When Chef David Bracha opened The River Seafood & Oyster Bar {650 South Miami Avenue; 305.530.1915} in 2003, the landscape of Brickell was very different from what it is today. Long before there were towering high-rises—or the framework of soon-to-be high-rises— on every corner, there were a few humble neighborhood spots where locals would come to unwind after a long day’s work or to enjoy a standout meal. And even with the constant influx of development the area has experienced in recent years (including the forthcoming Brickell City Centre, whose towers forced The River’s 100-year-old neighbor, Tobacco Road, to close), The River has endured, proving that despite progress, not everything good turns to dust.

The raw bar

Maintaining operations as usual in the midst of a construction zone is no easy feat; as such, The River saw the perfect opportunity to do some renovations of its own. The bar area has been expanded, making it easier to find a seat during the restaurant’s bustling happy hour (every day from 4:30-7pm). It also features a new oyster-shucking station, where guests can watch as chefs shuck and prepare fresh oysters from the daily selection of up to 10 different types from around the country. A new communal table further encourages guests to mingle and interact, and the private dining area has been newly appointed with an expansive leather banquette and state-of-the-art audio and video capabilities, perfect for business lunches or special events.

Cioppino

Despite its recent face-lift, all the elements that have made The River a local favorite for the last 13 years remain: You can still expect the same laid-back atmosphere; the happy hour is still one of the most lively in town (offering some of the best happy hour deals, we might add); and the best and freshest catches from around the world are still delivered daily. Today, The River stands strong as a testament to what its regulars have always known. The combination of great seafood with an unpretentious and cozy neighborhood vibe is hard to find in the new Miami—but The River is here for the long haul.