South Miami is about to smell a lot more like Central Texas. La Traila Barbecue, the Texas-style smokehouse led by Austin-born pitmaster Mel Rodriguez, is set to fire up a new location this spring, bringing its brisket, spare ribs and a fresh breakfast-taco lineup to town on April 15. The space is designed as an indoor-outdoor hangout tailored to daytime taco runs and late-night weekend crowds.
Opening Day And Where It Lands
According to La Traila Barbecue, the South Miami location is slated to open on April 15. The restaurant’s own announcement reads “Opening April 15th - South Miami,” locking in the debut date for one of the area’s latest additions to its growing food scene.
Menu, Pits And A Full Bar
Miami New Times reports that the kitchen will be anchored by two M&M BBQ Company pits, turning out Texas staples like brisket, spare ribs and pulled pork. The menu will also lean into some less traditional options, including a Smoke Ring Scrap Burger and beef-cheek barbacoa.
Per Miami New Times, La Traila will roll out Texas-style breakfast tacos starting at 9 a.m. daily. The new spot will also feature a full bar that includes an Austin classic, the Mexican Martini, and weekend service will come with a late-night menu that runs until the restaurant hits its “sold out” mark.
From Pop-Up To Miami Lakes Mainstay
La Traila first sparked interest as a pandemic pop-up in 2020 before leveling up into a brick-and-mortar in Miami Lakes, where it built a devoted local following. Eater Miami’s venue page lists the Miami Lakes outpost along with the restaurant’s phone number and ordering link, underscoring how the brand has evolved from a temporary setup into a full-service operation.
What It Means For South Miami
In a city where breakfast tacos are still relatively hard to come by, La Traila’s morning lineup is poised to give commuters and weekend late-night crowds another option. Miami New Times also notes the brand’s past recognition, including a Best Barbecue nod, which helps explain why plenty of locals are already betting on busy weekends and quick sellouts once the South Miami doors open.
