Q&A: Pilo’s Beach Club

Photography by World Red Eye on April 21st, 2023 in Editorials, Lifestyle

Miami Beach, FL – April 7, 2023 – Experience GOAT Hospitality‘s newest concept; a chic and sophisticated Premier Lounge and Nightclub, Pilo’s Beach Club! Spanning over 3,500 SQFT, Pilo’s Beach Club offers an exquisite and sophisticated aura that sets it apart from the typical tiki-inspired beach clubs. The carefully curated decor promises elegant wooden finishes, lush greenery, towering palm trees, and emerald-green furniture. After captivating the summer crowds as a pop-up in New York, Pilo’s Beach club held a soft opening for its permanent location, right in the heart of South Beach location on April 5th. Hosted by Stevie J, guests included, Grammy nominnee Boza, Djnano, Dj Africa, Jordi Molla and IAmChino.

Pilo’s Beach Club takes its name from its sister establishments, Pilo’s Street Tacos and Pilo’s Tequila Garden. Derek Gonzalez, the founder of GOAT Hospitality Group, imbues his ventures with a deep sense of purpose, not just to create exceptional concepts but also to honor his loved ones’ legacies. The brand’s mission extends to Pilo’s Beach Club, paying homage to Gonzalez’s beloved Aunt Pilo, who lived with Down syndrome but never let it define her. After her passing, Pilo’s brand continues to honor her legacy by employing individuals with special abilities. Through their employment, Pilo’s Beach Club provides these exceptional individuals with opportunities to achieve their dreams, increase their independence, and foster meaningful relationships.

World Red Eye went behind the scenes with Derek Gonzalez to get an exclusive first look South Beach’s newest lounge and beach club and to find out the inspiration behind it. Read the full Q&A below.

Derek Gonzalez

WRE: What is the concept behind Pilo’s Beach Club?

Derek Gonzalez : Pilo’s Beach Club, brought to South Beach by GOAT Hospitality Group, is an exquisite beach club concept that originated from a wildly successful pop-up in Southampton, New York. The pop-up boasted a star-studded guest list that included Diplo, Zedd, Tommy Lee, Cedric Gervais, Cash Cash and many more. Pilo’s Beach Club now has a permanent home in the heart of South Beach. Each of the Pilo’s locations has its own unique personality; the Tequila Garden in Wynwood, for instance, provides the perfect vibe for the area, transforming from a daytime garden for bites and great music into a lively party spot at night. Meanwhile, the Brickell location is a haven for Miami foodies who love authentic Mexican cuisine.

WRE: Can you tell us what guests can expect at PBC?

DG: At Pilo’s Beach Club, guests are encouraged to dress to impress, as the chic indoor beach decor sets the tone for the night. The venue is enveloped in Mexican rustic light beach wood with greenery throughout, from palm trees to rich emerald green furniture. A wrap-around bar welcomes guests to enjoy a drink upon entry, and the space functions as a lounge, nightclub, and private back room that can be opened to the public or sectioned off. Open-format music is played to please all musical tastes, ranging from Latin to old-school hip-hop and beyond. Whether it’s for a first date, a birthday, or a corporate buyout, Pilo’s Beach Club is the perfect destination for a night out.

Derek Gonzalez

The venue is enveloped in Mexican rustic light beach wood with greenery throughout, from palm trees to rich emerald green furniture.

Derek Gonzalez

Derek Gonzalez

Whether it’s for a first date, a birthday, or a corporate buyout, Pilo’s Beach Club is the perfect destination for a night out.

Derek Gonzalez

Derek Gonzalez

WRE: What was the design inspiration for the venue?

DG: The design of Pilo’s Beach Club draws inspiration from the concept of a chic beach club that exudes an aura of elegance and sophistication. Unlike other beach clubs featuring a tiki-inspired aesthetic, Pilo’s Beach Club aims to elevate guests’ night out by tying in rich tones with wood finishes and other carefully selected design elements.

WRE: Rumor has it that you have a speakeasy/champagne room…?

DG: Pilo’s Beach Club has a speakeasy, but we can’t divulge too many details just yet. We want to create a true speakeasy experience that allows guests to appreciate the allure of discovering it for themselves. Follow our instagram to gain exclusive access to our speakeasy.