Brickell's Riverside Opens First Phase of Its Dining and Entertainment Complex

Riverside, a 120,000-square-foot dining and entertainment park nestled along the Miami River, is now partially open.

Located between South Miami Avenue and SE First Avenue in Brickell, the venue was originally scheduled to debut last August. But six months later, details about the space — such as its design and food options — continue to emerge gradually.

Dimitri Metropolous, Riverside's spokesperson, was reluctant to discuss the setbacks and said the spot is "opening up in phases."

"We're improving on different areas of aesthetics, such as adding to the natural woods, turf area, and bars around the venues," Metropolous said. "Structurally, putting together a project this massive takes time. There are different vendors involved, and everything needs to be in line with city regulations."

Since the venue's soft opening during Super Bowl weekend, the main lounge, the AWA bar, the Miami River Brewery taproom, and the mixology bar have been operating part-time.

On the food front, Taco Gourmet, Crush Pizza, and Old Lisbon are offering salads, hamburgers, hot dogs, picanha, chicken and bacon skewers, smoked salmon sandwiches, and paella.

When it's complete, Riverside will offer seven dining concepts, including two chef-driven restaurants: AWA Asian Cuisine, an izakaya-style spot led by Gonzalo Arganaras; and a Mediterranean eatery, Patio Rivera, by John Iatrellis.

Riverside will also house Crush Pizza Bar & Cafe, a casual concept from the team behind Le Chick. In addition, guests can enjoy a menu of Portuguese seafood at Lisboeta (run by Old Lisbon), Mexican cuisine at Taco Gourmet, and gelato at San Lorenzo.

Designed to resemble a boatyard garden and provide the Brickell community with a waterfront meeting point, the venue also promises a rotation of weekly activations. The calendar will include Taco Tuesdays, Wine & Whiskey Wednesdays, live music, and family activities.

Whether the multi-use space will become what its investors call "Brickell's backyard" remains to be seen.

"There is no exact projected date for it to be completed, but the team is ready," Metropolous said. "We want to have it all together within a month."

In the future, Riverside will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight. For now, it's operating under limited weekend hours.

Riverside. 431 S. Miami Ave., Miami; riverside.miami. Thursday 4 to 8 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 11