Generator Miami is Miami Beach's Newest Oasis and We're Here For It
Europe’s most well known hostel brand, has made its way to the States, and more importantly its first location is in Miami. One big difference — Generator Miami is a boutique hotel, not a hostel as 51% of its rooms are private. While it’s not located directly on the sand, Generator Miami is the tropical oasis we didn’t know we needed.
Located on the property you’ll find two dining outlets and as much as they’re there for the guests of the hotel, they can easily become the new locals’ hotspot (I can vouch for this, as I’ve been there twice a week since the opening) for fun cocktails and delicious dining.
Inside is the dimly lit and perfectly decorated dinner spot, The Jim & Neesie, that serves specialty bottled cocktails and classic dishes with a delicious twist. Think: cacio e pepe covered in truffles and roasted vegetables creative and filling enough to make a meal. Stroll by the photobooth, pool table, and casual movie area to the gorgeous pool deck right into the aptly name Driftway Bar where you’ll be served frozen cocktails, way better than your average poolside food, and a newly debuted killer Sunday brunch.
The rockstar staff making up the food and beverage team come from some of Miami’s most well known and loved establishments, and blend together seamlessly making Generator Miami the place to be. Gui Jaroschy, formerly of Broken Shaker oversees the concepts while executive chef Daniel Roy, previously of Matador Room and Stubborn Seed, heads the kitchen.
On the menu you’ll find all of your favorite dishes with just the right amount of flair added to them. From citrus roasted carrots with carrot top pesto, hazelnut crumble, and spiced yogurt to the seemingly simple papas bravas served with shishito romesco. When it comes to entrees, you can’t go wrong with the skirt steak served with crispy yuca or the pan seared snapper with sweet chili garlic. Outside at Driftway guests will find a more relaxed menu featuring tacos and shrimp cocktail. Don’t skip the West Coast Oysters served already dressed with cucumber mint mignonette.
The cocktails are created with the idea that you “drink to feel pretty, not to get ugly” and feature a brilliant list of classic cocktails with thoughtful twists, like a red pepper infused Negroni or a margarita made with both mezcal and tequila. Fans of espresso martinis will love the one found at The Jim & Neesie as it’s topped with foam created table side — in fact, all of the cocktails are made table side. Wine lovers, don’t worry — you weren’t forgotten about. The wine list at The Jim & Neesie is one you’ll want to check out. As for the drinks at Driftway, there’s a low ABV theme with plenty of frozen drinks and fun flirty poolside sippable flavors. Try the Electrolight made with Absolut Lime, JoJo Tea Santana blend, apple cider vinegar, topped with sparkling water.
With so many delicious options it’s almost hard to decide what to order, but it’s easy to keep coming back for more. While you can’t possibly make the wrong choice when hanging out at Generator Miami, here’s a cheat sheet of some of the best pairing experienced so far:
Afternoon bites: Driftway
Charred corn + pork taco + Friesling
Head to Driftway during the day for casual bites and refreshing drinks. This easygoing menu has just the right amount of options. Move over Frose, there’s Friesling in the house. It’s Kabinette Riesling, Asian pear, and flat leaf parsley blended into frozen perfection.
Dinner delights: The Jim & Neesie
Charcuterie + Lambrusco, Crispy Skin Airline Chicken + My Kind of Manhattan
A visit to The Jim & Neesie for dinner is always a good idea, especially when there’s Lambrusco involved. A sparkling red wine that’s not often seen on menus, is one of the most fun wines you’ll find and it works well with Chef Daniel Roy’s charcuterie board featuring three meats, three cheese, and all the accompaniments you’d expect to enjoy. Next up, opt for the Crispy Skin Airline Chicken (and you’re gonna need the papas bravas, too) with red quinoa, pistachio, poblano emulsion, and chicken jus. The restaurant’s twist on a classic Manhattan is made with Aberfeldy 12yr Whisky, Santa Teresa Anejo Rum, Cardamaro, and toasted pecan tincture. Finish off dinner with banana bread — using smoked bananas — served with Sweet Melody’s peanut butter ice cream, and drizzled with Valrhona white chocolate.
Late night visits: Driftway
OMFG Frozen Margarita at Driftway + Electrolight
It’s late and you’re here for the drinks. Kick off the visit with an OMFG Frozen Margarita made with Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, Ilegal Mezcal, fresh cucumber, ginger and sage tincture. It’s got a kick that’s typically not found in your basic frozen beverage. After a few of those, a low ABV cocktail like the Electrolight is the way to go.
Brunch done right: Driftway
Shrimp & Grits + Salty Doug
It may seem ambitious to serve brunch so quickly after opening, but these guys are doing it right. On Sundays brunch is served at Driftway and it’s got all the staples. Craving a breakfast burrito? You’ll find it here. Order the Shrimp and Grits with smoked pork belly, red onion, and dark jus. Pair it with a Salty Doug made with Ron Diplomatico Matuana, fluffy grapefruit, and a pink Himalayan salt rim and you’ve just found your favorite new brunch.
No matter what time of day you head to Generator Miami, don’t be surprised if you get wrapped up in the moment and stick around until close. The Jim & Neesie is open daily from 5pm to 1am and Driftway from 12pm to 2am.