Yet as the Coconut Grove’s Business Improvement District (BID) can attest, the fun doesn’t stop at brunch. The area is replete with places to score delicious meals at any time of day, mid-day snacks and, of course, fabulous wine and cocktails. Established in 2009 by area businesses and property owners, the BID’s small but mighty staff consistently develops a slate of programming intended to protect the neighborhood’s distinct charm, while also fostering the success of new and existing businesses. The BID’s celebration of National Brunch Day on a Sunday this past September shined a light on the area’s hottest brunch spots, but we caught up with the organization’s Marketing Director, Kristell Hurtado, to hear about some of her regular haunts for all of the other days of the week.

Introduction by Michelle Orman

COUTURE: Tell us about some of your favorite local spots?

Kristell Hurado: There’s one place that everyone refers to as my second office, I’m there so often, Bartaco. While it is a chain, when you step into their Coconut Grove location, you immediately feel like you’re on vacation. They have delicious margaritas, the food is fantastic and well-priced, and it’s perfect for dining as a family, with your friends or with your partner. Being great is in their DNA, they know their neighbors and they focus on their birthdays, their celebrations, their milestones; they know what you want and they’re waiting for you!

For a fancier dinner to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary, Carobne Vino is one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful room and the food is reliably delicious. Also, Bellini at Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove is really elegant, they have a great staff, gorgeous views and delicious drinks and food.

Midorie is my hidden gem, it’s this very small Japanese place, kind of tucked away, but it is so special. They bring the fish in straight from Japan, and it’s omakase-style dining. The staff is so friendly, they know how to treat their clientele, and you can go every day and you don’t feel like you’re repeating flavors, they are constantly exploring new flavors and bringing in new additions to The Grove.

If I want to have a glass of wine or go out for cocktails and snacks, Level 6 is my favorite roof top spot in The Grove. The views of Biscayne Bay are spectacular, you can see the entire Grove from above and the sunsets up there are amazing. They serve a Spanish omakase, like croquetas, jamon serrano and Manchego cheese in a beautiful presentation, and the cocktails are crafted with delicious, fresh ingredients. Sometimes they have live shows and people dress up beautifully and kind of tropical style; you feel like you’re in the middle of paradise!

I also want to call out Atchana’s Home Grown Thai. The food is delicious and the staff is the best, the owner is from Thailand, it’s authentic Thai food, and she’s very neighborhood focused.  Every time you go there you feel like a family, they treat their guests like family, and it’s become a staple in The Grove.

The only place I will “cheat on” Emissary with (you know Emissary is hands down my favorite coffee spot in The Grove and thankfully right across from our office!), is Pura Vida; their matcha lattes are so rich and delicious!