Whenever I visit Waters of Life Bookstore and Cafe, I spend a wonderful time with the friendly and accommodating staff. I always choose something to eat from their excellent menu and request my favorite cafe mocha – the best in town. I also know I will find something to read as I browse their wide selection of Christian books.

On Friday nights, I find it’s the only place in Miami where I can listen to a great, local Christian musician – and the admission and parking are free! I’ve even had the blessing of performing at Waters of Life, too.

It’s unlike any other cafe in all Miami-Dade – a hybrid between a bookstore, coffeehouse and church. 

Ten years ago, Carlos and Tarcila Drake opened Waters of Life Bookstore and Cafe as an obedient response to God’s prompting.

They started the bookstore first, adding one coffee machine in order to offer a place where Christians could find books, music and other resources to help strengthen their walk with the Lord. Over time, though, Waters of Life would evolve into a place for Christians to meet outside of the typical “church” setting and connect in an elegant, hip and vibrant location.

As Waters of Life Manager Enrique Arce says, “We’ve created an atmosphere for the local Christian community where they can enjoy being together in Christ. We gave the cafe an elegant ‘lounge’ feel where Christians can enjoy great food, music and fellowship.”

Located at 2982 SW 24 St. (Coral Way) in southwest Miami, Waters of Life sells books focusing on prayer, fasting, spiritual warfare and Christian living, just to name a few areas of interest. Personalized jewelry, music, cards, gifts, DVDs and clothes make up the general areas of merchandise available for purchase at the store. There’s also a Messianic section.

Aside from the bookstore, there’s a full cafe and bistro. Waters of Life offers a complete menu including appetizers, entrees, coffees and teas. The selections include, but are not limited to, smoothies, mochas, iced coffees, wraps, salads, sandwiches, pastas and pizzas. The style is contemporary American and Mediterranean, the food is always served fresh and everything is reasonably priced.

Waters of Life also serves the Christian community of Miami-Dade as a venue to showcase local and internationally-recognized Christian artists, writers, speakers and pastors.
Internationally-renowned Hispanic Christian artists like Ingrid Rosario, Julissa and Daniel Calveti have all performed at Waters of Life over the years.

Early on in her film and TV career, “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere also visited and promoted a Christian film she starred in at Waters of Life.

Book signing engagements have also taken place at the cafe promoting books published by Thomas Nelson and others.

In the midst of this vibrant atmosphere of books, food and music, God’s Kingdom is the first and foremost order of business for Waters of Life. The store is always open to receive Christians and non-Christians alike who want to strengthen their walk with our Lord or are ready to fall at His feet and start their journey with Him for the rest of eternity.

“We stand out,” Arce continues. ” … We pray for people if they ask us to. Over the years, people have walked into the store, and they’ve accepted the Lord right there and then. Individuals have arrived to our store without hope – and they’ve left having encountered Jesus.”

On Fridays and Saturdays, Waters of Life offers live Christian concerts – just call ahead of time for further information. Every Wednesday night is movie night at Waters of Life. The movies played are always available for sale at the store. This month, Waters of Life will begin offering karaoke on Thursday evenings.

For more information, visit Waters of Life Bookstore and Cafe at 2982 SW 24 St. Miami, FL 33145 or call 305-443-6100. Store hours are Mondays–Thursdays from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. and Fridays–Saturdays from 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
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