For Steak Connoisseurs, Nothing Beats the Wagyu Bar
World-class steaks, but no Drake
“Wagyu” is dangerously close to becoming the new “farm-to-table.” Yes, once upon a time it was a special breed of Japanese cow known for its bold flavors. But once you start having wagyu hot dogs, wagyu meatballs, and wagyu cat food, well, it loses a little bit of its luster. “Wagyu” gets plastered on menus more than fine-print fees, and it’s become as much a marketing term as a meat grade.
Because that “wagyu” burger? It’s probably the same stuff you get at Publix.
That said, if you’re the kind of meat maven who can actually appreciate real wagyu, there’s only one place in Miami to go: The Wagyu Bar, the steakhouse offshoot of gourmet butcher Meat and Bone. This little neighborhood steakhouse was a Coral Way hidden gem for years, putting out some of the top quality meat in Miami next to a dry cleaner and a bike shop.
This spring they moved into new digs in Coral Gables, and immediately shot to the top of Miami’s steakhouse hierarchy.
If this place is so great, why don’t they talk about it like Papi Steak?
Because they put their money into meat instead of marketing. Not to besmirch the good people at the suitcase steak place, but Wagyu Bar has never courted celebrities or even PR until recently, so its legend had to spread the old-fashioned way: Local word-of-mouth. If someone didn’t tell you about Wagyu Bar, you probably didn’t know about it. And those are always the best places.
The scene: Is dark, minimal elegance, the kind of place that knows it’s fancy but doesn’t have to announce it. The dining room is dotted with wood tables and thin, leather-bound chairs, an understated brick accent wall dropping a hint of urban cool. Wagyu Bar gives Modern Steakhouse without overdone lighting or expensive art, so your attention can stay where it belongs: On your plate.
What to eat and drink: There’s a lot of high quality beef on this menu, and if you know steak nothing disappoints. The starters are where Wagyu Bar gets creative, and I’d opt for the crispy steak chicharrones, effectively guacamole with topped with a pan-fried NY Strip. The beef butter bone marrow is the move if you want something rich. Off the steak menu, the Colorado Wagyu Burger is a simple, no frills hamburger that keeps the focus on the meat – its flashiest topping is caramelized onions.
Wagyu Bar’s best value is the 8 oz Colorado Wagyu Picanha at $45 a cut. The USDA Prime striploin at $32 also offers some serious bang for the buck. Beyond that, you’re looking at triple digits for anything on the Japanese A5 Wagyu or higher. Budget accordingly.
Perfect for: Meat lovers. This place isn’t cheap, but if you appreciate premium meats it’s worth the splurge.
Don’t miss: The butcher shop next door. Impress your friends and pick up most of the same cuts you find on the menu, for a much lower price.
Expect to pay: $100-$300 per person. Yes, that’s a wide range but when steaks range from $32 to $600 for a shareable A5 prime rib, it all depends on how premium you want to go.
How’s the parking: They’ve got a small strip of spaces out front, otherwise try your hand at Gables street parking, or park in the Merrick Park garage for a built-in pase gaita.
@thewagyubar // 4019 S. LeJeune Rd., Coral Gables