Jada Coles Brings Hipness To Coral Way Corridor

Above: In four short months, Jada Cole has already developed a loyal clientele of mostly locals.

Jada Coles was a jazz singer who drifted down to Miami from New Orleans during the 1930s and began playing clubs along Coral Way.

She became a local legend, so the story goes, able to belt out tunes in the tradition of Ella Fitzgerald.

But then the United States entered World War II and Jada Coles was never heard from again.

Like the streetcar that once connected downtown Miami to Coral Gables, there was hardly any trace of her existence once the war started.

Until today, when her name appears over a new bar in the Coral Way Corridor, the stretch of Coral Way that connects Downtown Miami to Coral Gables.

“One of the owners heard the story from a friend of his who lives in New Orleans,” said Gus Iglesias, one of the four owners of Jada Coles at 2224 Coral Way.

“We liked the story and decided to name the bar after her.”

If you prod deeper, you might hear another version of how they came up with the name for the bar they opened four months ago.

It goes along the lines of the owners not knowing what to name the bar, so they combined the names of a couple of family member and came up with Jada Coles.

That story is boring, so we’re sticking with the first story.

Above: Nora R., left, and Amanda S. have become regulars at Jada Coles.

Since opening last September, Jada Coles has quickly established itself as a hip neighborhood bar in the tradition of Purdy Lounge or Transit Lounge. A down-to-earth venue that’s not so divey it will keep the ladies away.

“Our motto is ‘Welcome Home’,” said Iglesias as he points to a sign above the bar that says just that.

And that sentiment is already felt by the regulars.

“It’s very personable,” said Nora R., 25, who lives in the neighborhood. “It’s not corporate at all. And I like it because it stays open late (til’ 3 a.m. every night).”

Her friend Arkady Renkob, 38, took a break from his pool game to comment.

“It’s a great local spot, not too expensive, great music, pool tables, no dress code,” he said.

“And you don’t have to pay for parking like you do in the Grove,” added Nora.

Jada Coles also offers a full bar menu of soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and Mexican food.

Chef David Gonzalez calls it a “Tex-Mex/Baja with a Miami flavor.”

“If you come in on Tuesdays, we have Taco Tuesdays where you get an extra taco with the purchase of the two-taco dinner (which is $6.95 and includes rice and beans),” he said.

The kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Above: Owner Gus Iglesias explains the legend of Jada Coles to Jennifer, who has also become a regular.

While the bar is currently comfortable, Iglesias has plans to make it even more comfortable by bringing in lounge couches and tables to replace the hard tables and chairs that make up most of the bar.

“I don’t want this to be a sports bar, but a place that attracts the ladies,” he said.

“We have TVs and you can watch the game here, but our focus is on the music and on making the ladies happy.”

And speaking of which, Thursday nights is Ladies Night where ladies drink free from 9-11 p.m.

Ladies will also receive free drinks on Friday night.

Because it’s located right on Coral Way, which can turn into a standstill during rush hour, it could be the perfect stop for Happy Hour, which is when all drinks are half-off between 4-8 p.m.

“We’re talking everything in the bar,” said Iglesias. “From well, premium, domestic, imports. Everything.”

Monday nights is Karaoke Night, Tuesday nights is Industry Night where those in the hospitality industry receive discounts and Wednesday night is “Music for the Soul Night”, where DJs or music bands will try to keep Jada Coles’ spirit alive.

The singer and the bar, that is.

Jada Coles
2224 Coral Way
Miami, Fl. 33145
(305) 456-9242

Jada Cole’s Facebook page

Related Categories: Miami: Local News, Miami: Food & Restaurant News, Carlos Miller is a featured writer at Miami Beach 411. He also operates Photography is Not a Crime, a blog about photographer rights, New Media and First Amendment issues. See more articles by Carlos Miller. See more articles by Carlos Miller Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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"Jada Coles Brings Hipness To Coral Way Corridor"

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