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Española Way Miami Beach

Española Way is a pedestrian-only and a relatively short street between 14th and 16th street in Miami Beach, stretching from Washington Avenue to the Western corners of Drexel Avenue.

History

Española Way was built by Francis F. Whitman in 1922 as "Whitman's Spanish Colony." The undeveloped land was purchased by N.B.T. Roney and the Spanish Village Corporation in 1925 at the peak of the first great Florida land boom. According to the Española Way Historic Preservation District Designation Report by the City of Miami Beach Planning Department, Roney, one of the most prolific builders in early Miami Beach, envisioned creating an artists' colony "where artists and lovers of the arts might congregate amid congenial surroundings.”

The idea of such a bohemian village was first suggested to Mr. Roney by former New Yorkers who mentioned that Miami Beach lacked an area with a creative atmosphere for artists as one would find in New York's Greenwich Village, or the artists' quarter in Paris. Roney and his architect, Robert A. Taylor, with financial backing from Francis Whitman, chose to duplicate a miniature Spanish Village "a Latin Greenwich Village of... fiestas and song, mantillas and lace.” Spanish architecture was used throughout, both to enhance the appeal and atmosphere of the village, and because it was predicted that "the predominating architectural note in Southern Florida will eventually be if not already, in the Spanish design.”

Taylor modeled the Spanish Village after San Sebastian and Hondarribia on the coast of Spain, as well as Biarritz, Cannes, and Mentone in France. The project consisted of one block of development between Washington and Drexel Avenues, spilling across to include the western corners of Drexel Avenue as well. Construction totaled 16 buildings including two fifty-room hotels, apartment buildings, and shops, and cost an estimated $1.5 million. The Donathan Building Company constructed the hotels, while the J.C. Gaffney Company erected the apartment buildings. Shops present on the street during the 1920s included purveyors of antique jewelry, rare books, fine clothes, painting, furniture and decorative arts "of the period of the Spanish Don," as well as women’s clothing boutiques and hat shops, where merchandise was "aimed to set the style for Paris, rather than to imitate it." Restaurants and tea houses were available to satisfy most tastes, including Spanish, American, French and Chinese cuisine

Española Way Today

Known for its quaint and rustic, picturesque, yet terminally bohemian right down to its peach-colored paint, Miami Beach’s Española Way is a slice of history served with a touch of culture. Española Way’s European-inspired buildings stand seemingly untouched by the modern ways of the new millennium. In May 2017, The City of Miami Beach invested and completed a $2.5 million revitalization project on the pedestrian-only street. Today, Española Way is experiencing a renaissance, living out the intentions of those who built it nearly a century ago. It is a festive street where locals and travelers congregate to commiserate, create and celebrate.

The architecture on Española Way is an outstanding example of the close relationship between setting and style. Development on the street responded to small lot size and narrowness of right-of-way with maximum lot coverage and enhanced pedestrian amenities. Given the confines of the site, its sub-tropical locale, and the Spanish Village's intended use, the Mediterranean Revival style was a logical choice for the street's original development for several reasons. First, not only was the Spanish idiom the most expressive of the village atmosphere Roney sought, it was also the prevailing architectural style of the 1920s - the period of the first great Florida land boom - a style whose popularity, it was believed, would soon dominate the southern portion of the state. Additionally, the Mediterranean style deftly responded to the sub-tropical climate with large overhangs, covered galleries, maximum ventilation and light, thick stucco walls and generous use of native materials. While not being a pure re-creation of any particular style, Mediterranean Revival combined "elements common to Spanish Moroccan, Italian and French architecture to create a fantasy image."

Accommodations on Española Way

El Paseo Hotel: El Paseo means “a walk,” otherwise known as the perfect way of moving if you want to experience life in all of its vibrancy. The seven villas that comprise El Paseo Hotel have always been a bohemian’s dream. Originally built in 1925 as apartment buildings in the Mediterranean Revival style, the hotel features elements of Spanish, Moroccan, Italian and French architecture, like tile roofs, rounded archways, and charming balconies. Not surprisingly, its stylish flair appealed to Cuban artists who came to live here in the 1950s and ‘60s. For 25 years, the building was known as the Española Way Art Center, housing such notable artists as Kenny Scharf, Miralda, and Craig Coleman. Some of the rooms have full-service kitchens, giving guests the ultimate, Miami pied-a-terre experience. Succinctly, guests will feel inspired to pick up a pen or paintbrush during their stay, thanks to the property’s artistic history and picturesque backdrop.

The Clay Hotel: A beloved fixture in Miami Beach for nearly a century, The Clay Hotel has charmed longtime guests with its rich history and Mediterranean style while delighting newcomers who appreciate refreshing affordability in an unrivaled location on eclectic, pedestrian-friendly Española Way. From arrival, as a bellman cheerfully shares the Clay’s vintage details while whisking luggage up the historic staircase, guests are captivated by this soulful South Beach icon. Located two short blocks from the beach and steps from the charming shops, outdoor bars, restaurants and intimate cafes that line lush and romantic Española Way, The Clay mixes Mediterranean Spanish flair with contemporary comfort, transporting guests to a relaxing home away from home, where architectural details and artwork by the noted Cuban landscape painter Pedro Amador resonate with those who appreciate culture and community.

Casa Victoria Orchid Hotel: Casa Victoria Orchid Hotel, located on historic Española Way in the heart of South Beach, is a European-inspired oasis offering a romantic atmosphere for the ideal getaway. The property features 22 guest rooms including Superior rooms and Junior Suites, each offering a sophisticated feel with warm and inviting décor, expansive closets, and wood paneled windows with views of the quaint street.

Dine on Española Way

Each unique and stylish restaurant and lounge on the famed street is independently owned, and many have become hometown institutions. Española Way is a place where locals go to feel nostalgic or to transport themselves to a café in Europe without leaving South Beach.

A La Folie : Reminiscent of a small Parisian café, A La Folie provides authentic European ambiance and traditional, yet affordable, fare. Seating is available on the sidewalk, as well as an intimate patio, making it ideal for sharing crepes with a date.

Boteco Copacabana: Brazilian and other South American specialties are served on a colorful sidewalk patio.

Burger Yard: Coming soon

Gelato Go: Coming soon

Gummy World: Recently opened in Spring 2018, Sugar Factory’s new Gummy World on Española Way features a massive gummy bear machine churning 20,000 custom-flavored gummies per day. These gourmet gummies come in all shapes and flavors, including rosé, champagne, and peach bellini-infused.

Happy Place Donuts: A 4,000 sq. ft. donut shop and patisserie featuring signature specialty donuts like Hot & Happy Dough Balls, inspired by Italian street fare. Also serves homemade pop tarts, gelato, ice cream and a specialty line of mojitos crafted to match each donut. There is ample seating at the indoor café, outdoor patio and shared hotel courtyard with a grand viewing area where visitors can watch the making of donuts.

Havana 1957: Delicious Cuban cuisine and rum cocktails can be enjoyed outdoors while people-watching, or indoors where guests can peruse the restaurant’s collection of Old Havana memorabilia.

Hosteria Romana: Offering indoor and sidewalk seating, this lively trattoria has been offering some of Miami’s best Italian cuisine served by entertaining wait staff for more than 15 years.

Mare Mio: Claudio Giordano’s restaurant wows guests with its extensive menu featuring local seafood, organic meats and house-made pastas. Offering seating indoors, as well as on the romantic patio, Mare Mio is an experience not to be missed.

Mercato della Pescheria: A unique gastronomic experience, this market-style concept restaurant features several culinary stations, including a Pescheria (fish market), Maccelleria (meat market), Pasta Mista and Formaggio.

Milani Gelateria: The story of Milani Gelateria begins on a sun-drenched island off the coast of Italy, when a master gelato maker, Mauro Usai, met an ambitious young Italian man, Francesco Pasqua They shared a vision to bring authentic, handcrafted Italian gelato to the shores of America. Equipped with a generational recipe, outstanding ingredients, and an age-old technique, the Milani brand began to establish a new benchmark for exceptional gelato in the South Florida market.

Moshi Moshi: The ideal spot for made-to-order sushi rolls and small plates served in a stylish and sophisticated setting. A late-night favorite (open until 5 a.m.), Moshi Moshi draws an enthusiastic crowd of sushi lovers and celebrities.

Numero 28 Pizzeria: The Miami outpost serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas that wow fans with their chewy, smoky, crusty goodness from recipes that have been passed down for five generations.

Oh! Mexico: A mainstay for 20 years, the restaurant transports guests to Mexico with its authentic Mexican cuisine, mescal cocktails, and house margaritas.

Pane & Vino La Trattoria: Straight from the heart of Sicily, Chef GianPaolo Ferrera’s cozy trattoria serves traditional Italian cuisine inspired by his family recipes. Diners and pedestrians alike love watching the pasta maker roll out fresh pasta daily from the restaurant’s window front.

Papo Café: Charming coffee shop serving great sandwiches, delicious pastries, and fresh coffee.

Piccolo Cucina: Italian chefs prepare authentic cuisine and classic dishes such as Tagliatelle Bolognese, Ravioli Ricotta, and Pollo alla Milanese, indoors or on the patio.

Tapas y Tintos: Flamenco live performances three times a week and a cozy ambiance creates an inviting vibe in which to enjoy tasty tapas, seafood paella, authentic Spanish sangria and more.

Shops on Española Way

The street features a wide variety of retail outlets, including:

Contesta Rock Hair

Española Bar & Lounge Cigar Shop

White Cotton Club / Blanc Du Nil

Solari

Soleido