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.
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.
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.”
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.