Oh, me so hungry!
October 28, 2011 Leave a Comment
So you’re coming to our wedding in Miami from out-of-town and you want to know where you can go to get yourself fed for all of your meals that don’t involve our reception…  Here is a list of places that we recommend. I’ll list the neighborhoods they’re in, just in case you haven’t rented a car and need to go somewhere close – or at least a taxi-able distance away. If you’re staying on Miami Beach, most of the places I list below should be a walkable distance away. Also, cabs are easier to find on Miami Beach than any other part of Miami.
Located: Near downtown Miami, on the Miami River at 398 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL
Good for families? Yes!
What do I order? Anything. The ceviche is good.
Safety issues: You might have to drive through the hood to get there depending on where you’re coming from.
Good for: Lunch or Dinner
BTW: This restaurant is located on the Miami River. They have tables both inside and outside. I recommend sitting outside unless the temperature is intolerable. The fish they serve at Garcia’s is super fresh. In fact I think the restaurant people catch some of it themselves the night before. This restaurant is on the casual side.
Located: On the south end of Miami Beach at 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Good for families? Yes, but a little pricey.
What do I order? Stone crabs!
Safety issues: Just don’t leave your purse/bag in the car where any one can see it. This goes for everywhere in Miami.
Good for: Lunch or Dinner
BTW: Fancy shmancy seafood place on Miami Beach. Although, there IS a story about Charlie’s brother showing up in a t-shirt that I can’t quite remember. You’ll have to ask him. Anywho, the dress is a little more on the nice side and try to make reservations well before you go.
Located: A few blocks from the ocean on Miami Beach at 700 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Good for families? Sure!
What do I order? Cuban Sandwich! Or anything else, I’ve never ordered anything other than the Cuban Sandwich, sorry….When in Rome!
Safety issues: None that I can think of.
Good for: Lunch
BTW: I have eaten at this place in a wet bathing suit and beach clothes, so the standards aren’t too high for dress, but their food is fantastic. There is a parking garage on 7th street off of Washington you can park at if you aren’t staying at any of the hotels on South Beach.
Located: In Little Havana at 3555 SW 8th Street
Good for families? Yes.
What do I order? Bistec Empanizado (breaded flank steak), Picadillo (rice with Cuban style meat sauce) or a Cuban Sandwich. Also, croquetas are good and don’t forget your “cafe cubano.”
Safety Issues: Don’t leave anything visible in the car that someone might want to steal.
Good for: Lunch, Dinner
BTW: You might know “Calle Ocho (8th Street)” from a Pit Bull song, or maybe from news reports of Cubans celebrating Castro’s death in the streets. (Or not) Versailles is the place to go for cheap textbook Cuban food.
Located: There are a ton of these all over Miami. There is even one in Terminal A (American Airlines) of the Miami International Airport.
Good for families? Yes.
What do I order? If breakfast – cafe con leche (cuban espresso shot with whole milk) and pan tostado (cuban bread toast[heaven] with butter [manna from heaven]) or a croqueta preparada (a croquette sandwich - I love a sandwich!). If lunch or dinner – Cuban sandwich, Picadillo, Bistec Empanizado, Shrimp Enchilado, anything really. It’s all good.
Safety Issues: None that I can think of.
Good for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BTW: This is another place you can go for cheap textbook Cuban food. Their breakfast in particular is super cheap considering what you get. If you want a real Miami experience, just go to any La Carreta store front window and order a cafe con leche and a croqueta to-go. If you want to practice your spanish you can say, “Un cafe con leche y una croqueta para llevarrr porrr favorrrr.”
Located: On Miami Beach’s famous Ocean Drive at 800 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
Good for families? Yes
What do I order? Whatever you like, it’s all good.
Safety Issues: None that I can think of. Although Gianni Versace was shot on his way home from News Cafe, but that was because he had a crazy stalker, not because News Cafe is unsafe. 🙂
Good for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fourth Meal.
BTW: It’s open 24 hours.
Located: in Kendall near Dadeland Mall at 9200 South Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL
Good for families? Yes.
What do I order? Ribs!
Safety Issues: Over-stuffing your stomach and popping a button on your pants.
Good for: Dinner
BTW: If you’re craving the type of restaurant that has paper towel rolls on the tables this is your joint.
Located: On Miami Beach at 157 Collins Avenue
Good for families? Yes during the day
What do I order? It’s typical diner food, pick your own poison.
Safety Issues: None.
Good for: Breakfast, Fourth Meal
BTW: It’s open until 5am Fri & Sat. They serve breakfast all day, what’s not to love about that?
Located: in Coconut Grove (walking distance for those of you staying at the Mayfair Hotel) at 3145 Commodore Plaza.
Good for families? Maybe if the kids are okay with disco balls and loud music occasionally.
What do I order? Brie and Prosciutto Burger is good but the whole menu is fantastic.
Safety Issues: None.
Good for: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner.
BTW: George’s has nice outdoor seating which is great for people watching. A free glass of champagne is served with brunch. Also, if you tell them it’s your birthday they will turn the disco balls on for you. Woo woo! Make a reservation, just in case.
 Located: in the newly gentrified “Midtown Miami” at 3250 NE 1st Ave.
Good for families? I have no idea.
What do I order? I don’t know, I have never been there but it comes highly recommended from every one in Miami that I asked for recommendations.
Safety Issues: You will probably have to drive through the hood to get there. You’ll need a car or taxi to get to this place.
Good for: Dinner, Happy Hour
BTW: The restaurant supports local farmers, if you’re into that sort of thing. Also, make a reservation just in case.
In general any of the restaurants and bars on Lincoln Road on Miami Beach will be good, safe, options as well.
That’s all I’ve got for now! See you all soon!
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