Conventillo Bar Brings Neighborhood Charm to Miami’s MiMo District
Conventillo Bar, a partnership between the teams behind Muchaaachos and Battubelin, opened this month, tucked behind Battubelin in Miami’s MiMo neighborhood. Created by restaurateurs Leandro Cabanillas and Marcos Caillet-Bois, this intimate garden-style venue brings a friendly, laid-back drinking spot to the area. The bar program, developed by Unfiltered Hospitality, will be complemented by local DJ sets, weekly live music, and delicious Italian bites, creating a welcoming atmosphere in this lush neighborhood setting.
Conventillo draws inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of early 20th-century immigrant communities in Buenos Aires and New York. The concept pays homage to the shared ‘Conventillo’ spaces where diverse cultures converged, fostering community and conviviality.
“Conventillo is a celebration of our shared immigrant heritage and the vibrant cultural fusion that shaped Argentina and Miami,” said Leandro Cabanillas. “Our concept pays homage to the ‘conventillos’ of Argentina, where social life flourished in communal patios. At Conventillo, we’re recreating that sense of warmth and togetherness, blending Italian and Argentine influences to craft an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.”
During regular dinner hours, Conventillo features a curated menu of aperitivos and small plates designed by the Muchaaachos team and expertly executed by Battubelin’s kitchen team. For late-night dining (after 9:30 pm), guests can enjoy a selection of fresh homemade pasta and brick oven pizzas, perfect for pairing with the bar’s cocktail offerings.
The bar’s carefully curated cocktail menu, developed in partnership with Unfiltered Hospitality, features innovative drinks that reflect the cultural fusion of Conventillo. Josue Gonzalez, partner at Unfiltered Hospitality, has worked with the Conventillo team to craft a program emphasizing approachability and conviviality.
The menu showcases a variety of styles, including shareable options like a Clerico, the Argentine version of white sangria, aperitivo-inspired spritzes, and an Americano variation. Argentine influences shine through in drinks like the Mate Highball, combining Argentine gin and vermouth with the traditional yerba mate flavor. Fernet, the Italian amaro deeply ingrained in Argentine drinking culture, features prominently, including an espresso martini variation. Other standout cocktails include the Tango Sour, a sour inspired by the Argentine flag, a tropical negroni, and an old-fashioned that pays homage to the alfajor, incorporating nutty and dulce de leche flavors without being overly sweet. Many of the signature cocktails are also available as large-format options, perfect for sharing with friends and adding to the convivial neighborhood bar experience. The bar also offers classic cocktails and focuses on a customizable martini and negroni service that caters to the founder’s passion for those drinks. Adding to Conventillo’s charming character, cocktails are served in thoughtfully curated, eclectic glassware, enhancing the bar’s inviting atmosphere.
Conventillo, designed by architect Facundo Carenzo Campbell, artfully blends nostalgia with modern design, creating an atmosphere that transports patrons to a bygone era. The bar features a lush green wall adorned with tropical plants throughout the space, adding a vibrant natural element that complements the rustic aesthetic.
The bar’s centerpiece is an open patio, serving as the heart of the establishment and evoking the communal spirit of traditional conventillos. Rustic materials like clay, brick, and worn wood dominate the decor, with imperfections celebrated as a testament to the passage of time. The lighting, filtered through fabric canopies and hanging linens, creates a warm, golden ambiance that casts long, evocative shadows. Multiple sections within the bar offer varied atmospheres, from quiet corners for intimate conversations to lively areas for dancing and socializing. The cocktail bar, reimagined as the epicenter of the space, symbolizes the communal kitchens of old conventillos. Eclectic furniture arrangements featuring mismatched fabrics and colors encourage spontaneous interactions and reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the conventillo’s inhabitants.
Conventillo emerges as a true neighborhood sanctuary where music and cocktails intertwine authentically, anchored by a hifi sound system that will host local and international. Founders Leandro and Marcos, both passionate audiophiles, will personally curate a diverse lineup of talent, with a regular weekly program that includes a live band every Thursday, vinyl DJs taking over the decks Friday and Saturday nights focusing on a variety of genres from funk and afro to blues and jazz, and a vibrant Sunday brunch featuring Muchaaachos open fire grill, Battubelin’s pasta station, and craft cocktails. The intimate stage and carefully selected musical programming are designed to transform the space into a living, breathing cultural hub that goes beyond a typical bar experience. This commitment to genuine, high-quality musical curation mirrors the team’s approach to cocktails—thoughtful, nuanced, and deeply rooted in community connection.
Located on the patio behind Battubelin, Conventillo welcomes guests Monday through Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday, operating from 6 pm to 1 am on weeknights and 6 pm to 2 am on weekends (closed Wednesdays), with happy hour from 6-7 pm daily. The space accommodates 60 guests, providing an intimate setting for patrons to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and a curated menu of Italian-inspired dishes.
Address: 749 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138. Conventillo is located next to Battubelin Italian restaurant. Free parking in the Battubelin parking lot is available.
