Tis Me Michelle

Listen, if I happen upon a new area, I will explore it. Let’s be honest, I go out of my way to explore things close to home too. I’ve been to Miami a few times, and it is not a city I would go out of my way to revisit. There’s plenty to do in Miami, but I feel like it’s just not somewhere I need to repeat. The first few times I went it was all about South Beach, and it was fun for that moment in time. I much prefer the Wynwood area, which is where I tend to gravitate pretty much every time I go. This time was a bit different.

I found myself in Miami for work and my work friend was only coming in the next night. So I ended up having an evening to myself in Miami. What to do? Should I go out or should I just stay in? Always go out.

Side Tangent: There are a lot of people who are homebodies, love plans getting canceled, and would rather stay home than go out. I’m not that person. I love coming home after a trip and lounging with my dogson Bruce. I come off as an introvert, which in some ways is true. But I’m the person who’s always ready to go out, try something new, and connect with people. It definitely is something that fuels my energy and what I look forward to.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned I really enjoy jazz music. I cannot and will not say that I know anything about it, but I enjoy it. I’ll have it playing to zone out while I’m working or making art.

I always wanted to go to a jazz club-type place and Miami seemed like a place where there would be some so I just started googling for some unique spots. And that’s when I happened upon Lagniappe. I wouldn’t describe it as a typical jazz club, it seemed more on the hipster side if you will. It’s a small spot, especially the indoor portion, plus a larger outdoor seating area. This location is stand-alone, which I appreciate. It isn’t smacked in the crowds of the South Beaches and Wynwood’s, so you know that the people there made it a point to come.

The place is quaint and filled with mismatched furniture and has an inviting, relaxing vibe. It’s also a wine house, so you can grab yourself a glass or bottle and create your own cheese board while you’re at it. There is a refrigerator as you walk in with all the cheeses you could ever desire, and you just grab them and pay for your pieces. When you step into the back outdoor area there is also a hot food section. After grabbing a glass of red, I chilled for a bit outside and people-watched until the evening’s musicians came. Then I made my way over and enjoyed a nice evening of live jazz and more wine. It was a lovely night.

Such a great one-of-a-kind find in a city with so many options. Even if I don’t particularly plan to go back to Miami anytime soon, if I find myself there again, I would definitely not mind repeating this spot.

Rating: 8.8/10