery store contains the widest selection of fresh vegetables, meat and fish in the area. Perricone's Marketplace, located at 15 Southeast 10th Street, carries a wide variety of foods for those who prefer imported brands and like to create their own gourmet dishes. The Adrienne Arsht Center Farmers Market, in downtown Miami, provides locally grown produce every Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pick from several well-known vendors, including some selling organic fruits and vegetables.