Cervecería La Tropical, Miami Wynwood’s premier craft brewery, restaurant, gastropub and tropical garden, welcomes back acclaimed Miami Chef Cindy Hutson as consulting chef, debuting a reimagined menu on April 28 that brings a fresh, lighter perspective to her signature Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The launch coincides with the brewery’s five-year anniversary, marked by an all-day celebration on April 25.
Originally instrumental in shaping La Tropical’s culinary identity when it opened in 2021, Hutson returns with a renewed focus on bright, balanced flavors and ingredient-driven dishes that reflect her “Cuisine of the Sun.” The refreshed menu, featuring more than 15 new dishes, emphasizes lighter preparations without sacrificing depth while showcasing fresh produce, clean proteins and layered tropical influences.
New offerings include the Tamarind BBQ Smoked Jerk Chicken Pizza with candied bacon on a crust made of brewer’s barley malt, the Vegan Stuffed Charred Poblano with red quinoa, chickpeas and salsa roja, plus a rotating seasonal ceviche highlighting the freshest daily catch. Additional dishes such as Seared Tuna Tataki with mango sweet pepper salsa, Pan-Seared Salmon with pico de gallo and cilantro crema, and plant-forward options like a Chickpea Salad Bowl and Tomato Herb Wrap expand the menu’s range.
The update also introduces comfort-driven favorites including Crispy Tropic Heat Chicken Sandwich and Mac ‘n’ Cheese, alongside fresh salads that reflect Hutson’s focus on lighter and brighter fare. Weekly Specials have also been introduced.
The new menu pairs seamlessly with La Tropical’s craft cocktails, creative and flavorful mocktails and up to 20 house-brewed beers, enhancing the venue’s expansive indoor-outdoor setting and lush garden atmosphere.
To celebrate the milestone five-year anniversary, La Tropical will host a celebratory event on Saturday, April 25 from 3:30 p.m. to midnight, bringing together live music, local culture and community programming. More than seven bands will perform throughout the day, including Nick Perez, Shush, Frix and Sebas & Lenni, with a headlining set by Miami natives Los Wizzards, recently nominated for the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album. The group returns to the same stage it played during La Tropical’s opening month, bringing the milestone full circle.
Guests can also participate in hourly raffles from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring La Tropical merchandise, signed Marlins gear, gift cards and more, along with a meet-and-greet with founder Manny Portuondo from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Taproom entry remains free, while access to the Jardines concert experience is available for $20 in advance HERE or $40 at the door. Select dishes from Hutson’s new menu will be previewed during the event ahead of the official launch.
“We’re proud to celebrate five years since bringing La Tropical back to Miami,’’ Portuondo said. “This milestone goes beyond our local story, it’s a tribute to more than 138 years of Cuban brewing heritage that began in Havana in 1888, when La Tropical became the island’s first brewery and introduced La Original, the first Cuban beer. We invite the community to join us for a day of music, culture and celebration as we honor that legacy and look ahead to what’s next.’’
Since its revival in Miami, La Tropical has grown into a gathering place where beer, food and live entertainment intersect in a dynamic, open-air environment. The anniversary event and menu debut signal its continued evolution while staying rooted in its heritage.
“Coming back to La Tropical feels like a full circle moment for me,” said Cindy Hutson. “People are eating differently today. They’re looking for dishes that feel lighter and more balanced but still crave that sense of comfort and flavor. This menu is about creating food that looks as good as it tastes, using fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation so guests can enjoy a meal that feels vibrant and satisfying without being heavy.”
Feature Photo: Chef Cindy Hutson
Photos Courtesy of La Tropical