Waterfront outdoor dining in Coconut Grove supplying a #vacationstateofmind at the Bayshore Club.  

My husband had just flown back from a Mardi Gras weekend with his brother, so he was under pressure to secure a last minute reservation for a Valentine’s dinner. He totally lucked out big time in scoring us a first time reservation at Bayshore Club. We used to go to the former inhabitant of the building, the iconic Scotty’s Landing, but we had no idea what to expect of the new Bayshore Club.  

As we strolled in, I was struck in a very happy way by all of the changes—surpassing all expectations and really doing the space justice. Bayshore Club reeks of trendy upscale yet casual fun with Miami vibes. The designers ensured that the multiple levels grant full advantage to all diners with incredible views of Biscayne bay. The Club has spaces that appeal to everyone. A full bar with lots of big TVs. A fun area with a huge and a huge wall mural that screams Miami, and views to watch the sailboats, boat launchings, and the sunset.

I was drawn to the seating in the area closest to the water, where we could dine and watch the glorious sunset right on the sand at one of the fire pit tables. Romantic anytime surely, but especially on Valentine’s Day, and as an unexpected bonus we witnessed a small wedding taking place at the water’s edge. 

Bayshore Club is built right on Dinner Key, and although it’s a Coconut Grove newcomer, it has the distinction of being situated in newly restored airline hangers that once housed the Clipper planes of Pan American World Airways, and cleverly continues the historic airline theme in its cocktail menu. 

We had no lack of service and attention, despite being a bit out on the sand. We ordered chilled oysters to get started, but quickly got the news that they weren’t available, so we ordered the wahoo and mahi fish dip. A definite winner. The dip was a generous portion, super fresh, and had a marvelous smoky but light taste. To scoop it up were carrots, celery, pickles, and our favorite, the cool shrimp chips. They were puffy and light and crunchy, and a good match with the fish.

For my entree I ordered the seared mojo snapper. The delicate fish flavor remained the star, enhanced but not overpowered by the mojo. For Gringos and tourists, mojo is a citrusy Cuban marinade with herbs and garlic. The snapper was accompanied by a grilled mixture of broccolini, spiced honey carrots, grilled onions and pineapples. I suspect it had been grilled with a little of that mojo to really punch up the flavor, as it was incredibly tasty. 

After his weekend in the land of Cajun cuisines, my husband went for the bland sounding Bayshore Club Burger. But it suited his craving, and he declared it perfect. I’m not actually sure what a smash burger is, but given it had double patties and a yummy secret club sauce, he was an instant fan. Add in that it came with a big portion of hot crispy fries, and he was as happy not to have seafood as I was not to have — well, his. 

So as you can see, Bayside Club has something for everyone’s tastes. It is casual and comfortable with an easy low key appeal for us locals. But it also has fun and trendy vibes for a starry night out with friends. It’s definitely impressive enough to be tourist worthy. It has a cool, open and airy feel that is perfect for watching sports. And it’s absolutely perfect for a romantic date night—it’s fun and just casual enough to not give off a “trying too hard” vibe, even if you want to impress the people you take. Wink. And lastly, make the trip for the fresh and tasty seafood.