- Location: 2801 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price Range: $$-$$$ Upscale
- Ambiance: Artsy, avant-garde, vibrant
“Eye of the Tiger” (First Impressions)
- Reservation/Wait Time: Despite its popularity, Bakan manages the flow well, with short waits even during peak hours.
- Initial Thoughts: Nestled in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood District, Bakan stands out as an artsy Mexican restaurant in Miami. The vibrant murals and eclectic street art of Wynwood set the stage for what awaits inside: a unique dining experience where contemporary Mexican aesthetics meet traditional cooking techniques. The exterior, adorned with cacti, agave plants, and a brass mariachi statue, feels like a journey into an avant-garde garden. Inside, the upscale decor and an impressive glass case showcasing over 500 types of mezcal and tequila create an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere—perfect for those seeking the best Mexican restaurant Miami has to offer.
“Hungry Like the Wolf” (The Food)
- Signature Dishes: Duck Enchiladas, Shrimp Aguachile, Tostada de Chapulines
- Quality & Presentation:
- Enchiladas de Pato en Pipián Rojo: These duck carnitas are housed in a beautiful blue taco shell coated with an interesting silky mole sauce consisting of almonds, dried chiles, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, assorted spices, and cream, all topped with goat cheese. The enchiladas were wonderful. The sauce is nutty, creamy, and smoky, and each bite of the warm duck was delightful. It’s one of the most unique dishes I’ve tried.—“sweet dreams are made of this.” (9/10)
- Shrimp Aguachile: Refreshing with a hint of sweetness from fresh mango, perfectly balanced with the spicy kick of the aguachile — this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. (8/10)
- For the more adventurous: Try tostada de chapulines (crispy grasshoppers with guacamole on blue corn tortillas), escamoles (ant eggs with butter on blue corn tortillas), gusanos de maguey (crispy, fried agave worms), or salsa de hormigas chicatanas (ant salsa with chiles, peanuts and olive oil). An insect dish? “I can’t go for that (no can do)”, and neither can Daryl Hall or John Oates.
- Portion Size: Generous portions, ensuring that each dish is satisfying without being overwhelming. Perfect for either groups or solo dining.
- Traditional Technique: Bakan focuses on pre-Hispanic cooking techniques: nixtamal, mezcal, and wood fire. Nixtamal is partially cooked organic corn imported from Mexico that they use in their handmade tortillas. The corn grows at 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) on volcanic soil.
- Main dishes: You can find the usual suspects such as short rib tacos, guacamole, and esquites (Mexican street corn). You can also choose from 9 different tacos, including 2 vegetarian ones, quesadillas, salads and enchiladas, and fish, shrimp, and steak dishes. They also have three types of mole (negro, coloradito, verde), on chicken, Chilean seabass, or short ribs. Better get there early if you want mole negro with chicken; they were out of it by 1:30, leaving me disappointed.
- Drinks: If you’re wondering which mezcal to pair with your dishes, there’s a handy guide on the menu, so you won’t even have to think. The wood fire grill uses oak and cherry wood, which adds a smoky flavor.
“Every Breath You Take” (Service Experience)
- Staff Attitude: The service at Bakan is top-notch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who guide you through the menu with ease, thanks to their attentiveness.
- Service Speed: Meals arrived promptly, despite the restaurant’s bustling atmosphere, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.
- Special Requests: Special dietary needs are handled expertly, with staff providing helpful suggestions to accommodate any restrictions, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
“Take On Me” (Ambiance & Atmosphere)
- Decor: Bakan is a 6,000-square-foot space with decor blending modern Mexican aesthetics with a touch of Miami’s vibrant art scene. Upside-down pyramids hang from the ceiling, and the space is filled with contemporary Mexican artwork. Outside, you’ll see many cacti and agave plants and artwork on the wall. You’ll park your keister on cushioned black metal chairs, eat on wooden tables, and cool off [somewhat] thanks to the industrial-sized fans. When I had lunch there, I felt like I was having lunch in an artsy, avant-garde garden.
- Noise Level: The restaurant maintains a lively yet controlled noise level, ideal for social dining—“enjoy the silence,” with just the right amount of background buzz.
- Crowd: A mix of locals and tourists, drawn to Bakan’s reputation as one of the hottest Mexican restaurants in Miami. The atmosphere is lively, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions.
“She Works Hard For The Money” (Price & Value)
- Overall Cost: Bakan falls on the pricier side, but the quality of food, ambiance, and service justify the expense.
- Worth It?: Absolutely. Bakan’s unique dishes, outstanding service, and immersive ambiance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Mexican food in Florida.
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (Final Verdict)
- Overall Rating: 9/10
- Best For: Ideal for foodies and adventurers looking to explore authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist—“This must be the place.” It’s also perfect for those visiting the newly gentrified and artsy Wynwood District.
- Would I Return?: Yes — Bakan offers a dining experience that’s as vibrant and unique as the Wynwood District itself. And while trying insect tacos doesn’t exactly get me excited, as a foodie, I’ll happily return for those duck enchiladas.