The team behind Downtown Miami’s beloved neighborhood bar welcomes their first restaurant, Tropezón, an Andalusian gin and tapas restaurant and bar is open as of December 14, 2021, at 512 Espanola Way located next door to Esmé Miami Beach hotel. Tucked away in the Mediterranean-like corridors of South Beach’s historic street, co-founders Randy Alonso and Chris Hudnall of growing hospitality brand Lost Boy & Co., welcome the funky new spot serving up Spanish-inspired tapas, gin-forward cocktails, and much more.
Tropezón, which means “to stumble” in Spanish, takes inspiration from namesake Spanish village bars where old men play afternoon cards, and women converse over sips of Sherry. Now open for dinner and late-night drinking, the charming indoor-outdoor dining space offers a cozy, old-world vibe that welcomes neighbors, travelers, and locals eager for Spanish comfort, signature tapas, and an insanely good gin program.
“We are thrilled to welcome another concept to our regulars and loyal customer base from Lost Boy. We aim to bring the same community feel we built in Downtown to Española Way, an area that is quickly transforming into a versatile destination. With the opening of Tropezón, we aim to offer a new local spot where you can stumble in for tapas and sherry, a weekday Gin & Tonic, or a late-night dinner with friends,” says co-owner Chris Hudnall. “The goal for us is to embrace the traditions of Spain, specifically of the Andalusian region, where tapas culture is still celebrated today. We want to introduce this culture to our guests and give them a sense of what dining in Andalucía is like,” adds co-owner Randy Alonso.
The Menu
Tropezón’s fare takes an ingredient-driven approach, featuring a tapas-style menu (linked) that embraces the flavors and ingredients of Spain’s Andalusian region. Traditional favorites like Jamón Iberico, Tortilla Española, and Gazpacho are found on the menu alongside other items deep-rooted with the Arabic influence of the Moors and bright flavors of the Mediterranean coast. Organized by tapas, salads, large plates, and sweets, the menu encourages guests to order various dishes from each section to experience the full scope of Tropezóns’ global fare.
Must-tries from the Tapas section include Papitas, a simple dish everyone should start with, serving lightly fried potato chips stacked with dangerously thin slices of Jamon Iberico and aged manchego cheese; Boquerones Fritos, fried anchovies with charcoal tempura; Gambas Al Ajillo, grilled prawns with an achiote chili crunch; and traditional Patatas Bravas served with pimento sauce and salsa verde. On the lighter side, guests can opt for Israeli Couscous or Belgian Endive Salad with poppy sour orange dressing and almonds; and Peaches En Almibar, sweet peaches with a honeyed drizzle over ricotta cheese and topped with pumpkin seeds and nasturtium leaves, among others. Larger plates include favorites such as the Arroz Al Horno with saffron dashi, piquillo sauce, and onion ash with the option to add chorizo, Jamon Iberico or gambas; Local Fish with Albarino-olive butter sauce, cucumber and Arroz Sevillano; and the Cowboy Ribeye with five-spice coffee rub and salsa Malaguena. A few simple desserts are offered daily including house-friend Churros served with olive oil infused ice cream.
The Beverage Program
Paying homage to the pueblos in Spain, the bar celebrates its love for gin with a wide depth of gin infusions, taking the beverage program to the next level. Guests can choose from a collection of more than 20 variations infused with tea, fruits, nuts, and even cured meats. The Gin & Tonic section of the menu features unique variations that serve as great refreshments for Miami’s warm climate. G&T’s such as Blue Matcha Yuzu, and Local Strawberry are soon-to-be favorites alongside updated classics like Vermut and Rose Sangria and Gin Martinis. Imbibers will also look forward to the bar’s extensive list of Sherry, Vermouth, and selection of classic Spanish cocktails done right.
The Design
Designed by the duo, Tropezón boasts a vintage feel that instantly transports diners to a village saloon in the south of Spain. “The idea was to create a playful space with a combination of Western and Spanish touches that are random but intriguing at the same time,” says Randy. “We took inspiration from our recent travels through Spain and combined that with our love for old western films,” he adds. From the custom tile work on the bar and distressed leather stools to the vintage movie posters on the wall and antique wooden furniture pieces collected from Alonso’s travels over the years, every detail has been meticulously pieced together to create a comfortable, homey vibe with a hint of nostalgia that evokes Spain in the 1960s/70s.
Tropezón, located at 512 Española Way, is now open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and until 2 a.m. on Friday & Saturday with the kitchen open until 10p.m. nightly. The restaurant has plans to launch breakfast, happy hour, and a late-night tapas menu soon.
Tropezón serves as the first restaurant and one of several new concepts set to open by Lost Boy & Co., in addition to spearheading the F&B program at the Esme Hotel Miami Beach, which opened earlier this fall. New concepts are scheduled to open in 2022. These include the revival/reopening of the South Miami staple, Fox’s Lounge with the addition of a liquor store concept, Sherron Inn Liquors, opening in 2022, as well as two new concepts on Miami Beach – an indoor/outdoor eatery aimed at embracing Aussie-cafe culture with New Orleans flavors, and a neighborhood dive bar, both located in the Variety Hotel on Alton Road.
