One of Miami Beach’s most recognizable hotspots, Mr Chow, has quietly shuttered its doors.
The upscale Beijing-style restaurant tucked inside the W South Beach has suddenly closed without an official statement, as reported by the Miami New Times. In late May, photos began circulating online showing the once-opulent dining room with its chairs stacked on top of one another and boxes left on empty tables.
Since its arrival in 2009, Mr Chow in South Beach became the fifth outpost of Michael Chow’s global empire and a playground for the rich and fabulous. On any given weekend during its heyday, you could run into A-listers like Michael Jordan, Lenny Kravitz and Drew Barrymore dining under that 125-foot gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier.
Its menu focused on high-end Chinese dishes like their renowned Beijing Duck, Chicken Satay and Mr Chow Noodles. Oftentimes, skilled pasta chefs would put on hand-pulled noodle performances right in the middle of the restaurant.
While the news is quite unexpected, it aligns with upcoming changes at the property. According to The Real Deal, the Reuben Brothers, led by Simon and David Reuben, paid more than $400 million for the W South Beach in 2024. Earlier this year, the firm was given the green light to overhaul many of its parts, including the lobby, reception area, elevators, pool deck and pool bar. A new beach club restaurant was also proposed, but will be brought back for a future vote.
As the W prepares for its next chapter, we’re left saying goodbye to a venue that defined a specific era of iconic South Beach dining. Mr Chow’s departure follows the news of another city staple, Cheese Burger Baby, having to close in order to make way for a new hotel.
Despite being open until June 27 in its original brick-and-mortar location, Cheese Burger Baby says the move marks a new era for the brand and assured fans it is not going anywhere.
