Historic Overtown Guide
- February 23, 2024
Historic Overtown is one of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s most fascinating and complex neighborhoods, where hundred-year-old history blends with contemporary food and vibrant culture. Originally called “Colored Town,” Historic Overtown is Miami’s historically Black neighborhood just west of Downtown Miami, where jazz musicians played after-hours shows in the 1930s, earning it the nickname “The Harlem of the South.” Like many Black neighborhoods, its success was stunted by the construction of an interstate right through its core. But over the past couple of decades, Historic Overtown has seen a brilliant renewal and now stands as the best place to learn about Miami’s Black culture, from the food to the musical history.
Explore The History of Historic Overtown
The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater
Historic Overtown is teeming with history, with lessons about the neighborhood’s heritage around every corner. The first stop is The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, set in Historic Overtown’s iconic performance hall that’s stood since 1913. Part museum, part theater, part research database, the archives tell the story of the South Florida Black community through art and records dating back over 100 years. It also hosts frequent concerts, so check the schedule to see if anything’s on while you’re in town. The Black Archives also owns the D.A. Dorsey House, one of the oldest standing homes in Miami, built by the city’s first Black millionaire in 1915.
Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum
The Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum is housed in the old Black police station and tells the story of Miami’s original African American police officers. It’s open for tours and lectures from Tuesday-Saturday.
Black Art in Historic Overtown
For a look into African American fine art, head to the Historic Ward Rooming House for the newest exhibition from Hampton Art Lovers. Further explore the world of art in the neighborhood by visiting the Culmer/Overtown Branch Library to appreciate the exterior mural “Everyday Life” by Purvis Young. More of Young’s work can be found on the overpass at the corner of NW 11th Terrace and NW 3rd Avenue.
Unveiling Historic Overtown's Culinary Gems
Red Rooster Overtown
Historic Overtown has become a legitimate dining destination over the past few years, thanks in large part to the arrival of Marcus Samuelson’s Red Rooster Overtown. The MICHELIN-recommended Miami location of his Harlem original boasts a menu filled with Southern, African and Caribbean favorites, from Marcus’ Cornbread to jerk chicken and a Guyanese oxtail pepper pot. The restaurant sits inside an old pool hall and is decorated with tributes to Historic Overtown’s past, ranging from vintage concert posters to the famous Green Book.
In addition to being a culinary gem, Red Rooster doubles as a speakeasy. Tucked away in what appears to be just an ice cream parlor next to the restaurant is The Pool Hall, which plays tribute to musicians of the past. It’s accessible through a narrow staircase that leads up to a lounge, where you can enjoy special cocktails, late-night eats and live music.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, just adjacent to Red Rooster is its ice cream parlor, The Creamery, open only on weekends and offering one-of-a-kind flavors and sweet treats, like Marcus’ Cornbread and Peach Bourbon Pie.
The Urban
Just north of Red Rooster, The Urban is an open urban space that hosts food trucks, yoga classes, craft makers and popup cocktail bars. It’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in Historic Overtown’s local vibe.
Jackson Soul Food
No trip to Historic Overtown is complete without a stop at Jackson Soul Food, a Miami institution that’s as much a neighborhood social hub as it is a restaurant. The place is no frills, with a simple menu of fried chicken, catfish and other Soul staples served alongside oversized lemonade and iced tea in Styrofoam cups.
Local Favorites
House of Wings is many locals’ low-key pick for best wings in Miami; order the lemon pepper if you stop in. If you’re looking for local barbecue, Lil GreenHouse Grill has chicken and ribs that can stand up to any bigger-name BBQ joint in the destination.
A Boutique Hotel That Reflects Historic Overtown’s Past
Dunns Josephine Hotel
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Historic Overtown, the best option is Dunns Josephine Hotel. The 15-room boutique is steeped in the neighborhood’s history, with rooms named after famous jazz musicians who once played Historic Overtown’s bustling jazz clubs and other notable Black Miamians who helped shape the area’s history. It also hosts regular programs devoted to Historic Overtown’s heritage and a recurring popup speakeasy harkening back to Historic Overtown’s era as an after-hours nightlife destination.
Shop Local Treasures in Historic Overtown
For an authentic shopping experience, visit Shops of Overtown in Overtown Plaza. It’s filled with makers of local clothing, accessories and apparel selling unique stuff you won’t find anywhere else in Miami. Established by a Miami native, Shops of Overtown hosts Suite1Ten, a lively retail store that’s become a central point in the neighborhood for locals and visitors to experience urban cultural history while shopping for streetwear and souvenirs.
Insider Tips For Visiting Historic Overtown
Historic Overtown is one of the easiest places to access in Miami. It’s a short walk from both the Historic Overtown/Lyric Theater Metrorail stop and the Brightline station at Miami Central. So if you’re looking to explore the neighborhood, take public transportation and discover it on foot.
