Kush Wynwood Is Back — and It Brought the Whole Block With It

Kush Wynwood is back. After two years away, Matt Kuscher's award-winning restaurant has returned to its original home at 2003 N. Miami Ave. — the same historic 1926 building it occupied for nearly a decade — and brought considerably more with it this time.

The reopening anchors Kush Korner, a four-year transformation of the flatiron-style building that Samuel Dubbin built a century ago. What was once slated for demolition is now a mixed-use property pairing a redesigned 50-seat restaurant with 10 workforce studios for hospitality professionals, protected under a 50-year affordability agreement. Two independent concepts share the building: Broth and Bitters, the first bar from bartender Erika Holtz, and Creative Souls, a tattoo studio from celebrated local artist James Moyer.

Before you walk in, the building announces itself. A larger-than-life Walter Mercado mural by Lalone overlooks North Miami Avenue. Around the corner, a black-and-white 'Welcome to Wynwood' mural by Camilo Rojas marks the entrance. On the side wall, Krave's colorful tribute to Little San Juan honors the neighborhood's Puerto Rican roots. SNEAK brings Kush's superhero alter ego, Kaptain Kush, to life above the street.

Inside, a 12-seat island bar clad in dark green tile anchors the dining room, set against walls of dark red brick. The details reward attention: wallpaper made from Kush's first fake IDs, restroom walls covered in pages from his book, vintage cassettes, and an old-school telephone that plays your horoscope when lifted. Upstairs, a hidden closet contains a replica of James 'Whitey' Bulger's jail cell — complete with his prison-issued ID and fork, both acquired by Kush at auction — a nod to the building's reported former resident.

The collection runs to more than 25 pieces from 20 artists, including works by G-Wiz, Pedro Martin, Allen Penniman, DestructionPaper, and a reactivation of a famed Invader piece by local artist Infinipi. A newspaper-style guide at the entrance introduces visitors to every artist in the building.

The menu pulls the best of Kush Hospitality's portfolio. The Frita by Kush — guava jelly, potato stix, bacon, Swiss and LoKal sauce — was named among Food Network's Best Burgers in America. The Jewban Sandwich, ranked No. 3 sandwich in the world by Time Out, layers pulled pork and corned beef with Swiss, pickles, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on grilled rye. The Johnny Utah, voted Best Burger in Miami by Miami New Times, runs corned beef, cheddar, white onions and LoKal sauce. Everything is made in-house from scratch, including the burgers, which are ground and hand-pressed daily.

Florida Alligator Bites with bang bang sauce, Reuben Croquetas, Chicken N Waffles (Best in Miami, Miami New Times), and a full Veggie Corner round out the menu. Cocktails include Coming Home From Tootsies (Papa's Pilar Blonde Rum, guava, honey, lime) and Mexican From Miami (Mi Campo tequila, watermelon, jalapeño). Local craft beers made exclusively for Kush Wynwood by Tank Brewing and Rocketeer Brewing are on tap.

Kush Wynwood is open Sunday through Thursday 11:30 AM–midnight, Friday and Saturday 11:30 AM–late. 2003 N. Miami Ave., Wynwood.