Nightlife in Coconut Grove has had to deal with two crushing blows in the past few years that haven't left bar and restaurant owners thrilled. First, in 2008, the city council, in a move supported by Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, voted to curb the Grove's last call from 5 a.m. to 3. Then, in April, University of Miami decided to halt its weekend Ibis Rides -- which transported students from campus to the Grove -- because of poor student behavior.
Local bar and club owners haven't exactly been pleased, especially in these already tough economic times. But things might return to business as usual in the Grove.
What's for sure: University of Miami will bring back the Ibis Ride beginning tomorrow, according to the Miami Hurricane. Though this time around, any student not on his or her best behavior will be indefinitely banned from the service. The service was cut off last year owing to an overwhelming number of incidents involving public drunkenness, vomiting, disrespect to drivers, and mini-riots over seats.
What's not so sure: Well, according to the Coconut Grove Grapevine, there's a movement underfoot to roll back Coconut Grove's closing time to 5 a.m. CGG says existing establishments are suffering, while other properties that could house new restaurants and bars sit empty. The Grove last call never made much sense, considering last call for the rest of the city is 5 a.m., if not later.
