Back in March, Miami diners mourned the loss of their favorite restaurants due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mandated closures have forced restaurants to cease operations or find new ways to keep the lights on—operating with takeout and delivery only—during these unprecedented times. While some eateries have decided to shutter for the time being (or in some cases, permanently), others have flipped their business model upside down in order to weather the storm.
One creative way they’re staying afloat: converting dining rooms into makeshift grocery stores. Now guests can skip the long lines at Publix and pick up an assortment of goods at their beloved local business. Here are four Miami restaurants that are pulling double duty as grocery stores.
Chug’s Diner
This Cuban diner from James Beard-semifinalist Michael Beltran is known for its casual comfort food like croquetas, pastelitos and café con leche. These items, along with substantial sandwiches and breakfast plates, are all available for delivery and takeout. What’s also available for purchase is a wide variety of produce from local purveyors.
Customers will find staples like carrots and corn, along with more unique offerings like mamey and squash blossoms. Guests can also treat themselves to homemade items like brioche bread and ice creams from pastry chef Devin Braddock (ex-Mignonette). The selections change daily, so check out their Instagram account for the latest menu.
You can place an order for groceries online or by calling 786-534-8722. Chug’s Diner is located at 3444 Main Highway, Unit 21, Miami, Florida 33133.
Threefold Café
For years, Threefold Café has been one of the go-to spots for breakfast and lunch in Coral Gables. The Giralda Avenue establishment wows guests with Aussie-inspired takes on benedicts, scrambles and more. And now they’re wowing their clientele with extensive grocery offerings available for next-day pickup and delivery.
Produce and other common supermarket items are up for grabs, but where Threefold truly shines are in its creative bundles. Although you could order all your essentials a la carte, the eatery has put together themed baskets to make shopping a little easier. A #SupportLocal basket bundles selections from Miami favorites like Zak the Baker and Frice Ice Cream, while a Protein Basket helps you load up on the restaurant’s daily selection of meats, fish and poultry — perfect for meal planning.
You can place an order for groceries online or by calling 305-704-8007. Threefold Café is located at 141 Giralda Avenue, Miami, Florida 33134.
All Day
Java junkies know All Day for its quality coffee, but now they’re making a name for themselves as downtown’s premier spot for goods and groceries. Fruits, veggies and dairy products are just some of the many offerings coming out of this charming shop. Those looking to fill up their pantry will find essentials like flour, yeast, natural cane sugar, honey and much more.
If coffee is all you need, All Day still has you covered. Single-serving drinks are still the norm, but if you want a constant caffeine kick, look at All Day’s cold brew growlers or chai concentrate gallon. They’ll last you at least a week.
You can place an order for groceries online or by calling 305-699-EGGS. All Day is located at 1035 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33136.
Boia De
Before COVID-19 ravaged the restaurant scene, there was a two-week wait for reservations at Buena Vista’s Boia De. And rightfully so: The tiny-but-mighty Italian restaurant’s food was to die for. Instead of closing shop once the city shut down restaurants, the business has been using its ventanita to keep feeding locals through takeout and delivery — as well as giving access to its fully stocked larder.
Larder selections include chicken stock, roasted garlic, dried pasta, butter and eggs — to name a few. Those who want to get creative in the kitchen will find kewpie mayo, guanciale and other uncommon finds, too. Don’t miss the delicious wine lineup by resident somm Bianca Sanon; the bottles are heavily discounted.
You can place an order for groceries online or by calling Boia De is located at 5205 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137.
