Sometimes you just have to venture to Doral for some unique dining and good food.  Earlier this month, Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market, located in Downtown Doral, rolled out some amazing new deals. These include Happy Hour specials, poke bowls and house-made Dragonfly sauces and seasonings to take home.  

Izakaya refers to a type of casual Japanese pub, where eating and drinking go hand in hand.  Sushi, Sashimi and Sake are the mainstays.

“Happier Hour”

Few things make me happier than a spot with happy hour seven days a week and Dragonfly is doing just that. Happier Hour is now offered Monday - Friday, 3 PM - 7 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 5 PM to 7 PM.

Choose from six Cocktails priced at $7, Better Wells priced at $5 or Wines and Local Drafts priced at $6. Cocktails were delicious, balanced and far from the typical subpar drinks offered at most happy hours.

I ordered the Musashi’s Paddle with Corazon Tequila, Agave Syrup, Yuzu, and Thai-Chili Tincture. The yuzu cut perfectly through the heat, which I love in a drink. I also had the Shocho Mojito made with Sweet Potato Shochu, a Japanese distilled drink, Lavender Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Black Cherries, Mint and Soda Water. This lower-proof drink was unexpected and incredibly refreshing. Premier, artisanal wines by-the-glass are available exclusively during Happier Hour and change monthly.

The Small Bites makes Dragonfly’s Happier Hour shine. James River Oysters, described as crisp, firm in texture, mildly salty, with a sweet aftertaste, are only $1 each. The sauces accompanying the oysters were delicious. I loved the Ponzu and the Gochujang sauce which packed a serious punch.

The Steamed Bun with Braised Brisket, Pickled Cucumber & Onion, Gochujang, Sesame Seeds was my favorite part of the night. It’s a happy hour exclusive and at only $4 for so much flavor, it’s a steal.

Another standout was the Crispy Pig Ears. Niman Ranch-Sustainable Pork came perfectly crunchy and had a bit of sweetness to them. The Citric Salt cut through the fattiness and the Nori and Bonito Flakes added a taste of the sea. 

For maki rolls there’s the Happy Hour Roll with Tempura Shrimp, Avocado, Crab Delight and Eel Sauce and the Ura Maki Roll which I thought was a fun option as YOU choose your protein: Salmon, Pickled Shrimp or Yellowtail Tuna, and then add your favorite sauce. I chose eel sauce and “made it special” by adding jalapeño. It was simple, fresh and delicious.

But Dragonfly is not only about Happy Hour.  The Fish Market offers some of the freshest fish in Miami for casual dine in or take out.  These include a New “Build Your Own Poke Bowl,” with a customizable menu that allows guests to create their own salmon ($12) or tuna poke bowls ($15).

This is how poke is served in California, as a “create your own combination”, layering the fish on top of rice or greens and adding in various sauces and toppings like scallion, jalapeno, tempura flakes and avocado. Poke bowls are available Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Also available for purchase in the Fish Market (filled to-order to ensure freshness) are the new Signature House-Made Dragonfly Sauces and Seasoning:

*   Furikake Mix: $10

*   Citric Salt: $8

*   Ginger Dressing: $12

*   Eel Sauce: $12

*   Spicy Mayo: $12

*   Kobachi Sauce: $13

*   Miso Yuzu Dressing: $10

Try adding these to you next marinade or salad dressing or create you own poke bowl at home.

Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market 

5241 NW 87th Ave. 

Doral, FL 33178

305 222 7427