Any venue that boasts the tag line ‘very much beer and karaoke’ has our attention. After teasing us for what feels like forever, Roji Cat has sprung to life on Lemana Lane in Miami this week, bringing a taste of Osaka’s neon-lit Dotonbori district mixed with Tokyo’s Shinjuku golden-gai alley. Serving a winning trifecta of beers, bites and bangers, here’s what you need to know about the neighbourhood newcomer …
Roji Cat Beer Bar is a vibrant fusion of Japanese street culture and Gold Coast nightlife, born from the Lee family’s deep love for Japan and their annual snowboarding trips. Olivia, Connor and Angus Lee, alongside long-time family friend and renowned brewer Satoshi ‘Toshi’ Tamura (formerly of Black Hops), have created a lively new venue that brings a slice of Tokyo’s buzzing atmosphere and dizzying blend of energy to Miami. What started as a casual idea over beers evolved into a full-fledged vision – to recreate the vibrancy of Tokyo’s bustling alleyways in a bar setting.
The venue’s narrow, alley-like layout feels serendipitously perfect, reminiscent of the hidden streets of Tokyo, where adventure awaits around every corner and behind every door. From the moment you step inside, neon lights and intimate nooks invite you to explore. A standout feature is the electric dart boards, and for those ready to let loose, a private karaoke room offers the chance to sing your heart out in near sound-proof privacy.
At the heart of Roji Cat is Satoshi’s passion for brewing. The bar boasts a dozen house-made beers on tap, with crowd-pleasers including Toshi’s Japanese rice lager and Black lager accompanying a rotating selection of seasonal specialties in the opening line-up. The signature cocktails put a Japanese spin on the classics, like the Umeshu Iced Tea, a refreshing blend of apricot-infused iced tea with delicate notes of plum umeshu, alongside the popular Tokyo Sour, where sweet melon and lychee combine to deliver a bold citrus punch. For sake enthusiasts, there’s a full bar featuring 24 carefully selected sakes, handpicked by Satoshi, offering a true taste of Japan.
You won’t go hungry at Roji Cat, with a menu that delivers an elevated take on Japanese street food. Crafted by chef Helen Rissen, some of the standouts include yuzu karaage chicken, kimchi burgers and perfectly grilled robata skewers of chicken, beef, pork and teriyaki salmon.
If a trip to Japan isn’t on your travel bingo card for 2024, Roji Cat in Miami is the next-best thing. Head to our Stumble Guide for opening times.
