The Wharf Miami — Restaurant in Miami

The Wharf is a trendy spot on the Miami River that sits in between the City of Miami's parking lot and Garcia's Seafood. Parking is not bad in the area as there is plenty of street parking along with a few PayByPhone lots under the huge i95 overpass.

Cars are not the only thing parking, this area houses a chunk of our homeless community as the highway provides decent shelter from rain and the sun.

The Wharf now occupies a space that used to be full of lobster cages and other fishing equipment. So the area definitely deserves it's maritime theme.

Just like all of the trendy spots in Miami it has gone through several phases.

In the beginning it was a cool place to lounge, really laid back, outdoor spot near the Miami River. It had the right idea but it had room for improvement. Over time it definitely improved and those improvements brought the different phases.

Went from the lounging phase, to the college bro phase. All of the people that used to hang out in South Beach and the Grove started showing up to The Wharf. I couldn't go a week without people asking; "Have you been to The Wharf bro?"

Which brings us to now, the trendy see or be seen phase. The Wharf now operates like a Miami Beach club where it cares about what you are wearing, and it has several lines for VIP and another for the other people.

When you walk in there is small sign that says "No Filming" as if you are in a Hollywood restaurant where celebrities seek asylum. No filming implies no cameras, at all, so when I went in they respectfully confiscated my 35mm camera after having a conversation with security where I explained that my SLR is incapable of filming.

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I had a feeling they were going to give me a hard time at the entrance because living in this city I've gotten used to it, so I left the mangoes I was going to gift my friends.

The main bar is pretty comfortable because it shelters you from the shade with some huge highly specialized 100% outside air conditioning systems so kudos to them on that.

The Wharf has a nice feature that it's one of the few establishments that let you dock your boat. Unlike several places in Miami they don't charge by the foot, what they charge is a $500 drink tab deposit for people docking to ensure they consume and don't just come over to stunt on people, and take up space.

The outdoor areas are comfy and the staff is great on the most part pretty attentive, well humored and professional.

Never eaten there before, and last time I went it was a little hard to eat because the police retrieved a body either out of the river or from the park across the river. Wasn't sure what happened but when they closed the park and made a huge perimeter around the body it was clear that it was a fatal incident. The white sheet over the person confirmed it.

I would upload a picture but it's prohibited so just refer to my pictures from like...

If I could leave 0 stars I would. In January I reserved an event for up to 50 people at The Wharf. I talked to many people to get this reservation coordinated and had many emails back and forth to confirm all the information regarding my reservation and I assumed everything I needed to know would have been relayed to me at one of those interactions. I had girls flying in from MO, CA, and NY to come to my event. With every interaction I had to set up this reservation not one time did anyone mention you have to be 21 years old+ to enter the premises. They claim it’s on the website but it’s only under their events. Not under the reservations or the area for booking parties. I had five ladies who flew in who were 20 years old and they were not going to let them in. When I talked to the manager his reasoning for this policy was that they don’t want “18-20 year olds out late without their parents.” Not that they didn’t want them consuming alcohol while underage. They simply could have just let them stay and of course not serve them alcohol. These are successful entrepreneurs that don’t live with their parents they aren’t going to bring their parents to a business event. The manager’s only solution was to let them in with a wristband but they had to leave after half an hour. The customer service was 0/10. The manager was so rude and disrespectful. They lost business from all 40 of us because we all left consecutively and relocated to a much better venue who was more than happy to accommodate all of us even on such short notice. Epic Hotel was much nicer, had wonderful service unlike The Wharf. I do not suggest ever planning an event here. S/N as we were leaving a man walked in...

I’ve been coming here for a few years with my friends ,it’s been one of our main favorite hang out spots simply because it has a fantastic view ,a variety of different food options and the music is mainly pop Latin which I’m a big fan of . I definitely recommend to pass by day or night you will have a great Miami experience from the salty air ,the music amazing view and people it’s a VIBE . I just now decided to write a review because I’m viewing it in a different perspective to help out locals and tourists . I hope this review is helpful !

There is street parking but there is also a parking lot next to it which is where I mostly park because it’s pretty big and if you don’t find there then there’s valet . At the parking lot you need to do the PayByPhone thing . It’s not too expensive .

During the day there sometimes events like for example I joined a beagle meet up and it was adorable seeing all the dogs have fun with their owners , all ages were welcome . This place is big and good for groups .it’s not as big as their ft lauderdale one though ,that one is HUGE . The Wharf most of the time has events and they decorate accordingly which I think is cute ,gives you lots of photo opportunities .

The food is good and there is a variety to choose from so everyone can choose and enjoy . Music is pretty loud if you’re sitting or standing by the inside main bar but if you’re on the deck or on the outside green area it’s not too loud so you get to choose .

It really is a great time ! I definitely recommend it as a true...