Sally Can Wait Evokes Vintage Miami Vibes in LES

Sally Can Wait, an 80’s inspired bar with a Miami Vice-inspired aesthetic, welcomes you into a neon oasis from the concrete jungle.  "Oy Empingao,” the restaurant’s motto emblazoned on the wall references the cultures that influence the bar’s theme, pairing the Jewish term for shock and amazement with the Cuban phrase for "so awesome."  

The space opened under the radar almost a year ago with industry vets Matt Friedlander, coming from Sweetwater Social and Grand Banks, and Zak Snyder, also from Grand Banks, Balthazar, and Analogue. The duo wanted to put together a concept that was fun and casual with a heavy hand of serious cocktails.

We started our experience with a trip down memory lane with an Ecto Cooler, a delightful adult take on the childhood drink, comprised of mezcal, Midori, honeydew lime syrup, and trendy kalamansi, a favorite of the owners. I still have dreams about this cocktail. The bar also has all the frozen drinks you can imagine that you usually get on vacation in Florida and more concoctions that I have yet to try.

Much like the cocktails, the food has a fun twist on usual bar bites. The menu, which Snyder is responsible for, includes the quintessential latkes with all the fixins and Cubano sandwich to cover off on both the Latin and Jewish categories that the restaurant represents. “The Burger,” which includes caramelized onions and special sauce, is not to be missed, and while tots are simple, they are also simply delicious.

Sally Can Wait is the perfect local tropical getaway without leaving the city. To experience Miami vibes year-round, please visit sallycanwait.com to make a reservation or just drop in for their weekday happy hour. You’ll probably find me at the bar with my Ecto Cooler trying more items off the food menu.