Ariel W.
Yelp
Food halls are a kind of elevated food court concept started in Europe and Asia. They are always fun places to try a bunch of different dishes, often by up and coming chefs who can't yet afford a restaurant. The downside is they tend to be expensive. I often find I have just gotten a little bit off this or that for more money than a full meal at a restaurant. Still I'm always up for trying something new.
The latest entry in the crowded south Florida food hall is this brand new offering in South Beach, the Alton Food Hall. They are joining other food halls in the area like Time Out Market and Lincoln Eatery. The Alton Food Hall does not have a parking lot so you need to find parking at a nearby garage or on the street where it is metered.
This is the latest venture from Cloudkitchens by Uber founder Travis Kalanick. The building used to house the former Coco Bambu Brazilian restaurant, a large two-story restaurant with a central bar. The bar has now been transformed into the Airmail bar that serves as the hub of the food hall and serve beer, wine and cocktails. There is seating in the food hall and outside on their patio.
We came for the grand opening on April 30th and even got to catch the ribbon cutting ceremony. Best of all they had a cocktail passport where you could get free cocktails from the Airmail at different stations throughout the food hall allowing you to drink around the world. All of the bar staff were dressed like fun flight attendants. Many of the food vendors were also offering samples during our visit.
The approach of this food hall is a little different than the other ones in the area that tend to cater to tourists. Alton Food Hall wants to be known as the food hall for locals so they chose vendors that are already well established and beloved in Miami. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered. Here you will find North Miami Beach's Dumpling King, Kendall's Tacos & Tattoos, Shimuja ramen shop, Cloud 9 Desserts, Be Vegan South Beach, Da' Chick, Stoned Soup, Nude Pita, Los Vatos Miami Beach, SoBe Waffles, Los Quesudos, and Miami favorites Jugo Boss and the fusion Sashiro sushi shop. There is also meat skewers from Fatto Bene, It is a kind of Miami's greatest hits. You can scan the app on the wall for even more restaurants that previously didn't have a presence in South Beach. Order from Popeye's, Capriotti's sandwiches, Pollo Campero, and Wing Stop and pick up from one of the food hall counters. Don't forget dessert and be sure to stop by Eclair Affair where the humble eclair has been elevated by fillings like carrot cake and dusted with gold flakes. All of the vendors are available from UberEasts, DoorDash, or GrubHub, as well as the website.
Prices are comparable to the other food halls in the area which is to say pricey. You don't come to a food hall to save money. You come to try a lot of different things and to have fun and on both accounts they succeed. Expect a meal and a drink to run around $25.