Casa Florida

Casa Florida in Downtown Miami is serving patrons a taste of vintage Miami with their pastel pink decor and palm trees

BY DANIELA CALDERON, STAFF WRITER

In an empty sea of black and white creatures, a single flamingo stands out with its pink and red feathers that reflect summer in the tropics. With tropical decor, along with fresh coconut water and a vintage venue, Casa Florida is the epitome of Miami culture all in one place.

Whether one seeks a 1970’s Miami getaway, drinking a virgin cocktail or in the 1990s eating brunch at home, Casa Florida’s radiant venue is the perfect reflection of the city’s past and present cultures. As the oldest recorded hotel and a groovy spot for mouthwatering eats, Casa Florida not only renders a good time but also has a great story to tell with its select menu items and thoughtfully placed decorations.

As founders and co-owners of a vintage van, Gaston Gonzalez and Eduardo Suarez found the ultimate parking space in the historic “Miami River Inn.” They rebuilt the inn and transformed it into Casa Florida. They took the building’s original elements and 1898 floor, made with Floridian pine trees and restored it to keep its uniqueness while rendering it to their taste. Inside the van, wooden floors and furniture were installed to expand seating options and add a pictureperfect spot. Outside, pink tables alongside plants and palm trees create an aesthetically pleasing contrast of colors that set the tone for a memorable afternoon.

Gonzalez and Suarez found it to be a notable experience to travel around the state looking for antiques, visiting cocktail bars and breweries as well as understanding Florida’s roots through the culture, food and drinks. Via their journey, through the chaotic but beautiful culture of Miami, they partnered up with Avra Jain and Selina Hotels and put together a place that spoke for itself. Whether its a sunny day playing ping-pong along the courtyard or a dark night circling a bonfire, beauty is all around the venue.

“Being by the river of Miami, gives us a perfect excuse to be a seafood-oriented restaurant,” Gonzalez said.

Their concept, not only mirrored in the physical appearance of the location but in every other detail as well.

Casa Florida offers a wide variety of seafood choices, while also incorporating vegetarian and vegan options into their carte — leaving room for all types of foodies. The $13 Golden Avocado Toast is made of turmeric sourdough and topped with avocado, mixed greens and eggs, making it the ultimate choice for brunch. When it comes to the main menu, the finger-licking Corvina Ceviche, sold for $15, is set up with coconut, pineapple, lime, red onion and fresh herbs. For dessert, Casa Florida’s menu includes a traditional Calle Ocho flan with dulce de leche, for $7.

“I loved sharing the Miami River Raw Bar Tower with my family, it was the perfect amount for each of us and did not disappoint. It is definitely the perfect fit whether you want to go with family or friends, you will have a great time,” senior Valentina Orejuela said.

Apart from food, they have their own merchandise consisting of custom face masks, hats and pins with their flamingo logo and house brand. Located at 437 Southwest Second St., they are open to private events and require reservations before walking in.

In regards to COVID-19 they are adapting and prepared to move forward, enforcing safety measures like social distancing, mask usage and keeping their site sterilized for the well-being of their employees and customers.

With 30,000 followers on Instagram, the combination of inviting food options, a friendly environment and awaiting cultural experiences make Casa Florida a go-to place on any Miamians bucket list. Prideful of Miami’s culture and their product, they are set on expanding to other cities inside and outside of Florida, bringing seafood, multicultural music and refreshing drinks with them.