Hey guys, I'd really appreciate some feedback on some things to do while in Miami. My girlfriend and I will be there from Fri the 26th of March until Thurs the 1st of April. We're both 21, in college, and trying to do this on somewhat of a budget. We both love food and the whole South Beach nightlife scene does appeals to us. Any advice for good restaurants (we're planning a couple of nice dinners, but also looking for good hole in the wall places with excellent food) and fun places to go at night that we don't have to buy a table to get in? Is there anything car related going on during that time? I promised her a day at the spa so I think i can sneak away for something car related. We may or may not have a car while we're down there, so proximity to South Beach is important. I'm open to any advice/suggestions you all may have for things to do. I know things like this must get asked a lot, but take it as a compliment that so many people want to visit your little slice of paradise. Thanks all, Damon
Being a UM graduate I am partial to The Big Cheese. It is a pizza place in south Miami at the corner of SW 67th Avenue and 80th Street. If you don't have a car you could theoretically take the Metrorail to the Datran station and walk about a half mile to the restaurant. Noisy, usually crowded, but good cold beer, very good pizza, and great garlic rolls! BT
Meat market has my favorite steak in s. beach (A5 Kobe) but it negates the "we're on a budget thing". Paired with a bottle of El Nido and your night can't get better. I digress... Unbelievable food that won't kill your wallet includes Sr. Martinez and Michaels Genuine in the design district. A 10 minute cab from s. beach. On S. Beach for high end, phillipe is a new hot spot and then go to Louie after (downstairs at the gansevoort). What ever you do, don't go to Mr. Chow. Nightlife, The Room down around 2nd or 3rd st is a great mellow spot for drinks, no door guy. Rock Bar is probably a good bet for a place to go without needing a table. Show up around 12-1. If you get there early (12) it will be empty and easier to get into to, but will fill up quick. Same goes for most places, just show up super early and you should be good. Wall, Mynt and Set could be a little harder. The Florida Room at the Delano is good. Call and make a reservation for a table for two. Instead of making you buy bottles they make you spend $100 per person on anything. They're good about reservations too unless there's a special event. If she's going to the spa, send her to the standard for the day. They have a turkish Haman, steam and sauna that are fantastic. The pool there is great too. I think you can buy a spa day pass for $50 or pool and everything for $75. The spa is coed and actually a decent place to spend the day with her. Unless you want to go to the beach and look at topless women for some other reason. Best cheese burger down there is from a shack on the beach called "Love food cafe" it has a yellow awning and is on the sand just north of the Delano. Second best burger is from burger and beer joint. Its called the stairway to heaven and is made with kobe beef, topped with foie gras. The roadhouse is pretty good there too. They serve late night and have saved my life in the past for when I was close to dying of hunger. I'll keep thinking. Any subject in particular that I missed?
Thanks for the detailed response Drew. Big Cheese sounds great guys, although living in a college town we both have our fair share of dive/sports bars. We are staying near the intersection of Lincoln Rd. and Collins Ave. Looks like the Delano is within walking distance. I guess I am most concerned with nightlife for the nights we decide to go out. Looking for fun, trendy, yet reasonably priced and not insane to get into (is that even possible?) within walking distance. How about car events? Her going to the spa means i get to sneak out and do what I want for a couple of hours .
DON'T FORGET YOUR CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT, IF YOU ARE ARMED. IF YOU ARE NOT PACKING, I SUGGEST DISNEY WORLD IN ORLANDO. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY.
Damon, you'll be crashing right at the heart of SoBe, dude ! It's safe if you stay within the main roads (Collins, Washington, Ocean Drive, Lincoln). Interesting place to experience for first timers, you know, but one thing for sure, nothing is reasonably priced there. So, you'll soon find out there are better places to hang out and drink on the mainland.
You're right. Because Miami isn't part of America, the exchange rate is horrible. The US dollar isn't worth as much there, hence the price inflation. But the best thing about Miami, is how close it is to America.
LOL thanks guys. I've been to Miami before, but this will be my first "legal age" trip down there . I'm not too worried about safety; I'll stay near all the main roads. The only place i'll be avoiding is club Mansion. My best friend was one of the guys beaten up by 15 of their bouncers over spring break about 2 years ago if any of you guys remember the news reports.
You can say that again! My sister came into town and wanted to do lunch on SoBe. She wanted cheap food and not a fancy place so she picked the TGI Fridays (yeah...i know...) Our bill for my gf and I ran $74 including tip!!! We both got a meal and one drink each. Back in Gainesville that would've been under $40. It's ridiculous down there, but the nightlife is amazing. For clubs I recommend Casanova on Ocean Dr. It's a very hip, trendy, modern club under a new owner. I've met her personally and she's quite the lady You will undoubtedly shell out some money on your trip, but it will be worth it. Enjoy it dude!
When we took the kids on a field trip to Sobe last year we brought Publix subs and ate them at the beach. $4 per person (we split each sub between 2 people). Another BT recession special!!! BT
