Bakan Wynwood authentic Mexican restaurant and bar

BAKAN : A Taste of Mexico in Wynwood

BAKAN is a restaurant and bar located in Miami’s most creative neighborhood, Wynwood. But it transports guests to Mexico through its earthy, artsy, modern space, including a cacti-lined bar and terrace. Which are covered with inverted wood pyramid canopies. Along with illuminated brown and green hanging basket fixtures. The 6,000 square-foot indoor and outdoor space conveys a fun, lively and warm environment to enjoy a true Mexican experience; From an open view kitchen allowing guests to witness the art of handcrafted tortilla making to the four-tiered glass case filled with more than 500 mezcals and tequilas.

BAKAN’s Mexican dining experience is centered around three elements that date back to pre-hispanic times: nixtamal, mezcal and wood fire.

Nixtamal

This is the Aztec term used to describe the partially cooked corn that is key to their tortilla recipe. And they grind nixtamal daily using ancestral organic corn imported from Mexico. The tortillas are hand-made one by one, putting them on the plate as they come out of the comal (griddle) for the freshest possible experience.

Mezcal

BAKAN offers a large selection of mezcals, by the sip or by the shot to appeal to the individual diner. Mezcaleando at Bakan describes the art of perfectly pairing the meal to the mezcal to create a one of a kind dining experience.

Wood Fire

They use a wood fire grill, powered by oak and cherry woods. Toasting the tortilla chips atop the grill. As well as cooking their seafood and meats this way to add a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with mezcal and freshly made salsas.

Para Empezar

For starters, they offer beloved classics like Guacamole and Esquite. Cheese plates like Queso Fundido ( Oaxaca & Chihuahua cheeses, pico de gallo). Tostadas and seafood cocktails, including our favorite, Aguachile De Camaron Con Mango Fresco ( shrimps, fresh mango, cilantro, lime, celery, pumpkin seeds). Though if you’re feeling more adventurous, we’d recommend taking a look at “Los Exoticos”. A portion of the menu featuring insect dishes including agave worms, ant eggs, and crispy grasshoppers.

Mains

The menu has many options comprised of tacos, moles, quesadillas, sopes, enchiladas, salads and more. And they didn’t forget about those plant-based, including a vegetarian section. Which features dishes like Tostadas De Nopales ( cactus salad, queso cotija & chipotle) and Quesadillas Con Flor De Calabaza ( zucchini flower, poblanos, corn, epazote & asadero cheese). But our favorite part of the menu would is “A La Leña”. Where your choice of protein is cooked in a wood burning grill using oak & cherry woods. And served with grilled poblano chile filled with Oaxaca cheese, refried black beans, grilled corn, guacamole, and tortillas allowing you to arrange tacos to your liking. However, if you prefer a less DIY version, the Cangrejo Rey De Alaska Tacos ( Alaskan king crab, achiote butter, guacamole, corn, black bean garnish) are also delish!

Margaritas: Sera Sandia, Sera Melon & La Ambiciosa

Mezcal & Coctelería

One of the many qualities of mezcal is that the best way to appreciate it is by pairing it with food. BAKAN has a list of 400 bottles, each made from agave harvested between 8 and 14 years old. Though it may sound overwhelming, the menu helps you pair each dish according to the agave utilized to make the mezcal. And the servers are happy to offer more details. If cocktails are more your thing, you can’t go wrong with a Tulum Vibe ( mezcal, orange liquor, cucumber & lime juice). But our absolute must-try drink is La Ambiciosa Margarita ( tequila, grand manier & lime juice).