16
Oct

Build it and they will come!

Finally, after a torturous year of waiting, we have a new restaurant in Palmetto Bay. The Old Cutler Inn is situated on the corner of SW 168th Street and Old Cutler Road, they finally opened after several delayed dates and having a soft opening for almost a week! For those of you who grew up here, the name is a take-off of a spot from the past also called The Old Cutler Inn. The original was a fixture in the area and was across the street from the new location. Unfortunately, it closed more than a decade ago, where I am sure many of you remember having family dinners or a first date.

I moved to Cutler Bay twelve years ago, and besides the traffic, one of my few complaints was that there was no adult-type dining experience close to home. Apparently, for those years the area’s demographics were only appealing to fast food joints, sports bars and takeout. 

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the great wings and cold beer at the Hole in the Wall, but they still come in a plastic basket. This means that I have had to drive north for a white tablecloth meal where there are not 27 televisions surrounding you while you eat. The barometer of the recent activity tells me that I was spot on, and we needed a step up from pizza, which became evident when I was unable to get reservations for the first two weeks! 

So, here’s my takeaway…. 
Source: Google MapsI found it had a great vibe with a neutral color palette and hardwood decor. As you enter, you will find a small inside dining room, a large outdoor dining area, and the sit-down bar that is L-shaped across from the front of the restaurant. This allows it to open to an outside area with stools and a sitting area, so you can watch the one TV in the joint. 

They still needed a bit more practice, as some service issues still exist.

Our flat bread pizza appetizer took over 40 minutes, and then it was served along with the main course. Now the food is tasty, and they serve a few notable entrees of short rib, schnitzel, and of course, roasted chicken. You can also find the usual suspects like hamburgers and a French dip and creative salads also on the menu.

I had the French Dip, and the beef was definitely medium…. I prefer mine to be pretty and pink, so it was a bit disappointing. The combination of chairs and booths makes for a cozy feeling inside, and the open kitchen is great, and the selection of drinks is plentiful. They have crafted a signature margarita that I will try next time. Yes, there will be a next time since it is the only game in town for miles.

So, come on down and give it a try…but go on RESY first and get your name on the list before you make the drive! 

Stay tuned as this is just the beginning, Flannigan’s will be coming soon, a little further south in Cutler Bay…. I know, another sports bar, but great rib rolls!