After 85 Years, Miami Shores Finally Gets A Bar

The village of Miami Shores has existed for 85 years. It has a wonderful recreation center, architecturally interesting homes and a family-friendly vibe. But it's never had a wine bar, until now. 

Residents Kim Flower, an architectural designer, and Andy Wagner, a host on WLRN public radio, opened Flight Wine Lounge in July, Biscayne Times reports. The 37-seat establishment will serve 30 wines and small plates.

Some residents of Miami Shores have long been frustrated at the lack of food and drink establishments in town, but the conservative neighborhood long resisted alcohol sales. According to the Biscayne Times, it is only because of Flight's efforts that the city changed its code to permit sales of spirits in full-service restaurants and sales of craft, but not mass-market, beer and wine. Live music is not permitted.

Septic problems have also been a detriment for decades. New sewer lines were installed last fall, but businesses are just now hooking up to them. Wagner and Flower suggested they needed $100K to open and that delays with the sewer bumped back their opening by six months.

But the Shores' downtown drag on Northeast Second Street is steadily growing, with unique businesses like specialty butcher Proper Sausages and plant store Pebble and Vine. More restaurants are planned for next year, and a food court is a possibility. Don't worry about the Shores stealing thunder from South Beach, though. Flight closes at 9 or 10 p.m.