Miami Beach Area
There’s Miami, and then there’s Miami Beach. Let’s do Miami Beach!
A sandbar accessible only by boat 100 or so years ago, the building of a bridge started it all. A resort built in the 1930′s after completion of the bridge made Carl Fisher, a real estate investor, a very rich man. Miami Beach was on its way to become the fantastic place it is. Through boom and bust, the wonderful weather, the long stretches of beach, and the inhabitants have all contributed to this, our “American Riviera”.
The South Beach (SoBe)revitalization has given a new shot in the arm to Miami Beach, and once again, you can find everything and everyone there totally hip, tolerant of lifestyles, and capable of a great party at any hour. The area hums. Latin and Caribbean cultures translate to fine food, great music, and a bounce in your step. The dazzling art deco buildings, more here than anywhere else in the world, are worth a look, as are the high brow and low brow art and the trend setting shops. Then it’s back to the fabulous sandy beaches. Our favorite: Lummus Park, in South Beach. Ocean Dr, between 5th and 15th St. Thatched roof huts (“chickees”) and wide stretches of sandy beach, all backlit with palms, a walkway for the beautiful people, lifeguards and clear calm water. There are play areas for kids. The ten mile stretch of beach changes in attitude as you go along: at about 21 St., it’s a gay beach scene.
There are bike and skate rentals, boat cruises, surf shops, fishing charters, all the things that might make you want to never leave this vibrant scene.
There are fun attractions as you look north of Miami, including great beaches. Who wouldn’t love the Monkey Jungle, where monkeys roam free and humans are in cages? One of the country’s best zoos, Miami Metrozoo, features rare low land gorillas, sun bears, Komodo dragons and white tigers, kept apart from you by moats, while you glide around on a monorail.
Ready for the beach? Our north Miami pick is Haulover Beach, 10800 Collins Ave. Picnic tables, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and concessions make this a family friendly place. At the very north end, 800 yds is designated clothing optional, well out of sight of the family end of the beach.
Breakfast & Lunch:
Juice and Java: $ Large vegetarian breakfast and lunch menu, each item is a winner and they deliver at affordable prices.
1346 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 531-6675
Tropical Beach Cafe: $ Good Cuban breakfast with great cafe con leche. A real down home, non-touristy spot.
2891 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 538-0359
Buena Vista Bistro: $ Everything on the menu is good. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner. Simple, charming locals place. The french toast is great!
4582 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, (305) 456-5909
A La Folie Cafe: $ Just like you stepped off the street in Paris. Wonderful setting in a small place with romantic ambiance and fabulous crepes.
516 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, (305) 538-4484
Roasters & Toasters: $ The quintessential Miami Beach locals deli with all the great food you’d expect. Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch, and take out.
525 Arthur Godfrey Rd, Miami Beach, (305) 531-7691
La Sandwicherie: $ Total hole-in-the-wall with the greatest sandwiches going!
229 14th St, Miami Beach, (305) 532-8934
Seafood:
La Camaronera Fish Market: $ Amazingly fresh stand up lunch joint with the best fried oysters and fried lobster sandwiches on the planet, plus there’s a market too. In Little Havana, cash only locals hang out.
1952 W Flagler St, Miami, (305) 642-3322
Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish: $ Nice setting on a patio on the river with free crab dip while you peruse the menu full of good seafood dishes.
398 NW North River Dr, Miami, (305) 375-0765
Grillfish: $$ Nice location on Miami Beach with good mojitos. Everything on the menu is good, very fresh, and affordable.
1444 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 538-9908
El Carajo International Tapas & Wine: $ Great locals tapas bar with good steaks and live music on the weekends in an old Citco gas station setting. Very cool place with good food.
2465 SW 17th Ave, Miami, (305) 856-2424
Italian:
Fratelli Milano: $ Small, homey place with great homemade dishes, attentive service, and a real feel of old Italy in downtown Miami.
213 SE 1st St, Miami, (305) 373-2300
Cantina 27: $ Great locals joint with inexpensive wines and wonderful Italian fare. Great crab cakes, calamari, and raviolis. Enjoy a balmy evening on the patio.
2701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 673-5241
Osteria Del Teatro: $$ Huge servings of especially fine dishes specializing in seafood with a unique Italian flare.
1443 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 538-7850
Pizza:
Primo Pizza: $ Good pies and slices in a tiny place with a few stools.
100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 535-2555
Pizza Rustica: $ An old Miami favorite with a few locations around town and it’s open until 6am, just in case.
1447 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, (305) 538-6009
Cuban:
Puerto Sagua Restaurant: $ Family style locals place with great Cuban dishes. Big time locals favorite. It can get loud and friendly as you enjoy everything about this great place.
700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 673-1115
Las Vegas Restaurant: $ It wasn’t easy for the Vilarino folks to get settled in Miami, but we’re glad they did because their restaurant has some of the best food in town. Great grilled grouper and all the rest in a nice setting.
6970 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 864-1509
Raffi’s: $ Good, inexpensive cafe for breakfasts or great late night steak sandwiches in South Beach.
1506 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (305) 672-1808
General Goodness:
Rare Steakhouse: $$ Kosher steakhouse is touted as one of the best restaurants in the country. Go for it. You’ll be happy you did.
468 W. 41st Street, Miami Beach, (305) 532-7273
People’s Bar-B-Que: $ HUGE plates of great barbecue in a strange area of town. If you’re into barbecue, this place is well worth the trip to eat in or take out.
360 NW 8th St, Miami, (305) 373-8080
Japanese Market: Great Japanese deli, market, and sushi bar with unique sushi like mango, ceviche, etc. Always good. Always fresh.
1412 79th St Cswy, North Bay Village, (305) 861-0143
Watercolor by Peter Bailey