Photo Courtesy: Yelp.com
It’z Smackin, a “Taste of Miami” as the slogan promotes, is a new restaurant and bar that
incorporates the liveliness of Miami nightlife with Tallahassee’s rendition.
The rustic metal bar stools and neon wall decor encapsulate the captivating and youthful nature
of Miami eateries. Replacing the Railroad Square Craft House, It’z Smackin recently opened in
July and has taken the city of Tallahassee by storm.
Dominique Zito, one of the partners that brought It’z Smackin to Tallahassee, shared her
decision in opening the restaurant and the idea behind it.
“I’ve lived in Tallahassee since 2014, I went to FSU and I just noticed that it really lacked a lot
of cultural food,” Zaito began. “My partner and I are both from Miami, so I thought what better
opportunity to bring some new ideas, food, and vibes that embody Miami to bring the
community a little taste of our home.”
That they did! The menu inspiration is from different restaurants Zito and her partners frequented
in Miami as well as late night food trucks like the Miami Sampler. The menu combines a Latin
infused mix of cultures such as Pan Con Bistec from Cuba, Lomo Saltado from Peru, and Parrilla
from Argentina.
Jasmine Moody experienced a taste of her hometown in Tallahassee while trying the new
restaurant for the first time last month.
“The theme of the restaurant was very on point!,” Moody said. “Me being a Miami native I
100% felt like I was back home.”
Moody went on to discuss her dining experience.
“Our waiter checked on us a frequently, especially since we didn’t order much. It was pretty
busy but it seemed like everyone was doing their part to keep the customers happy.”
Jaylan Fuller, who visited the restaurant on Tuesday, had a well rounded experience her first
time there.
“I love how the restaurant was decorated and the vibe. The music could’ve been better and more
consistent,” Fuller said. “They had good drink specials though and $4 tequila shots which I
enjoyed.”
Alaijah Brown, unfortunately did not have the same anticipated experience when she visited last
Friday night.
“We got there and there were open tables but the hostess were walking around and didn’t greet
us and she took her time to get us seated,” Brown said. “We asked to sit outside and she just
threw us at this table at the front. Then they brought us water, with no coasters, and they had
metal tables so the glasses were just sliding all over the table.”
Although Brown’s experience wasn’t what she hoped she mentioned that one thing she would go
back for were the drinks.
“The drinks were exquisite and beautiful, I think if you’re looking for a good, aesthetically
pleasing drink definitely go to It’z Smackin,” Brown said. “I ordered the Miami mojito and it
was really good.”
It’z Smackin has been hitting the popularity quotient with most of its crowd. Since opening
they’ve had multiple events ranging from Latin nights to an upcoming “Blame It On the Brunch”
day event happening Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2pm. Come out and experience this “Taste of Miami!”