Cerveceria La Tropical

Manny Portuondo spent years investigating his ancestors' Cuban brewery, which was founded in 1888. Cervecera La Tropical was formerly Cuba's best-selling beer, and Portuondo hoped to replicate it in Miami eventually. After 23 years of searching for the original recipes, Portuondo, a former Burger King executive, discovered that the former head brewer of La Tropical lived barely 10 blocks away in Miami. In Wynwood, Portuondo utilized the brewer's recipes to create his own version of Cervecera La Tropical.

The establishment is a temple to both the Cuban brewing legacy and modern architecture, with an outside setting that rivals many botanical gardens. The rotating paintings on the walls outside the gardens bear witness to Cuban patriots' suffering. But it's paradise in the courtyard, with shade trees covering tables spaced out along the patio and a stage for live music. A massive glass wall separates the contemporary brewery room with its long communal tables from the brewery beyond. The brewery features taps that skip kegs and come directly from the tanks, which is unusual for any brewery anywhere.

There are family portraits and historic photos of the old Havana brewery on the walls. The location is a tribute to all Portuondo's family went through to get here, including the years his father spent in Castro's jail. La Tropical is an ex-pat in Miami and a true Miami tale. Portuondo created a beautiful setting to salute it all.

Google review: 4.5/5
Address: 42 NE 25th St, Miami, FL 33137, United States
Phone: +1 305-741-6991
Website: http://www.cervecerialatropical.com/