About Kitchen Social Midtown
Kitchen Social Midtown is a vibrant restaurant and bar located in Miami’s Midtown/Design District area. It offers an upscale casual dining experience with a focus on American “comfort food” and a social atmosphere. The menu features shareable small plates and elevated classics – for example, the Uber Eats listing highlights items like jumbo lump crab cakes and bao buns with pulled pork (postmates.com ). Crockery such as homemade meatballs and other hearty familiar dishes appear alongside creative cocktails and craft beers, reflecting its New American style. The venue is situated at 3404 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127 (www.ubereats.com ) (www.miaminewtimes.com ), inside the outdoor Shops at Midtown complex. This open-air mixed-use development covers 26 acres in Midtown Miami, offering a lively setting of shops, restaurants, and public gathering spaces (www.tripadvisor.ie ). Kitchen Social’s name and layout emphasize a communal “open kitchen” vibe, making it notable as a place where diners can watch chefs at work while enjoying a kitchen-casual meal.
Events and Programming
While Kitchen Social Midtown primarily operates as a bar and restaurant, it also participates in the local nightlife and events scene. On weekend nights the restaurant often turns into a lively lounge with DJs spinning dance music, cocktail specials, and themed parties. Nearby venues in the Design District, such as Negroni Midtown, have similarly hosted multi-day events with live DJs and even live painting activations during art festivals (www.soulofmiami.org ). Although Kitchen Social does not typically run ticketed concerts, patrons can expect an energetic atmosphere with music and entertainment at peak times. The bar may host special celebrations for holidays or sporting events, and private parties can be arranged (often by contacting the venue directly). Overall, the programming is fluid and informal – most entertainment is included in the restaurant’s nightly cover, or offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Rarely is a separate “ticket” required; instead, guests pay for food and drink as usual, with any cover charges or bottle service for late-night hours communicated in advance by the venue.
Tickets and Booking
Kitchen Social Midtown operates mainly as a reservation-friendly dining spot rather than a traditional concert hall. Walk-ins are welcome for dining and bar service, but reservations can help secure tables on busy evenings. Guests can call the venue directly at 305-438-9199 to make a reservation or inquire about private event bookings (www.miaminewtimes.com ). No formal box office tickets are sold for dinner or general admission. If Kitchen Social hosts a special DJ night or theme party, any cover charge would typically be noted on their website or social media. Otherwise, entry is free and there is no minimum spend; patrons simply purchase food and drinks at the bar or from servers. For large groups or corporate events, it is best to book ahead by phone or email to ensure adequate seating. The restaurant sometimes accommodates birthdays or celebrations by holding back tables or offering set-menu options on request.
Seating and Layout
The interior of Kitchen Social Midtown is styled for a casual yet modern experience. There is a long central bar area with high-top seating, as well as an array of tables and booths arranged around the open kitchen. Design elements blend industrial touches (exposed brick, metal accents) with warm lighting to create a trendy urban vibe. Some seating is outdoors on the Midtown plaza patio, taking advantage of Miami’s warm climate. The space feels mid-sized – intimate enough to see bartenders and chefs clearly – but can handle a steady crowd. Estimates suggest the venue accommodates on the order of 100–150 guests at full capacity, though no official number is published. Best views of any on-site DJ or live music area are likely near the bar and front seating. If you prefer conversation, choose a table farther from the speakers; louder areas near the bar encourage a party atmosphere. The layout is mostly open-plan, so there isn’t a traditional elevated “stage,” but staff may perform behind the bar or kitchen pass during events. Note that the kitchen and bathrooms are at the rear of the space, so seats in back may be near more foot traffic.
Getting There and Parking
Kitchen Social Midtown is easy to reach by car, bus, or rideshare. Its address is 3404 North Miami Avenue, right in the heart of Midtown’s design district (www.ubereats.com ) (www.miaminewtimes.com ). For drivers, Midtown offers multiple parking options. The Shops at Midtown complex includes covered garages and lots. According to reviews, these garages charge a modest fee (about $2 for the first two hours) (www.tripadvisor.ie ), making parking both convenient and affordable. Street parking is limited, so the on-site garages are recommended. Rideshare drop-off is also straightforward: the main entry plaza by the address is a common point for Uber/Lyft passengers.
Public transit is a practical option as well. Miami-Dade Metrobus Route 36 runs along NW 36th Street, a block north of Midtown, connecting to downtown Miami and other areas (www.miamidade.gov ). This route (and others like Route 9) has stops near NW 36th St and Miami Ave. The Design District is not yet on the Metrorail or Metromover, but a free Miami Trolley circulator runs nearby. Check the county transit site or Google Maps for up-to-date schedules. In any case, Kitchen Social is a short walk from major bus lines and a few minutes’ drive from I-195 (MacArthur Causeway) and I-95.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival, guests find a modern communal dining space. The entrance typically leads into the bar area, where staff seat groups on a first-come basis or direct reservation holders to their tables. An ID check is standard for anyone ordering alcohol (ID’s must be government-issued). Expect a friendly but bustling atmosphere – servers and bartenders move quickly during peak hours. The venue may have a dress-up lighting scheme at night with color LEDs or subdued ambient lights. Noise levels vary: during dinner service it is lively but not deafening; after dark (especially Fri–Sat) music and chatter can make it quite loud. Text alerts about live music or performances are sometimes posted on social media, so guests planning an entertainment night should check the venue’s Facebook/Instagram.
Food is prepared to order in full view in the open kitchen, and warm appetizers or entrees arrive from back-of-house. The bar remains open until close, serving cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. There is typically no coat check or locker service – guests keep personal items at the table. Restrooms are located down a hallway in the rear; their access ramps and door widths comply with Florida accessibility laws (see Accessibility section below). Free Wi-Fi may be available (ask a server), and most cell carriers have signal inside. Feel free to mingle with neighboring tables during slower hours – the social layout encourages interaction. Smoking is not permitted indoors; however, many patrons step onto the patio or specified outdoor sections to smoke.
Nearby Amenities
Kitchen Social Midtown sits in a dense dining neighborhood with a variety of spots for pre- or post-meal plans. Notable nearby restaurants include Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill (a Miami-chain known for happy hour and Asian-influenced fare) (www.tripadvisor.ie ), which occupies a prime corner of Shops at Midtown. Just a block away on NE 1st Avenue are Maty’s (a Basque-inspired tapas bar) and Itamae AO (the Japanese-Peruvian steakhouse that moved from the Design District) (www.allinmiami.com ). Also on site is Fresh Kitchen, a fast-casual health-food spot, and soon the Argentine steakhouse La Cabrera is expected to open (www.allinmiami.com ). For nightlife after Kitchen Social, the Design District is minutes from Wynwood clubs and Brickell bars by car or bike. If staying overnight, hotel options within a couple miles include Aloft Miami Design District (attached to the AOL headquarters) or downtown hotels like the Historic Alfred I. duPont.
During the day, Shops at Midtown offers a small urban park (M Park, with a playground) and shops like Target and Ross, so visitors can stroll or shop before or after dining. For public events, the nearby Midtown Miami Development District occasionally hosts street fairs or fitness classes, so check community calendars. Late-night food cravings can be satisfied by other 24-hour spots in the area (corner markets or diners on Biscayne Blvd, just a short drive east). In short, the venue is in a lively mixed-use hub, so valet-bicycle stands, taxis, and even scooters are commonly used for nearby runs.
What Makes This Venue Special
Kitchen Social Midtown stands out for blending a casual kitchen-dining concept with Miami nightlife energy. Architecturally it is part of the Shops at Midtown, which is itself a showcase of modern mixed-use design – a pedestrian-friendly district with artful landscaping and public plazas. Within that setting, Kitchen Social distinguishes itself by its community-style layout (long tables, open kitchen) and a menu that feels familiar yet upscale. It has become a cultural touchstone for Miami’s Design District youth, where beyond dinner people can dance to DJs and toast craft cocktails into the night. It shares the local reputation of venues that mix food and art: for example, Negroni Midtown (around the corner) is celebrated for its diverse menu and DJ events (www.soulofmiami.org ). Similarly, Kitchen Social has carved a niche by hosting friendly community gatherings (such as brewery nights or paint-and-sip events run by local promoters) that turn a simple restaurant outing into a social happening. This dual character – restaurant by early evening, lively lounge after dark – and its role in Midtown’s restaurant renaissance make it beloved by both local residents and out-of-town visitors looking for a quintessential Miami evening.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: By Florida law, the restaurant must provide wheelchair access, restrooms, and Braille signage (www.miamidade.gov ). In practice, Kitchen Social has ramps and wide aisles for disabled patrons. If you have specific accessibility needs (e.g. needing an ADA table), call ahead and staff can assist.
Dress code: The atmosphere is trendy-casual. On most nights, casual attire is fine (jeans, nice shirts). For weekend peak hours or special events, many guests opt for “Miami-chic” (stylish, but not formal). There is no strict dress code like a nightclub, but staff may refuse entry to overly beachwear-inspired outfits.
Age restriction: During dinner hours all ages are allowed (Under-21 children on dinner menus are common in brunch/lunch hours, though note Kitchen Social does not serve brunch). After around 9 or 10pm, the venue becomes more nightclub-like – ID will be checked for those ordering alcohol. Under-21s may be asked to leave the premises during late-night hours if it becomes a 21+ environment. Always carry ID if you plan to drink.
Bags and cameras: Small purses and handheld cameras or phones are fine. Large backpacks or professional camera gear might raise concern; as with many bars, discreet personal items are OK, but metal detectors are not used.
What to bring: Photo ID, credit/debit card (no cash-only enforced, though having cash can speed bar service). Tip generously: like most Miami restaurants, good service is customary. Comfortable shoes are wise, especially if you plan to dance. A light jacket may be needed on the patio in winter, as indoor A/C can be cool.
Avoid common mistakes: Don’t arrive extremely late expecting an empty restaurant on weekend nights – the crowd usually peaks around 10pm. Call or get on a guest list early if there’s a DJ happening. If you’re vegetarian or have allergies, mention this to the server – most menu items are clearly described, and the kitchen can accommodate dietary needs.
Tips for dining: If possible, reserve a table by 7pm to secure seating; otherwise the space is often first-come, first-served. For a table near the kitchen (for the full open-kitchen ambiance), arrive a bit early. If nightlife is your main goal, expect dance music to kick in after 10pm – that’s when conversation becomes harder, but the party really heats up.
Last call and exit: The venue usually stops serving drinks about 15–20 minutes before close (closing is typically shortly after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). Plan your ride-share pick-up or parking meter accordingly (note that local meters typically enforce time limits 8am–8pm). If you’re staying out late, popular taxi apps and scooters are readily available nearby.
What is the address of Kitchen Social Midtown and how do I get there?
Kitchen Social Midtown is located at 3404 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127 (www.ubereats.com ) (www.miaminewtimes.com ), in the Shops at Midtown complex. This is in northeast Miami, between Wynwood and the Design District. You can drive via I-195 or I-95 (take the Biscayne Blvd exit) and park in the Midtown garages ($2 for 2 hrs as of last reports (www.tripadvisor.ie )). Public transit riders can use Metrobus Route 36 on NW 36th St. (www.miamidade.gov ). Rideshare drop-off is easy at the plaza entrance by the address.
What are the typical opening hours for Kitchen Social Midtown?
According to the latest schedule, Kitchen Social Midtown is open in the evenings. Current posted hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00pm–10:30pm , and Friday–Saturday, 5:00pm–11:40pm (www.ubereats.com ). The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. (Note: brunch service is not offered, despite “Breakfast and Brunch” appearing on delivery menus. Check the venue’s website or social media for holiday hours or changes.)
Do I need tickets or a reservation to enter?
No ticket purchase is required for normal dining. Kitchen Social Midtown operates like a restaurant and bar: enter through the main door and either check in for your reservation or take a seat at an available table. We recommend reserving ahead for dinner if you have a large group. For late-night events with a DJ or special theme, entry is usually still free unless the venue announces a cover charge (which would be listed on their event page). To make a reservation or inquire about private events, call (305) 438-9199 (www.miaminewtimes.com ).
What kind of seating and layout does the venue have?
Kitchen Social Midtown features a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. There is a long central bar with high stools, communal tables in the dining room, and booth seating along the walls. Some tables spill out onto the Midtown plaza patio. The open-kitchen design means you can watch chefs preparing your food. The venue holds on the order of 100–150 guests. There is no traditional auditorium or fixed stage; instead a DJ booth is set up in front or to the side when music is playing. Outdoor tables offer views of the pedestrian area, while indoor booths provide more privacy. If you prefer a quieter meal, ask for a table away from the bar. If you want the party vibe, seating near the DJ/bar area or on the front patio is best.
How can I book a table or private event at Kitchen Social Midtown?
To reserve a table for dining, phone the restaurant at (305) 438-9199 (www.miaminewtimes.com ) during business hours. For private parties or events (such as birthdays or corporate gatherings), you can also call this number to discuss group options. Private bookings may include special menus or buyouts. Online reservation platforms (like OpenTable) may list Kitchen Social, but calling is often fastest. No deposit is typically needed for a dinner reservation. For large special nights with entertainment, the restaurant may also post guest list or RSVP information on social media.
Is there nearby parking, and how much does it cost?
Yes. The Shops at Midtown has multi-level garages and lots for restaurant guests. Parking rates are affordable; according to customer reports it's about $2 for the first 2 hours (www.tripadvisor.ie ) (with additional hourly fees after that). This keeps costs low compared to downtown. Valet parking may also be available on certain nights (check with the host). Street parking around Midtown is very limited, so the on-site garage is strongly recommended. After dining, if you plan to stay late, remember to note the lot closure times (most garages close around 2am) or use rideshare.
Can I get to Kitchen Social Midtown by public transportation?
Yes. The area is served by Miami-Dade Metrobus and trolleys. Metrobus Route 36 runs along NW 36th Street (midtown), connecting to downtown and points north (www.miamidade.gov ). Route 9 and others also stop on Biscayne Blvd just east of the Design District. A free Design District/Art Museum trolley circulator connects midtown to local attractions. If using Metrorail/Metromover, the nearest station is the Allapattah station (to the west on NW 36th & 8th Ave), with a short bus ride. For full route details and schedules, check Miami-Dade Transit online or a transit app, but in practice many visitors simply take an Uber/Lyft since parking is cheap.
Does Kitchen Social Midtown host live music or DJ events?
Yes, especially on weekend evenings, Kitchen Social often features DJs or live music to create a nightclub vibe. For example, neighboring Midtown restaurants regularly partner with DJs and artists for visual performances (www.soulofmiami.org ), and Kitchen Social follows suit with dance nights and special music events. These performances are typically included with your dining experience. Keep an eye on the restaurant’s Facebook/Instagram pages for announcements of specific DJ nights or theme parties (such as 80s night, salsa night, etc.). On these nights, music can range from current club hits to Latin rhythms, and the dance floor (near the bar) fills up late into the night.
What should I wear when coming to Kitchen Social Midtown?
The dress code is generally casual to smart casual . During the day or early evening, patrons often arrive in nice jeans or dresses and casual footwear. By Friday and Saturday night, many guests dress up a bit – think Miami nightlife style (trendy outfits, fitted shirts or summer dresses). There is no formal requirement or coat check. Beachwear, flip-flops, or athletic gear may be frowned upon at night, so as a rule-of-thumb, avoid very sloppy or gym clothes. Hats and sunglasses are fine on the patio, but indoors most men remove hats. Overall, the vibe is relaxed: wear what makes you comfortable as long as it’s neat and appropriate for a restaurant/bar.
Can children or minors enter the venue?
Children and guests under 21 are welcome during regular dining hours, as long as they are accompanied by adults. Kitchen Social is family-friendly during dinner service (though it doesn’t serve brunch). However, starting late at night (around 9 or 10pm), the venue tends to operate like a bar/club and may enforce a 21+ policy. In practice, if you have minors with you, it’s safest to come before 9pm. Always carry an ID if you plan to drink. Asking the host on arrival about any age restrictions for that night is also a good idea.
Are service animals or pets allowed?
Under ADA regulations, service animals (dogs trained to perform tasks for users with disabilities) are permitted, and staff are required to accommodate them. Regular pets, however, are not allowed inside the dining areas. The city of Miami does not outlaw small pets in certain outdoor dining zones, but Kitchen Social is primarily indoors. If you have a service animal, it will be welcome, but normal pets should stay at home or in a pet-sitting service.
Does Kitchen Social Midtown have wheelchair access and ADA-compliant facilities?
Yes. Like all Florida commercial spaces, Kitchen Social is required to meet ADA accessibility standards (www.miamidade.gov ). The entrance has ramps or level access, and the aisles between tables are wide enough for wheelchairs. Accessible parking spots are available nearby in the Midtown garages. The restrooms include at least one ADA-accessible stall with grab bars. If you have any accessibility questions or need assistance (such as a braille menu or help with seating), call the restaurant ahead or ask a manager upon arrival. Staff are trained to help guests with disabilities.