Student Essentials: Things to do in Wynwood
There’s more to graduate education at Northeastern University in Miami than lectures, experiential learning, and professional development. Life outside the classroom is part of the student journey, too. Whether you’re moving to Miami to attend Northeastern University or already living elsewhere in the city, Wynwood will be an important part of your campus experience.
Known as an ever-expanding arts destination, Wynwood has transformed former manufacturing warehouses into trendy boutiques, vibrant art spaces, and diverse foodie spots. The neighborhood offers something for every part of your day — from a quick lunch between classes and places to meet classmates to opportunities to discover its arts and culture scene.
With so much to explore just minutes from campus, here’s how you can make Wynwood part of your everyday routine.
*Food price ranges based on current Google listings.
Get a Quick Bite When You’re Busy
Skinny Louie
2-minute walk from campus | $10-20 | Burgers
Skinny Louie is a casual, convenient option when time is limited. This smash burger place makes ordering a quick meal easy any time of day, with a simple menu featuring three burgers, three milkshakes, fries, and sodas.
Why go: Open late (until 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 am on other days), it works for everything from a quick lunch between classes to a late-night bite after a group project.
ICON
1-minute walk from campus | $10-20 | Middle Eastern
Customize Middle Eastern staples such as shawarma and falafel into rice platters, salads, and wraps. ICON bakes its own bread daily and makes all of its sauces in-house. Open from breakfast to late night, this spot also offers coffee, tea, smoothies, and breakfast items.
Why go: ICON has a “$12 Meals” option, making it an affordable pick for a filling meal.
Coyo Taco
1-minute from campus | $10-20 | Tacos
Priding itself on 100 percent natural, responsibly sourced ingredients, Coyo Taco is a Mexican street-food joint. It has everything from hand-pressed corn tortilla tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls to guacamole and churros. Coyo Taco has tons of fillings available, too, including beef, chicken, pork, fish, and plantain.
Why go: Grab a casual meal, then come back when your day is done for drinks and music in the hidden backroom lounge.
Sit Down and Stay Awhile
Doggi’s Arepa Bar
1-minute walk from campus | $20-30 | Venezuelan
A past winner of the Miami Times’ “Best Arepa”, this place is known for its Venezuelan arepas. The crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside cornmeal patties are stuffed with fillings like shredded beef, fried plantains, black beans, and cheese. Doggi’s also serves other Venezuelan favorites such as cachapas (sweet corn pancakes) and empanadas (fried, savory, filled pastries).
Why go: A relaxed setting makes Doggi’s a great place to slow down, share a meal, and get to know your classmates.
Sweetgreen
3-minute walk | $10-20 | Salads, wraps, bowls
Sweetgreen specializes in quick, nutrient-dense, and transparently sourced meals. Its menu prioritizes organic produce, whole grains, and clean proteins like roasted chicken, tofu, and sustainable seafood. You can choose from Sweetgreen’s signature items or build your own. Plus, the menu shifts seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.
Why go: Grab a fresh meal when you want something lighter between classes or study sessions.
Work, Study, or Connect with Classmates
Libertino
1-minute walk from campus | $20-30 | Café/restaurant
Libertino Café serves coffee and much more. It’s an all-day brunch spot, so in addition to your caffeine fix, you can enjoy late-morning staples such as avocado toast, croissants, waffles, sandwiches, platters, and salads.
Why go: Large communal tables give you room to open your laptop, work between classes, or meet up with classmates.
Grab a Coffee and Go
Walt Grace Cafe
5-minute walk from campus | $10-20 | Coffee/food
Walt Grace Cafe is an extension of Walt Grace Vintage, a showroom that showcases and sells automobiles and guitars. Besides coffee, the café serves fresh-baked savoury and sweet goods. The Walt Grace Cafe area is near the front, but you can explore the rest of the space with a cup in hand.
Why go: Seasonal items, like a blueberry latte in the summer and miso maple latte in cooler months, give you something new to try with each visit.
Zak the Baker
5-minute walk from campus | $20-30 | Bakery/coffee
You’ll spot Zak the Baker easily by its colorful exterior. Inside, the independent artisan bakery not only bakes tasty, house-made breads, bagels, and cakes but also offers brunch items, coffee, pastries (like almond croissants), and more.
Why go: Pick up coffee and something freshly baked before heading out to explore Wynwood’s galleries, shops, and street art.
Experience Wynwood Beyond Food and Coffee
See Wynwood Walls: This collection of murals put the neighborhood on the map. An open-air gallery, Wynwood Walls has featured over 130 artists from more than 30 countries since 2009. If you’re in need of creative inspiration, this is the spot.
- Pro Tip: There’s lots more art to discover in Wynwood. Check out the Museum of Graffiti, the world’s first museum dedicated to the street art form, and the Nader Art Museum Latin America.
Browse galleries and local shops: At Wynwood Marketplace, you’ll find live art installations, shops, and food trucks all in one place. The outdoor space features dozens of local vendors selling their goods from shipping containers.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or exploring with classmates after a long day, Wynwood offers plenty of ways to make the most of your time outside the classroom. As you settle into graduate life, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover your own favourite spots along the way.
By: Izabela Shubair