As graduation season approaches, the excitement of accomplishments and the promise of new beginnings fill the air. For those seeking to commemorate this milestone in the Sunshine State, Florida offers a plethora of vibrant and memorable destinations. Florida provides an array of options to suit every graduate’s preferences. Join us as we explore the best places to revel in the joy of graduation in the diverse and dynamic landscape of Florida.

MIAMI (UM & FIU) 

Mirabella (4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach)

Located in the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Mirabella offers a charming ambiance and coastal atmosphere where guests are immersed in fresh flavors of land and sea. Its prime location offers breathtaking views of the ocean, creating the perfect backdrop for any occasion, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations and everything in between. The space features bold architectural features that are just as captivating as the food, making it an ideal choice for a memorable event experience. The menu offers a variety of dishes and cocktails, sure to satisfy any palate. Mirabella at Fontainebleau Miami Beach not only offers an exceptional dining experience but also serves as an exquisite venue with breathtaking views.

Beauty & The Butcher (6901 Red Road, Coral Gables)

Located just minutes from the University of Miami, South Miami gem Beauty & The Butcher features an eclectic modern American menu with innovative dishes that’ll cater to all cravings. Ideal for intimate graduation dinners or large family affairs, Beauty & The Butcher boasts an expansive indoor dining room as well as a private dining room with seating for up to 30 seated or 60 cocktail-style. Parties can enjoy stellar creations of modern American cuisine in Miami’s quaint Coral Gables neighborhood.

MOTEK (45 Miracle Mile, Miami)

Centered in the heart of Coral Gables, Miami’s beloved Mediterranean restaurant Motek offers guests the perfect setting for graduation brunches, lunches and dinners. Taken from a scene in Tel Aviv, the restaurant’s interior dining is surrounded by warm wood, brick walls and lush floral arrangements. For more intimate celebrations, MOTEK Coral Gables’ Shabbat Room offers an exclusive dining experience where families can indulge in bold flavors from throughout the Mediterranean. 

Aba (9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour)

Aba Miami’s interior dining room invites guests to step into a coastal oasis. With inspiration hailing from throughout the Mediterranean, the restaurant is lush with massive olive trees found in the center of the space. Aba’s garage-style doors blur the lines between outside and in and guests are enchanted by the space’s twinkling lights.  Just a few steps upstairs is Aba’s mezzanine that offers the perfect private dining escape for guests, ideal for all sorts of celebrations. Complete with a full service bar, guests can enjoy an intimate evening al fresco while enjoying fresh Mediterranean fare. 

Hutong (600 Brickell Ave, Miami)

Whether you are after an intimate evening of private dining or planning a larger celebratory event, Hutong’s hospitality experts will ensure that every last detail is taken care of. Hutong’s carefully crafted menus are based on a sharing concept of delicious dishes, featuring occasionally fiery flavors of Hutong’s Northern Chinese cuisine, continually brought to the table over the course of your party. 

The Hampton Social (900 S Miami Ave, Miami)

Inspired by the long days of summer, newly opened The Hampton Social Miami is the perfect dining destination for all sorts of celebrations. Immediately transporting guests to a beachy Hamptons home, The Hampton Social offers guests an array of coastal-inspired cuisine and playful cocktails and mocktails. With a special Rosé Lounge for larger celebrations and the ultimate brunch “nook” for smaller gatherings, The Hampton Social Miami is perfect for graduation brunches, lunche, and dinners. 

Rusty Pelican (3201 Rickenbacker Cwy, Key Biscayne, FL 33149) 

Located in the heart of Key Biscayne is the historic Rusty Pelican Restaurant, delivering delicious contemporary American cuisine and fresh locally sourced seafood for over 50 years. Owned and managed by the same family since it opened its doors in 1972, the Key Biscayne restaurant has provided The City of Miami with decades of some of the most sophisticated waterfront dining including its famed brunches to glamorous nightlife events creating epic memories for several generations. Several original items remain alongside chef-innovated dishes that continue to be crowd favorites.

Stiltsville Fish Bar (1787 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139) 

Located in the heart of Miami’s beloved neighborhood, Sunset Harbour, Stiltsville Fish Bar offers coastal cuisine, fresh seafood, and shareable dishes ideal for any celebration. The restaurant offers a semi private dining room where guests can reserve for any special occasion such as a graduation. The restaurant’s atmosphere combines casual dining with quality cuisine. Just seconds away, guests are able to take a walk by the harbor for a beautiful photo op. For more information visit https://www.stiltsvillefishbar.com/private-events

Root & Bone (5958 S Dixie Hwy, South Miami, FL 33143) 

Inspired by the Southern Charm, Chef Jeff Mcinnis and Chef Janine Booth have created a dining experience like no other. Located in South Miami, Root & Bone is an ideal location fit for any celebration. The restaurant offers a semi-private dining room experience that offers special menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. Some dishes include Root & Bone Rib Sliders, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Grandma Daisy’s Angels biscuits  and more! For more information visit https://www.rootnbonemia.com/private-events

Glass & Vine (2820 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33133)

Just minutes away from Coconut Groves Peacock Park, Glass & Vine is an outdoor dining oasis perfect for any springtime celebration. Embracing the lush nature aesthetic, Glass & Vine offers a private outdoor event dining experience that guests can reserve for any special occasion. The private event dining offers a menu of culinary creations made using only the freshest ingredients. For more information visit https://www.glassandvine.com/private-events 

Bayshore Club (3391 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133)

Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, Bayshore club offers guests an exquisite dining experience offering guests scenic waterfront views and elevated cuisine. Ideal for any celebration, Bayshore club offers a private dining experience for any intimate gathering or celebration. For more information visit https://www.bayshoreclubmiami.com/private-events

Toku 

A favorite in Long Island, experience Toku’s first Florida location for modern Asian cuisine in their moody yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for graduation groups. Toku’s designed-for-sharing dishes offer something for every palate, along with unique craft cocktails that pair perfectly with Toku’s offerings.  Enjoy a more intimate experience in Toku’s private dining room, or dine in the main dining room beneath a glowing Buddha, or take in the al fresco ambiance of Toku’s outdoor patio. Featuring a diverse modern Asian menu consisting of Japanese and Chinese inspiration with touches of Thai, Toku delivers a sharable dining style that promotes an interactive atmosphere complimented by signature, handcrafted cocktails. 

Upper Loft at Upper Buena Vista

The Upper Loft at Upper Buena Vista offers a unique set up, characterized by captivating decor that transports on a journey through time with flashback-inspired design. Every corner of this space has been meticulously adorned to evoke a different era, the 70’s. Graduation guests can immerse themselves in the charm of the past while enjoying modern comforts in this thoughtfully curated environment, ideal for intimate gatherings such as a graduation celebration. Culinary and beverage offerings can be curated through Upper Buena Vista’s various restaurants, such as Casa Vigil, Branja, El Turco, Fincas Coffee, and more.

Joia Beach Restaurant & Beach Club

Celebrate your graduation this year at Joia Beach Restaurant & Beach Club, the vibrant day-to-night oasis offering guests European-inspired fare on their private beachfront property nestled on Watson Island. Treat yourself, family, and friends to a memorable dining experience with toes in the sand, indulging in the thoughtfully crafted dishes from seasonal ingredients. As the sun sets, upgrade your celebration to Joia Nights, where weekends become legendary with exciting entertainment, including aerial performers, fire dancers, and electrifying DJs – making your graduation party an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of Miami Beach’s breathtaking views.

BOCA (FAU)  

American Social Bar & Kitchen (351 W Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432) 

Elevated American comfort food, handcrafted drinks, and a feel-good team set the scene for the most memorable events. With three bars and a beautiful covered patio, the space offers the flexibility to host events of any size, creating the ideal location to celebrate graduation. Private rooms include The Wright’s Room & Amelia’s Courtyard. 

TAMPA (USF) 

American Social Bar & Kitchen (601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 33602)

American Social’s high-energy atmosphere, award-winning menu that reimagines American classics with modern twists, and custom event capabilities make it the perfect place to create memories for life. From cocktail parties to formal events, AmSo does it all. Guests can order off of the menu, or for a more formal event, the restaurant can create a customized menu. American Social also offers private and semi-private dining options including their Liberty Lounge, PDR, Outside Private Bar, Private Terrace, and more. 

ORLANDO (UCF) 

American Social Bar & Kitchen (7335 W Sand Lake Rd #101, Orlando, FL 32819)

With its lively ambiance, award-winning menu that puts a modern spin on American classics, and flexible event options, American Social provides the ideal setting for creating unforgettable memories. From casual cocktail parties to formal gatherings, AmSo offers a range of possibilities. Guests have the choice to select dishes from the menu, or for more formal occasions, the restaurant can craft a personalized menu to suit the event perfectly. American Social also offers private and semi-private dining options including the Inside VIP Bar, Outdoor Bar, Outside Terrance, and more. 

Image: HERE (Credit: American Social)