Bar Lab Hospitality has added Higher Ground, an indoor-outdoor jungle oasis, to its impressive lineup of cocktail and culinary establishments that elevate Miami’s cocktail scene from the talk of the town to national fame, appreciation, and recognition. In 2009, Bar Lab owners, Elad Zvi and Gabe Orta, blew the Miami cocktail scene away with the opening of Broken Shaker which is a James Beard finalist and three-time “Top 50 Bars in the World” award-winning bar. Broken Shaker is not only in Miami but also other big bustling cities such Chicago, LA, and NYC. In addition to Broken Shaker, Bar Lab also has 27 Restaurant, Hoja Taqueria, and Margot in Miami as well as The Exchange in LA.
Higher Ground is situated on the third floor of a brand new Arlo hotel at 2217 NW Miami Court and features an outstanding cocktail program, opulent open-air location and high-spirited cultural programming that aims to draw all kinds of patrons and guests with its alluring, all-embracing atmosphere.
“We’re excited that this project brings us to the Wynwood area,” says Gabe Orta. “We have an elevated cocktail program and have the best partners in town: Chef Brad Kilgore and Arlo Hotels. The ambiance is magical and unlike any place in Wynwood. It represents what we and Bar Lab have grown into and how our tastes and approaches to mixology, operations and artistry have evolved.”
In the fall of 2022, the Bar Lab team joined forces with James Beard Finalist Chef Brad Kilgore to bring Higher Ground to the same glory of their previous venues while also giving the new establishment a chance to make its own individual mark in Wynwood. Higher Ground’s food serves to complement the cocktails with a rotating selection of raw bar and small plates. Some dishes guests might discover during their temporary trip to paradise are the Local Crudo, based on what’s fresh that day, with aji pepper cremose, local radishes and shaved fennel; Shrimp Cocktail with a Belizean cocktail sauce; Beef Tartare, dressed with umami oil and ancho chili and served in chilled lettuce cups; along with Oysters prepared in a variety of ways.
The award-winning Meyer Davis Studios and Miami firm MaD Artistic designed Higher Ground to look and feel like a tropical urban retreat. This retreat is one for individuals, small parties, and large celebrations alike as there are several intimate seating areas as well as more public drinking and dining options to satisfy each guest’s needs, expectations, and reasons for visiting the beautiful, luscious outdoor lounge. There is also a bar that seats eight inside the venue, awe-inspiring seating areas, and a billiard room. In addition to the inside bar, there is an outdoor bar that seats ten guests available for those who want to watch the phenomenal bartenders at work.
Also, there is a private event space that serves as a green room for performers and artists and facilitates the multitude of programming and special events that Higher Ground offers. “We have so many unique [activities] planned with an incredible roster of talent,” says Bar Lab Managing Partner Seth Alexander. “Whether it’s an immersive art experience, a cultural celebration, an Italian disco night or a live performance from an internationally-acclaimed DJ, there is always something happening at Higher Ground.”
Bar Lab’s Global Beverage Director Christine Wiseman leads Higher Ground’s cocktail program. Christine has been a veteran in the hospitality industry for over two decades and has earned worldwide recognition for her cocktails. Her resume includes Virtue Feed & Grain, Ink, La Descarga and Breakroom 86. The native Californian has also worked at Broken Shaker in LA.
“I wanted Higher Ground to evoke the spirituality, sights, colors and sense of wonder you find in the jungles of Latin America,” says Christine. “We drew inspiration from the drinks and ingredients spanning across countries such as Colombia, Peru and Mexico.”
The cocktails are shot through with herbal elixirs, exotic infusions and fresh pressed juices. Guests will have the opportunity and the pleasure of consuming signature cocktails such as Sunset on La Playa – Illegal Mezcal, Strega and Giffard Banane, swizzled with orange juice, lime, coriander turmeric elixir and a dash of aji Amarillo, garnished with a plantain chip; Above the Canopy – Ketel Cucumber and Mint, Lustau Blanc Vermut and St. Germain, combined with lime, fresh aloe, calming eucalyptus essence and topped with cucumber soda; Inca Orchid – a visually-stunning and palate-pleasing blend of Patron Blanco, pisco, lime and lemon, shaken with house-made Peruvian Chica Morada (purple corn, fruits and spices); and Theobrama Cacao – a clarified milk punch with Aberfeldy, Fino, strawberry, raspberry and rose tea, complete with a personal white sage smudge meant to spiritually promote healing and wisdom. Classic cocktails, wines and a selection of beers are also available.
Higher Ground is located on the third floor of Arlo Wynwood at 2217 NW Miami Court and is open Thursday – Sunday, 5PM – 11PM. Valet and metered street parking available. For additional information and/or to make reservations, please visit www.highergroundwynwood.com and stay informed on the latest events and programming by following Higher Ground’s Instagram.
