It’s time put on shades and your linen jacket and head back to the 1980s at Del Ray’s newest pop-up bar, Miami Vibes.
The Miami Vice-themed pop-up bar is the creation of owners Bill Blackburn and “Mango” Mike Anderson of the Homegrown Restaurant Group.
Located at 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., the pop-up sits between the owners’ two other restaurants, Holy Cow Del Ray and Pork Barrel BBQ.
Blackburn and Anderson knew they wanted to do an ‘80’s pop-up.
“But the ‘80s are such a big decade and there is more than one thing that defines it, so we knew we needed narrow it down to more of a slice of the ‘80s,” says Blackburn.
Ultimately, they went with the mega-popular 1980s TV show Miami Vice as the inspiration for the overall vibe, décor, music and feel. Miami Vice, starring Don Johnson as James “Sonny” Crocket and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs as police detectives, ran from 1984 to 1989.
While 1980s attire is not mandatory at Miami Vibes, it is strongly encouraged. Why not make a day of it and dress accordingly?
And people have understood the assignment.
“We have been pleasantly surprised at just how many people have come in wearing ‘80s-inspired outfits or costumes,” says Blackburn.
On the Menu
The cocktail menu, once again created by bar manager Mari Luffey, formerly of Whiskey & Oyster, features drinks with ‘80’s-inspired names.
The handcrafted cocktails include The Don Johnson and the Crockett & Tubb, Both feature Virago Silver rum.
The craft cocktail, In the Air Tonight, is made with the rum, Flor de Caña 12, spiced cherry bitters, demerara syrup, and orange zest. It will remind you of hearing the Phil Collins hit on the Miami Vice pilot, or maybe you’ll remember when Collins was a guest star as the character, Phil “The Shill” Mayhew.
Or if tequila is your liquor of choice, perhaps a South Beach Sunset is worth a go with Milagro Silver tequila, tart cherry reduction, orange juice, and lime.
Small, sharable treats, including Havana pineapple wings, coconut shrimp and jerk chicken tacos, are also on the menu. And for dessert: key lime pie!
Future Pop-ups Are in the Making
The Homegrown Restaurant Group started using the former Sushi Bar for pop-ups in December 2021, with a Christmas-themed pop-up bar.
Since then, the group has created a tiki bar, holiday-themed pop-ups. and the most recent BARtanical theme.
And more are planned.
“Our two staples have been the Halloween and Christmas holiday-themed pop-ups, so we will be doing those again,” says Blackburn.
Until then, put on your Wayfarer sunglasses and enjoy a drink in a fun atmosphere. Maybe Miami Vibes will be playing “Smuggler’s Blues” or “You Belong to the City” in the background.
“It’s really just a great spot to have some craft cocktails in an environment that is not too serious,” Blackburn says.
Miami Vibes will be open through mid-September.
The pop-up is open at 5 p.m. six days a week but closed on Mondays. 2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Miami Vibes
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