If you haven’t already been, The Doral Yard opened its doors for the first time last October. With barely five months open before COVID-19, they have finally come back with a bang!

This new concept created by Yard Hospitality and Place Projects is located at the beautiful Downtown Doral. Due to current circumstances, they’re open for outdoor dining on Main Street and The Hub is their indoor space with a full bar and a micro food hall open for guests to place and pick up orders, as well as limited seating. The Doral Yard will be fully completed in 2021 with two zones, including The Backyard, with a live music stage and Barbakoa by Finka, a full-service restaurant helmed by Chef Eileen Andrade. 

A Soulful Brunch

Aside from being a perfect spot for any occasion, The Doral Yard is showcasing amazing events every month. Indulging in last Sunday’s Soul Brunch was an absolute treat, especially for those who love tapas style eating and trying different dishes for what I like to call an “App Party”, this spot is perfect for people of all walks of life to enjoy. With six different vendors, there is no shortage of mouth-watering options. Between the wholesome cuisine of Un Pollo, asian influence from YIP, vegetarian/ mediteranean flair from Della Bowls and Barbakoa by FINKA, I was completely blown away. Not to mention, Santo Dulce’s famous Churros and more treats from Morelia Gourmet Paletas. To top it off, the weather was beautiful and with the sounds of Yoli Mayor singing on stage with her talented band, she truly brought the soul into Soul Brunch.

What was our favorite?

It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite, but Finka out did themselves with thier new Barbakoa concept and introduced their asian-cuban inspired Malanga Nachos – topped with pulled smoked brisket, aji amarillo hollandaise, leche de tigre sour cream, diced maduros, pickled onions, Fresno peppers, and scallions. You’ll be licking your fingers all he way home. Every part of the food hall had amazing highlights, like the Soup Dumplings and Duck Bao Buns from YIP and the Cheese Balls from Un Pollo – just could not get enough.

‘Tis the season at The Doral Yard

Along with a full bar, gorgeous atmosphere, and friendly staff, stopping by The Doral Yard this December is a must. Their events lineup truly celebrates our city’s rich and diverse cultures with food, live music, culture and community for the entire family to enjoy safely. For a full calendar of events, visit www.thedoralyard.com/events. All events are free unless otherwise noted:

Saturday, December 19

Raquel Sofia| 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter and Latin Grammy nominee Raquel Sofia takes the Main Street Stage by storm with her soulful pop songs infused with rock, blues, jazz, Mexican regional and salsa. More info here.

December 19th – December 31st

Nutcracker in the Park Pre-Show Meal | $54-58 Tickets | The City of Miami Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® in the Park. Enjoy your choice of three mouthwatering family meals at The Doral Yard, in leisurely strolling distance to the park. Packages include a reserved table reservation for 1½ hours prior to the show. In addition, show your day-of Nutcracker at The Park entrance ticket at The Bar at The Yard and enjoy 10% off cocktails, beer and wine before or after the show!

Tuesday, December 22

Brine Your Swine with Chef Eileen Andrade| 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | $60 Tickets | Make your 2020 Noche Buena cena epic with a little help from Miami Chef Eileen Andrade of Finka Bar & Tap and Barbakoa by Finka. Enjoy an included holiday cocktail and small bites by Barbakoa by Finka while Chef Eileen leads you through a hands-on tutorial on how to brine your swine like a pro, resulting in succulent, fall-off-the-bone tender Noche Buena lechon. Guests take home their lechon to enjoy on noche buena. 

Wednesday, December 23

Gaitas at The Yard | 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. | The Doral Yard is thrilled to welcome a Venezuelan gaita ensemble of musicians to The Main Street Stage. The high-energy traditional holiday live performance overflows festive cheer and buenas vibras. Un pollo will have pan de jamon and other authentic Venezuelan foods for sale.

Thursday, December 31

Kids New Year’s Eve Social | 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. | $20 Tickets | The Doral Yard and its sweet culinary vendor, Paletas Morelia, treats kids to a special Kids New Year’s Eve Social at The Yard! Swing by anytime between 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. to ring in the new year with an informal, socially distanced DIY Paletas Morelia session. Tickets include a mocktail by The Bar and a goodie bag.

Thursday, December 31

New Year’s Eve ft DJ Le Spam and Locos Por Juana | 8:30 p.m. – midnight | The Doral Yard sparks party vibes ringing in the new year with local favorite DJ Le Spam followed by Locos Por Juana, Miami’s GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated high-energy band.  Savor a perfectly Magic City combination of reggae, funk, and rock with cumbia and salsa outdoors on our Main Street Stage. Muevete all night long with DJ Le Spam and a live musical performance bursting with buenas vibras.

In addition, throughout December, guests can enjoy the Spiced Pear Punch, a special holiday cocktail with Havana Club Blanco, Bartlett pear, apple cider honey, lemon, spiced bitters and garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slice – highly recomend to try this one.

Good times all year round

The fun doesn’t end there! After the holidays, The Doral Yard will be fully stacked with recurring events like happy hours, game nights, live music events, and more to come each month.

Happy Hour at The Bar at The Yard | Tuesdays – Fridays | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The new go-to happy hour hangout where buenas vibras are poured with each cocktail, wine and beer served at pocket-friendly prices, along with small bites by un pollo.

Brews and B.Y.O.G. | Tuesdays | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Channel your love of The Queen’s Gambit into some chess matches with family or revive your love of Cards Against Humanity with your crew at The Doral Yard’s Brews and BYOG (Bring Your Own Game) weekly event. All draft beers are $6. 

Margaritas and Me Time | Wednesdays | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Make time for you this holiday season at The Doral Yard on Wednesday nights from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. for $8 margaritas made fresh and with love by The Bar at The Yard bartenders.