There’s no denying that the Fontainebleau’s summer pop-up, Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636} has been a hit. (It shouldn’t be a surprise either, as its inventively-topped farm-fresh pizzas and burgers are unlike anything guests of the haute hotel have ever tasted there before.) Originally created by nationally-acclaimed star chef Michael Mina to temporarily replace his namesake restaurant, Michael Mina 74, this relaxed backyard-BBQ pop-up isn’t going anywhere. And while we’ll all miss the devilishly-decadent Michael Mina 74, we can’t hide our excitement that Pizza & Burger is here to stay.

Cocktails at Pizza & Burger

Inspired by Michael Mina’s own childhood summer BBQs, Pizza & Burger was created as a place for friends and family to grab a casual (handcrafted) cocktail, share a pizza (topped with lobster), or get a burger (maybe a Cuban-inspired one topped with crispy potatoes and chorizo?). If it isn’t obvious already, your everyday staples on the menu are anything but ordinary, but they’ll pack a punch that’s sure to keep you coming back for more. Plus, to keep the vibes every bit as casual as a summer BBQ, expect tables with games on them, upbeat music on repeat, and a lively atmosphere made up of locals and hotel guests alike.

Of course, at the heart of this must-try spot is the food. Led by newly appointed Chef de Cuisine, Timothy Elmore, Pizza & Burger’s select menu is sure to impress. Start your meal with a local beer or a Stiggin’s Cup with Pimm’s #1, Bombay Gin, Plantation Rum, pineapple, lemon, and ginger, or starters like smoked, slow-cooked honey Wings or Lobster Corn Dogs. For something a little healthier, design your own Market Salad by choosing up to ten items from a list of organic greens, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, nuts, seeds, croutons, dressings and vinaigrettes, and add-on proteins like Gulf prawns, King salmon, grilled skirt steak or free-range chicken.

Wings at Pizza & Burger

And while large plates like the Double Cut Pork Chop with apple butter and braised mustard greens are every bit as delicious as they sound, the heart of the operation is obviously the pizza and burgers. With plenty of mouthwatering options to choose from, our favorite burgers are the classic MM74, a dry-aged burger with double-smoked bacon, American cheese sauce, lettuce and “secret sauce,” and the vegetarian alternative, The Hippie Chick, with marinated and grilled eggplant, tomato jam, crispy zucchini, red onion labneh and Haloumi cheese. When it comes to pizza pies, stick with the fan favorites. The Surf with butter poached lobster, chanterelle, charred cauliflower and summer truffle is not to be missed, and The Farm is topped with bacon, egg, Yukon gold potatoes, Bermuda onion, Crimini mushrooms and smoked mozzarella. Need we say more?

The Hippie Chick at Pizza & Burger

To get a taste of Pizza & Burger, go any day between 5 p.m. and midnight. During the restaurant’s Social Hour, which is offered daily from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., you’ll get buy-one, get-one-for-$1 cocktails, half-priced beers, and $5 wine specials.

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor