Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Shines A Spotlight On Local Restaurant Scene

After two wildly successful years, Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is back for its third year, returning to South Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium. Taking place from May 3 to 5, this year’s race is expected to bring nearly 300,000 fans together over the course of the weekend to not only watch the race, but to enjoy a ton of fan experiences, entertainment, and culinary offerings.

The adrenaline pumping races happen at the Miami International Autodrome, a 19-turn, 3.36-mile track within the complex of Hard Rock Stadium that was built specifically for the Miami Grand Prix. Practice rounds will take place on Friday, the qualifying race on Saturday, and the main event: the Grand Prix will happen on Sunday.

Perhaps one of the best deals for those who want in on the action (but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg) is the general admission Campus access ticket. For $150 a day, this ticket grants you access to explore most of the Campus without a dedicated seat included.

The Campus features several different viewing areas including marquee spaces like the MIA Marina and Hard Rock Beach Club, plus expanded grandstand seats and improved general admission locations that include elevated viewing platforms and much needed shaded areas and water stations. Plus, you’ll have access to tons of Miami’s most delicious chefs and restaurants peppered throughout serving special race-inspired dishes and bestsellers from their regular menus.

Featuring cultures from around the globe, reflective of Miami’s amazing food scene, the selection is curated by Campus food and beverage provider Sodexo Live!.

At this year’s Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix 2024, head to the MIA Marina to experience Miami Beach’s Sweet Liberty, an award-winning bar and restaurant with incredible cocktails and food by James Beard winning chef, Michelle Bernstein. The menu will feature Sweet Liberty’s famous Cauliflower Nachos, Liberty Burger, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, and a Philly cheesesteak.

“I’m honored to come back to Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix as I feel it means so much to South Florida as a whole. It’s such a huge event that impacts so many people, including all those we are able to hire in and out of our network,” says Bernstein. “We never know what guests are going to want and desire; however, we feel like we are really honing in this year with Sweet Liberty’s insatiable burger and ridiculously crave-able cauliflower nachos. I can’t fail to mention that we are bringing Michy’s Chicken Shack this year which has always been a dream of mine to share all of my fried chicken sandwiches with event goers.”

Sweet Liberty’s bar will be located just a few steps from the restaurant and will include a grab & go station offering a consolidated food menu, as well as Sweet Liberty cocktail staples like the Pina Colada, Spicy Paloma and Something Spicy with Tequila (spicy mango margarita).

Mexican food is making a big appearance at this year’s race — which is aptly timed as the main race falls on Cinco De Mayo.

Tacology will be on-site, serving up its signature dishes like burritos, quesadillas, and Mexican tacos filled with tasty protein like carnitas, chicken, steak, mushrooms, and al pastor. With a prime location at the Hard Rock Stadium, guests can enjoy their food and drinks while taking in the sights and sounds of Formula 1 weekend.

Meanwhile, Bodega will have a full buildout, faux restaurant located in The Fountains area. The design theme is an auto shop, with elements showcased such as oil cans, vintage auto repair tools, etc. This is the hot spot’s third year taking part in F1 festivities and this year they will be serving their special rancheros nachos (with choice of chicken or pork) along with a selection of their menu staples.

Rapidly growing Mexican spot, Talkin Tacos, will be serving an array of tacos and nachos at two locations on the race campus — find them near section B300 in the stadium and out on the ground via their food truck.

Locally loved Dos Croquetas (who just opened its first brick and mortar location) will be on-site with freshly made Croqueta Flights served with homemade dipping sauces, plus pressed croqueta sandwiches, and Jupiña margaritas.

Keep an eye out for OG Miami favorites like gooey grilled cheese from Ms. Cheezious’s food truck, juicy burgers from Cheeseburger Baby, easy to eat sushi boxes from Omakai, and incredible egg salad sandwiches from Sando.

Downtown Miami’s food hall Julia & Henry’s will be taking over Hard Rock Stadium’s West Campus with a few of its concepts including Osso (think hearty meaty options), Cicchetti (an Italian tapas spot), Hitchihaika (fast-casual take on Tokyo street food), June (a burger concept by José Mendín), Mensch (featuring pastrami, homemade bread, and more), L’Artisane (the first French vegan bakery and restaurant in the US), Sankuay (where Peruvian and Cantonese cuisines collide), Puffles Hong Kong (serving the viral egg waffles), and Pubbelly Sushi (a creative fusion of Japanese and Latin-inspired dishes).

Those craving bubbles will want to head to the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Garden featuring Ella’s Oysters returns in a new location – The Fountains – which offers a great seat during the Podium Ceremony.

For a more VIP experience, opt for the 190,000-square-foot Paddock Club or the Championship Club — both offer access to premium food and drink options as well as special experiences including post-race celebrations, guided tours of the track, and perfect views of the F1 Team Garages, and more.

In premium spaces, you’ll find some of Miami’s most well known chefs including five-time James Beard Award semifinalist Jose Mendin, chef Cesar Zapata of Phuc Yeah, James Beard winner Michael Schwartz, acclaimed chef Francisco Porras, and Karla Hoyos who will be featuring her authentic Mexican restaurant, Tacotomia.

Other concepts that will have locations at this year’s race include:

• Oceana Coffee
• Editor Pizza
• Sushi Maki
• Novecento
• Suviche
• Fuku
• Pluma Chicken Co
• Aubi & Ramsa +21 Ice Cream
• Angie’s Epicurean
• La Dolce Vita
• Casa Tua
• Major Food Group
• Groot Hospitality
• Drinks on Me 305
• Food Junkies
• Soulfly
• La Vela Coffee
• Italian Vice
• Reggae Beets
• House of Flava
• Conch Crazy
• Pretty Healthy Café
• Best French Fries

Tickets (including Campus Passes) are still available on the official website, along with resale options via third-party sellers.