Tropezón

Tropezón is an Andalusian gin and tapas bar on Española Way. And not only is it worth weaving through the street’s omnipresent crowd of tourists, but it’s one of the best places to eat and drink in South Beach.

Drinking, though, should be the priority. Because while the food is good, the drinks are really good. Plus, the restaurant feels like a saloon in a spaghetti western, and is precisely the kind of setting that’ll put you in the mood for multiple rounds of cocktails and an overwhelming urge to buy a pair of cowboy boots. The space is split 50/50 between a dining room and a long bar, with old movie posters on the wooden walls and legs of jamón hanging from the ceiling. It’s the kind of snug bar that’ll make you wish Miami had an actual winter, just so you could spend it here.

photo credit: Cleveland Jennings

But it’s not just the environment that makes us want to drink here. Tropezón also has one of the most interesting cocktail menus in South Beach, featuring a selection of infused gin. Options range from mango to sour cherry to nori and shio kombu. You can order them neat and chilled, or put them to use in one of Tropezón’s very good cocktails.

You will, of course, probably get hungry along the way. A few negronis can do that to you. And that’s when Tropezón’s menu will come in handy. You can make a solid meal out of tapas here—but you'll need to order a lot to feed a big group because portion sizes (even for tapas) aren't huge. That's sort of why we like this place better for a date.

photo credit: Cleveland Jennings

But there’s no need to come here with a stringent game plan. Tropezón is best experienced at a lazy pace, like one of those old westerns: a steady stream of cocktails, tapas, and white wine poured tableside from a porró. The only villain at the end of the third act will be the realization that you’ve been here for over two hours and should probably head home.

Food Rundown

Jamón Ibérico De Bellota

If you're sitting at the bar with a cocktail and aren't starving, but still want something to snack on, order this. The jamón is great—sliced thin with that distinct aged funk that only comes with a nice slice of jamón ibérico. Plus, all that saltiness will just motivate you to order another excellent cocktail.

photo credit: Cleveland Jennings

Pan Con Tomate

This is a pan con tomate for tomato people. Not only is there a layer of thick sliced tomatoes shingled over top, but underneath that layer is a pretty perfect (and very garlicky) pan con tomate on thick toast.

photo credit: Cleveland Jennings

Boquerones Fritos

Do not panic when these hit the table looking like someone accidentally left them in the fryer for nine hours. The boquerones’ midnight black color just comes from the charcoal tempura they use to fry the fish to a satisfying crunch.

photo credit: Cleveland Jennings

Paella

This paella isn't large enough to feed a big group, but it's perfect to split with a date. And what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavor. The real star of this dish is the duck leg confit, which is so tender the meat practically slides right off the bone when you pick it up.