WRE Films: #NotYourAverageMinibar from World Red Eye Films on Vimeo.

Miami Beach, FL – April 25, 2018 – Miami has a new bar in town, but minibar is not your average bar. Minibar provides fresh, mid-century lounge with a sexy, contemporary twist located in the quaint South of Fifth area located at Urbanica The Meridian Hotel. Partners Philippe “Flip” Falca of minibar, Charlie Porchetto, and Diego Colmenero of Urbanica The Meridian Hotel, partnered to open a cozy and sexy little bar; something that is so unique in the South of Fifth community. The partnership was a match made in heaven, combining the cool and modern feel of the Urbancia mixed with minibar’s low key and intimate vibe. Urbanica provides a new concept in the boutique hotel experience that speaks to a sophisticated, global audience for vacationing like a local. It’s more than a cool hotel room, with numerous public spaces located inside the hotel its a place where everyone can gather, hang out, providing a sense of community.

Falca, who took full creative direction of minibar, filled the gap in the South of Fifth neighborhood to design the perfect spot for those looking to just get a good drink, maybe a little mystery, romance, or some real good feels. Inside, it’s gem-like colors and jungle-like atmosphere has been described as a “Parisian speakeasy in Bali.” The outside patio has a very comfortable Art Deco look, a beautiful setting to enjoy cocktails under the stars. World Red Eye brings you inside minibar, a classic throwback to a new era. As Miamians are already buzzing about the hottest new bar, World Red Eye captured it all and stopped by for a drink (or two, or three) with owner Philippe Falca to get the latest on what minibar brings to Miami.

WRE: What was the inspiration for opening minibar? Did some of your favorite spots in Miami influence the style of minibar? 

PF: The location for me was everything. Minibar is located in Urbanica The Meridian Hotel located at 418 Meridian Ave. I love the south of fifth neighborhood and the community. A cozy lil bar only seemed right.

WRE: How did you team up with Urbanica’s Charlie & Diego? Where is the symmetry in the vision for minibar?

PF: Originally Charlie and Diego brought me in to consult for a few months. The dynamic between us clicked, so we decided to partner up to open our first bar.

The DNA for minibar is like the inspiration, it’s made up a lot from its location. It’s a locals bar. A place where the employees know your name and your drink preference.

Philippe Falca

WRE: Being a South of 5th local; how do envision spaces like minibar to potentially expand the Miami Beach experience for locals and tourists?

PF: I would say say minibar is really conveniently located and not to mention it’s accompanied by a beautiful boutique hotel, Urbanica the Meridian Hotel.

WRE: How would you describe the DNA of minibar? 

PF: The DNA for minibar is like the inspiration, it’s made up a lot from its location. It’s a locals bar. A place where the employees know your name and your drink preference.

WRE: What are your hopes and expectations for minibar in the future? Do you plan to open more locations?

PF: I can only hope the local community embraces what we have created here for them to enjoy. Yes, in the future we plan to open more locations.

WRE: What three words would you use to describe minibar?

PF: The three words I use to describe minibar are original, tropical, and dope.

WRE: What kind of events/programming can locals expect at minibar?

PF: I don’t want to give much away, what we’re creating is a experience. Good food, good music, and good cocktails. A classic recipe for a good time! People will have to come see for themselves. I will tell you we’re making a late night members only key card that will allow you to access the bar from 3-5 am. Only if you’re lucky enough to get one.

WRE: Who designed minibar and what was the vision behind it?

PF: One of my conditions as partner, was to have full control of concept and design for minibar. Growing up, my mom was an interior decorator so I spent a lot of times in showrooms; I think now in my later years it rubbed off. I have a passion for creating and the bar was designed as a place that I would go to for a drink.

WRE: What’s the missing piece from South Beach nightlife now that minibar will fill?

PF: You had to ask about the clubs didn’t you! Ok well I’ll be as nice as possible. The people clubbing on South Beach has changed throughout the years. I’d like to say that we’re getting old and we outgrew clubbing but I remember seeing 30 and 40 yr olds partying back in the day. Minibar is the perfect spot that will fill the void for people that still wanna go out.

WRE: In Miami, there’s so many bars to choose from, how does minibar differ from other local bars? 

PF: Minibar is more intimate than your average bar. We’re open from 5pm to 5am on the weekends so the bar goes through a lot of different vibes. You can go in for a mellow drink but like any good bar minibar has the potential to turn up.

WRE: Can you share with our readers more about the unique food and beverage minibar offers? 

PF: The food and the cocktails are really a testament of my experienced and talented team. In the kitchen, world renowned Chef Fernando Trocca provides the delicious bites. Behind the cocktail menu, David Cedeno, a favorite amongst the mixers and shakers of the bar industry created a unique cocktail menu to keep the party alive. Rest assure, you won’t be disappointed.

WRE: Does minibar have a signature drink? 

FF: We have a few cocktails that include a mini bottle as a floater. For example my favorite is the “South Beach Z-pack” it’s a mini bottle of altos tequila with ginger, honey, lemon grapefruit juice and a hint of mezcal. Simply delicious.

Minibar is more intimate than your average bar… you can go in for a mellow drink but like any good bar has the potential to turn up.

Philippe Falca

GALLERY SLIDER