Like all popular neighborhoods in Miami, Miracle Mile in Coral Gables has a type of crowd, one I haven’t been much of a part of since the 2000s (with the exception of my sporadic visits for brunch at The Local or to be reminded how much of a traitor I am by my lack of visits to hidden-gem favorite, Uvaggio).  I fail as a “defender” of the mainland, for my stomping grounds tend to be Wynwood, Midtown, more recently MiMo and the Mid Beach area; admittedly the “trendier” parts of town.

But my moth-like affliction to any institution that proclaims a “craft cocktail” menu is unwavering, so last week I finally decided to yield into the calling and venture toward Trust & Co., the new addition of the Miracle Mile extended corridor, where Jerry Flynn--ex co creator of Brickell’s Batch Gastropub--has commandeered the 6,000-square-foot space across the street from established Fritz & Franz Bierhaus.

Considering Miami’s revolving door of gastropubs and hyped-up concepts, you really have to trust your gut to open something this large. The expansive restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. In the front area, you will find find your casual happy-hour vibes executed with exposed concrete and subway-tiled walls, and a high-top surrounded rectangular island bar that is lined with large flat-screen TV’s. Toward the back you’ll find a more intimate restaurant setting of brick walls, dark wooden furnishings and red leather booths, softly lit by the lumber of a fully open kitchen. The decor leaves much to be desired, as the areas seemed disconnected, which could be the downfall of such a large space in an area where establishments are sought out for their chic environment rather than whatever inventive dishes it may offer.

We were tended to in the midst of the shift change, so I won’t be critical about the confusion from the servers. It’s to be noted, however, that they don’t serve the dinner menu til 5 p.m., so we opted for a couple of appetizers with our drink orders. My apprehension made itself apparent as my partner and I perused the incredibly extensive cocktail list which offered more vodka cocktails than I’ve ever seen on any curated craft menu. The 30 librations are divided into categories that include House Cocktails--from where my partner ordered the Canned Heat with Herradura Blanco Tequila, Ancho Reyes Liqueur, house made celery shrub, sriracha bitters and lime juice-- Martini & Coupe, Crushed Cocktails, Triple Crown Collection and Coffee Cocktails. As a gin drinker I struggled through my decision because some of my favorite classics like the Aviation and the Negroni had replaced my herbaceous spirit of choice with, you guessed it, vodka.