Miami’s relationship with barbecue has always been a combination of high hopes and quick closings. However, one of the few major success stories from the pandemic era is finally returning to the city. And this one’s got some true Texan flair.
On Wednesday, April 15, La Traila Barbecue will officially fire up the pits at its new South Miami home at 5840 SW 71st St. It became so popular during the pandemic that it won New Times‘ Best Barbecue in 2021.
A Pandemic Success Story Returns
Austin-born pitmaster Mel Rodriguez is back at the helm, this time partnering with the Redemption Hospitality team to bring his smoked meats to a new neighborhood. La Traila first blew up in 2020 as a first-come, first-served pandemic pop-up that eventually moved to a brick-and-mortar spot in Miami Lakes.
After a brief hiatus, Rodriguez is heading south and leaning even harder into his “Tejano” roots, aiming to provide a version of Texas-style grit that is usually missing from the South Miami suburbs…