Gabriel R.
Yelp
In all honesty I hadn't been to CocoWalk in YEARS. Finally came back in March 2021 thinking that things would've settled with the construction and with COVID parameters.
Summary: Mall is gorgeous, although part of me misses the original "Old Miami" vibe and aesthetic just a little. There are a lot of venues available in the area, but still various store fronts empty in the actual mall. If you were looking for a place that respected COVID safety guidelines, I'm not sure the Grove as a whole is the place to be... I also don't recommend this area as a whole for anyone that is immunocompromised as there is no respect for space or safety guidelines.
Expounded:
1) Remodel: The mall is truly beautiful and very well done. They added a ton of landscaping and architectural elements, as well as new access points to the differing levels. There are also little outside seating areas set up, that allow for groups to sit outside, in the shade and just talk.
2) Activities: There are many stores open, but many locales are still not rented out yet. I'm sure COVID made all this more complicated. Though, there is still enough to do in the area for a day or two, at least.
3) Food: There are a couple food places that were added to the mall which look interesting, and there is outside seating for them as well. I ended up eating a little bit off the beaten trail that was a bit empty. A small Indian spot that was really good. I'll review that at well if you're curious.
4) COVID Safety: The area wasn't packed, but did have a lot of people out and about, walking, running, on bicycle, or doing other activities. Out of everyone I saw, maybe 1/2 of people were wearing a mask while walking, but of course no one near or sitting at the food venues had masks on so there weren't many masks on in the mall. Out of the mall, in the surrounding area, it went down to maybe 4/5 of people either had no mask at all, or were wearing it under their noses and many even just on their chin... literally not covering anything but their chin.
No one really respected social distancing anywhere in the area and walked right behind you, basically on your heels. Now, I walk fast and they still were on me, I went with one person and she doesn't walk that fast, and this compounded the issue. I had to tell people often, to allow some space. Many looked unabashedly insulted and disgruntled at the request despite my asking politely and apologetically. Some simply ignored me and refused to give any space. I sat outside at a food venue, Fireman Derek, the pie shop which is slightly away from the mall. They had tables on the sidewalk which was very wide for the area and had them by the parked cars. I sat by a tree so the cars weren't too close either. The entire time, people just walked right around us to jaywalk across the street, or stop and avoid the pedestrian traffic, all the while just standing right by us without masks and talking over our heads at the people they waited for. I told many people to give us space and again, I was met with aggressive attitudes and even one person insulting me for politely requesting this. Even by my wearing my mask I had many maskless people shaking their heads at me, and giving me the side eye. Lol. It was very confusing given the times we're in.
If you are someone that doesn't mind not having the CDC recommended guidelines adhered to, and essentially just going back to pre-COVID "normal", then this is the place for you, and it is gorgeous with a lot to do in the area. Otherwise, I'd keep this review in mind if you plan to go and be mindful of what to expect. There is no consideration of others that do wish to adhere to safety guidelines, and no one is really pushing for it. The store employees, police, and owners that I saw all simply allowed it; and often were a part of the problem. It was very jarring to see in all honesty.
Don't get me wrong, I do want to go back... eventually... The mall was beautiful, and there are many new places speckled around the grove that I'm curious about. That being said, I won't be returning until the COVID situation is sorted. There are many other places in Miami with things to do that are safer, and honestly kinder. Places where people respect you and simply have conversations, and not don't just get mad at any request that may slightly affect them.
If it wasn't COVID, or if the area managed this situation better, I'd likely have given 4 stars or even 5, depending. Maybe the day I go back I'll rate this higher. Until then, I was just not satisfied and spent way too much time feeling uncomfortable to really enjoy anything.
Until the next I guess.