#DishHitList: National Oyster Day, Summer Happy Hours, and more [August 2024]

August is a foodie’s dream in Miami, marking the kickoff of Miami Spice. But that’s not all—this month is packed with scrumptious food holidays, irresistible happy hours, and fresh new menus. Get ready to fill up your calendar with the best culinary events August has to offer!

Events in Miami This Month

National Oyster Day on Monday, August 5

We all love a good oyster deal, and thankfully, the 305 has many establishments that shuck them fresh and at a friendly price. 

Balan’s

Balan’s in Brickell is celebrating National Oyster Day with a lineup of premium oysters. Served with house-made mignonette and cocktail sauce, these limited-edition oysters are a must-try and promise a dining experience you won’t forget. Pair these bad boys with a glass of bubbly to elevate those flavors to the next level. Whether you’re dropping by for brunch or any time during the day, grab a seat on Balan’s shaded patio and get ready to indulge. 

Balan’s Brickell is located at 901 S Miami Ave Suite 108, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.

The Lobster Shack

True, The Lobster Shack may be known far and wide for its irresistible Maine lobster rolls and other crustacean offerings, but that doesn’t mean they don’t excel in the oyster department. The folks over at the shack serve a rotating selection of fresh East Coast oysters on the half shell, but what we particularly enjoy is their next-level Oysters Rockefeller. Oof. Enjoy the oysters in the family-run establishment, or take them with you to the beach just steps away. Oh, and don’t worry—if dining in the shack has got you covered with a selection of bubbles and chilled wine perfect for pairing with seafood. 

Walrus Rodeo

Get ready to feast on some next-level charbroiled oysters at Walrus Rodeo! This spot’s inventive menu revolves around a woodfire grill, giving every dish that perfect smoky touch. The charbroiled oysters are pure fire, topped with hometown cornbread crumbs, jalapeño, and sherry, then grilled to perfection and served by the half dozen. Walrus Rodeo’s got that vibe where you can chill and enjoy bold flavors in a laid-back setting. Perfect for a night out with friends or a casual date, these oysters are a must-try. Swing by and get your seafood fix with a side of cool atmosphere!

Rodeo Walrus is located at 5143 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website. 

Cafe La Trova’s Rum Month Kickoff Party on Wednesday, August 7

Kick off Rum Month at Café La Trova with a lit night of bomb food, killer beats, and exclusive Bacardi cocktails! For just $90 per person, you get two crafted drinks, a loaded dinner buffet, and a live DJ setting the vibe. It’s all going down at this iconic Cuban-inspired spot, known for its epic cocktails and retro-cool atmosphere. Groove to the tunes, sip on some top-notch Bacardi and indulge in a culinary feast. Get your tickets here.

Café La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website. 

National Panini Day at Ironside Pizza on Sunday, August 11

Ironside Pizza is well known in Miami’s Upper East Side for their Florida pine-fired pizza doughs and bread. This National Panini Day, we invite you to take a seat in the restaurant’s lush garden and enjoy some fresh wood-fired panini. The restaurant has some delectable options in store for us, including the classic caprese; tonno & cipolla featuring Alto Mare tuna, tomato, red onion, lemon, and oregano; and Giardino made with woodfired seasonal vegetables, to name a few. Pair your panini with a nice cool glass of Pinot Grigio for that ideal Sunday afternoon lunch.

National Filet Mignon Day at RED on Tuesday, August 13

Everyone and their mom know that RED Steakhouse is the best steakhouse in town. That’s why on National Filet Mignon Day, we invite all steak lovers to head straight to their South Beach restaurant and get yourselves an order. The steakhouse serves a 14-oz C.A.B. prime bone-in filet mignon, like you won’t believe. Pair the experience with one of their signature sides, like the four-cheese macaroni and cheese or the crispy fried asparagus.

La Fuga Sunset Chef’s Table & Château D’Esclans Wine Pairing on Thursday, August 15

This summer, Escape Rooftop Bar at Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is the go-to spot for epic sunset views, creative cocktails, and tasty tapas. On Thursday, August 15, at 7 p.m., it’s hosting the launch of the Sunset Chef’s Table dinner series by Executive Chef Michael Mayer. This six-course coastal Italian feast from La Fuga will be paired with premium wines from Château D’Esclans, presented by global brand ambassador Alex Diard. For $200 per person, guests can enjoy dishes like oysters with Calabria pepper granita, yellowfin tuna tartare with caviar, and Wagyu beef filet with foie gras. Reservations are limited to 16 guests. Secure your spot now and indulge in this exclusive culinary experience.

The Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is located at 2900 Riomar Street. For more information, visit www.shorebreakfortlauderdale.com

Monthly Events

Happy Hour at Bar Tulio’s

While Bar Tulio’s has only been open for a few weeks, it has already captured the hearts of many Miami foodies thanks to its bomb Mexican dishes and stellar tequila selection. And here’s another reason to love the Wynwood establishment all the more: happy hour! The happy hour at Bar Tulio’s runs Monday through Friday, 5 to 7 p.m., and features $7 house margaritas, chips & guac, and chips & queso, as well as $3 off spirits, $2 off wine, and $1 off beers. See you there!

Untapped Fridays at Biscayne Bay Brewing

Biscayne Bay Brewing is hyped to introduce Untapped Fridays! Every Friday enjoy $2 beers featuring a fresh new release every week. Kick it off with “La Guera,” a super crispy Mexican Lager brewed with Pilsner, Vienna malt, and corn. Sip on a new release for just $2 all day, every Friday, while chilling at the lively wrap-around bar, catching a game on one of 12 TVs, or challenging friends to pool or foosball. Enjoy top-quality, innovative brews during happy hour from 4-7 p.m. with bites and other drinks.

Biscayne Bay Brewing is located at 100 NE 1st Ave, Third Floor, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website. 

Free Wine Tasting Thursdays at Cana Wine Bar

Attention, wine lovers! Coral Way’s Cana Wine Bar is the ultimate hotspot for fine wine appreciation. This isn’t just a wine shop—it’s a sanctuary where connoisseurs elevate their wine game. Cana Wine Bar is a boutique oasis boasting an unrivaled selection of handpicked wines curated by top chefs and sommeliers. The spotlight is on rare wines from small producers, with annual productions as low as 500 bottles. But don’t stress—the prices are still friendly, so you can indulge in top-tier vino without busting your budget. And here’s the latest scoop: every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., enjoy wine tastings where you can get some cool insider information on the vino, and you might even go home with a discounted bottle or two. 

New Menu Items at El Turco 

We all know and love El Turco by now—the Upper Buena Vista restaurant that offers some of the best Turkish food on the continent. This month it’s got a few new dishes for us foodies to indulge in. The new menu items include the saucy and aromatic zucchini and bell pepper dolma, the irresistible mussaka, and the crispy lahmacun (aka Turkish pizza), to name a few. Then, for dessert, there’s the righteously indulgent kunefe (a Turkish sweet cheese pastry), consisting of cheese arranged between two layers of kadayif (shredded phyllo), cooked until golden, and soaked in a sweet syrup topped with pistachios. You don’t want to miss these!