What to Do in Miami This Week [Dec 11-17]

Welcome to our weekly roundup of the top events in Miami! Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in the Magic City with our curated selection of the best restaurants and places to see and be seen.

Looking for more? Check out the newest restaurants in Miami and the food and drink specials this month.

Tuesday, Dec 12: The Nutcracker at Issabella’s

This Tuesday, December 12th, join us at Issabella’s, the Miami Beach modern Meditteranean restaurant, for an elevated dining experience. Issabella’s will be hosting an intimate preview of the “best” of the Nutcracker paired with a specially curated dinner. 

The festive one-night-only dinner will guide us through the enchanting melodies of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker as we indulge in a 3-course set menu. Sway your way through appetizers such as spicy feta dip or tuna tartar; mains of spicy rigatoni or succulent branzino filet; and for dessert, a choice of Issabella’s Pavlova or a Chocolate Dome. In addition, a special wine pairing will be offered for an additional price. Make your reservations beforehand.

Issabella’s is located at 1022 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website. 

Friday, Dec 15: Happy Hour at Cubata

It’s always a party as long as Cubata is involved. Stop by the bustling Calle Ocho joint on any given day of the week, and without a doubt, you’ll be greeted by roaring live music, happy hour specials that sound too good to be true, and we can bet our bottom dollar you’ll be caught dancing till the wee hours. 

The happy hour here starts as early as 4 and lasts till 8 p.m., so our pro tip is to come around 7 p.m. and get the party started. All drinks are 50 percent off during the joyful hour, and some crowd favorites include the delicious classic mojito going for $5 or the irresistibly fruity sangria (get the entire jar for $15!). 

Can’t get too boozy without the tapas, and thankfully Cubata has plenty. Crispy fried croquetas, pulpo a la gallega, and pequillo peppers stuffed with codfish are all on our must-have list. Pro tip number two: stay until 9 p.m., which is when the live music starts. See you on the dance floor!  

Saturday, Dec 16: Grand Opening Party at Tanuki River Landing

If you’ve already checked out this month’s #DishHitList, then you probably know that Tanuki River Landing is having its official grand opening on Saturday, December 16. The party will be filled with streaming barrel sake, canapes, a live DJ set, and dancing. The Asian fusion restaurant is also having its Grand Opening Brunch on the River, on Sunday, November 17, and everyone is invited! From noon to 4 p.m., enjoy a specially curated brunch menu for $60 and free-flowing drinks for an extra $30. Take a seat on the waterfront, enjoy the brunch delicacies and live DJ set, and get ready to dance your afternoon away. Make your reservations beforehand here.

Sunday, Dec 17: Christmas-themed Popup Bar, Miracle in Miami

Miracle in Miami, the city’s Christmas-themed pop-up bar, will be open until December 23, and we’re making our way there this Saturday. Open daily in Downtown Miami from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., the pop-up bar encompasses the kitschiest Christmas office party of your wildest dreams—in all the best ways. At Miracle in Miami, you can purchase over-the-top Christmas decor and holiday-inspired quirky cocktails like Elfing Around made with prosecco, gin, mulled wine, grapefruit shrub, and aromatic bitters. Don’t go home without buying one of the many whimsical souvenir chalices like Santa pants mugs or fa-la-la-la-la barrels. 

Miracle Miami is located in Gramps at 176 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit the event website.