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Best Cannabis Dispensary

Sunburn Cannabis

Not even the fact that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency task force busted Clyde "Bill" Cobb in 1983 for operating the largest marijuana smuggling ring ever prosecuted by the federal government could deter his son, Brady Cobb, from continuing the family legacy: providing Floridians with great weed. Of course, as CEO of Sunburn Cannabis, Brady Cobb's operation is totally legal. After opening Sunburn's first outpost in Fort Lauderdale last November, Cobb has made sure that each of the company's ten dispensaries celebrates the state's smuggler spirit. Sunburn ditches the fluorescent lighting and minute-clinic vibe in favor of pool tables, rock 'n' roll playlists, and collages of babes, boats, and bikinis. The company's logo — a shrimp boat — is a nod to the vessel in which Bill Cobb smuggled kilos across the Gulf of Mexico, and the name a tip of the cap to Operation Sunburn, the DEA task force that nabbed the old man in '83.

If Miami's literary scene were a video game, Dale Zine would be its cheat code. After navigating the labyrinthine side streets off Biscayne Boulevard in Little River, you step into a bright, naturally lit space filled with scores of beautifully printed books, magazines, and zines from local and national independent authors and publishers alike. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m., the curated space regularly hosts book signings, launch parties, and a semi-regular art book club. Embrace the GPS challenge.

Best Used Bookstore

Old Florida Book Shop

The Old Florida Book Shop is not very old. Though the Dania Beach shop opened in 2009, its interior design — towering, floor-to-ceiling shelves punctuated by ornate lamps, grandfather clocks, and desk globes — suggests a wisdom far beyond its 14 years. Like any 14-year-old, however, Old Florida Book Shop is on TikTok, where its rare books, antique maps, and feline mascot Bob contribute to its growing #booktok popularity. Owner William Chrisant carries more than 30,000 books — name the topic, from art to geography to photography, sciences, architecture, religion, history, domestic arts, and fiction, and he probably has it covered. Chrisant sources his inventory from auctions, the internet, and locals, and he takes pride in reuniting customers with treasured titles — like the woman who cried upon finding The Little Engine That Could.

Best-Kept Secret (Literary Division)

Sweet Haven Books

With developers seeking to build more condos atop 2,500-year-old archaeological sites, it's fair to assume Miami is a town that doesn't put much stock in its history. A welcome exception to that rule can be found in the Florida section of Sweet Haven Books in the historic village of Cauley Square in the southern reaches of Miami-Dade County. Patty Medina, who runs the store, tells New Times that her husband, Jesus Castellat, curates the Florida section. Here you can find all sorts of literature chronicling the fast and fascinating history of Miami and the Sunshine State, including a photo book comparing Miami landmarks in the 1930s to today and a geological survey of Oakland Park from 1959. "A lot of the Florida books we carry are first editions," Medina notes. "We don't have any newer covers, but we do have several autographed copies."

Best Comic Book Shop

A&M Comics and Books

Tucked in a cozy shop on Bird Road, A&M Comics and Books has stood the test of time and technology since the mid-1980s. They say they're the oldest comic book store in Florida and the second-oldest in the nation, and we have no reason to doubt the claim. The store's combination of history and stock is a haven for collectors. A&M continues to open its doors to those interested in reading sketched adventures, collecting statues and figurines, reminiscing about Marvel's past, and debating the latest not-up-to-par take of a comic classic on the silver screen.

Best Arts & Crafts Store

Jerry's Art Supply & Framing

It's an especially sad trend that, in a town growing more renowned for its contemporary art scene, local brick-and-mortar places that sell artist tools and supplies are becoming harder to come by. That's why Jerry's Art Supply & Framing Wholesale Club in South Miami should be protected as if it were an endangered manatee. As it's colloquially known, Jerry's is beloved by the local artist community for its fair prices, variety, knowledgeable staff, and discounts for professional artists, art teachers, and art students.

Best Dog Food Store

Animal Crackers

After a vet gave Jake, his Rottweiler, one year to live, JJ Diaz consulted a holistic veterinarian who opened his eyes to the importance of pet nutrition, especially the ingredients, sourcing, and manufacturing of dog food. Jake went on to live for another five years, and Diaz wanted to enlighten fellow pet owners. He opened his shop in downtown Miami, stocked it with a variety of dog foods he'd personally researched and vetted, and now happily directs customers to products to alleviate their pet's chronic conditions and skin allergies. The shop offers online ordering and delivery, grooming services, and the convenience of having Diaz carry out any heavy bags of dog food and stow them in your car trunk.

Best Barbershop

The Barber Room

Miami Shores is the closest thing Miami-Dade has to Mayberry, and the Barber Room, a classic old-timey men's groomer, is to the Shores what Floyd the Barber's haircuttery was to the fictional North Carolina hamlet of yore. Owner Eddie Montalvo has been cutting hair since he was 14 and leads a tight-knit crew of barbers who stand ready to shape up fades, tame unruly beards, and offer their haircutting, hot-towel shaves, and scalp treatments to the public seven days a week. Even bald dudes are welcome here — the Barber Room offers free hair replacement consultations with procedures starting at $400.

Best Blow-Dry Bar

LAHH Salon

Ivanka Trump and Sofía Vergara walk into a blow-dry bar. It's not the opening line to a joke but LAHH Salon in Surfside, which caters to celebrities and locals alike. The salon, which is stocked with Oribe and Davines products, offers wash and blow-dry services, haircuts, keratin treatments, and hair extensions. Unlike typical blow-dry bars, LAHH also offers unparalleled color services, including root touch-ups, color correction, balayage, and highlights. In other words, no matter which stylist's chair you land in, there's no bad seat in the house.

During her more than 20 years of experience, aesthetician Sharese Logan has treated some of the most recognized faces in town, including Shakira and more than one Miami Heat basketball player. Whereas some aestheticians slap products on your face, try to upsell you, and don't deign to remove a single blackhead from your clogged nose pores, Logan customizes facials based on the client's needs. No matter your skin type, when you put your face in her expert hands, you're sure to leave with a glow.

Best Mani/Pedi

Bon Bonite Nail Bar & Wax

No one likes to watch paint dry on their fingernails and toenails. Fortunately, the folks at Bon Bonite Nail Bar & Wax can get you in and out of their Edgewater salon in under an hour. It's not that they're cutting any square-shaped nail corners. They're just really efficient. The nail technicians sit side by side, provide color recommendations, and bring you coffee. The menu of services includes gel manicures and pedicures, acrylics, and trendy aprés nails, but it's the regular ol' mani/pedi price of $19.99 that justifies biweekly returns.

Best Massage

Oriental Massage & Spa

The rules at Oriental Massage & Spa are simple: Lie facedown on the table, and a massage therapist will defy physics to bend your body, mind, and soul back into shape in a session that lasts from 30 to 120 minutes. The massage therapists here are committed to untangling any knots: They'll use their hands, feet, and elbows — even walk on your back — to get the job done. Choose from a menu of 20 massages, ranging from Thai to shiatsu to Swedish, with aromatherapy included in each one.

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort photo
Best Spa

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Bigger isn't always better, but it is in the case of the 70,000-square-foot Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, said to be the largest spa and wellness center on the East Coast. Choose from a variety of massages, skincare, and body treatments that incorporate Western, Eastern, alternative, and aesthetic techniques. Be sure to arrive early for your appointment and plan to stay late to make the most of the spa amenities before and after — including access to steam rooms, infrared saunas, a hydrotherapy circuit, the oceanfront cabana pool, and a grownups-only saltwater pool on the rooftop.

If the dingy, dimly lit tattoo shops on Washington Avenue are the problem, the bright and welcoming Easy Peasy studio on the Upper Eastside is the solution. The artists, who are mostly queer, gender-nonconforming, and/or BIPOC, take pride in their epidermal masterpieces. Owner Julie Frances (@midnight_moonlighttt on Instagram) is transparent about what the artists earn, the commission she makes, and sincerely promises "reasonable pricing." Peruse previous works and contact the artists directly to book via the shop's Instagram page — "all skin tones," "all genders," and "all bodies" are welcome.

Best Sexy Splurge

Earth and Honey Studio

No matter where her clients fall on the meek-to-assuredness spectrum, Sindy Perez is determined to boost their self-confidence with every boudoir photography session at her Earth and Honey studio. Sage is burned to welcome each new visitor into Perez's light-filled loft, where a sign reads, "No risk, no magic." Each session includes hair, makeup, and two hours of sensual photography with outfit changes. A former model, Perez helps clients with provocative yet natural poses while she flits about capturing the sultry scenes. Afterward, Perez shares the images and helps edit and retouch selections. With sessions starting at $349 (prints and albums cost extra), the price of self-confidence may seem steep, but you're worth it.

Online shopping nearly killed the brick-and-mortar adult goodies industry. A department store-sized adult store like Playthings has survived thanks to its approachable, informed, and non-judgmental staff. It's a one-stop shop for titillating lingerie, vibrators, lubrication, bondage ropes, chastity belts, handcuffs, nipple clamps, whips — you name it. Customers can even open two toys at a time to compare before purchasing. The store is stocked with dancer gear, including clear platform heels and poles, neon-hued and barely there rave outfits, and novelty items, including gift bags that read "#Fuckable." Note to the bashful: Playthings offers free shipping on orders over $50.

Best Plant Shop/Nursery

Sunset Nursery

Looking for a living creature to put its survival in your hands? Consider one of the oxygen-excreting plants at Sunset Nursery. Staff at the lush garden center just west of the turnpike aren't merely knowledgeable about maintenance. They're pumped to find good homes for their green-leaved friends: rare philodendrons, fascinating bonsai arrangements, plump succulents, and a crayon box worth of colorful orchid varieties. You'll never have to worry about them peeing on the dining room rug — just make sure to utilize an appropriate outdoor plot or patch of windowsill and a watering schedule.

Best Florist

The Flower Place

The Ciorarus have been giving Miami their flowers for more than two decades. Husband and wife Emil and Giselle Cioraru started the family business as a pop-up at weekend farmers' markets, usually with their kids, Lillian and Meir, helping complete orders. They're known for intuitively and efficiently preparing beautiful bouquets for any occasion, be it romance, good news, or condolences. After moving into its first brick-and-mortar space in 2003 and its current location on 79th Street in 2014, the Flower Place has expanded into online sales and now services weddings and other events thanks to Lillian, who joined the family business in 2021.

Best Bridal Shop

Coral Gables Bridals

Planning a wedding can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when finding the perfect dress. But, thanks to Coral Gables Bridals, Miami brides no longer have to morph into bridezillas. This local business recently moved into a bigger location on Coral Way to better meet growing expectations. From classic and timeless to modern and trendy, Coral Gables Bridals boasts an extensive collection of wedding dresses to suit nearly every style and preference. Don't go hangry starving yourself to squeeze into a too-tight dress, either — the shop has a selection of dresses to fit curvy brides. Brides have 99 problems to worry about on their big day, but the dress shouldn't be one of them.

Best Lingerie Shop

Honey Birdette

With the timeless luxury of Agent Provocateur and the kink vibes of a sexy dominatrix, Honey Birdette's got you and your privates covered (or un-, as the case may be), no matter where you fall on the naughty-nice spectrum. This Australian import now operates shops in the UK and a handful in the U.S., including one on the second level of Aventura Mall (see "Best Mall" elsewhere in this section). In addition to bras, thongs, crotchless panties, and garter belts, Honey Birdette offers an assortment of sensual toys, massage oils, and bondage accessories. The company stands behind its "come one, come all" ethos, too: Early this past spring, when critics pounced after Honey Birdette featured nonbinary model Jake DuPree on its Instagram wearing a three-piece red lingerie set, the company released a statement vowing to "continue to use our voice to empower and support the LGBTQ+ community, women, and anyone who wants to feel fabulous in our lingerie."

Best Mother-Daughter Partnership

Tighemi Concept

For more than 20 years, Lisa Walsh has been traveling to Morocco; more recently, her daughter, Lauren, has joined her. After developing relationships with some of the talented creatives in the North African nation, the mother-daughter duo opened Tighemi Concept to bring authentic Moroccan linens, tunics, kaftans, and accessories to their Design District shop. In 2021, the pair expanded into a neighboring storefront to offer furniture and housewares imported from Morocco. Now they also offer appointments at a showroom at Ironside in Little River. Be sure to pop in frequently — new shipments arrive seasonally.

Alex Srour and Maya Memovic make a great team — not just as husband and wife but as CEO and creative director of their modern Colombian swimwear brand, Azulu. With stores in Cartagena and Bogota, the duo opened their first flagship store in the United States at Aventura Mall in 2021 and expanded with their second stateside store only 17 miles away at Brickell City Centre in 2022. The brand is known for its flirty silhouettes with subtle "Latin flair" (think delicate bows, scalloped edges, and fringe details) that will turn heads whether you're jetting off for summer or staying local at the Standard.

Best Womenswear

At Ease on Sunset

Staying far from tacky seasonal trends, At Ease on Sunset curates a timeless, classic sportswear capsule. Less is more at this South Miami boutique, which features remarkably simple dresses by Xirena, sweatpants by Nili Lotan, and basic T-shirts by Enza Costa. While you're acquainting yourself with brands like the Row and Rosetta Getty, a white couch in the shop doubles as a Freudian chaise for meaningful conversations with staff — about the clothes or life in general. Stay tuned for trunk shows featuring popular jewelry designers.

Owing to our hot and humid weather, men's style in Miami has evolved a bit differently from other locales, with an emphasis on flashy, spendy streetwear. Case in point: The all-white MRKT showroom in the Design District sells $300 sweatshirts with zero irony. The shop carries brands like Vetements, Martine Rose, RHUDE, and 1017 ALYX 9SM that will earn the approval of the most discerning hypebeasts. Follow the shop's Instagram account to stay informed about drops of limited-release sneakers and exclusive collabs. Strangers will mistake you for a street artist or sneaker collector in no time.

Best Streetwear

Purple Carpet Boutique

Once you step inside, you'll be inspired to put together outfits dripping with b-boy attitude. Local rappers flock to this store for the latest duds from urban brands like Roku and Anti Social Social Club. Sneakerheads stop by for a chance to find vintage Jordans and other limited-edition kicks by Nike, Fila, and Puma. Unlike other trendy streetwear boutiques in the Design District and Wynwood, Purple Carpet is in a nondescript shopping plaza in North Miami. It's open seven days a week, and you can shop online, too.

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Rebel

Rebel displays some of the hippest vintage and designer clothes you'll find, and does so from an unassuming single-story building on the Upper East Side cooled by AC wall units and ringed with wrought-iron window bars. The shop opened in the midst of the pandemic in 2021 and survived owing to curated offerings of new and consignment pieces like '60s and '70s band T-shirts, flowy boho-inspired apparel, and vintage designer clothes.

Best Dry Cleaner

One Stop Dry Cleaning

Do you know how to wash leather pants or suede jackets properly? We're stumped, too. Fortunately, the hygienic wizards at One Stop Dry Cleaning have figured it out. And we're not just talking leather and suede, either — the folks at One Stop Dry Cleaning offer dry cleaning, wash-and-fold services, clothing repairs, shoe cleaning, and ironing. Oh, and free pickup and delivery.

Best Shoe Repair

Nelson Shoe Repair

The folks at Nelson Shoe Repair are veritable necromancers, bringing mortally wounded footwear and other leather goods back to life. From an unassuming shop in Skylake Mall on Miami Gardens Drive just west of NE 18th Avenue, these experts can resole your shoes, re-dye pieces, and remedy leather damage. Whatever you do, do not throw out that favorite pair of worn shoes without giving Nelson Shoe Repair a chance to save your sole.

File under the category of "if you know, you know": From the looks of this unassuming Mobil gas station on Coral Way, you might suspect the nicest bottle of wine you'd find inside would come with bare feet or a yellow tail (as it were). But in addition to being a bona fide gas station, Mendez Fuel, owned by brothers Michael and Andrew Mendez, is a sleeper boutique, stocking a range of offerings from organic wineries and makers of natural wine, including unfiltered skin contacts like Sfera's Macerato and the cult-favorite orange wine from Gulp/Hablo. The shop, which doubles as the classiest of convenience stores, also delivers locally and offers a monthly wine subscription through its app. Keep an eye on its Instagram account (@mendezfuel) for details on happy-hour events and wine tastings. The location at 3201 Coral Way is the flagship; there are two others — one on Coral Terrace and the other just off Milam Dairy Road south of the SR 836 interchange. (If gourmet Mobil stations are your jam, check out our pick for "Best Gas Station" elsewhere in this section.)

Best Liquor Store

Jensen's Liquors #1

We're spotlighting the original location, Jensen's Liquors #1, here, but with five other numbered outposts across Miami-Dade, a Jensen's is never too far away. Nostalgic neon signage lures curious customers off the street, but once inside, it's clear this liquor chain is forward-thinking, with aisles stocked with the latest and most in-demand beer, booze, and wine.

Best Cigar Shop

Little Havana Cigar Factory

In a town where you swear you can smell the pure cigar smoke from Cuba wafting across the Florida Straits, Miami residents have never been able to settle for generic tobacco sticks. The Little Havana Cigar Factory lives up to its name, offering a selection of premium cigars from renowned manufacturers that is so impressive you'd be forgiven for thinking you were 90 miles away in the Cuban capital. Catering to every palate, the shop offers classic Cuban blends alongside bold Dominican and Nicaraguan flavors.

Best Vape Store

Miami Vapor Shop

Miami Vapor Shop offers an impressive array of flavors that range from fruity delights like strawberry, mango, and watermelon to creamy indulgences like vanilla custard and caramel latte. Whether you've strolled in for a new flavor or an accessory, these folks cover every base of the vape scene, along with some bases you probably had no idea existed. The wide variety isn't the only thing that distinguishes Miami Vapor Shop from your average strip-mall vape store. Prices here are fair, and the staff is knowledgeable, making deciding between juicy fruit and mocha juice much easier.

Best CBD Store

Herbin Living Smoke Shop

Walking into Herbin Living Smoke Shop is like stepping into one big cannabidiol candy store. Located on Biscayne Boulevard in MiMo, the small shop is teeming with all sorts of fascinating products to silently contemplate (intricate glass pipes and rigs, space-age grinders, and top-of-the-line vaping gadgets). But narrow your eyes to the back left corner to find the shop's extensive CBD collection, which boasts the popular phytocannabinoid in all its mediums — oils, lotions, extracts, terpenes, edibles, dabables, and vapeables — and from top brands like Bhang, Provida, Infinite, and Greenroads. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and can rattle off facts about CBD's benefits and how its bioavailability differentiates in its various forms.

Best Motorcycle Shop

Miami Motostop

It doesn't matter whether you're riding a Ducati, a Kawasaki, a Triumph, or a Harley-Davidson, Miami Motostop is the place to go, offering parts and accessories from all major and specialist manufacturers. Since 2009, the Miami shop has been every local rider's go-to spot for upgrades, be it tracking down hard-to-find parts, boosting speed, customizing appearances, or picking up reasonably priced riding gear. It's a shop for motorcycle enthusiasts by motorcycle enthusiasts.

Best Auto Dealership

Kendall Toyota

For 54 years, Kendall Toyota has serviced greater Miami with new and used vehicles. To put that into perspective, Kendall Toyota has been ensuring that customers drive off the lot happy since 1969 — a mere three years after the Miami Dolphins became a team, four years after Florida International University was established, and four years after Cuban exiles fled to the U.S. on the first Freedom Flights. From helping new customers find their dream car to assisting existing ones who've come for maintenance or repairs to contributing to local charitable organizations, the dealership is an institution whose name locals recognize instantly and whose jingles they can sing on command.

Best Car Wash

Miami Auto Spa

Few cities take car pampering as seriously as Miami. Envision, if you will, the over-the-top ridiculousness of those people who stroll around Aventura Mall with their pets in baby carriages. Now imagine the car version. Don't worry; the knowledgeable and kind folks at Miami Auto Spa aren't looking to shame you for the meticulous attention to detail that you crave. They just want to send your car home sparkling. The spa lives up to its name, offering a menu of services and packages so extensive you almost expect cucumber slices over your vehicle's headlights. Regardless of your budget and needs, the Miami Auto Spa will exceed your expectations, even if those expectations for car cleanliness are higher than most Miamians have for themselves.

Best Gas Station

El Carajo International Tapas & Wines

A Spaniard's epicurean dream is disguised as an unassuming Mobil gas station near the intersection at SW 17th Avenue and U.S. 1. Whereas other gas station convenience marts are stocked with candy, air fresheners, and cigarettes, El Carajo International Tapas & Wines elevates the experience with an assortment of wines, a Cuban coffee bar with croquetas and pastelitos, and a full-service restaurant that offers charcuterie, seafood, tapas, and paella so good you'll think you've been transported to Madrid. A climate-controlled cellar features globally sourced wines available for purchase whether you're dining in or out. (Are gourmet Mobil gas stations a thing in Miami? Check out "Best Wine Store" elsewhere in this section and decide for yourself.)

Best Bike Shop

Revolution Bicycle Services

With sweeping renovations to CocoWalk and new chain shops and restaurants sprouting up, Coconut Grove would be unrecognizable if it weren't for the local mom-and-pop establishments that help the historic neighborhood keep its charm. Revolution Bicycle Services is one of those local establishments, and Danny Lovett has been running the one-man shop for more than 25 years in the same spot in Florentine Plaza where Main Highway intersects with Fuller Street. There are multiple bike retailers around Miami, but Lovett has endeared himself to locals as a trusted expert for their precious two-wheelers. When you step inside, Lovett or his adorable pup, Hydee, will be excited to greet you.

Best Hardware Store

Shell Lumber and Hardware

Open since 1928, Shell Lumber and Hardware long ago cemented its reputation as the go-to destination for South Floridians' home-improvement needs. Over the years, this family-run business has expanded to rival other big chains without ever losing the feel of a mom-and-pop shop unafraid to lend a helping (and knowledgeable) hand. There's a wide range of quality products here — everything from building materials to tools to paints to lumber to moulding and exotic hardwoods — but Shell has survived amid a sea of Home Depots and Lowe's owing to its quality customer service and unwavering hometown feel. Note to weekend reno warriors: Shell is closed on Sundays.

A good mall is a centralized location for a wide variety of stores. But a great mall supplies all the consumer goods one's heart could ever desire. With more than 300 retailers, Aventura Mall is a great mall — to the point where leaving empty-handed often feels like Mission Impossible. High-end designers? Gucci, Valentino — check! A spot for local sneakerheads? Kick Essentials — check! Fast fashion? There's a two-story Zara — check! Even if you felt like you've lapped the mall enough times to know its blueprint by heart, new stores are constantly added to the roster, including the popular women's boutique Aritzia (which opened this past spring) and new athleisure brands Vuori and Alo Yoga (coming soon). With sit-down and fast-casual restaurants, such as Toku Modern Asian, Pubbelly Sushi, Motek (and its street-food offshoot Yalla Motek), "shopping till you drop" is no longer a worry. Be sure to check out the Aventura Slide Tower before you leave — no trip to Aventura Mall is complete without a 93-foot glide down German conceptual artist Carsten Höller's steel-and-glass structure. (Editor's note: The slide is closed for the summer, but a spokesperson for the mall assures us it will reopen in November.)

Best Antique Store

Stone Age Antiques

The older we get, the more we appreciate the relics that have stood the test of time. For more than 50 years, nautical-themed Stone Age Antiques has saved the curious items that some might consider "old" or "garbage" from landfills and presented them for the consideration of the eagle-eyed collectors who brave the packed aisles at the rustic store. Iron cannons from the 18th Century, old portholes, and weathered anchors are just a few of the items in this maze of rare finds. Proprietor Milton Stone has long understood that time is the only thing separating one man's trash from another man's antique.

Best Furniture Store

Rana Furniture

Buying new furniture is a lot like clubbing in your 30s: exciting in theory but tiring, expensive, and overrated in practice. But purchasing that new loveseat or bed frame is no longer a chore thanks to local chain Rana Furniture and its nine outposts across Dade and Broward counties. Whether shopping at the store or online, Rana's prices are transparent and its inventory is varied. With Rana's low monthly payments and options for every budget, Miamians don't have to choose between buying their home and furnishing it.

Best Thrift Store

Peach Tree Revival

This past spring, fashion-forward friends Dani Klaric´ and Sara Fedz opened a brick-and-mortar vintage thrift store, Peachtree Revival, in Midtown. The whimsical wallpaper, black-and-white vinyl flooring, and giant mirrors entice selfies among a trove of vintage and secondhand finds—from slip dresses to Y2K jeans, belts, bags, boots, and one-of-a-kind accessories. Every Saturday, the shop's garment conveyor belt and curvilinear clothing rack are restocked with new drops. If you're unsure how to pull off that floofy skirt, staff members are on hand for style counseling.

Little River Flea photo
Best Flea Market

Little River Flea

Little River Flea is a convenient and sustainable solution for those looking to avoid Gen Z's scorn and wean off fast-fashion retailers. The roving vintage pop-up market has emerged at various locales around town, including the Selina Hotel's Miami River and MiMo locations, Casa Florida, and the Future of Cities Climate + Innovation Hub in Little Haiti. Little River Flea founder Meghan Alexander vets vendors that include small, sustainable, and primarily women-owned businesses that offer vintage fashion, vinyl, handmade jewelry, and crafts.

Best Souvenir Shop

Robert Is Here

A cheap shot glass or refrigerator magnet from the Miami International Airport terminal shops is no way to pay respect to South Florida's lush subtropical vibes. Opt for an authentic (and biodegradable) souvenir at Robert Is Here, a family-owned fruit stand dating back to 1959. There's live music, a petting farm, and drool-worthy fresh smoothies and milkshakes on the premises. And if you're looking for an easy-to-ship item to send to friends and family in faraway locales, consider the heaping bags of citrus (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines), exotic fruit (dragonfruit, jackfruit, guanabana), or the myriad jars filled with pickles, preserves, marinades, and marmalades. Bear in mind that Robert Is Here ships nationally for travelers leery of toting produce in their carry-on.

Best Jewelry Store

Richard's Gems & Jewelry

The year is 1984: The Miami Dolphins were en route to the Super Bowl for what will turn out to be the last time in four decades (and counting), and Richard's Gems and Jewelry opened downtown with various fine diamonds and precious jewels. For nearly 40 years, Richard's display cases have stocked enough ice and bling to make any dweeb walk out with swagger. With fair (yet less negotiable) prices, Richard's is the ideal spot for all your sparkly accessories.

Best Pawn Shop

King Cash Pawn #1

With seven locations scattered across greater Miami from Sweetwater to Pembroke Park, King Cash Pawn has established itself as pawn-shop royalty. Over the years, the growing chain has made a name for itself across Miami-Dade by providing fair evaluations and fast cash. Whether you're buying or selling, the self-proclaimed friendliest pawn shop in town offers a safe, no-pressure environment at every store, but the Opa-Locka shop stands out for customer service.

Best Charity

Little Lighthouse Foundation

When the Hearts & Stars Gala took over the Design District's Jungle Plaza with caviar, martinis, craps tables, and a live performance by Wyclef Jean in March of this year, it was not only a good time but a good time for a good cause. Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) has assisted nearly 14,000 underserved children across South Florida since its inception in 2010. With more than 20 programs, including back-to-school drives, Halloween parties, and an adopt-a-meal initiative that serves families of children receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, LLF offers multiple opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.