Request Dining Suggestions for South Beach Miami

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

We will be arriving on a Friday evening during lent. Probably STARVING by check-in time.

Are there any Italian restaurants in walking distance from HGVC at 1430 Ocean Drive (14th Street) where we will not have to wait for hours to be seated and are reasonable in cost?

Also would love a Cuban referal and Seafood Steak referal. Those do not have to be S Beach area as we will be renting a car as needed and wandering about. I'd like to show DH & DS the tate Park at Key Biscayne, Seaquarium, Viscaya, Venetian Pool and maybe the old Flagler Dog Track if still there and open.

Is the public transport any good from SoBe to any of these attractions? As a young adult I always rented a car but my Bubby and I always took mass transit when I was small....

It has been MANY years since I have wandered happily around Miami so WARN me if things have changed too much at these attractions, as to be more dangerous than say, mid-town or downtown Manhattan. I grew up loving Miami and spending many visits over the years with my grandmother in Flagler area. I would love to share with my family. They did not really like Miami when left unattended while I went to work conferences for a few days about 5 years ago.

Does anyone know if we can use the pool at Fountain Bleu as Hilton Guests? DH is a pool person.

and...need day trip in FLL airport area as our check-out is 10AM but flight is not until 6PM the following Friday.

[Steamboat Bill Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Steamboat Bill]

Joe's Stone Crab is the best seafood on South beach

Prime 112 located at 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139 - USA
Phone: (305) 532-8112 is the best for steaks on South Beach

I really like Pacific Time on Lincoln road www.pacifictime.biz

The Biltmore Hotel-Coral Gables, Miami Hotels for great food and touring

Versailles - (305) 444-0240 - 3555 Sw 8th St, Miami, FL for famous Cuban food

While in Fort Lauderdale check out Welcome to the Jungle Queen Riverboat's Official Website

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

PM Ken K. He lives 6 months out of the year in FL. He took me to a great little Pizza place that is hidden right on the Beach and I mean right on the Beach!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Beware, Joe's Stone Crab is super expensive; and the waits get ridiculous (we decided not to bother after seeing how much it would cost if we waited an hour for a table...); sorry Bill, just giving Lawren fair warning since she's going over a holiday week...

There used to be a great brunch/lunch place right next to HGVC; I can't remember the name, but it was good eats, and reasonably priced. There was a fun Cuban place a few blocks south of HGVC on Ocean Drive, I hope it's still there; they had live music outdoors, too.

There were some fun places at Lincoln Road Mall, and some good people watching there, too...

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

I agree with Bill. Joe's Stone Crab or bust. If it's too pricey, just get an appetizer portion of Stone Crab claws to go.

Also, the Biltmore has decent food. But, the place to die for in Coral Gables is Ortanique. Latin Fusion. Right next to the theatre. I WOULD DEFINITELY GO TO THIS RESTAURANT.

There is a great Vietnamese Noodle Shop in Coral Gables called Miss Saigon. If you are in the area for lunch, definitely go there.

Also, Houston's is a great grill. Their grill vegetables are the best. It's right on the miracle mile.

Go to Little Havana for Cuban Food. Just about anywhere on Calle Ocho. Don't forget to stop by one of the cigar factories to pick up some stogies and a blow torch lighter. You will need those every night with your bottle of Henessey XO cognac and Cristal Roederer Champagne. Pick up a double shot of Cuban coffee anywhere in little Havana. That will keep you awake for an all night party in South Beach.

If you want a Steak. Head up to Boca and go to New York Prime. It's my favorite restaurant in the World. And, I've been everywhere. It has an old New York feel to it. Great one band band playing old standards. Fantastic bartenders. They make my Vodka Collins drinks perfectly. I have a personal waiter named Armando. They sit me in his section every time I go. Looks like Anthony Hopkins. French guy. Perfect steaks. Unbelievable dungeness crab appetizer. 3 pound Maine Lobsters. They fly in their desserts from NYC and SF. Cheesecake comes from Carnegie Deli and the Chocolate cake comes from somewhere in SF. Then, to cap it all off, a nice Cigar and XO Cognac outside. Wow. I can't wait to go back.

If you want something closer, then there is always the Capital Grille. A local favorite.

The China Grille is decent Asian Fusion. But, it's not my own personal favorite. I'd rather go to Miss Saigon.

The best Italian is in Fort Lauderdale. Got to go to Mortarano's. Right on Oakland Park Rd near A1A. It's worth the trip over there for great Italian Food. Or, if it's lunch. Noodle Pannini. Right in Las Olas. Either restaurant would be great because then you can get on a water taxi and bar hop.

The best Mahi Mahi sandwich is in Scotti's in Coconut Grove. Right next to the marina.

Great sports bar is Gordon Biershe. Their garlic fries cannot be missed. It's in Brickell right near downtown Miami.

Wow. I'm getting hungry just thinking about all these great restaurants. I think I'll get some poi.... yuck.

[Carol C Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carol C]

Beware, Joe's Stone Crab is super expensive; and the waits get ridiculous (we decided not to bother after seeing how much it would cost if we waited an hour for a table...); sorry Bill, just giving Lawren fair warning since she's going over a holiday week...

There used to be a great brunch/lunch place right next to HGVC; I can't remember the name, but it was good eats, and reasonably priced.

You're thinking of the Front Porch Cafe, and yes it's great for breakfast and lunch, and dinner too. Very cheap good food.

My fave ceviche anywhere is at News Cafe on the other end of Ocean Dr. It's also great for people watching.

Another fave of mine is the colorful Haitian restaurant Tap Tap on 5th st which is the same street that leads onto the causeway.

For quick bites and great portions and prices, right behind HGVC's two bldgs (a block away from Ocean, walk up alley) is La Sandwicherie. Best for take out but they have a few stools (it's like an outdoor diner).

Take Sunday afternoon to go up to the farmers/flea market on Lincoln Road Mall. See if "Bread Man" is there to buy some bread, also you can buy fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and dried fruits, even fresh flowers for your room. It's great fun and super for people-watching on Sundays.

Have fun Lawren! Keep a bed warm for me!

[KenK Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close KenK]

Flagler is still open:

Flagler Dog Track and Entertainment Center - Home Page

I think Bill & Boca are right about Joes....but so is Glitter. If you went with your Grandma, you also probably remember the Forge, but its not like it used to be. Wolfies' has been closed, and the Wolfie Cohens Rascal House ( Welcome to Wolfie Cohen's Rascal House ) will be closing as they sold the building for another high rise. The place is partly owned by Jerrys Famous, a Calif Deli that has no idea of what a NY deli should be....but manaement at the Rascal House did keep the original menu....and if Jerrys Famous is still open down by SoBe...its not worth the effort.....

Frank enjoyed the restaurants at the Westin Diplomat Oceanfront Resort in Hollywood, and the Starwood Diplomat Country Club in Hallandale. But he is talking about a small place on the beach in Hollywood called Angelos Corner...at the foot of Garfield Street and the B'walk. We were amazed at the traffic this place generated....they are next to the handball courts, and sponser several teams, including the :Boys from Brooklyn"...who plat in the AM and are almost all over 70 years old......


The pizza is still very good there....but since the son took over the place, the dinners are not so great....no more gravy cooked 20 hours....now its more like....awww..plain Jane food...(and with insurance & taxes going up...so have the pricing.)

With Frank, we had a extra large plain (18 inch thin) and a pitcher of soda or beer for about $11.99. Last year it was $13.99. Now its $17.00.....

I have only had the Cuban food at Padrinos ( Padrino's Restaurants )
a few blocks from the condo in Hallandale...and it is good, and inexpensive. They have a lunch buffet for $7.99.....but only on M to F ....and it is limited. They where here a very long time, maybe since my great aunt lived in the Raleigh Hotel in what is now called SoBe...yes, loved the Esther Williams pixs at that big pool)

I would not use public transportation. I would be somewhat wary of some of the areas...but the attractions you mentioned are easiest to get to via car. Parrot Jungle is much closer now. The Seaquarium is pretty isolated.

I saw Bills recommendation of the Jungle Queen. I also know their daytime cruise does not include the food. But the Sun Sentinel had a recent article on the kitchen of their dinner cruise....and I would probably avoid.


My idea for that last day (checkout at 11 AM) would be to go N via Interstate 95 and exit at Griffin Road WEST. Go over the RR tracks and keep to the right. Turn R onto Anglers (or Ravenwood) Road. There will be a giant boat yard (Mullers) on the R and the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World & FLL rail station on the left....you will turn R.

Continue on Anglers Road to just over the Dania Cut Off Canal bridge (FLL is on your R) and note the Rustic Inn on your left.....this is your lunch place. (I say lunch, because being as cheap as I am, I would rather pay $13.99 for a crab assortment that the $60.00 in the PM. (Actually, they have a $20+ one at lunch too....

The place is right out of the 1950s....when they took it over from what was an Italian place at the end of the runway. It is really Rustic. The fish here is very good. (I can't eat crabs or most shellfish...breakout in hives...I get the flounder for $9.99). Comes with a lot of stuff.

Rustic Inn - World Famous Garlic Crabs TM - Home

Now, get in car and head back toward Griffin, and turn L to go to US Route one (Biscayne Blvd in Dade)....turn L onto us Rt one and go N past the FLL entrance...STAY ON US Rt ONE....now you need to decide....

Jungle Queen Cruise or (IMO..I bit better) Carrie B Cruise??? If Jungle Queen, turn R off US Rt one onto the 17th St causeway (signage will say A1A N and Beaches. If you are in the R lane, you will be fine....

Con't on 17th St to over the ICWB (note port Everglades on the R) and after the curve, see the Yankee Clipper (the boat in the sand) go past on your R.

You can pull into the Jungle Queen lot, (on the left right after you pass the Clipper) and they will make you park in the no longer Radission parking lot...or, as you pass the Clipper, you will notice a big public parking lot on the beach side. You can park here, too, and then drive back toward the Clipper until you get close to the Queen. YOU WILL HAVE TO CROSS A1A to get onto the Queens dock.

If Carrie B, you could take US Rt one....but you need to get onto Las Olas. It is a mass of turns onto Broward. Heres how to do it. Once you go under the Tunnel (under the New River), the next light is Broward Blvd. Turn R onto Broward. Then, at the next light on Broward, turn R again. This will lead to Las Olas. Once on Las Olas, turn R again. ( You are driving over US Rt one that is under the water).

Once on Las Olas, (remember to turn R) you will be in the shopping & restaurant area like Boca Recommended. Watch for the Riverside Hotel on your left. One of the Restaurants in the Riverside is a Cheesecake Factory. It is easiest to park in that lot. Walk past Stranahan house, and then on the begining of Riverwalk. (You will see Jacksons Steakhouse on the corner, Go left down that street. The carrie B is docked behind Stranahan House.

Carrie B - Sightseeing Cruises And Charters From Fort Lauderdale, FL And Norfolk, VA Coupon on site. Coupon in Fridays Sun Sentinel for one free with one ($14.00 off) Entertainment sectio. If in it, buy as many papers as you need...each coupon is only good for one free pass.

Back to airport S/B easy & fast. US Route one S and follow signs. Check times...you may not have that much.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Thanks for all the terrific suggestions. I hope we can fit all of the fine dining in!

Ken isn't Vizcaya right by the causeway towards Key Biscayne and Seaquarium?

Does anyone think it is worth the $$$ to get DS a swim with the dolphin package there? It would be a $270 day for one participant and 2 observers. Dolphin interaction is approximately 30 minutes.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Does anyone think it is worth the $$$ to get DS a swim with the dolphin package there? It would be a $270 day for one participant and 2 observers. Dolphin interaction is approximately 30 minutes.

I dunno, you'll have plenty to observe on Ocean Drive, for free

[Steamboat Bill Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Steamboat Bill]

Does anyone think it is worth the $$$ to get DS a swim with the dolphin package there? It would be a $270 day for one participant and 2 observers. Dolphin interaction is approximately 30 minutes.

You can go to the keys, bahamas, or discovery cove for cheaper

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

You can go to the keys, bahamas, or discovery cove for cheaper

Bill,

Are the keys a do-able daytrip? and where would I find info on a reputable dolphin swim there?

I'd really like to give this to my son, if possible, and I remember vaguely that snorkeling is good on Key Largo. But not the glass bottom boat thing. Only time I EVER have gotten seasick.

Of course I haven't done the Miami roundtrip drive to the Keys ride since I was in my 20s but it felt like the drive from hell then. Maybe things/roads have changed?

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Bill,

Are the keys a do-able daytrip? and where would I find info on a reputable dolphin swim there?

I'd really like to give this to my son, if possible, and I remember vaguely that snorkeling is good on Key Largo. But not the glass bottom boat thing. Only time I EVER have gotten seasick.

Of course I haven't done the Miami roundtrip drive to the Keys ride since I was in my 20s but it felt like the drive from hell then. Maybe things/roads have changed?

Yeah, you can make a nice day trip down to Islamorada. They have a dolphin show and it's a great area to visit.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Yeah, you can make a nice day trip down to Islamorada. They have a dolphin show and it's a great area to visit.

Boca do they have a dolphin swim there? and what is the name of the place?

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Boca do they have a dolphin swim there? and what is the name of the place?

Theatre of the Sea

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Tausend Dank Boca!