A new neighborhood-style bar is opening soon at the intersection of Coral Way and Southwest 17th Avenue. Inspired by the cuisine of the Lake Erie area and the atmosphere of a casual New York City corner bar, The Brightside will open at 1721 SW 22nd St.
“After bartending for ten years in NYC, Michael Radigan and his wife, Hannah, relocated to Miami in 2017,” reads the About page on The Brightside website. “He found his ‘home away from home’ in the Shenandoah/Silver Bluff neighborhoods, where he felt welcomed by the community. While bartending at The Mighty on Coral Way, he and bartender Bianca Alvarado shared a service-first and spirit-forward ethos that resonated with everyone they served. Michael and team can’t wait to bring a neighborhood-centric bar back to the area.”
What Now spoke with Hannah on Friday about The Brightside’s food, drink and vibes.
“I would describe it as traditional northeast bar food,” she said. “Beef on Weck, which is a traditional roast beef sandwich on a German kummelweck roll, is the main driver, plus Buffalo Chicken Dip, Buffalo Wings, and Pizza Rolls. There will be some Loganberry-inspired cocktails, and a lot of nods to the Lake Erie region in general. It’s a simple, straightforward menu, and the prices are reasonable. You can come a few nights a week and not break the bank.”
What will the space be like? asked What Now.
“The capacity is about eighty, so it’s a good-sized space. We did a full renovation, and Michael made everything—the furniture, the bar, the booths, the tables—by hand. It’s really special. We live in that neighborhood, and we wanted to bring back a neighborhood space. Somewhere really comfortable, where you know everybody and people know your name.”
Follow @thebrightsidemia to keep up with Brightside news.
