Dining at Shula’s Steak House is a Miami Lakes tradition.
The restaurant has welcomed diners – who celebrated life’s milestones, enjoyed first dates and sought an excellent steak while in a historic sports atmosphere -- for more than 30 years.
And when Shula’s Steak House was shuttered during the pandemic, Miami Lakers really missed it.
“The Steak House is a part of the community,” said Dana Valdez, director of catering at Graham Hospitality. “It’s been there for so long. It’s a comfort, if you will, for a lot of locals.”
But the good news is those homesick for their favorite restaurant can return, if their parties are large enough.
Since December, Shula’s Steak House has hosted private parties -- company dinners, weddings, bridal showers, and quinceaneras, or girls’ 15th birthday receptions -- while using its indoor and outdoor spaces.
“We’re allowed to be at 50 percent capacity during COVID-19 restrictions,” Valdez said.
“We do follow guidelines. Waitstaff wear masks. We had to undergo COVID training like anybody working in food and beverage has had to do,” she said.
And diners have rules to follow too.
“Guests are required to wear masks while they are away from the table, and we provide hand sanitizer at all the exits and entrances,” Valdez said. “Only one person is allowed to use a restroom at a time.”
She said “guests are more compliant and understanding, with the safety restrictions. I’m getting good feedback from some of the locals.
“People are excited, they want to get out and do something different,” she said. “They prefer the private setting, having the restaurant all to themselves. And they do feel a little bit more secure.”
The town landmark is named for the late NFL Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula, who was 90 when he died on May 4, 2020. Shula, who once lived with his family on the golf course next to the restaurant, won two Super Bowls and remains the winningest coach (347 victories) in NFL history.
He is also the only coach to achieve a perfect season, the 17-0 record posted by his 1972 Miami Dolphins.
The Steak House is filled with memorabilia from that team and Shula’s career.
Hopeful romantics had tried to reserve tables for Valentine’s Day, but small parties could not be accommodated.
“We can’t do groups of four or six for dinner,” Valdez said. “We’re opening for corporate and private groups, 20 people or more.”
The original Steak House menu is available to order from ahead of time. Some of the most popular dishes available include Surf ‘n Turf; Porterhouse, Filet Mignon and New York Strip steaks; Applewood Bacon-wrapped BBQ Shrimp; Crab Cake with Remoulade Sauce and creamed spinach and grilled asparagus.
There are catering options, too.
Valdez said she will guide customers’ selections.
“A minimum group of 20 people would pay $100 per person to reserve the space, which goes toward their food and beverage costs,” Valdez said. “Wine or drinks are additional.”
The trend of holding private parties at restaurants is a way of returning to a new normal, Valdez said.
“Instead of having functions at their homes, people want to get out and still be safe,” she said.
“Everyone at the Steak House is ready to get back to work.
“Right now, it’s looking brighter than it has been for people who are celebrating special occasions and joining together for family fun and dining,” she said. As efforts continue to slow the pandemic and people get vaccinated, the way we visit restaurants may return to the old ways, too.
Shula’s Steak House is at 7601 Miami Lakes Drive in Miami Lakes.
The restaurant and bar hope to be fully operational later this year, Valdez said.
Across town at Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club, at 6842 Main St., Miami Lakers who book an event through the Catering Department before April 1st will receive a 10 percent discount from their food and beverage total.
Dana Valdez may be reached at 305-820-8121.