14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
This wildly popular singalong cantina from Mexico opens first U.S. location in Wynwood
Why, you may ask, would anyone in Miami willingly enter an establishment called Room of Heartbreak? Isn't there enough of that sort of pain in evidence every day in the Magic City, on the roads, in the weather, waiting in line at the DMV?
As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons to visit Sala de Despecho, the new nightlife spot from Mexico. Tacos. Cocktails. Music. And spirited group sing-alongs to some of the most potent and melancholy songs you can remember.
A hospitality collaboration between The Dirty Rabbit Group and Mexico's Mandala Group from Guadalajara, Sala de Despecho is now open in Wynwood, the first permanent location for the brand in the United States, which also had a temporary pop-up at Barsecco in Brickell. There are also locations in Mexico, Spain, Venezuela and Colombia.
Raul Vargas, director of operations for Mandala Group, has high hopes for the Miami location.
'We want this to be a signature experience, where people feel immersed in the essence of Mexican and Latin culture while they eat, drink and let go,' he said. 'Partnering with The Dirty Rabbit Group was a natural choice — they're true experts in Wynwood's nightlife and have an unmatched ability to create spaces that resonate with the local energy and culture.'
The atmosphere is that of an upscale cantina, the menu highlighting different types of tacos from Mexico City's famous taqueria Tacos Atarantados, plus a tequila-heavy cocktail menu that features drinks like the Paquita with tequila Maestro Blanco, raspberry, lychee syrup, cranberry and lemon juice or the Tamarindo, with mezcal, grilled pineapple, tamarind mix, grapefruit and pineapple juice.
The real draw, though, is what happens after at Tamarindo or two: the music, which ranges from DJs to sad song singalongs, where customers belt out their favorites and encourage the crowd to join in.
Luis Ginestra, CEO and executive director of The Dirty Rabbit Group, called the experience 'fresh' and 'authentic,' adding that it 'emotionally resonates to Miami.'
'It's a blend of party and passion that we know will strike a chord with locals and visitors alike,' he said.
Sala de Despecho
Where: 218 NW 25th St., Miami
Hours: 4-11 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Wednesday; noon-3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday; noon-11 p.m. Sunday. Happy hour 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; lunch served noon-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday
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