Snowden’s/Old Cutler Inn Is Back!

Snowden’s/Old Cutler Inn Is Back

What’s old is new again. Located steps from the historic Deering Estate, at Old Cutler Road and SW 168th Street, the new Old Cutler Inn is the latest iteration of a local landmark once known as Snowden’s, a beloved neighborhood restaurant established in the 1920s. “We used to go there twice a week and particularly liked Prime Rib Thursday and Fish Fry Friday,” recalls Howard Tendrich. In early August, likely open at the time of this publication, the eatery returns with heart, history…and the goal of once again becoming the local favorite.

The restaurant’s architecture and interior design embrace the theme of "timeless accessibility," inspired by nostalgic Old Miami charm and neighborhood institutions from cities like New York, Boston, and Denver. Housed in the former Colonial Bank building, the space features original tongue-and-groove ceilings, a full-length skylight, and warm wood beams. The result is a modern space that feels both elevated and welcoming. The inside will seat about 60 and the dog-friendly patio will accommodate 70. There is parking both on property and additional spots nearby. As needed, there will even be valet service.

Under the leadership of Drew Dorsy and Benjamin Pascarella, Old Cutler Inn offers a timeless, elevated-yet-accessible dining experience rooted in the values of community, history, and hospitality. “We know the deep history of the restaurant’s name and will honor exactly that,” explains Pascarella. “We grew up here playing, boating, and building memories. Reigniting Old Cutler Inn is the cherry on top of a much larger dream.” Dorsy added, “This is more than a restaurant. It’s a home away from home—a gathering place for neighbors, a place to celebrate, and a symbol of what’s possible when community and legacy come together.” The two of them explain, “We've managed to make the place extremely accessible to the community and that was our number one goal – to create a place where the community could have fun and, you know, act as a family.”

To start, they will only be open for dinner. As the weeks go on and they get their legs, Old Cutler Inn will be open for full-service breakfast, lunch, happy hour bites and dinner. They’ll also have options in the morning. Their café style window bar on the patio will allow them to serve Perla Coffee and fresh grab-and-go items, making the morning commute stop a quick and easy way to eat on the go. They will also accommodate pick-up and delivery in the weeks to come. Old Cutler Inn will employ somewhere between 40-45 team members.

The head chef has carefully curated an imaginative menu that will elevate the classic Contemporary American menu options with an exquisite flavor profile. Culinary highlights include a curated raw bar, wood-fired American mains (including steaks, burgers and seafood), and an impressive selection of small plates. To remain family friendly and accessible, the offerings will start in the $12 range all the way up to our butcher's cut, which could be upwards of $50 plus.

While catering to families, they also envision the bar as a great place to come for happy hour and for patrons to come and converse. The beautiful and impressive bar features craft cocktails, an expansive whiskey and tequila selection, and beers including Guiness Draught, Stella, Lagunitas, Pacifico, La Rubia and several other fan favorites.

The anticipation was palpable during the many months of construction and beautification. Now, the opening is upon us and many who have vowed to make it a point to come and rekindle an old Cutler tradition have exactly that opportunity. “We put a lot of time and energy into this place,” explains Pascarella. “It’s our special concept that we strongly feel will add value to the community.”

Old Cutler Inn is located at 16800 Old Cutler Road, Palmetto Bay, FL. You can get the latest updates at www.oldcutlerinn.com and on Instagram at @oldcutlerinn. Their phone is 305-432-3556. Tell them MiamiHal sent you!