Ocean Drive attracts tourists looking for a quick fix of “Miami Vice” neon and retro-deco styling; it’s the place locals take out of town guests to show them the sights. But, Lincoln Road provides a more authentic experience where just about everyone gathers to shop and dine under a brilliant Miami sun. With little resemblance to Small Town USA, Lincoln Road is a tropical Broadway, homey yet hip, with a sex appeal all its own.

No other avenue in the City is as popular 24 hours a day. While television shows like “Cheers” and “Friends” fictionalize cozy neighborhood places where everyone knows your name, the sunny sidewalk cafes along Lincoln Mall are frequent meeting places for friendly neighbors and social groups who gather to catch up on shared interests.

Newcomers will find it difficult to tell where one cafe ends and another begins. This open plan design is deliberate. Some venues favor boundaries, but not South Beach. The sports bar, the gay bar, the coffee shop and the deli all share tables and customers. Simply find an empty seat at a sunlit table to join the community. Folks who skateboard, rollerblade or bicycle meet on Lincoln. New parents bring overwrought toddlers to the Euclid Circle to barrel around and blow off steam. Ex-pats from cities around the globe find fellow countrymen to discuss world events, football matches and the goings-on back home. If America is indeed a melting pot, Lincoln Road is the red-hot burner in South Florida.

The Sunday Antique and Farmer’s Market get the week off to a great start. Morning joggers, earnest home cooks and casual shoppers join the crowd of collectors up at sunrise hoping to find a bargain. While there is no big box home store on the island, local nurseries bring in apartment-friendly houseplants for porch and patio. Many residents furnish their homes, fill their pantries and decorate their balconies at the weekly markets.

In the past few years, clever New York decorators and fashion stylists have boasted to national publications about the treasures they’ve unearthed at the Lincoln Road Flea Market. Suffice to say, those used to getting rock-bottom prices now meet the antique dealers’ trucks the moment they start to unpack. Competition is fierce! (Alternate Sundays October through May)

On holiday nights, families gather on the mall after dinner to check out the local revelers and catch up with old friends. Halloween is a particularly popular time of year. Local merchants encourage kids to trick or treat in all of their shops. Meanwhile, local drag queens parade in full regalia up and down the avenue hoping for cheers of encouragement from those lucky enough to score a table at a sidewalk cafe. Elaborate costumes created for local competitions or worn simply to provoke the crowd are everywhere you look. Everyone cheers, everyone takes photos; it’s a big party.

The weekends before and after Halloween are some of the busiest of the year. October kicks off the official holiday season. Temperatures might creep into the 80s, but the holiday lights twinkle in all of the palm trees along the mall. Holiday shopping at the quirky boutiques, art galleries and chain stores is always a bit more fun than at a traditional shopping center. New Year’s Eve is also intensely popular before and after the midnight fireworks at the beach. Black tie dressed couples and flip flop wearing teens compete for a place to hang out and celebrate. By accident or by design, there is always something to do on Lincoln Mall.

We’ve wandered from Bayside to Seaside along Lincoln Road and even explored the cross streets to help you navigate the incredible dining scene on this popular promenade. Whether you want a quick bite before the theater, a casual lunch while shopping, or a romantic dinner just for two, you’ll find a dazzling array of options all along Lincoln Road Mall. Since no cars are permitted from Washington Avenue through Alton Road, you’ll need to do a bit of walking to find the perfect spot. Are you ready?

One block west of Alton Road at West Avenue, savvy locals make frequent visits to Panizza Cafe, an Argentinean bakery specializing in empanada pocket pastries. While a significant portion of Lincoln Road is closed to cars, the last few blocks on the west side are busy with families getting their shopping done and buzzing around the residential district. Travelers who want to discover a quieter restaurant or glimpse local city life should venture west of Lincoln Mall.

At the intersection of Lincoln and Michigan, Finnegan’s Two attracts European Football Fans by day and local rock musicians by night. While some nightclubs on South Beach have a strict velvet rope policy, this is not the case at most of the bars along Lincoln Mall. Finnegan’s posts pub specials on a chalkboard by the door including happy hour drink prices and the name of the band performing that night.

Just a few steps south on Michigan, The Frieze Ice Cream Factory dreams up exotic flavors for some of the top restaurants in town and also serves cups and cones at the counter. New on the scene, Jezebel Bar + Kitchen attracts late night revelers seeking food and company in the wee hours. Specializing in craft cocktails and elevated pub grub, this hip hideaway is open until 5am.

While many national booksellers have expanded their services to include a coffee bar, Miami’s favorite Books & Books offers a full menu and a tapas and drinks list as well. At the busy Meridian Avenue intersection, find Havana 1957, a Cuban restaurant that will make you feel like family. Friendly service, Cuban classics and nightly specials make this alfresco cafe a local favorite. For a night that moves to a Miami beat, Yuca Restaurant has long attracted diners seeking a modern approach to Cuban cuisine. Latin cuisine can also be found at Baires Grill, Tapelia, HuaHua’s Taqueria and Cvi.Che 105.

Budget-conscious diners can find American comfort food classics at Shake Shack, happy hour food and drink deals at Yard House and complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres during happy hour Friday evenings at Meat Market.

Diners in search of Italian fare can choose from simple pizza and pasta shops like Rosinella, Spris, and Pizza Rustica, or visit the more upscale Sibilla and Quattro Gastronomia Italiana. Quattro is one of the top-dollar doors on Lincoln Mall, so be sure to make reservations to sample the hip, culinary pyrotechnics.

Asian restaurants on Lincoln Mall encompass Sushi, Thai, “Asian Fusion,” and Chinese. Among the best are Sushi Samba Dromo, a Brazilian-accented sushi bar that’s a nightclub after hours, and Doraku Sushi which has a popular weeknight happy hour and lunchtime meal deals.

Euclid Circle is a unique, kid-friendly spot of grass at the center of Lincoln Mall. Because there are few green spaces to congregate in the area, kids and dogs are drawn to this tiny island surrounded by cafes and ice cream shops. Nexxt Cafe encompasses the southern side of the circle with umbrella-shaded tables filled with hungry diners. Portions are big enough to share at this popular cafe serving giant breakfasts, main plate salads and towering sandwiches. Across the way, one of three branches of Pizza Rustica offers pies and pizza by-the-slice, perfect for a quick bite or a hungry toddler.

Lincoln Road pulses with all of the energy of South Beach. Whether you’re up early and need a jolt of coffee and a hearty morning meal or you’re looking for a romantic place to enjoy a hot Miami night, there is something for everyone on this busy pedestrian mall. While hot summer days often seem overwhelming, these breezy cafes welcome thirsty travelers and busy locals around the clock. Check theater, symphony and gallery listings to help you plan a great night out on Miami Beach’s Main Street. You’re sure to feel like a part of the scene once you experience the great shopping, friendly bars and delicious ethnic restaurants all along Lincoln Road Mall.

1020 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Spring Break All the Time
The pool bar at the Clevelander Hotel is awash in Art Deco neon and crowded with happy tourists who appreciate the slow buzz of a frozen Rum Runner 365 nights a year. Surely one of the Must-Sees on any South Beach bar crawl, “The Cleve” celebrates Spring Break year round with loutish cover bands, wet tee shirt contests, roving sexy shot girls and an intoxicating ocean breeze that reminds you why you chose Miami in the first place. Belly up to the bar to watch sports, grab a lounger facing the pool to check out the dancing girls or find a secluded umbrella table to work your magic on your date.

1220 16th Street, South Beach
Vibe: Hipster Speakeasy
Visitors to the residential west side of town are discovering the kitschy hidden hangout built behind the Mexican food truck that is the centerpiece of Bodega Taqueria. Tucked away on a side street across from Dunkin Donuts, this former warehouse has been transformed by the Menin Group into an adult’s only Frat Party with loud dance music, a popular pool table and plenty of cool kids smoking out in the alley. Stop in for a taco and grab a cold cerveza from the ice chest before making your way through the secret door that leads to all the fun. There you’ll find a full bar and a laid back dress code that’s definitely not like any other place on South Beach.

900 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Shake Your Bon Bon
Ocean Drive’s most popular nightspot, Mango’s Tropical Cafe might quicken your heart rate with potent rum drinks, live Latin music and curvaceous Salsa dancers bouncing happily on the bar tops. This crowded indoor/outdoor hangout features reasonably-priced entertainment that captures the imagination of visitors from all over the world who get caught up in the giddy energy of sexy showgirls and thumping music. If you’ve never sampled a Mojito, have your first one here. A powerfully potent cocktail that’s sweet, minty and refreshing, the Mojito packs quite a punch. Friendly bartenders take a highball glass and add sugar, fresh lime juice and whole fresh mint leaves to get things started. Crushed ice is piled on top of the muddled ingredients along with rum and a splash of soda to create the perfect island-style drink. Be aware of the local legend, “One Mojito, Two Mojito, Three Mojito… Floor!” Approach the mojito with extreme caution!

500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL
Vibe: Waterfront Sophistication at it’s best
This decidedly upscale bar at the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel is also one of our picks for the best waterfront bars in Miami. It’s location in Miami’s Brickell Financial District ensures that you won’t find the Ocean Drive/Spring Break crowd hanging out here, even though Mo Bar’s weeknight happy hour menu includes $8 cocktails and $5 snacks. It’s a top notch drinking establishment for sophisticated clientele.

222 14th Street, South Beach
Vibe: Down and Dirty
For a real dive bar experience, Mac’s Club Deuce is South Beach’s most popular dark and dingy escape serving drinks around the clock to a host of regulars straight out of a Fellini Movie. Happy Hour starts at 8am. That’s not a typo. While the rest of the city dresses for the workday or starts to stir with thoughts of hotel brunches and chilled mimosas, the Deuce is pouring off-price cocktails to the truly hardcore. It’s tough to be a dive in the heart of the Deco District when all about you beams soft, friendly pastel colors and buzzy neon lights. It’s tough to maintain a surly growl when families, spring breakers and celebrities frolic through sun drenched streets anxious to have a good time. Who wants to be the grouchy Goth at the heart of Beach Blanket Bingo? The Deuce certainly tries to maintain a level of dark decorum no matter the hour. That’s why Tony Bourdain likes it here.

1811 Purdy Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Surfers & Hipsters
On the fashionable west side of town, Purdy Lounge takes pride of place with local hipsters and a new stream of visitors to the bay side scene. Locals once dubbed this out-of-the-way surfer bar the “Dirty Purdy” but that seems like a distant memory now that the west side of South Beach is booming. With popular theme nights like Chocolate Sundays, Kulcha Shok Surf Nights and Drunken Spelling Bees, the Purdy leveraged its niche as everyone’s favorite corner bar. Much busier in recent years following the renaissance of the Standard Hotel and Spa and a number of new restaurants, the bar remains a stalwart anti-velvet rope hangout by the Bay. Dimly lit like a basement rec room, there’s no cover, no door drama and no pretentious behavior. Stop in for a drink or a game of pool and meet the locals.

124 2nd Street, South Beach
Vibe: More Pub Than Club
Ted’s Hideaway has a bit of a frat party atmosphere with a retro rock jukebox, cheap beers, sports on TV and a busy pool table. This popular pre-game spot gets mighty crowded with well-dressed club goers because the price of a velvet rope round of drinks can equal the tab for an entire night at Ted’s. As the evening wears on, the air fills with cigarette smoke and 80s rock and folks tend to get pretty loud. Consider this the antidote to overpriced drinks and overblown egos. Ted’s is SoFi’s “Cheers.”

1265 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Vibe: Dark Like Guinness
The Playwright is a fun place to eat and drink while cheering your favorite team to victory. Flat screen TVs surround the bar and pride of place is given to a giant projection screen that’s reserved for the evening’s main event. While there are indeed better and more authentic pubs in Boston where Irish populations are more significant, for South Beach the Playwright gets high marks. Its proximity to the velvet rope nightspot Mansion makes it the perfect foil for non-club fun. Drinks are 2 for 1 and appetizers are half price at happy hour weekdays.

1344 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Seaside Pub
An Irish pub with an ocean view, Finnegan’s Way is a Gaelic themed sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating facing busy Ocean Drive. There is a full kitchen and a weeknight happy hour with specials on appetizers, cocktails and select dinner entrees. Considering the busy Art Deco strip has more than it’s fair share of overpriced cafes, Finnegan’s offers a decent respite after a hot day at the beach or a hot night dodging pricier tourist traps.

760 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Vibe: Total Brain Freeze
Hot nights on South Beach call for extra strong refreshment and Wet Willies provides just the kind of mind erasing fun you’re looking for tucked inside the two-level bar. Fortify your belly with some tequila-soaked chicken wings before pondering which lethal frozen concoction to modify your mood. Choices include the Attitude Improvement, an orange slushy spiked with grain alcohol, vodka and rum, or the Call a Cab, a drink so strong you need to surrender your car keys. More traditional flavor combinations like fruity daiquiris or pina coladas still pack quite a punch so sip slowly and don’t be fooled by the chilly deliciousness. These slurpies are a mental vacation inside a plastic cup!

Culinary Director Matz consults on the menus of a number of South Beach restaurants, and his contributions to Ricky’s incorporate “American Fairground Favorites” like Smoked Corn Dogs, Nashville Hot Popcorn Chicken & Waffles, Waffle Mac n’ Cheese, Lamb Burger Smash Sliders, a Sloppy Pig Burger and Fried Apple Pie Rings. Adding to the atmosphere of casual fun (truly alt-South Beach), the venue serves tableside beer bongs, more than 150 kinds of whiskey and hosts South Beach’s only live Country & Western shows on Sunday nights.

Randy Singer, who serves as Musical Director at both Ricky’s and Bodega, describes the venue’s place in the Miami nightlife scene as “leading the live music renaissance in Miami by hosting bands five nights a week.” Indeed, South Beach Magazine photographed one of the club’s first “Ricky Bobby Sunday” performances featuring “Steeltown Religion,” a Pittsburgh-based band headlined by Aimee Jane and Eddie Willer. Other nightly programs at Ricky’s includes sports watch parties, karaoke nights, Reggae Fridays and game day weekends.

Ricky’s South Beach is located at 1222 16th Street in Miami Beach, and is open Monday through Friday 5pm to 5am and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5am.

270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL
A perfectly grown up alternative to the techno scene, Lilt Bar & Lounge offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Downtown Miami Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6pm to 2am. Stop in for an after-work cocktail, a pre-dinner drink or a cozy nightcap and enjoy a curated cocktail menu plus small plates to share with friends. For fans of Miami’s tight-knit music scene, the bar offers live performances Tuesday and Wednesday after 9pm and Thursday through Saturday after 10pm.

2 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
South Florida celebrates sun, sand and sparkling surf while this remarkable speakeasy brings live music to a quirky cellar space in Downtown Miami. Start the evening in the upstairs piano lounge enjoying drinks and bar bites until around 10pm when the Jazz gets going on the lower level. A $10 cover charge affords you an opportunity to enjoy some of the city’s most talented musicians who jam until the wee hours in Le Chat Noir’s romantic, candle-lit hideaway.

3425 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL
A lagniappe is a small, unexpected gift bestowed upon a customer as a show of good grace. In Miami, that good grace is defined by Lagniappe, a New Orleans style music club serving wine, charcuterie and entrees from the garden grill Sunday through Thursday 7pm – 2am and Friday and Saturday until 3am. Before your visit, check out the club’s online music schedule to find a roster of Gypsy Jazz, Hipster Funk and even Folk Bluegrass bands who kick off their jam nightly at 9pm.

1513 SW Eighth Street, Miami, FL
A hip nightspot on Miami’s Calle Ocho, Ball & Chain has a storied history dating back to the 1930s where jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Count Basie once graced the stage. These days, you’re likely to find friends and families swaying under the stars enjoying live musical performances on the Pineapple Stage or gathering around wooden tables laden with Cuban-style tapas and strong drinks. Check the bar’s website for details about Ladies Night, Happy Hour, Karaoke, Salsa Classes and Live Bands.

2007 SW Eighth Street, Miami, FL
An Art Gallery, Wine Bar and Coffee Shop in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana, Habana 305 offers indoor and outdoor seating, live music, tasty tapas and a hip young crowd. Supporting the vibrant Cuban music scene, the venue mixes live performance with top DJs to keep the energy level high Thursday through Sunday nights until 3am. Wednesday nights are Brazilian Nights when Ladies drink free. Stop in for Happy Hour with house wine by the glass priced at two-for-one and mimosas & bellinis just $4.

2325 Galliano Street, Coral Gables, FL
Enjoy live Jazz Mondays at the Open Stage Club where the Miami Jazz Cooperative will knock your socks off with their decidedly world class sound. Offering a full liquor bar, a talented kitchen staff and friendly service, the club hosts a two-for-one Happy Hour, Karaoke Night, Comedy Shows and more seven lively nights a week. Follow them on Twitter or visit the online events calendar where Ladies Night Thursdays and Dance Party Fridays just might lure you out of the house more often! $10 cover Mondays.

5556 NE Fourth Court, Miami, FL
One of the city’s most appealing dining spaces, Soyka sits at the edge of Miami’s Design District and offers good food, classic cocktails and excellent company seven nights a week. Under the watchful eye of Mark Soyka, a Miami restaurateur with deep roots in the musical community, the restaurant features live performances Friday and Saturday nights that encompass Brazilian Jazz, Gypsy Funk, Cuban Ritmos and fine vocal performances. Check the website for details. No cover, no minimum.

1035 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
Tucked away in Miami’s Park West District, The Corner brings new life to the nightclub scene Sundays through Thursdays until 5am and Fridays and Saturdays until 8am. Stop in for live Jazz Tuesdays plus a full bar and kitchen service for hungry nightowls who enjoy hearty sandwiches, soups and salads plus clever bar snacks like Deviled Eggs and Tapas to pair with a variety of craft beers, wine and cocktail creations. Happy Hour weeknights from 4-8pm features $3 beer & Chicago Hot Dogs. No cover charge.

174 East Flagler Street, Miami, FL
A landmark playhouse dating back to Miami’s very beginnings, the Olympia has hosted live performances from Ella Fitzgerald to Elvis since 1926! Crafted in Mediterranean Revival style, the carefully preserved auditorium is part of the National Registry of Historic Spaces. Wednesday nights in the Lobby Lounge, enjoy cocktails, tours of the theater and FREE performances by comedians, spoken word artists or live Jazz bands who fill the night with music. See the website for details. Doors open at 6pm.

5501 Northeast Second Avenue, Miami, FL
Downmarket and dirty, Churchill’s Pub remains one of South Florida’s favorite live music destinations since 1979. Located on the edge of Little Haiti, the bunker-like dive bar features rowdy rockers, throwback punk bands, heavy metal headbangers and also live Jazz on Monday nights starting at 9pm. Log onto the club’s website or Facebook page to see who is performing or just stop in for a pint from 3pm – 3am Sunday through Thursday and 3pm – 5am Friday and Saturday.

Editor’s Note – Miami’s nightclub scene is subject to last minute changes in schedule and pricing. When planning your visit, be sure to check websites to verify specific artists, prices and start times.

The variety of cuisine at our favorite restaurants includes fresh Florida seafood at Monty’s, perfectly crisp pizza at Fratelli la Bufala or tapas and cocktails at the Terrace at the Tides. Some of the top spots on Lincoln Road open early so guests can start the day in quiet contemplation with a pot of coffee and the newspaper. Others don’t hit their stride until late night when a prime table at Segafredo Espresso provides a front row seat to the best dressed action on the Mall. Some cafes like Balans offer great happy hour deals and Maxine’s will serve you breakfast no matter how late you roll out of bed.

Perhaps the best part of finding your favorite sidewalk cafe is the great latitude in dress code. While there are rules about attire at fancy restaurants and nightclubs all over town, the cafe crowd wears everything from sequins and sandals to gym clothes and sneakers. Having a chance to be as unfussy as you choose is all part of the South Beach experience. Meet new friends, get lost in your laptop or watch the world drift by your own little oasis on the sunny pink sidewalks of Miami Beach…

In the “South of Fifth” area …

1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Best View in Town
If the notion of sidewalk dining conjures up images of honking cars and hurried pedestrians, upgrade your outlook with a single South Beach stop at Smith & Wollensky. Tucked away inside a neatly manicured public park, set alongside a glamorous waterfront walkway where massive cruise ships slowly pass by on their way out to sea, the setting for this popular steakhouse is picture perfect. Burgers, salads, flatbreads and sandwiches start at around $10, but the million dollar view is the best thing on the menu. A busy waterside bar offers the ideal spot for a sunset sip and table service at dinnertime is definitely worth reserving if you are planning a romantic rendezvous. The southern tip of the city has a unique charm, a quiet quality that makes everyone feel like they’re on vacation.

300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Tiki Bar Happy Hour
Glamorous South Beach may not have the kind of atmosphere made famous in countless Jimmy Buffet songs, but if you’re looking for a tiki bar that captures that “Margaritaville” vibe, look no further than Monty’s where flip flops and tank tops are always in style!

Outdoor tables face the pleasure boats moored at the Miami Beach Marina and in the afternoon, the restaurant’s live band plays by the swimming pool so guests can sip and dip. Lunch service starts at 11:30am every day with salads, chowders and fine fish tacos. Located on the west side of town, Monty’s bar faces the setting sun and the Miami skyline making this one of the optimal outdoor spots to spend a half-price happy hour. Stop in from 4-8pm Monday through Friday to sample raw bar treats from the fresh seafood cart.

157 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Late Night Diner Chic
American diner food has dedicated fans across the globe which explains why the sunny sidewalk tables at this popular SoFi restaurant are always in demand.

Serving large portions of all the classics, a unique variety of house baked desserts like decadent red velvet layer cake and offering a full liquor bar, fresh fruit smoothies and ice cream fountain drinks, Big Pink hits every note for early risers and the late night club crowd. Cooking “Real Food for Real People,” until midnight weeknights, 2am Thursday and 5am Friday and Saturday, the sidewalk tables facing busy Collins Avenue provide a perfect vantage point to watch the surfers, volleyball players and yoga students making their way to the nearby beach. If you’re looking for a burger, a salad, or breakfast around the clock, Big Pink is the go-to spot for a hearty South Beach sidewalk snack.

437 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Authentic Italian Cafe
Fifth Street and Washington Avenue is the gateway to South Beach. Nearly everyone heading in for a night of fun or out to explore the city of Miami must pass this busy intersection where the most authentic Italian fare is served seven days a week until late night. Casual and spare, the dining room is not nearly as popular as the sidewalk tables where the brick oven baked pizzas are tops in town. After a quick mention by star Italian Chef Scott Conant on the FoodTV network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” telecast, the Ripienone Calzone stuffed with bufala mozzarella, ricotta cheese, sweet salami and black pepper became the most requested dish on the menu. The cafe specializes in the meat and milk of the Italian buffalo and imports cured speck, prosciutto, and bresaola plus asiago, ravello, mozzarella and ricotta bufala cheeses. A popular hang out for ex-pat Italians living in Miami, expect to hear a variety of romance languages as you sip your wine and watch the world whiz by your busy sidewalk spot.

In South Beach …

800 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: A 24 Hour Party & Recovery Spot
Back in the 1980s, South Beach was little more than a dream to a few clever investors who took a downtrodden retirement community and transformed it into the hip trip it is today.

While it is hard to imagine a time before the glamorous nightclubs and celebrity photo shoots that fill the pages of gossip magazines, when the News Cafe first opened its doors over 20 years ago, there were few people around to help justify funding an all night diner on desolate Ocean Drive. Starting out as little more than an international news kiosk with a few wooden tables by the sea, this popular sidewalk cafe now boasts a separate liquor bar, a full-service kitchen and a thriving international clientele who line up for tables around the clock. Serving salads, sandwiches, desserts and cocktails, “The News” is a busy Sunday brunch hangout where a variety of eggs benedict (with ham, salmon or spinach), steak and eggs or quiche lorraine make a perfect weekend meal. If you have but a single day on South Beach, spend some time at 8th Street and Ocean Drive and enjoy the view!

516 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Rustic French Oasis
After the successful launch of this tiny French creperie on a quiet South Beach side street, a second A la Folie location recently opened on Purdy Avenue so west side residents could share in the authentic tastes of “galette de bretagne,” the buckwheat crepes made in the manner of a small fishing village in Brittany. Wrapping up a tidy sweet or savory main dish, the fresh strawberry, nutella and cream filling makes a heavenly breakfast and the brie, pear and walnut crepe can be a lovely light lunch. The Espanola Way location captures an essential bohemian laissez-faire – the “live and let live” ethos that may drive hurried diners over the edge! Locals arrive early to stake out their favorite sidewalk table, pop open the news and enjoy an oversized bowl of cafe au lait. Often they return at sunset to sip a glass of wine with friends. While many restaurants on South Beach can feel like you are trespassing on someone else’s vacation, the quiet calm at this laid back eatery definitely has its charm. If you find yourself with no particular place to go – go here.

1756 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: All Night Bites
Popular with budget conscious young travelers, the Catalina Beach Club offers a truly remarkable location in the heart of the South Beach scene for less money than you might imagine.

Busy and often noisy, this giddy party spot offers guests a free nightly cocktail hour, free airport shuttle service and a front row seat to the fashion parade along busy Collins Avenue 24 hours a day. Maxine’s Cafe serves an all day breakfast menu that suits the late risers, the post-cocktail crowd and families with fussy kids as well. Fortify yourself with pancakes and French toast, overstuffed omelets and frittatas. Later in the day, a full drinks menu can be paired with tapas-style small plates like coconut shrimp, jalapeno poppers and baked brie. Organic salads, wraps and burgers starting at around $10 are some of most affordable options in this upscale stretch of the city. Attracting a fun mix of travelers and locals, the Catalina’s buzzy vibe often diverts wealthy guests from the Delano, Raleigh and Ritz across the street who prefer a walk on the wild side to their stuffy beachfront resorts.

On Lincoln Road …

700 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: Supreme People-Watching Perch
Lincoln Road Mall is a unique, pedestrian-friendly paradise that is closed to cars and open for fun 24 hours a day. With popular stores, quirky bars and dozens of sidewalk cafes, the options for alfresco dining are best sorted out by cuisine.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly cafe with large portions of classic American comfort food, visit Nexxt Cafe where the inspiration for many of the menu items seems to come straight out of the Cheesecake Factory playbook. Located at Euclid Circle, the very heart of the Mall, Nexxt presses their tables closely together and shades them all with massive market umbrellas. The atmosphere can be crazy busy weekends and during brunch service when locals and travelers line up to enjoy some prime people watching along with their meal. Tuck into huge burgers, giant salads, crispy fried chicken or a dazzling variety of desserts or wait until early evening when a cocktail and an appetizer can be far more serene than the crush at midday.

1022 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: An English Charmer
Underscoring South Beach’s reputation as an international city, the UKs popular Balans Cafe fairly stormed the sidewalks of Lincoln Road Mall back in 1997.

With thriving locations in Soho, Earl’s Court, Kensington, Chiswick and Westfield, the South Beach location was perhaps the first restaurant to offer a full “English Fry” breakfast. Serving a stunning eggs benedict starting at 8am and crowded well past midnight, the sidewalk tables are packed at the 3-7pm daily happy hour when $3 beer, $5 wine and $7 cocktails are some of the best drink specials on the mall. Signature pours like pimms cup, raspberry cosmos and electric lemonade paired with appetizer plates of spicy pot stickers, crabcakes and fried calamari make a perfect sunset snack. For a quick burger, a juicy steak or a satisfying late night bite, Balans feels like a party every night of the week.

1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Vibe: La Dolce Vita
Exploring Lincoln Road Mall by day (or after dark) is an essential part of a South Beach vacation. The recent addition of the dynamic 1111 Building at the far western edge of the mall has shifted the shopping focus to the upscale cafes, trendy restaurants and pricey boutiques like Juicy Couture, MAC and Taschen Books near busy Alton Road.

After 10 successful years, if Segafredo Espresso wasn’t already the most popular sidewalk hang out in the area, it is now! Spanning the center of the intersection at Lenox Avenue, the overstuffed sofas, antique setees and spindly tables surrounding the mosaic fountain are prime real estate for shoppers who like to see and be seen. Close to the Regal movie theater, the cafe is a meeting place for drinks before dinner, a nightclub crawl or a film. Serving pizza, bruschetta, and Italian finger foods to pair with strong drinks or coffee, the spirit of “la dolce vita” fills the air no matter the hour. Grab a seat, kick off your stilettos and see where the night takes you!

Just a short distance from South Beach, the Design District is home to some of the city’s top-rated restaurants and a number of bohemian bars, but on the second Saturday of every month, just a few blocks south, the Wynwood Arts Community kicks out all the stops and celebrates Wynwood Art Walk which features the latest in modern art, unorthodox live performances and huge graffiti installations on warehouses and abandoned buildings.

Some of Miami’s most talented artists have reclaimed parts of the city where few dared to tread and in doing so, created a brand new frontier in contemporary art. Located between North Miami Avenue and NW Second Avenue from 20th -36th Streets, this district hosts a night time community art gathering from 7-10pm that is truly vibrant and inspiring.

Showcasing over 60 galleries, the once monthly art walk is an ideal way to explore Miami’s hip new arts district. Art enthusiasts who want to check out what’s happening in visual art, painting, sculpture and photography can wander the streets of the area just east of I-95 and discover Kunsthaus Miami, Spinello Gallery, Lyle O. Reitzel Gallery, PanAmerican Art Projects, Fredric Snitzer Gallery, Dorsch Gallery, Locust Projects, Kevin Bruk Gallery, Ambrosino Gallery, and Luis Adelantado Miami. For shoppers, there is an artsy plant gallery combining contemporaty sculpture with small plants called Plant the Future and a unique museum-style gift shop called Elemental. Vintage housewares and period furniture are on sale at the popular consignment shop Las Tias.

If the sheer number of important art objects seems daunting, there are a bunch of cool new bars and restaurants to discover en route including Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Lester’s, Wood Tavern and Joey’s Italian Cafe. Quirky and casual, these restaurants cater to the local hipster crowd but can get pretty crowded on weekends. To add to the appetizing excitement on Art Walk nights, around 30 of Miami’s Gourmet Food Trucks line up in a field at the corner of NW 23 Street and NW Second Avenue offering a unique variety of budget-friendly ethnic foods and homemade sweets to tempt even the most finicky art fan.

To explore the art scene in a truly unique way, join The Miami Bike Scene (.com) and tour the Wynwood district on wheels. This hale and hearty group of adult riders gathers in downtown Miami to explore the city’s art scene or simply cruise a few happy hours at local bars as a group. A recent Wynwood ride attracted around 70 interested riders who toured the graffiti walls around the district on a leisurely 2 hour guided ride. To get the most updated information on local rides, simply join Miami Critical Mass on Facebook.

While the Wynwood District sometimes seems a little dangerous, the crowds that gather on Art Walk weekends make Miami’s frontier neighborhood seem safe, edgy and fun. Join in April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10 and December 8, 2012.

Here are some of our favorite haunts:

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
2250 NW Second Avenue

Lester’s
2519 NW Second Avenue

Cafeina Lounge
297 NW 23 Street

Joey’s Wynwood
2506 NW Second Avenue

Wood Tavern
2531 NW Second Avenue

JimmyZ Kitchen Wynwood
2700 North Miami Avenue

Elemental
2399 NW Second Avenue

Follow Furniture
80 NE 29 Avenue

Las Tias Consignment
2834 North Miami Avenue

Plant the Future
2511 NW Second Avenue

Primary Flight
4141 NE Second Avenue

Miguel Paredes Fine Art Gallery
173 NW 23 Street

Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts
2043 North Miami Avenue

Atelier 1022 Studio & Fine Art Gallery
2732 NW Second Avenue

Artformz Alternative
171 NW 23 Street

AE District
3852 North Miami Avenue

Buena Vista Building Space
180 NE 39 Street

Maor Gallery
3030 NE Second Avenue

Butter Gallery
2303 NW Second Avenue

Dorsch Gallery
151 NW 24 Street

Artseen Gallery
2215 NW Second Avenue

Dina Mitriani
2620 NW Second Avenue

Nina Torres
2033 NW First Place

Calix Gustav Gallery
98 NW 29 Street

Savvy tourists make certain their reservations specify a high floor facing east if a sunrise breakfast in bed is on the agenda. Some Ocean Drive hotels offer roof top pool decks with a bird’s eye view of the sunrise and surf below.

After years of neglect during the 1970s and early 80s, Ocean Drive came roaring back on the scene when a few brave restaurateurs opened cafes and patiently waited for the buzz to energize an area that had gained a reputation for low rent housing and petty street crime.

One of the first entrepreneurs, Mark Soyka, opened the News Cafe at 8th and Ocean in 1988 offering comfort food and international newspapers 24 hours a day. While most folks thought an upscale diner on a street with little traffic would quickly fail, the News Cafe and a few others can take credit for creating the energy that would soon power all of the neon that quickly followed.

Gloria Estefan soon invested in the Cardozo Hotel at 13th and Ocean Drive, bringing a touch of celebrity to the emerging scene. Restaurants and bars, boutique hotels and shopping districts gradually replaced shuttered storefronts, and while naysayers enjoy telling travel publications that Miami was over, season after season brought new life to the city as celebrities flocked to Ocean Drive to pout for the paparazzi.

Some visitors, especially those coming from overseas, aren’t really sure what area is best to start their hotel search. Keep in mind that Ocean Drive is located in Miami Beach, not Miami, so a hotel in Miami Beach will be far more convenient. Ocean Drive is a $32 flat-fee taxi ride from the MIA airport. The restored hotels along Ocean Drive offer a range of accommodations from absolute luxury to simple convenience. Miami Beach has accommodations for everyone from humble backpackers to international jet-setters and the hotels along the strip suit every level of taste and budget. It’s also possible to reserve a privately owned condo if your party needs room to groove.

For families on a budget, consider a converted suite with kitchen facilities roomy enough for the entire brood. For travelers seeking romance, book a room with a king sized bed and a delightful Jacuzzi tub included. And for determined Spring Breakers, the rooms facing the Clevelander Pool Bar are thumping ’til 5am.

The upper reaches of Ocean Drive, from 12th through 15th Streets and the “SoFi District” (South of Fifth) are less active after hours and tend to be quieter at night. There are no hotels built directly on the sand from 5th to 14th Streets, so hotels in this zone face a public park and offer a direct view of the beach across Ocean Drive.

Visitors using their frequent flyer/travel points have two corporate options. Both Marriott and Hilton have hotels on Ocean Drive perfect for leisurely vacationing. The Hilton Grand Vacations Club offers one and two bedroom suites large enough for 6 people – so long as some of those people might not mind sleeping on a pull out couch. If your family spent the year watching you and your suitcase head out the door, the Hilton makes it possible to bring the whole gang along for some rest and relaxation on the rooftop jacuzzi sun deck.

The South Beach Marriott sits at the quiet “SoFi” end of the busy strip and features a Starbucks in the lower lobby. For some visitors, access to Starbucks makes the Marriott an ideal hotel. The rest of the property exceeds expectations with a wonderful pool area, 8 family sized one-bedroom suites with 32-inch flat panel televisions and high-speed internet access. Local surfers, volleyball players and followers of “futevole,” the Brazilian fusion soccer-volleyball game, favor the beaches south of the Marriott.

Lower Ocean Drive is a hot destination for club hoppers who flock to Nikki Beach Club by day and Story by night. Visiting celebrities dine on giant lobsters and decadent truffle mac n’ cheese at Prime 112, the hottest restaurant on Ocean Drive, or its newest twin, Prime Italian.

Nearby and definitely delicious, Fifty offers diners Nuevo-Latino lunch and dinner options including plantain wrapped crab cakes and tres leches Boston Cream Pie. While the menu features so many bold choices, be certain to leave room for the most deliciously original desserts in town.

If you spend most of your business travel time in corporate hotel rooms, you might opt for a boutique hotel for your South Beach vacation. The low-rise buildings on central Ocean Drive have been renovated and retrofitted with modern conveniences without disturbing the original floor plans. In some cases, the rooms remain smaller and the scale of the property more intimate. Some South Beach visitors want a clean, simply appointed room with a sense of independent travel. To escape the confines of a more generic hotel experience, Ocean Drive offers lots of boutique hotel choices.

Top of the line is the Hotel Victor which recently opened under the stewardship of Hyatt. While many travelers are familiar with the Hyatt brand, most are quick to report that there is little similarity to a traditional Hyatt hotel at the Victor. The hotel staff are personable and attentive, the rooms and in-house spa slick and well appointed, and the atmosphere often set to the beat of a poolside DJ.

One block to the north, The Tides Hotel provides a more sedate atmosphere, larger rooms and unusually spacious bathrooms. The nearby French bistro Les Deux Fontaines offers diners an upscale retreat featuring deliciously fresh seafood and live music nightly. Cafe Cardozo has served as the unofficial headquarters for all things Art Deco since the district began. Toast to Miami’s bygone era as you enjoy lunch or a sundown cocktail on the classic Art Moderne patio.

For visitors seeking a little tranquility in an Art Deco setting, an ocean front room at the Park Central offers simple luxury in a location that’s central to everything. While the swimming pool is small and well shaded, the hotel provides free towels and beach chairs to sun worshippers on the shoreline. The 6th floor sun deck has great city and sea views by day and extremely romantic star gazing by night. The newly reopened restaurant Quinn’s is a lovely spot for seafood and people watching right on Ocean Drive.

The Hilton Bentley South Beach Hotel provides spectacular views, and an added benefit for guests of the Bentley is complimentary access to the Bentley Beach Club including use of the gym, pool, hot and cold spa tubs and access to the very sexy club, Nikki Beach.

Reserving a suite on Ocean Drive can make South Beach feel like a home away from home. Travelers seeking something more luxurious should set their sights upon the newest addition to the Ocean Drive skyline, the Z Ocean Hotel. This 80-suite luxury condominium hotel features extra large balconies, private penthouses with access to the roof garden, 5-star in-room spa service, and a glass bottom pool. And in case you’re concerned about the security of your brand new Bentley, the hotel employs private valets who will spend the night coddling your car inside a secured parking facility. Now that’s sweet!

Just south of the Z Ocean hotel, the suites at the Casa Grande Suites are grand indeed. While some renovated Ocean Drive hotels suffer from a dearth of space, the Casa Grande enjoys repeat visits from guests who need a little extra room to stretch out during their stay. Currently updating their facilities, the hotel offers both private and public bookings of their 34 spacious suites including a number of pet-friendly options.

Having the luxury of a fully appointed kitchen with full sized steel appliances, granite countertops and tropical Indonesian décor makes it possible to prepare a lavish breakfast or happy hour on your own during longer visits.

Most importantly, the 8th Street location places guests squarely in the heart of the local nightlife.

No visit to Ocean Drive would be complete without a night of sexy Latin dancing girls and icy mojitos at Mango’s Tropical Cafe.

Best bets for dining near by include a casual brunch at the Pelican Cafe, 24-hour people watching at the News Cafe and Cuban style comfort food at Lario’s.

For frozen drinks that help quell the midday heat, try Fat Tuesdays or a topside seat overlooking the scene at Wet Willies.

Time-share members book the Crescent Resort season after season to enjoy the romantic Jacuzzi suites, the concierge service and the easy access to great shopping on the pedestrian mall, Lincoln Road. The quiet upper reaches of Ocean Drive are a little more relaxed and increasingly popular with return visitors. The Betsy Hotel has just been renovated and offers guests who aren’t tempted to wander across the street to Starbucks a complimentary breakfast every morning.

For an alfresco brunch overlooking Lummus Park, try the hearty banana pancakes at the Front Porch Cafe, a spot offering wholesome food at a good value all day long. In the afternoon, the live music at Finnegan’s Way lures beach goers to happy hour at this Irish style sports bar. While the food is standard pub fare, the atmosphere is always lively and the drinks two for one from 4-7pm.

The Congress Hotel is an all-suite hotel in the very center of the action. Some visitors find the 10th Street area too lively late at night while others bring along earplugs to help them catch a few hours sleep between parties. To experience the best of both worlds, 58 soundproofed luxury suites ranging in size from 475-950 sq. ft. offer every modern convenience, plus a rooftop pool deck overlooking Ocean Drive. On New Year’s Eve and the 4th of July, the Strand rooftop is by far the best seat in town for fireworks displays over the Ocean.

Closer to the ground, the heart of the district beats until 5 a.m. pool side at the Clevelander Pool Bar. The Clevelander Hotel has renovated their guest rooms and the party at the pool bar continues until the last Spring Break visitor calls it quits. This landmark legend features five poolside bars, flat panel TVs inside and out, live musical performances, two for one happy hours, and Saturday bikini contests. There is always a party on Ocean Drive just as long as you’re sipping a frozen rum runner served up by the friendly bartenders at the Clevelander Hotel.

If your interests are somewhat more sophisticated than tequila shots and string bikinis, the Miami Design Preservation League has it’s administrative offices at the Art Deco Welcome Center just across the street from the Clevelander hotel. The MDPL offers free public programs to explore the influences of 20th century design in Miami Beach including Deco era movies, architecture seminars and walking tours of the historic district.

Wednesdays through Sundays, join members of the MDPL staff for a 90-minute walk around the hotels, restaurants and commercial structures that make up the Art Deco Historic District.

Each year in January, the MDPL hosts Art Deco Weekend and closes Ocean Drive to traffic for a 3 day block party with food, fun, antique cars and craft sales. Visitors enjoy live musical performances, dancing in the streets, lectures about Art Deco, a classic car parade and much more. Hotel guests are advised that it’s a little tougher to navigate into and out of the area during special events, so try to be patient during festival weekends. Memorial Day Weekend, the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve also bring street closures and heavy traffic to the area.

Design plays an integral part of the guest experience at the funky Pelican Hotel, which is owned by the high concept creative minds at Diesel Jeans. If you’re looking for a quirky theme hotel experience, log onto the hotel website and search through photos of rooms decked out in vintage finds to create Retro, Deco, Tarzan, Cowboy and Whorehouse motifs. While everything about the Pelican is “tongue in chic,” the service staff is friendly, the Pelican Cafe serves a great mojito and the beach chairs are free to hotel guests.

Sophisticated travelers looking for a unique hotel experience in a minimalist style stay at the Century Hotel, where the rooms are simple, the bathrooms spare and the vibe quiet and friendly. This small property caters to budget-minded guests who focus on exploring the city rather than lavishly appointed hotel rooms. The selection and price range of accommodations available on Ocean Drive make this an ideal destination for visitors seeking a classic South Beach experience. Options from luxurious to simple, from quiet to raucous, from central to remote make it possible to customize the kind of vacation you choose to experience at this seaside destination. In the end, it’s all about location.

Ocean Drive provides a rare opportunity to glimpse a landmark Art Deco area saved by preservationists who ultimately saved South Beach from destruction. Historic Preservation in the 1980s provided the backdrop for an emerging trend in fashion photography which re-introduced the raw beauty of Miami Beach to the world. Sometimes holding onto the past makes the future possible.