Sitting atop the 40th floor of EAST, Miami, the newly-christened flagship hotel of Brickell City Centre, Swire Properties Inc.’s $1.05 billion mixed-use development in the heart of Miami’s Brickell district, Sugar (rooftop bar + garden), adds a new level to nightlife in Miami. Drawing upon the EAST brand’s origins in Hong Kong & China, the Asian-inspired space was designed by Los Angeles-based Studio Collective to represent a lush, verdant Southeast Asian jungle, framed by stunning cement pillars developed by Arquitectonica, BCC’s lead architecture firm. Open both to hotel guests and Miami locals alike, the towering yet intimate space offers a perfect transition from afternoon cocktails to extended evenings under the stars.
Serving as one of two signature outlets at EAST, Miami, Sugar is more than just a bar. Built upon two levels with hidden nooks and quiet spaces to escape, Studio Collective took an organic approach to the decor. Upon entering, guests will find themselves pulled toward views of Miami from 40 stories up, while passing through a lush corridor of trees. Cocoplum, fragrant Star Jasmine, local Sea Grape, and Japanese Privet surround a central sofa pit perfect for stargazing, or daybeds designed for escaping the din of the nightlife. Sugar’s initial entryway is built upon irregularly cut charcoal quartzite, giving a natural feel to the space as it climbs out of the busy urban landscape below.
At the center of Sugar, a Balinese inspired bar built of reclaimed oak is open on all sides to accommodate 30 hand-carved teak barstools. Surrounded by a deck of Brazilian Teak, the upper level of the space is filled with trees ranging from Buttonwood to Bromeliad. A variety of seating is available for lounging or conversation, from natural wicker club chairs to upholstered ottomans, as well as aged teak sofas and loveseats. Low-lying tables offer space for Asian tapas to share in an ultra-relaxed, abundantly green space.
“With unique views of Biscayne bay and the Miami skyline, it was an easy decision to offer the experience of a rooftop bar and garden to locals and hotel guests alike. Being Hong Kong based, we chose to stick to our roots by creating Asian tapas and cocktails here at Sugar, on the 40th floor.” – Laurent Fraticelli, General Manager of EAST, Miami
Sugar’s kitchen has created a concise menu of shared plates perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or to accompany a variety of libations specifically created for the space. Signature dishes include Boneless Korean Chicken Wings with sesame and peanuts; Agadashi Tofu with shiitake dashi and grated daikon; Steamed Prawn and Scallop Dumplings with Hong Kong chili sauce; Tamarind Glazed Beef Satay with fried shallots and palm sugar; and for dessert, Coconut Palm Leaf Crepe with fresh Florida mangoes.
Sugar’s cocktail menu features signature drinks developed specifically for both East, Miami and Sugar. The drink menu is divided into EAST Cocktails, Sugar Cocktails, Beer Cocktails, and Mocktails, as well as wines and local and international craft beers. Highlights from the cocktail menu include the signature Lychee Blossom, with vodka, sake, and lychee; along with the EAST of Miami, with plymouth gin, green tea, ginger, lime; the Sesame Sling, with gin, mango, key lime, and hibiscus; and The Getaway, with plantation pineapple rum, tamarind ginger chutney, ginger beer, lime. Local beers on the menu include selections from J. Wakefield and Wynwood Brewing Company, both out of Wynwood, and also Funky Buddha, a Fort Lauderdale-based craft brewery. A selection of wines is available either by the glass or by the bottle, featuring a diverse selection from Uruguayan Albarino to French Champagne.
Sugar is open seven days a week, with seating to accommodate 31 guests at the bar and 78 diners on the lower deck. No reservations are required, though parties of 20 or more will require advanced notice.
For more information, visit http://www.east-miami.com/en/restaurants-and-bars/sugar
EAST, Miami | 40th Floor
788 Brickell Plaza
Miami, FL 33131