Profile of El Salon Bar in Miami: A Guide to Its History and Atmosphere

El Salón is a hidden gem located on Española Way in Miami. Despite being situated on one of South Beach’s busiest streets, this cocktail bar manages to maintain an air of exclusivity and seclusion, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. With its sultry charm and bespoke spirits, El Salón offers a unique cocktail experience that can’t be found anywhere else in Miami.

The bar’s expert team of mixologists creates its own nuanced spirit blends and cocktails, using only proprietary blends of base spirits. This means that no branded liquors are used, resulting in a truly original cocktail experience. El Salón’s menu features a range of classic cocktails, including martinis, mojitos, and mai tais, all of which are elevated by the bar’s unique approach. Additionally, the team is happy to create bespoke cocktails tailored to each individual’s taste, making El Salón a must-visit spot for cocktail enthusiasts.

History of El Salon Bar

Founding and Owners

El Salon Bar in Miami Beach is a popular cocktail bar known for its bespoke spirits and sultry charm. The idea for El Salon started with a negroni. Hudnall, at the time Director of Bars for Soho House North America, was visiting Cecconi’s West Hollywood. He noticed bartenders mixing two different types of gin to make the negroni.

In 2018, Hudnall and his business partner, Dan Binkiewicz, opened El Salon on Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. They wanted to create a space that was intimate, dark, and sexy. The bar’s name is inspired by the Spanish word for salon, which means a place for socializing and relaxing.

Evolution Over the Years

Since its opening, El Salon has evolved and grown in popularity. In 2019, the bar introduced a brand-free backbar, removing liquor branding from its bar in favor of a concise selection of house-blended spirits. The concept was to elevate classic cocktails by using house blends of bitters, vermouths, and aperitifs.

In addition to its unique approach to cocktails, El Salon also features a food menu with small plates that pair well with drinks. The bar has also become a popular venue for private events, with its sultry atmosphere and bespoke cocktails providing the perfect setting for intimate gatherings.

Overall, El Salon has become a staple in Miami Beach’s nightlife scene, offering a unique and sophisticated cocktail experience.

Location and Accessibility

Address and Map

El Salón is a cocktail bar located at 1438 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, inside the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel. The bar is situated on Española Way, a historic street in Miami Beach known for its vibrant nightlife and unique architecture. The bar is easily accessible and can be found just off the main road. Visitors can use Google Maps or other map applications to locate the bar and get directions.

Transportation Options

El Salón is conveniently located in the heart of Miami Beach, making it easily accessible by various transportation options. Visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the bar, or use public transportation such as the Miami Beach Trolley or Metrobus. The bar is also within walking distance from many nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

For visitors driving to the bar, there is a public parking lot located nearby, which offers hourly and daily rates. However, parking in Miami Beach can be challenging, especially during peak hours, so visitors are advised to plan accordingly and arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Overall, El Salón is located in a prime location in Miami Beach, making it easily accessible to visitors from all over the city. Whether you’re arriving by car, public transportation, or on foot, the bar is conveniently located and easy to find.

Atmosphere and Design

Interior Design

El Salón is a cocktail bar located in the Esmé Hotel Miami Beach. The bar’s interior design is a blend of sultry charm and modern elegance. The upscale decor creates an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. The bar’s design is characterized by dark wood paneling, dim lighting, and plush seating. The bar’s decor is inspired by the 1920s and 1930s, which adds to its vintage appeal.

Ambiance

The ambiance at El Salón is relaxed and sophisticated. The bar’s music selection is carefully curated to create a lively atmosphere that is not too loud or distracting. The lighting is dim, which adds to the bar’s intimate and cozy atmosphere. The bar’s staff is friendly and knowledgeable, which creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for patrons. The bar’s ambiance is perfect for those looking for a quiet and cozy place to enjoy a drink or for those looking for a lively and social atmosphere.

El Salón’s atmosphere and design are carefully crafted to create a unique and memorable experience for patrons. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night out or a lively evening with friends, El Salón’s ambiance and design are sure to impress.

Beverage and Food Offerings

Signature Cocktails

El Salón is a cocktail bar that offers bespoke spirits and cocktails made with unique blends of spirits. The bar’s expert team of mixologists can create bespoke cocktails designed to meet the specific taste preferences of each customer. The bar’s signature cocktails are the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and they are served in a sultry and charming atmosphere.

Some of the signature cocktails at El Salón include the El Salón Martini, which is a blend of gin, vermouth, and orange bitters, and the Mezcal Margarita, which is a mix of mezcal, lime juice, agave nectar, and orange bitters. The bar also offers a range of classic cocktails such as Martinis, Mojitos, and Mai Tais, all made with a unique twist.

Menu Highlights

El Salón offers a range of food options to complement its cocktails. The food menu features a variety of small plates, including the Grilled Octopus, which is served with aji amarillo, fingerling potatoes, and pickled onions, and the Beef Tartare, which is served with capers, shallots, and dijon mustard.

For those looking for something more substantial, El Salón also offers a selection of entrees, including the Grilled Branzino, which is served with roasted vegetables and salsa verde, and the Grilled Skirt Steak, which is served with chimichurri and roasted potatoes.

Overall, El Salón offers a unique and exciting experience for those looking for bespoke cocktails and delicious food in a sultry and charming atmosphere.

Entertainment and Events

Live Music Schedule

El Salón is not only a great place to enjoy a cocktail, but it also offers a variety of live music performances. The bar features local musicians and bands that play a range of genres, including jazz, blues, and Latin music. Customers can check the bar’s website or social media pages to find out about upcoming events and performances.

Special Occasions

El Salón is a great place to host special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events. The bar offers a private room that can accommodate up to 30 guests. The room is equipped with a sound system and a projector, making it perfect for presentations and speeches. Customers can contact the bar’s management to book the private room and customize the menu to their liking.

In addition, El Salón also offers a buy-one-get-one-free drinks promotion for events and parties with an RSVP. This is a great way to enjoy the bar’s unique cocktails and spirits while saving money. Customers can contact the bar’s management to learn more about this promotion and make a reservation.

Overall, El Salón is a great place to enjoy live music and host special occasions. The bar’s intimate atmosphere and unique cocktails make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Clientele and Reviews

Target Audience

El Salón bar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The bar caters to a diverse crowd, including young professionals, couples, and groups of friends. The bar’s intimate atmosphere and unique cocktails make it a popular destination for those looking for a more upscale experience.

Customer Testimonials

El Salón has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers. Many customers praise the bar’s unique cocktails and intimate atmosphere. One customer on Yelp described the bar as “the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.” Another customer on Tripadvisor praised the bar’s “sultry charm” and “bespoke spirits.”

Customers also appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff at El Salón. One customer on Yelp mentioned that the staff “made the experience even better” and “really knew their stuff.” Another customer on Tripadvisor praised the bartender for “pouring the best cocktails” and being “friendly and accommodating.”

Overall, El Salón’s positive reviews and loyal customer base are a testament to the bar’s unique atmosphere and high-quality cocktails.

Operational Details

Business Hours

El Salón is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 7:00 PM until late. The bar is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Customers are advised to check the website or call ahead to confirm the hours of operation, as they may be subject to change.

Reservation Policy

El Salón is an intimate cocktail bar and lounge, and reservations are highly recommended. Customers can make reservations through the Resy website or by calling the bar directly. The bar also accepts walk-ins, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Customers are advised to arrive early to secure a spot, especially on busy nights.

El Salón’s reservation policy is flexible, with customers able to cancel or modify their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. However, customers who fail to show up for their reservation without prior notice may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Overall, El Salón’s operational details are designed to provide customers with a unique and enjoyable cocktail experience, while also ensuring that the bar runs smoothly and efficiently.

Community Involvement

El Salón is a cocktail bar that prides itself on being an active member of the Miami community. The bar is committed to giving back to the local community through partnerships with local organizations and hosting charity events.

Local Partnerships

El Salón has formed partnerships with several local organizations to support the Miami community. The bar has collaborated with local artists and musicians to showcase their work and provide a platform for their talent. They have also partnered with local businesses to source ingredients for their cocktails, supporting the local economy.

Charity Events

El Salón has hosted several charity events to support various causes in the Miami community. The bar has hosted events to raise money for hurricane relief efforts and to support local non-profit organizations. These events have been well-attended and have helped to raise awareness and funds for important causes in the community.

Overall, El Salón is a bar that is committed to giving back to the Miami community. Through partnerships with local organizations and hosting charity events, the bar has demonstrated its dedication to making a positive impact in the community.

Media Presence

Social Media Channels

El Salón has a strong social media presence, with active accounts on major platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. They regularly post pictures and videos of their unique cocktails and intimate atmosphere, which has helped them gain a following of over 10,000 followers on Instagram alone.

Their Instagram feed is carefully curated to showcase their bespoke spirits and sultry charm. They use high-quality images and videos to give followers a glimpse into the world of El Salón. They also use Instagram stories to share behind-the-scenes content, such as the process of making their signature cocktails.

On Facebook and Twitter, El Salón shares updates about upcoming events and promotions, as well as links to positive press coverage. They also engage with their followers by responding to comments and messages in a timely manner.

Press Coverage

El Salón has been featured in several media outlets, including Time Out, The Infatuation, and PUNCH. These publications have praised El Salón for its unique approach to mixology and its intimate atmosphere.

In a review by The Infatuation, they describe El Salón as “a great place to hide from those tourists while sipping a very good martini.” PUNCH notes that El Salón has “removed liquor branding from its bar in favor of a concise selection of house-blended spirits.”

El Salón’s innovative approach to mixology and its commitment to creating a unique atmosphere have helped it gain positive press coverage and a loyal following.