Eat & Drink

A lot of chefs have talent, but Niven Patel has something more. He has range. His breakout restaurant, the beloved Indian staple, Ghee, won him multiple awards. He was inducted into Food and Wine‘s Best New Chefs Class of 2020 and received recurring Bib Gourmands. But his expertise doesn’t stop with South Asian cuisine. With an affinity for freshness, he’s launching a direct farm-to-table experience at Rancho Patel, his Homestead farm where he grows produce for his restaurants. Patel spent time in Florence during the early days of his career and wows with exceptional dishes at his newly opened Italian-inspired restaurant, Erba. But why stop there? He expanded north of the 305’s borders to Tequesta to serve fresh coastal Mediterranean dishes at NiMo. One thing is for sure: Chef Patel is certain to always keep us on our toes.

This lively spot is the sister restaurant to Aventura’s fast-casual Jamaican concept, Jrk! Mangrove sneakily appeared on the scene at the start of the year. Those in the know visited it first as more of a late-night dance hall spot. But now in its full glory, Mangrove is a speakeasy-style, full-service restaurant. It has stylish retro decor and DJs to keep the ambiance consistent. Bartenders serve cocktails named after popular reggae songs, like the “Could This Be Love” with gin and watermelon juice and an espresso martini riff named the “Get Up Stand Up!” with caramel whiskey and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Dishes here are packed with island flavor, like the jerk chicken, jerk mac & cheese, and griot with pikliz. Mangrove adds a missing element of culture and community to a dining scene with not nearly enough restaurants that represent the wants and tastes of a younger, hip Caribbean crowd.

Take a stroll down Las Olas Boulevard and Fort Lauderdale Beach and, well, Fort Lauderdale is absolutely loaded with Italian options. They’ve all been put on high alert with the arrival of Chef Anthony Vitolo’s namesake outpost on the beach. Menu-wise, it’s New York-style Italian cuisine that’s as primo as it gets, spanning a grilled octopus with mustard vinaigrette to a queen margherita pizza with San Marzano pomodoro to can’t-get-fresher spaghetti alla carbonara. Its dining room is elegant and primed for date night, with arched entries, pops of green plants, and deep blue accents. If you’re flying solo or want a bargain, its daily 4 to 6 p.m. happy hour has bites for under $14 and glasses of wine for under $10.

We hesitated with this one because this spot is so special, just writing this risks blowing it up. Located on No Name Harbor, the Cleat Mia is at a right turn after you pay to enter Bill Baggs State Park, famous for being the Key Biscayne beach with the lighthouse. The Cleat is the place to take in spectacular sunsets. The bar and tables are right on the sand, promising unobstructed views of the sky and water. It’s not quite a restaurant, but the Cleat has the best fish dip in Miami. You can also fuel up with a charcuterie board, guac and chips, shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, or ceviche before slamming a few notable cocktails that won’t cost you $22. Oh, and there’s live music. Did we mention the atmosphere? Atmosphere and sunsets galore! The Cleat Mia checks off every box for a destination bar with bites. It’s perfect, bar none.

When this New York-based hotspot found an additional home in the Design District, it was immediately embraced by everyone from Florida foodies to the super-wealthy. The sultry Korean steakhouse boasts impeccable service, the finest steak cuts, solid lunch deals, and a seriously stocked wine cellar. With more than 1,200 wines on its list, Cote Miami was nominated for “Outstanding Wine Program” four consecutive years in a row by the James Beard Foundation. On the list, you’ll find some of the most coveted grand crus and also plenty of lesser-known growers and producers, making it an incredibly well-rounded selection. Additionally, Cote has great relationships with tons of wine producers who make magnum bottles (1.5 liters or larger bottles of wine) that are only available at Cote and will kickstart a wild night out. In honor of these magnums, Cote hosts Magnum Mondays, where they select one of these massive bottles to open and pour by the glass at their cost. Cin cin, we say!

This simple Cuban sandwich shop is tough to spot these days now that it’s eclipsed by high-rise buildings that developers continue to erect around it. But that hasn’t stopped it from staying one of the most popular dining destinations in the area, and not just for natives. Soccer superstar David Beckham even credits the shop for teaching him how to make the perfect espumita with his cafecito when he first moved to town. But it’s not a place for the super-rich. It’s for the people. Enriqueta’s is one of the few places where you can still score a solid breakfast or lunch for under $10. The cramped but comfy enough dining area and counter feature kitschy Florida placemats on which the servers will set down $9 classic sandwiches like pan con bistec, Cuban, and medianoche. The daily specials are hardier with rice, beans, and salad alongside your entrée for way less than $20. Of course, a little pick-me-up via the beloved ventanita is an easier way to score a taste of Enriqueta’s.

Okay, caaaalm down. Yes, there are a ton of great restaurants in Miami Beach, we know! But there’s a reason Big Pink’s been around for almost 30 years and is still thriving. Big portions. Friendly staff. Vibrant atmosphere. And options, options, options. This classic SoBe diner knows what it has that other trendy spots on the beach don’t. If you’re in the mood for good, old-fashioned American fare that won’t cost a small fortune, this bright, bubbling pink corner on South Beach will welcome you in — flip-flops, messy hair, farmer’s tan, and all. Their menu has every classic diner item you can imagine, and then some. Just a few blocks from the sand, Big Pink is a prime location to start your beach day with brunch or end it with one of the best burgers on the island and a specialty cocktail because why not? And for the late-night partiers looking for post-clubbing fries, you’ll be glad this diner stays open till 5:30 a.m. on weekends — a true restaurant for the people.

With modern Aegean cuisine hailing from the shores of Greece and Turkey, Doya inspires with its dishes and its setup. Maybe it’s the bohemian decor, impressive wooden tables, lush patio for dining al fresco, and giant windows that usher in the perfect amount of light from dawn to dusk, but this is one of the most handsome restaurants in Wynwood. And the food is divine. You’re guaranteed to savor both big and small plates, from branzino ceviche to the baked feta. Make sure to order meats and veggies prepared over wood fire and coals, lending a distinct flavor that will ship you off mentally to a sea-sprayed, sparkling evening on the Aegean Sea.

Upon its early 2023 arrival in the Design District, Tablé by Bachour was a breath of fresh air on many levels. First and foremost, walking in and seeing an expanse of the most pizzazz-ed French petits gateaux is truly breathtaking. It should be expected from the restaurant’s namesake, Antonio Bachour, who is a true pastry icon in and beyond Miami. And dare we say it, compared to its high-dollar neighbors, Tablé by Bachour is a bargain for its quality. Offerings include an $18 truffle butter-dashed breakfast sandwich and $42 king salmon with avocado hummus. As the Design District blossoms, Tablé by Bachour truly feels like it will be part of the neighborhood’s fabric for quite some time to come.

A large cutout of the late Jimbo Luznar stands like an old, salty Jesus Christ in the vaulted palm roof of Gramps Getaway’s chikee hut. Luznar owned the former waterfront dive Jimbo’s that nourished a weird Florida scene nearby. His establishment was an inspiration to Gramps’ owner, Adam Gersten. Friendship and a strange swampy style are also at the soul of this new bar, housed in the old Whiskey Joe’s on Virginia Key. But Gramps Getaway has much less grit and a whole helluva lot more class than Jimbo’s. It sits above a ritzy harbor with a view of wealthy Captain Rons motoring in and out from nautical adventures. The bartenders are patient and cocktails affordable. You can fuel up on ceviche and lobster rolls at the Lazy Oyster pop-up or try the new meatier menu from Chef James “Juicy James” McNeal, formerly of the popular downtown spot Over Under. Everything is a deal at Gramps Getaway because the sunset views are priceless, as is the genuine feeling of camaraderie.

A popular Rat Pack hangout back in the 1950s, the iconic Bleu Bar at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has had its fair share of glitz and glam over the decades. With a white, sleek, teardrop-shaped bar and majestic gold columns, it has an exclusive but accessible energy fitting for a hotel bar. In 2021, it was heavily renovated with massive art deco glass installations, providing it with some separation from the Chateau lobby. The cocktail menu is rife with classics, fancy flights, and plenty of wine and Champagne options. The crowd is a mix of vacationers, often with skin so red it hurts, and hard-chested, glitter-faced clubbers readying for a long night at LIV. And if there’s a celebrity that owns an alcohol brand in town, chances are they’ll find their way behind the bar to pour drinks for anyone lucky enough to be there at precisely the right moment.

Looking to actually have fun on your mom’s night out or for a place to laugh with your new boo? Well, Happy Wine in the Grove has fun on the menu — right after all the wines, and not literally. Any day of the week, you’re guaranteed to make memories with a glass in hand and tapas in mouth. And there’s plenty of atmosphere! The tables are made from casks, crates, and a door-size plank of wood propped up by barrels at each end. And the events! They have traditional tastings but also have hosted a guided tasting with flamenco and a four-course meal. Whatever the occasion, Happy Wine is a good time with a fine wine.

Imagine this: a world where you can go to Klaw — that really fancy spot with the Alaskan crab legs and aged ribeye — and not spend $700 per person while enjoying stunning bay views. That place exists! You just have to take the elevator one floor up from Klaw proper and head to Edgewater’s only rooftop bar. The views at the Rooftop by Klaw are breathtaking, especially if you sit outside under the retractable roof (to account for Miami’s intermittent rain). Another bonus? It has more affordable menus than the downstairs restaurant, so you can get brunch and happy hour — which runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., even on Saturdays — without spending your mortgage on a meal. Plus, you’re scoring an unmatched night out and the perfect way to impress that one cousin who swears their hometown is “so much better.”

When Googling “Flanigans,” the first question that appears is: “Is Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill a Florida thing?” You’re goddamn right. Since 1959, Miamians have canonized the nautical-themed Flanigan’s. The menu has no-holds-barred American fare, and everything is supersized, whether you like it or not. Between the succulent, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs and tender fish sandwiches, finger-licking-good wings, Joe’s Rockin’ Rib Rolls™, and nachos the size of Mount Everest, every dish is a hit when you’re enjoying the sports games on the myriad TVs. The restaurant’s venerated large green cups with the caricature of the founder (Joe “Big Daddy” Flanigan) adorn everyone’s home — whether stolen or purchased. So raise those big plastic cups for a toast: to a winning Dolphins season, good company, and another 60 years of a tried-and-true Miami institution.

Brewing beer is an art form that, thankfully, Miami is rich in. The Doral-based Tripping Animals Brewing is the love child of four friends who have a deep appreciation for the hoppy amber liquid. Founded in 2018, the established brewery has a generous selection of housemade brews in its taproom, which is open to the public daily. They’ve got lagers, dark lagers, pilsners, stouts, IPAs, and sours, all on tap and all fresh. There are 19 draft beer options available, including fan favorites like No Mames, Ever Haze, and Hound of Hades. Tripping isn’t just about their taproom. Their annual Irie Jungle is one other way the brewery brings together hopheads and other local and national breweries for a daylong fest celebrating all things beer. The most delicious part about Tripping? The brewery recently opened its Trippy Kitchen, so you can line the tank and fill it, all under one roof.

Happy hour is not just a time for cheapskates to suck down their weight in booze, it’s actually a ceremonial time to convene with current and future friends and to go deep on the hot goss with co-workers. So, if you’re not comfortable with the idea of a regular happy hour, Mo Bar + Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental is the place for you. It’s even branded its drink specials as “social hour.” It takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. daily with cocktails and wines for just $9 and a selection of local beers for $5. We suggest you try the Miami-inspired punch made with bourbon, guava puree, lime juice, sugar syrup, and bitters and pair it with a couple of sushi rolls and a sunset over the bay.

Tucked discreetly into the mezzanine at the Citadel, you’ll find kitschy Bar Kaiju, which roughly translates to “strange beast.” With a speakeasy-style, Kaiju takes its theme super seriously. Its cocktail menu is fully inspired by fictional monsters. The current iteration features a collection of pocket monsters and is presented in a Trapper Keeper like the ones that used to hold your Pokémon cards or, if you’re older, homework. The menu includes information about the monster itself, its characteristics, and how that beastly creature translates into an elegantly balanced cocktail. Creative and fun with unexpected flavor pairings — the “Chukwa” is a clarified milk punch made with Aberfeldy, mango lassi, curry, coconut, and a bit of CO2, and the “Kappa” is a martini-style beverage made with Bombay Sapphire, coconut, cucumber, shiso, and nori.

There are margaritas, and then there are Oh! Mexico margaritas. This South Beach Mexican restaurant, with three locations on Española Way, Ocean Drive, and Lincoln Road, has plenty of variations on the drink theme. Whatever your margarita jones, this place has got the cure, with a range of tequilas and mezcals to choose from and tons of flavor profiles. Kiwi, jalapeño, watermelon, and cucumber all promise refreshing and surprising moments. Order yours on the rocks, frozen, large, or smaller. And Oh! Mexico also turns its margaritas into popsicles, the perfect way to brave a blazing beach.

The main tools you need for an awesome martini: an ice-cold glass and quality booze. And established South of Fifth steakhouse Prime 112 knows how to get the job done right. Known for serving celebrity clientele, the bartenders can stir (or shake, if you fancy yourself a James Bond type) one mean martini. Whether you’re into vodka or gin, blue cheese-stuffed olives or a twist, or maybe something a little sweeter like a lychee martini, Prime 112 whips this cocktail up exactly to your specifications, serves them super cold, and, mercifully, filled to the brim.

Being able to say you’re one of the longest-standing restaurants in any area of Miami is a feat unto itself, but managing to be the best — that’s quite an accomplishment. Phuc Yea is exactly that in MiMo. Owners Cesar Zapata and Ani Meinhold have crafted a menu that seamlessly blends Vietnamese and Colombian flavors with dishes like caramel chicken wings or the pho-spiced, hickory-smoked whole beef short rib. Let yourself be engulfed in the warm and welcoming environment enhanced by a hip-hop playlist, inventive cocktail program, and top-notch service. Whether you opt to sit on the patio with its red lanterns overhead or inside with stylish wallpaper and large, eclectic artworks, Phuc Yea looks and feels as cool as its quirky moniker would suggest. On that point, “phuc” actually means blessings and prosperity in Vietnamese. So, I guess, a phuc you to you, friend. Phuc you.

Miami Beach’s Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company has killer drinks and sets a vibe with DJs and live music. But best of all? It serves up the best of the best bar food. That’s thanks to a menu by James Beard-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, who packed it with filling and fantastic fare, like her famous fried chicken, cauliflower nachos, and a tuna crudo that’s absolutely melt-in-your-mouth amazing. The neon sign asking you to “pursue happiness”? These folks know that happiness is a full late-night belly. The entire menu is served every day until 4:30 a.m., so you’ll barely have to leave the dance floor to get in that late-night bite.

Much more than a simple café, Paradis was one of the most beloved places in Miami and a crucial gathering spot for local activists and advocacy organizations. The food was comforting yet sophisticated, the wine was well-curated, and the books were radical and insightful. It’s perhaps that last bit that resulted in a Fox News-incited harassment campaign against the restaurant, which led to them locking their social media. It was one of many reasons, along with family issues among the collective ownership, that Paradis closed its doors. It will be deeply mourned and sorely missed.

Miami’s popular modern Asian restaurant, Kyu, officially reopened in Wynwood with a fully renovated dining area and its classic roasted cauliflower. In 2022, when Wynwood lost Kyu, the strip along NW 25th Street wasn’t quite the same. First opened in 2016, the pan-Asian, wood-fired restaurant led by executive chef and Eleven Madison Park alum Christopher Arellanes shuttered for more than two years after storms caused severe damage. After extensive updates, Kyu is back, and fans of its famous roasted cauliflower and beef short ribs can finally rejoice, feast, and heave a sigh of relief.

There are certainly swankier, trendier, and pricier restaurants in downtown Miami, but Bali Cafe still manages to outcompete them all by combining the simple pleasures of a reasonably priced neighborhood restaurant with the bold flavors of Indonesian food, a rare cuisine in this city. The lure is as much its interior, decorated with Barong masks and ephemera, as its delicious and artfully plated food. The nasi goreng platter, delivering several small dishes like shrimp crackers, rendang beef, and the namesake fried rice in a sumptuous bento box, is a beautiful signature.

You may not think of naming a new kid on the block as the “best,” but Sereia really is that girl. Lauded Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa of two Michelin-starred Alma opened Sereia in May, and has it all. Guests are greeted by a serene ambiance with subtle, subliminal nods to the ocean. Sereia does mean siren, after all, and the dining room does a great job of showcasing that. But you’ll be writing home about the food. Sá Pessoa’s bacalhau à brás, a salted cod concoction with shoestring potatoes and egg, is a thing of beauty. And the arroz de pato, a duck rice with smoked bacon chorizo, will have you booking a flight to Lisbon.

Forget your passport. LPM offers an easier way to transport you to the French Riviera with its bold 20th-century artwork, 19th-century gilt and harlequin mirrors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and niçoise cuisine. The fine dining here is centered around fresh ingredients, tastes, and textures central to the Mediterranean and Southern France. The menu may sound somewhat simple compared to nearby hotspots, but the focus is on quality and authenticity. There’s the buttery escargot, cauliflower salad with caraway dressing, carpaccios galore, and housemade veal ragout and pappardelle pasta, to name a few. The cocktail menu is steeped in creativity, like the bon tai, featuring Coconut Cartel rum, Cointreau, and raspberry and pistachio flavors. Each table has a fresh tomato and lemon centerpiece for guests to cut up themselves and pair with olive oil and a freshly baked baguette.

With a seemingly nonstop influx of restaurateurs opening trendy dining “concepts” in Miami, Coral Gables mainstay Fiola is a refreshing, no-frills fine dining experience with classic Italian fare. A second location of Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Michelin-starred spot in D.C., Miami’s Fiola boasts a Michelin recommendation, and after one meal there, it’ll be obvious why. Though anchored in rich tradition and authenticity, the menus change seasonally to highlight the best local ingredients. Simple white tablecloths, glassware, and wood floors allow the exceptional food to be the center of attention. Pricey but not exorbitant, Fiola is unpretentious, gimmick-free, and boasts excellent service.

Leave it to a comically tiny Japanese eatery served by a Colombian chef to grab this year’s best restaurant in South Miami-Dade. Cafe Oriental serves premium Japanese classics with the friendliest service north of the equator. The mom (Selina Siu) and pop (Juan Gomez) spot doesn’t serve sushi; instead, they offer ramen, katsu curry, onigiri (stuffed rice balls wrapped in seaweed), and karaage (succulent fried chicken bites). Gomez, who worked in Japanese restaurants as a chef for years, adds touches from Latin America, like a tangy, crunchy pineapple chayote salad. The star of the menu is arguably the ramen that includes a creamy tonkotsu broth cooked for 18 hours and poured into a bowl with the classic fixings, like pork and a runny egg. Forget a ten-course omakase menu for $300. Go slurp noodles and eat with wooden chopsticks on a plastic green park bench when Cafe Oriental gives you real bites from Japan.

Recognized by Wine Spectator and Gambero Rosso Awards, this fine-dining Italian restaurant certainly knows how to pair a wine with its delightful food program. Chef Angelo Elia takes a modern twist on traditional dishes, but not so modern your mother-in-law won’t love it. With its indoor and outdoor seating and high-end design, the Aventura location (there’s also Fort Lauderdale and Boca) oozes romance as any classic Italian restaurant should.

Pretty much everyone in Fort Lauderdale has enjoyed Anthony’s Runway 84. The iconic Italian-American restaurant and supper club has been serving the classics like prime steaks, pasta, and seafood since 1982. But in 2023, the restaurant underwent a complete makeover. Now, it looks like Miami’s upscale Carbone, except here, the atmosphere is like coming home on a holiday. The dimly lit dining room has a rustic, 1960s-inspired decor where you can hear live music and can order a variety of martinis. You truly can’t go wrong at Anthony’s for date night or to celebrate any of life’s milestones. But just don’t show up in shorts; the dress code won’t allow it.

Opened in 1975, Le Tub is as “Old Florida” as it gets. This Hollyweird staple is an absolute must-visit for any self-respecting local. Converted from an old gas station, the roadside joint is notable for two things: massive, award-winning burgers and extraordinary views of the Intracoastal waterway — and yes, you can park your boat here. An afternoon at Le Tub spent watching the waves and sipping a beer after housing an enormous chunk of meat on a bun is a true beach-day pleasure.

The 11th Street Diner is housed inside a stainless-steel Paramount dining car built in New Jersey in 1948. It was formerly in business in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, the shipped from the foot of the Pocono Mountains and plunked down in South Beach in the early ’90s. The art deco diner is now a Miami Beach mainstay with solid American offerings that please tourists and brave locals alike. There are more than 100 menu items — including breakfast at any time. The food is as eclectic as its retro surroundings: shrimp alfredo, waffle fried chicken sandwich, and the el Cubano. Guzzle down 11th Street’s famous $16 spiked milkshakes to pre-party or to start the day with brunch. On Friday and Saturday, the diner is open 24 hours for late-night eats and (not actually) award-winning people-watching.

After an 18-year culinary career in New York, Just Spoons Café chef and owner Dwight Bernard Witherspoon Jr. moved back to his hometown in 2019 to open a brunch restaurant. The idea? “Comfort food with a twist.” The son of the chef at the helm of Lauderdale Lakes mainstay Spoons Grill and Restaurant, Witherspoon reimagines classic Southern recipes. Try the curry shrimp and grits, a delicious Caribbean-meets-soul-food offering that includes the silkiest grits you’ll ever taste (sorry, grandma). Or devour one of the most popular menu items, fried chicken and vanilla-bean French toast, a sweet-and-spicy, never-soggy play on chicken and waffles with a Cajun kick. Honorable mentions include the fried catfish, smothered pork chops, and chicken and biscuits. Come to Just Spoons for the sour bitch mimosa, and stay for the speakeasy-style ambiance. You’ll be hooked from the first bite.

While this Westchester restaurant has a massive menu filled with legit Chinese dishes, it’s the dim sum that keeps ’em returning for more. Bring the whole family — real and Cuban cousins, and definitely a few friends — because Tropical Chinese is the kind of place that serves up big. It has a selection of more than 50 dim sum items that servers roll by so diners can choose their own adventure. Try not to order with your eyes, but if you do, get the fluffy pork bun, perfectly steamed shrimp siu mai, egg custard tarts, or go for the unfamiliar with crisp chicken feet. Sure, there’s a regular dinner menu served after 3:30 p.m., but the lunch or brunch experience with dim sum carts is the way to get the best out of Tropical Chinese.

You probably know that Hialeah had a glow-up. During that City of Progress makeover, the Yards at Amelia emerged as a central hub within the city’s Amelia District. Located on Red Road, it delivers a new kind of outdoor dining experience. Sure, glistening lights hang above food trucks like Pia’s Not Just Pizza, Los Tacos, Remaking Sushi, Boca Loca, and others, but what makes this place unique is that it’s paired with an indoor pickleball court. We suggest eating after playing. They also host comedy nights, a Stomp the Yards dance battle, and even a Porsche meet-up — a very specifically Miami-type event. The space is expanding by taking over the former Valsan department store, so expect more yards and more room to park your Porsche.

From Japanese Wagyu to certified Angus beef strips, ribeyes, and filets, this underrated South of Fifth steakhouse serves up juicy cuts cooked exactly to your liking. Red South Beach is helmed by owner and chef Peter Vauthy and serves up dishes off a Cheesecake Factory-sized menu. There are nearly a dozen options when it comes to just steak cuts alone! They all pair phenomenally with the equally long list of sides. Everything, from sauces to garnishes, is prepared from scratch. Red also boasts a selection of more than 500 wines, and the restaurant’s sommelier is always on hand to help you decide what will pair best with your hunk of personalized meat.

Got a match on the apps? Then, you need to score a reservation at the New Schnitzel House. The New Schnitzel House upgrades the flair and delightful German fare of the old Schnitzel House. It also features a creative cocktail program reminiscent of its sister bar, Gramps, in Wynwood to provide a tasty social lubricant for a best first date. You can actually hear the other person talk at New Schnitzel House, assuming that’s a goal — you know, to see if they’re empty between the ears. Sharable “appeteasers” like the housemade pickle plate or pretzel with beer cheese and mustard are guaranteed to spark convo. The schnitzel is obviously a solid choice, but so is the array of “snausages.” While salads usually suck at restaurants, New Schnitzel House cracked that code with three great options. Just be sure to check your chompers in the mirrored bathroom after you indulge. Depending on what you want out of your date, the weekend brunch is a little more wholesome, the outdoor patio with its twinkling lights provides a When Harry Met Sally rom-com energy, but the dimly lit and thoughtfully decorated interior is the way to go to bring the Moonstruck-in-Miami vibe. The restaurant is taking a summer hiatus but will reopen in the fall. So start planning a rendezvous now.

A veteran of many a Miami restaurant kitchen, Nuno Grullon became his own boss in 2020 when he and business partner Akira Van Egmond opened Uptown 66, a taco ventanita across Biscayne Boulevard from Legion Park. With the pandemic as its crucible, Uptown 66 flourished, winning “Best Tacos” in the 2022 edition of this issue and backing that up with a $20,000 grand prize in Good Morning America‘s “United States of Tacos” tour in ’23. Last fall Grullon doubled down on Biscayne with the debut of Grand Central by Nuno Grullon, a hole-in-the-wall bistro just north of 79th Street. The menu is focused — a half-dozen starters, a half-dozen mains, and a few dessert options. But service and execution are superb from the moment you step inside. Standout appetizers include a plate of baked clams and a wonderful Little Gem wedge salad, and, among the mains, a decadent lobster ravioli, one of the best burgers on the eastern seaboard, and a chicken pot pie that’s nothing like Mom used to make unless Mom wore a toque for her day job. And all of it exists in the least likely of locations — sandwiched between a vape shop and a payday loan establishment — for a wee, French-inspired white-tablecloth restaurant, but Grullon and Van Egmond pull it off with grace, flair, and more than a soupçon of affection.

Occupying the lower level of Miami’s historic women’s club, Casadonna is coastal Italian-inspired bliss. The spot marks the first collaboration between two mega-hospitality icons, Groot Hospitality and TAO Group. A buzzy vibe and showy offerings (e.g., a lemon dessert that literally looks like a lemon) were to be expected. But, there’s a romance factor that was comparatively unexpected and is best experienced at its river-adjacent outdoor space. Candlelit tables, plush pink couches, pops of palms, and Italian-inspired lighting complete the vibe. Inside, it’s equally as warm, with dashes of bubble gum pinks and aqua blues, and gold touches. If this atmosphere doesn’t get the engines going well, that’s on you.

Located beneath the timeless National Hotel on Collins Avenue, Mareva 1939 transports diners to a sophisticated seaside spot somewhere in coastal Spain. Come nightfall, the semi-outdoor restaurant transforms into a romantic haven with dazzling palm trees and candlelit tables bordering the hotel’s infinity pool. Aside from its charming ambiance and friendly service, the restaurant’s Spanish-style cuisine is legit. The menu features delectable Galician-style octopus, melt-in-your-mouth Iberico ham croquetas, and various paellas (we strongly recommend the black paella made with squid ink). If you’re feeling extra fancy, pair your tapas with a refreshing glass of sangria or una copa de vino from renowned Spanish wine regions like Basque Country and Ribera del Duero.

Fans of decadence, design, and delicacies, take note: Queen is the sexiest supper club in South Florida, hands down. With ambiance by Carlos Rodriguez of boutique architecture and design firm Modplay Casa, the space was created to be sultry and sensual with warm colors and curated lighting. There’s a strict dress code, but why wouldn’t you want to dress up for a debaucherous night out? The performances are unforgettable, with shows curated by artistic director Sebastiano di Meo. Prepare for jaw-dropping acts on stage and aerialists above. A tip: Don’t miss out on the house-smoked bacon or omakase.

Greenstreet Cafe is arguably the most quintessentially “Grove” restaurant. For more than 30 years, it has served locals with predictably tasty meals and a reliably lovely al-fresco dining experience. That it’s a sidewalk café facing the shops on Main Highway and Commodore Plaza makes this the perfect place to bring your pooch to dog- and people-watch. Servers are super pet-friendly and will provide a little water dish for your pup. Warning: If you sneak your canine pal too many French fries, your dog may never leave and will forever cry out to return while on a walk in the neighborhood.

Dancing, sweating, spending the night fending off unwanted advances — that’ll work up an appetite. Head to Skinny Louie in Wynwood for a no-frills, satisfying as hell, late-night smashburger, fries, and milkshake. Its specialty, the Skinny Louie cheeseburger, can be stacked three patties high with grilled onions, double American cheese, pickles, and its signature Louie sauce. Did you know the only way to improve a hangover is a greasy burger? It’s a fact. So, think we’ve sold you on Skinny Louie. You’ll thank us in the morning.

This Coconut Grove Cuban-American diner first started as a pop-up but has quickly become a foodie favorite for every meal, but especially breakfast, thanks to its all-day breakfast menu. The Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning restaurant, owned by acclaimed chef Michael Beltran, was designed with that classic diner feel in mind. It also has a grab-and-go counter, a ventanita, and a full bar. If you are looking for a quick breakfast, be sure to grab a cafecito and bacon, egg, and cheese croqueta, or one of Pastelito Papi’s daily selection of pastelitos. For more of a sit-down start to your day, order the signature “La Completa,” three eggs any way with potatoes and warm Cuban bread. For the big kids out there, the cast-iron pancake is a must. Chug expanded with Chug’s Express at Miami Worldcenter downtown, a classic ventanita with grab-and-go sandwiches, pastelitos, croquetas, and even cocktails.

There is simply no better way to spend a weekend morning and no better city to spend it in than a Miami farmers’ market. And if you want a truly idyllic market under a leafy canopy with organic veggies, homemade soaps, prepared foods, and like every tropical plant under the heavens, head south to the Pinecrest Farmers’ Market. Neighbors gossip, young couples stroll with their pooches in tow, and young kids sample all sorts of fruit they wouldn’t otherwise touch. It’s the kind of spot that makes a city rat turn into a suburban mouse. The market is open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with plenty of available parking.

Thousands of years ago, the Silk Road connected trade between the East and West with an exciting exchange of spices and flavors. Fast forward a millennia or two, and increased globalization has produced a great culinary gift: the Asian Market. The unfamiliar may be overwhelmed by the possibilities, but that is the thrill. The market supplies the key ingredients to mastering the tastes of Asia. From an array of soy, oyster, and fish sauces, a range of kimchi, and the golden condiment Kewpie mayonnaise, Hanna & Tiger is a beacon for anyone interested in the intricacy and scope of Asian cooking. If you don’t fancy yourself a home chef, there is a dizzying selection of snacks. Be sure to peruse the frozen meal section and noodles. One of the greatest pleasures is exploring Western brands — like Lay’s, Kit Kats, and Fanta — to see the specialty flavor variations they offer. With its exhaustive selection, knowledgeable staff, and three locations, Hanna & Tiger Asian Market is a convenient way to explore the wide cuisine of Asia.

There’s a Publix a few blocks away and a Whole Foods not too much further, but longtime South Beach-ers know there’s no substitute for Meridian Market. The small space is crammed with all kinds of produce, from local avocados, papayas, tamarinds, and ginger root to staples like dried beans, freshly baked baguettes, Cuban bread, and beer. If you’re on the way to roast in the sun and splash in the waves, swing by and load up on rations. The café is affordable and presents an array of Latin dishes. Empanadas are only two bucks, pastelitos go for less than that at $1.50, and you can get a Honduran breakfast with steak for only $6.50. They’re open 365 days a year from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Is there room for gourmet groceries in a time of rising food costs and, well, apocalyptic storms? We’d like to argue that, yes, there is actually no better time to indulge in the finer things in life. That’s why we suggest you head to Joanna’s Marketplace. It’s served South Miami gourmands with quality artisanal bread, fancy olive oils, fun beverages, and wines for more than 25 years. The family-led team provides area workers with great lunch options, like all sorts of salads and massive mouth-watering sandwiches, including the best tuna melt in the city. And they cater! So, don’t forget Joanna’s when planning your next graduation or New Year’s party.

Pinecrest Wayside Market is not only home to Miami’s best shakes and local produce, but it’s also the second home for so many children growing up in Pinecrest and South Miami. Owner Eli Tako sells everything from novelty ice creams and local produce to baked goods from local bakers to fresh green juices. Wayside is famous for its sweet strawberry shakes, but it also sells prepared foods like a signature curry chicken salad. You have to order the tropical shakes like mamey and guava or creative ones that kids gravitate toward, like the “Elvis,” a mix of banana and peanut butter, or the cookies and cream. Wayside is the perfect pitstop on a long bike ride or the perfect after-school treat.

Boba tea is everywhere right now. Just about every Asian restaurant or grocery in South Florida suddenly offers the Taiwanese treat. It’s a refreshing iced tea mixed with chewy, sweet tapioca balls that you suck through a comically large straw. Bubba Tea N Smoothies, located in the heart of Wynwood, makes ’em better than the rest. It offers ten milk tea varieties, and for the lactose intolerant and vegan among us, a septet of fruit teas, each more delicious than the next. But if you’re not content with their Miami melon, melon and black tea infused with black pearls, or their coco jelly, coconut-milk tea fused with coconut jelly, you can Dr. Frankenstein your own concoction with ten different fruit flavors and ten different types of boba.

While this coffeehouse is a truck exclusively stationed at the University of Miami on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we’re sure it’ll become a traveling staple offering pick-me-ups all over town. Anniel Chapel and Nathalie Moreno, a Hialeah couple, converted a newspaper delivery truck into the blue, vintage-inspired mobile unit we’re blessed with today. Ricky’s knows how to treat its customers right, offering regular coupons and combo deals, like a $3 croissant with any coffee purchase. And you definitely do want to pair a guava and cheese croissant, artfully prepared in house, with a cup of joe. With plans to expand, Ricky’s is set to spread its mobile magic beyond the UM campus, but until then it remains this city’s best-kept coffeehouse secret.

Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village continues to rise in a graffiti art-draped, hip fashion. At its undeniable epicenter with a true community vibe is Wells Coffee. On a given day, there’s a line for the likes of its pour-over delights, horchata cold brew, and Japanese-style iced coffee. It’s also a remote worker favorite with stellar Wi-Fi and bright, modern confines. Wells keeps it fresh — there’s an onsite roasting operation and, through the past decade, the spot has become a major fresh-beans distributor to individuals and businesses near and far. Adding to its charm is its staff, who, in true specialty coffee fashion, are always happy to talk you through the coffee and roasting lingo. Beyond Flagler Village, Wells also has an equally as friendly operation in Tarpon River.

The New York and New Jersey transplants certainly made it known that the bagels from their home states are the best in the world. But the 305 had its own trick up its sleeve, and that’s the independent bagel shop simply named El Bagel. Opened in 2016, what was once a quaint bagel store in Midtown has expanded to Coconut Grove and even the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Their fluffy bagels have only five ingredients — no preservatives, syrups, or conditioners. Each of their bakers works in the middle of the night to construct the thick, warm pounds of dough into sellable works of art, which customers can customize with scallion or garlic chive schmears, bacon, eggs, cheese, salmon, and whatever else your bagel-loving heart desires. For Miamians, it’s our own prideful take on the delicacy. And who knows, maybe our northern friends don’t think it’s half bad either.

The bright neon sign inside proclaims, “Bagels Don’t Count As Carbs.” Ah, if only it were true. But let’s be real, Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Cafe can load as many damn carbs as it wants in its dozen-plus bagel concoctions — it’s totally worth it. Cofounder Adam Shidlofsky is the face of the brand these days and may often be found mingling with patrons throughout the week. His dad started the company in 2002 and additional outposts in Weston and Hallandale Beach. Beyond bagels and flavored cream cheeses (the bacon-scallion cream cheese, dear God!), its beyond-Instagrammable BECTA sandwich is a communal fave, piled with two scrambled eggs, thick-cut bacon, avocado, cheddar, and white truffle oil. Mitch’s also has super-solid deli staples spanning potato knishes to matzo ball soup.

Great bread in Miami is typically two things: Cuban bread made with lard and slathered with butter or, a healthier option, naturally leavened, certified kosher sourdough with wholesome ingredients from Zak the Baker. Founded by Miami native Zak Stern, the cafe and bakery has been honored as a Michelin Bib-Gourmand for three years in a row, and for good reason. The bread is top-notch, as are all of the other pastries and dishes on the menus, whether seasonal or steady. Now you can find Zak’s bread at Whole Foods and other markets across Miami, but at the Wynwood location you can watch your bread being baked, and there’s an opportunity to take some cute selfies with your loaf in colorful Wynwood.

When you think of handcrafted, artisanal doughnuts with innovative but also locally attuned flavors, you think of the Salty. Founded in Miami at a pop-up in a vintage camper in Wynwood with a line down the block, this doughnut and coffee shop helmed by power couple Amanda Pizarro and Andy Rodriguez quickly turned into a multimillion-dollar business with brick-and-mortar locations across the country. Its 24-hour brioche signature doughnuts have a distinctive and delightful texture, and the flavors never disappoint, like the Miami-appropriate white chocolate tres leches or the seemingly simple brown butter and salt. The menu has expanded since it first opened back in 2014, but its high-quality ingredients and adorable aesthetic continue to draw hungry lines of sweet tooths.

Few bakery origin stories are as heartwarming as that of Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop. A firefighter became a bake-shop owner as a way to honor the memory of a former colleague. Derek Kaplan started baking as a teenager, and one of the first pies that he taught himself was key lime. Still one of his favorites to this day, it’s a worthy bestseller in his shops. Step inside the Wynwood, Coconut Grove, or Fort Lauderdale locations, and you’re instantly hit with the sweet scent of chocolate, sugar, butter, and pure happiness. The treats don’t come cheap, but they’re worth every penny. Every single order is a winner. There’s the moist and celebratory birthday cake, coconut cream pie that somehow tastes better with each bite, and the Cookie Monster pie with a chocolate chip cookie base, crushed Oreo cookies, cheesecake filling, topped with whipped cream. These are the kind of desserts that, despite their large size, you’ll find really hard to share.

Hear us out. Publix’s original key lime pie is the tastiest store-bought key lime pie in Miami. Made with authentic key limes, the filling is light yet lush with just the right amount of tartness. It’s also nestled in a crumbly, buttery graham cracker crust. Although it says it serves about eight or nine people, who are we kidding — dig in with a spoon all by your damn self. Any pie is a single-serving pie if you put your heart into it. While there are better options for authentic key lime pie all the way down the Florida Keys, Publix has truly mastered the perfect local pie.

Cry Baby Creamery is a total misnomer. If anything, this shop will have you weeping with sugar-induced joy or demanding ice cream like, well, a big crybaby. With locations in Palmetto Bay and inside Thorn on Bird Road, this ice cream shop and bakery serves up Miami-inspired goodness like the viva pastelito cream cheese and mascarpone ice cream with guava swirls and caramelized puff pastry. There’s also the espumita boss flavor with Per’La coffee cold brew. The brownies and cookies feature another local favorite, Exquisito Chocolates. Regardless of your craving, there’s seriously no way to leave Cry Baby Creamery with anything other than a smile.

It’s in Miami native Naomi Harris’ DNA to run a successful South Florida restaurant. She’s Pollo Tropical royalty, for God’s sake. Her father and uncle founded the Miami institution in the late ’80s, and her grandfather owned and operated Red Road Food Market in South Miami. Following in their footsteps, Harris pursued her passion for bread-making and baking, opening Madruga Bakery in 2017. It quickly became the kind of place where people line up for the scrumptious fresh baguettes, savory onion poppy rolls, sweet monkey bread, and more. Madruga’s breakfast and lunch sandwiches are also swoon-worthy. For her work in the Coral Gables bakery, Harris was nominated as a semifinalist for the 2019 James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker.

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best. New York native Steve Hochman’s Bagel Bar East is one such simple delight. It’s a modern-day Rascal House (IYKYK), for those days your soul and belly need a good, old-fashioned Jewish deli. You’ll feel nourished by their matzo ball soup, hand-rolled, double-toasted bagel, or bialy. Do not miss out on the housemade coleslaw or mouthwatering smoked pastrami. The to-go counter is clutch when all the seats are taken (and they often are on weekends), and Bagel Bar East caters with sandwich platters that are always a home run.

Thanks to Arielle and Omri Avrahami, Israel’s most renowned shawarma chain recently opened in Hollywood. Off the beaten path and on-brand if you’re glatt kosher (or just love a magnificent shawarma), this simple concept offers four ways to eat your meal: in a pita, half pita, laffa, or bowl. Stick with the signature turkey shawarma in a pita. The spit is prepared every day with stacked turkey chunks coated in a spice blend and topped with pineapple so the juices drip down the meat. Pair with a side of skinny fries and top with housemade tahini, schug, salsa, and pickled vegetables made daily.

Love Life Cafe is a breath of healthy fresh air in Miami’s overwrought dining scene, thanks to its tasty, cruelty-free, plant-based menu. Owners Veronica Menin and Diego Tosoni wanted to bring healthy food that people actually want to eat to Miami. And they succeeded. Love Life Cafe is the kind of spot where vegans flock but everyone approves of it. All of the dishes are as creative as they are delicious, and you can pair them with wines, cocktails, or mocktails. Expect a pleasant meal with solid customer service and reasonable prices.

Is your bestie’s new venture into vegetarianism making it a challenge to go out to dinner together these days? It’s safe to say they’ll find something they’ll love on the menu at Blue Collar in MiMo. It’s home to some of the absolute best veggie plates in Miami-Dade County — you won’t miss meat for even a second. Options range from red beets with goat cheese and caramelized Brussels sprouts to charred sweet potato with chili brown butter and artfully sautéed mushrooms. There are also daily specials, like matzo ball soup and mushroom and goat cheese croquettes with fig jam. And if that’s not cutting it for you, by the time you read this, Blue Collar probably will have moved across the street from its original home at the Biscayne Hotel to fancier digs with an expanded menu at the address listed here.

Clive’s Cafe was a beloved hole-in-the-wall for homestyle Jamaican food with a long history in Wynwood before all of the art and then smoke shops. But now it has a new home in nearby Little River for those craving a taste of the Caribbean. Clive’s serves all the staples like saucy curry goat, flavorful oxtail smothered in the most savory gravy, and jerk chicken that’s perfectly seasoned and charred — each one is no-need-for-a-knife tender. Everything is served with hearty portions of rice and peas and plenty of other side-dish options. Just know whether you want to dine in or out, because that determines where you’re going to stand to place your order.

It began almost 50 years ago with little more than a croqueta and a dream. Now, the Cuban restaurant Sergio’s has 13 locations with authentic and time-honored menus filled with tasty, inexpensive, and nostalgic Cuban food. Naturally, they won New Times‘ “Best Croquetas” in 2022 — and now they have taken the main trophy. You can swing by for a proper Cuban breakfast (eggs, bacon, tostada, and a café con leche smooth as Chinese silk). Salty and soulful sopa de pollo heals the soul, and the housemade ropa vieja and vaca frita are emotional, stick-to-your-ribs cooking. And if you want to go modernized, try the croqueta pizza and picadillo flatbread. So many newer fancy restaurants with Michelin nods may be the jewels of Miami, but Sergio’s is our city’s heart.

Tex-Mex in Miami is best served in Homestead. For almost 40 years, family-owned Casita Tejas has been serving the best authentic, hearty Mexican plates down south, and they don’t skip on the rice and beans. The colorful, plastic tablecloths set the stage for culinary satisfaction. You get free salsa and chips, but the move is to start with an order of super nachos to share. You can feast on the most popular menu item, the burrito norteño, a steak fajita with grilled onions, rice, and cilantro smothered with a flavorful salsa suiza and topped with melted Monterey jack cheese. Or enjoy other stand-outs, including a whole deep-fried red snapper and the chicken mole.

The best Colombian restaurant in Miami is a food truck. Why? Because if Colombia could be distilled to its very culinary essence, Frutiparty would encapsulate every inch of the South American nation’s cuisine. Rightly a favorite among locals, this Kendall food truck boasts everything from Colombian perros (hot dogs with everything from melted cheese, bacon, and mayo-ketchup), to salpicón (a fruit cocktail/slushie with condensed milk) to arepas, and much more. Not only is the cuisine delicious, but the presentation of dishes is almost always an eye-catching surprise. If you’re lucky, one of your Colombian friends will have already taken you here, but if not, be sure to stop by for a visit and get ready for a true taste of Bogota. Que chimba!

Part of a larger chain of restaurants and markets with locations throughout Miami, Graziano’s Mercado in Coral Gables is a place for all occasions. It’s a casual eatery with the upscale vibe the City Beautiful is known for. Order at the counter and savor a delicious steak or milanesa, or check out the tastes of the Salta region of northwest Argentina with the restaurant’s tasting menu. A panini or empanadas will satisfy your meaty lunch cravings, and don’t forget to grab a bottle of dry Argentine red wine on your way out.

Miami’s Peruvian food scene is probably the best in the country, with plenty of adventurous chefs offering experimental takes on the South American nation’s distinctive cuisine. Sometimes, however, like when you have the whole family out for a meal, you can’t go wrong with the classics. And if you’re looking to enjoy a great lomo saltado or ceviche plate in unpretentious settings, Sabor á Peru in Edgewater is calling your name. It’s no-frills, but it is Peruvian comfort food at its finest.

In a city filled with glitzy French restaurants that claim to be authentic (yet seem anything but), Café Pastis is a welcomed respite. This truly authentic, relaxed, and humble French restaurant is a cherished neighborhood dining experience. Located in the heart of South Miami, Café Pastis is a quaint little bistro reminiscent of the charming neighborhood eateries of the Provence region in the South of France. Marseille-born chef Philippe Jacquet serves the most delicious French onion soup this side of U.S. 1 and the most delectable steak frites.

The Basque Country takes its food seriously, so naturally, Chef Xabi does, too. Hailing from San Sebastián — a gastronomic oasis in the heart of the region that’s known for having more Michelin stars per square meter than anywhere else in the world — Xabi aims to transport diners to the world-renowned culinary destination in Northern Spain. The restaurant, which sits on a quiet street in Coconut Grove, embraces the region’s lively traditions and passion for quality ingredients — from its succulent txuleton, the region’s famous Fred Flintstone-esque bone-in ribeye, to its charred roasted octopus with sweet potato, mouthwatering Iberian ham croquetas, and, of course, the star of the show: the creamy Basque cheesecake.

North Miami isn’t where you first think of searching for upscale Spanish cuisine in South Florida, but this Basque bistro on the city’s main drag can certainly compete with the best of them, especially on price. Iconic dishes like torta de queso can be savored for a fraction of the price of other Basque restaurants in town, and the creative menu by Chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze also makes room for inventive dishes like shiitake mushroom croquetas and creamy pumpkin rice.

Filmmaker Federico Fellini proclaimed, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” It’s a mantra at Macchialina, a dark and delicious Italian bistro on Alton Road. Macchialina boasts some of the city’s most magical pasta. The carefully calibrated menu takes into consideration that the best pasta is uncomplicated and comforting and is pared down to six exquisitely constructed dishes celebrating the finest ingredients. The spaghetti con vongole, featuring little neck clams, is executive chef and owner Michael Pirolo’s favorite. The protein-heavy entrees, antipasti, and specials strike the same equilibrium. The perfect complement to the main menu’s simplicity is the complexity of the cocktails engineered by Marcus Mooney. Equally ideal for an intimate date or a lively wine-soaked night with close friends, Macchialina covers all the bases. The impeccably curated offerings make it almost impossible to decide, which is why the chef’s tasting menu is probably the most satisfying way to take in this spectacular Italian cuisine.

As traditional as its name, Maria’s Greek Restaurant is a quaint, family-run eatery on a ficus-lined portion of Coral Way that has served Miami since 1982. Now 97, original owner Maria Albanis passed the reins on to her daughter, Angeliki (Angela), years ago. The daughter mastered one of the cardinal rules of being Greek: learning to cook. Along with a dash of lemon and oregano, meticulous care is crafted into each plate of spinach-feta spanakopita or char-broiled lamb chops. While the menu has not changed much in 40 years, Angela tells Miami New Times they’ve added a few things, including branzino and a mouthwatering Mykonos cheese pie, one of the oldest recipes from the island. If you want authentic Greek food and maybe a pinch on the cheek, then head for Maria’s. Just remember, it’s proper etiquette before meals to say kali orexi — that’s Greek for bon appétit.

If you’ve ever been to a festival at a Lebanese church and indulged until you had to unbutton your pants or eaten too much kibbeh at a Syrian family reunion, you know what it’s like to eat at Daily Bread. Since 1975, the Mazzawi family has been bringing Middle Eastern cooking to this cafeteria-style restaurant at the edge of Coconut Grove. Order the authentic, citrusy grape leaves, housemade pita, hummus, tabouli, and beef shawarma, then bring your tray to a table and dig in. After you devour, you shop. Grab some imported cheese, olives, nuts, and spices or large to-go portions of their prepared specialties from the marketplace to bring a taste of the Mediterranean home.

Ashoka Indian Cuisine invites visitors to embark on a culinary journey through India but in Flagler Park Plaza in Doral. At first glance, the restaurant appears ordinary, but once you step inside, you’re transported to a charming indoor courtyard decorated with window panes on the walls and a fountain at its center. You can explore your palate or indulge in the dependable but delicious plain-Janes of butter chicken and chicken tikka masala. Each dish is generously proportioned and spice-laden. Best of all, Ashoka has a marketplace with an array of Indian goods to take home.

Decorated with Central Asian paraphernalia, this tiny hole-in-the-wall diner on Dania Beach Boulevard serves incredible dishes from Uzbekistan, a Silk Road, central Asian country with cuisine that fuses influences from across the continent. Noodle dishes like Uyghur lagman soup and steamed dumplings called manti share space on the menu with kebabs, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and blini pancakes served with yogurt or jam. Don’t miss the samsas, which are sweet, flaky pastries filled with beef or pumpkin and served with a delicate tomato sauce.

In the heart of Coral Springs, the intimate, casual dining experience at the Namu Korean Japanese Kitchen and Izakaya boasts a variety of Korean dishes like tteok-bokki, bibimbap, and japchae, and Korean street food staples like pancakes, kimchi fries, fried seaweed rolls, and baked corn cheese. But the real highlight at the Namu is the Korean fried chicken, with its balance of crispness and sauciness, you can’t lose. The Namu also offers a selection of Japanese dishes for your guests who don’t dig the bounty of a Korean kitchen.

Disappointed by Miami’s lack of Vietnamese cuisine, husband-and-wife team Tam Pham and Harrison Ramhofer took matters into their own hands. The couple based the idea of Tâm Tâm on the Vietnamese phrase quán nhau, which loosely translates to a place where friends gather to enjoy food, drinks, and life in general. Situated on a quiet corner in downtown, the small but vibrant Cuban cafe turned Vietnamese restaurant has an old bakery display case and ventanita window at its entrance. There are wood-paneled walls, barstools with fun patterns, and a large framed photo of actress Jane Fonda, formerly a staunch anti-Vietnam War activist. The 36-seat spot has a rotating menu that is just as eclectic as its interior –– boasting inventive dishes like dragon shrimp crudo, jungle steak tartare, and crisp wings glazed in fish sauce, as well as a sprawling list of wines and frozen drinks like passion fruit daiquiri and spiked Viet iced coffee. The liveliness even extends to the bathroom, where there’s a hidden karaoke machine.

Nothing matches the Miami heat better than Thai spice. It makes Lung Yai Thai Tapas’ location on Calle Ocho both unexpected and perfect. It’s a small place, and the long wait is a testament to its mouthwatering menu. If you often find yourself saying, “The customer is always right,” don’t come here. Some people might whine about their policies: no reservations, no substitutions, and one-time-only ordering. Those people are missing the point. Owner and chef Veenuthri Trisransri and his crew know what they are doing and are experts in Thai cuisine. You should let them take the wheel; you’ll be better for it. It’s called tapas, so expect small dishes with big flavor. Make sure to over-order. It’s best to try as much as possible, share, and discover a new favorite dish with each visit. The food comes as fast as the check. The experience can feel like a blur, but the tastes will stay with you for days.

IYKYK: Peruvian-Japanese cuisine is the darling of Asian fusion these days, and with good reason. At the helm of bringing this marriage of flavors to the world is Chef Gastón Acurio. The Brickell Key outpost of his beloved Lima-based restaurant, La Mar, was opened by Diego Oka just over a decade ago. The menu’s dishes are inspired by Oka’s travels around the world — many of which were in Asia. Oka takes this fusion to another level with simple nigiri, or Peruvian-style sushi, and more complicated dishes like a tableside chaufa made with Wagyu skirt steak and vegetables, covered with a shrimp omelet. Pair it with a pisco sour or a sake-based cocktail, like the “Yasashi Mariposa,” and enjoy a waterfront view of the Magic City.

Miami is not the city you think of when you think of legit Chinese food. But for more than 20 years, Long Gong has been serving up a different version of the Magic City deep in La Sowesera. You’d never guess one little kitchen in a forgettable strip mall could crank out so many delicious varieties of authentic dishes. But this is the real deal. If you’re adventurous, ask for the Chinese menu, and if not, grab the other one. A tip: The scallion pancakes and noodles in chili sauce have more flavor than you’d think possible. Omnivores will have a tough time running out of options with sautéed duck, hot and sour sweet potato noodles, spicy intestines, and so much more. Long Gong is open noon to 10 p.m., six days a week, but closed on Wednesdays.

Plenty of restaurants try to create a facsimile of Japan, but at Ogawa, you’ll feel like you stepped through a portal to the real place. Miami fades away as you become immersed in the remarkable meal, prepared kappo-style to allow for extra food orders and pleasant conversation with Chef Masayuki Komatsu and his diligent kitchen staff. A seat at Ogawa is very expensive and highly sought after, and once you walk through the door at this luxurious, sumptuously decorated omakase next to the train tracks in Little River, you’ll instantly understand why it’s worth every penny.

James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Tyson Cole opened the original Uchi — the name means “home” in Japanese — inside a refurbished bungalow in Austin, Texas. Now, he has locations all over the place, including in Wynwood, where he serves the best sushi in town. Much of the menu is dedicated to deliciously fresh makimono (sliced sushi rolls), sushi and sashimi, and Toyosu selections — an extensive list of fresh fish flown directly from the Tokyo market of the same name. With a single sliver of kamasu (red barracuda), ebodai (butterfish), kisu (Japanese whiting), or kurodai (black bream), Cole manages to carry you off to the streets of Japan with each and every bite.

Although there are plenty of new omakase restaurants in Miami, one truly stands out from the rest: Shingo in Coral Gables. Helmed by fourth-generation master and award-winning sushi chef Shingo Akikuni, the 14-seat counter in Coral Gables is like a teleportation device to Osaka, Japan. Here, the premium fish sourced entirely from Japan is sliced in uniform precision and dressed with barely just a swipe of seasoning like nikiri. Here, Chef Akikuni and his second-in-command handle the group of 14 without missing a beat as they seem to glide while serving each dish. Plus, the servers ever so gracefully pour sake from Japan and even offer to hold your belongings so you can give yourself over entirely to the experience.

This downtown food hall named after two of our city’s founders made a splash with its June 2023 opening, and, well, it’s still splashing strong. Core to Julia & Henry’s success has been keeping it fresh, be it hosting some of the best bars in the world for special takeovers, Sunday Fundays with kids activities, and an extended happy hour that runs from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. The food is a true tapestry of our region and beyond with early favorites such as the French pastry mecca Yann Couvreur Patisserie, hand-roll hot-spot Yabai, and the J Wong cevichería. The glue is the building — what once was a Walgreens is now a bright, open, sleekly white munch haven. Whereas mega food halls have come and gone in recent times, we hope Julia & Henry’s stays forever.

Chef Raheem Sealey — you may know him from his days at Kyu — was inspired by a barbecue-filled visit to Austin to open Drinking Pig BBQ in North Miami. For the last four years, his drool-worthy barbecue has only been available at pop-ups like Smorgasburg and for a limited time at a location downtown. It has a closing time of “when we run out” because they always do. Drinking Pig serves moist and tender brisket, smoky wings, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and housemade sauces, complemented by classic barbecue sides like a gooey mac & cheese, collard greens with smoked chicken, beans, and, of course, a crunchy, tangy slaw. While there’s a bit of a wait before we’ll be graced with a permanent Drinking Pig, we swear, this barbecue is worth pursuing at popups forever. So, in the meantime, follow @drinkingpigbbq to order and keep abreast of the sneaky drops that promise exclusive items.

Miami Slice serves up artisan New York-style pizza with a viral following since it was a pop-up out of the La Latina kitchen in 2019. The pizza is out-of-this-world good — very thin crusts with just the right amount of crisp, bubbling cheese and decadent drizzles. The lines extend far past the entrance well before the restaurant even opens. If you arrive early, you’ll be rewarded with the option to dine in or take out. Sit at the bar where you can watch staff shuffle massive slices in and out of ovens before plating them on wooden boards where they receive a final dusting of fresh-grated cheese, sauce, or add-on toppings. The menu offers five slices that can be gussied up with a choice of four “extras,” including hot honey, a red sauce, three-cheese dip, or a few dollops of creamy stracciatella.

If you’re seeking a burger that has perfectly charred bits on the edges but is incredibly juicy with each bite, look no further than Ted’s Burgers. It’s the kind of smashburger that leaves you fantasizing about it at midnight on Tuesday and the following morning. The idea of making a perfect burger was born in Teodoro Armas’ backyard, where his meats were a hit with friends and family. Thanks to social media and word of mouth, Ted’s became Miami’s best-kept secret. Then, in 2021, he was awarded the winner of Burger Bash, a signature South Beach Food and Wine Festival event, by Guy Fieri. Although Armas’ weekend-only pop-up at J. Wakefield Brewing in Wynwood just ended, fans can still try his insanely delicious “OKC Fried Onion Burger” made with special “T” sauce and fried onions, and the “American Classic,” prepared to order with your choice of a single, double, or triple patty, at pop-ups around Miami. Word has it, the juicy burgers with perfectly charred edges will be available at a brick-and-mortar location soon.

We’re doomed. We have to deal with crippling inflation, climate change, a grim upcoming election, and, because why not, probably World War III? Ah, hell, we may as well enjoy a cheap hot dog before it all turns to dust. We’re not getting Kobe beef dogs or tofu dogs, oh no, friends, we’re sitting right down at the 60+-year-old Bird Road staple for a cheap chili dog. Arbetter’s has dogs under $5 with options to add chili, sauerkraut, and a side of fries or onion rings for a perfect, messy pairing. You can also “Miami-fy” your dog with potato sticks, cheese, and mayo, or get a Chicago dog. Really, that’s it. Arbetters is just an excellent greasy spoon for a super cheap dog. Your cardiologist may disagree, but there’s not a better bite in town to cure what ails you.

You would never expect to find the best sandwiches at an indiscreet apartment building across the street from the University of Miami. But the no-thrills Jholano’s Deli has made its waves on social media for good reasons. The restaurant, open until midnight most days of the week, draws influence from Milan, Tuscany, Venice, and Rome and uses only the best ingredients, like Italian cold cuts to cheeses. The “7 a.m. in Milano” features fresh focaccia bread, salami, capitol, burrata, arugula, and, well, perfection. No gabagool? No problem — try the “Jholano,” featuring fig jam, Brie cheese, prosciutto di parma, and mortadella.

Local food scene vets Steve Santana (Taquiza) and Adam Darness (Boxelder) opened Off Site only three years ago along the stretch of NE Second Avenue that connects the City of Miami with the wee hamlet of El Portal. It already feels like a mainstay in the Little River neighborhood, though, thanks to a laidback atmosphere, housemade beers, and a small menu of simple, well-executed comfort foods. The recent addition of a fish sandwich was a welcome one, but we still find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get past Off Site’s inaugural offering — seriously, it was the only menu item when the place opened — the fried chicken sandwich. They call it the “Super Good Chicken Sandwich,” but they’re just being modest. The fixings are straightforward: buttermilk-battered chicken, lettuce, pickles, and a mayo-based sauce. The secret lies in the perfectly calibrated batter, which crisps up literally like you would not believe, and equally crucial, the chef’s choice to deploy the thigh rather than breast for the preparation. The result is — and we’re not exaggerating — the Platonic ideal of a fried chicken sandwich. So much so that we’ve never bothered having them “make it hot” with Cajun buffalo sauce (you do you; we won’t judge), though we strongly recommend accompanying your sandwich with a glass of the house rosé, a crisp Austrian offering from Familie Bauer Zweigelt.

It might seem simple. Cuban bread, lechón, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles. But the Cubano at the quaint 25-seat Calle Ocho staple, Sanguich, is anything but. The bread? Made under Sanguich’s specific parameters at a bakery in Homestead. The lechón? Marinated for 24 hours in garlic and spices. The ham? Brined for seven days. Then two slices of Swiss and satisfyingly vinegary pickles are pressed between the thick Cuban bread brushed with lard. Expect a mouthwatering melted cheese hammock when you separate your two fresh halves of Cubano goodness. The bites are so perfectly crisp and packed with flavor that you’ll happily embrace the light layer of crumbs left on your shirt afterward. Made mostly in-house and handled with the utmost care, there’s a reason this classic Little Havana sanguich reigns supreme in Miami.

For nearly four decades, this family-owned establishment has been cranking out the most reliably best wings in town in a whole host of flavors. Sports Grill serves the classics like Buffalo, jerk, and barbecue — but the special grilled wings really take the cake. Dipped in a secret Sports Grill sauce, the special grilled wings are mildly spiced and always a house favorite. Love them spicy? The Miami Heat wings will shake your taste buds into a tizzy. Want the best of both worlds? Go for the Dale wings (pronounced like the name, not Pitbull’s catchphrase), named after a regular who loved his special grilled wings also coated in Miami Heat sauce. Fans may remember the chicken wing shortage that drove up prices all over the country during the pandemic, and Sports Grill definitely felt it, but it recently lowered its prices again to pre-pandemic cost, so five wings will only set you back $7.

It’s no surprise that Ms. Cheezious touts the best mac & cheese. The Little River establishment is expert in all tasty things cheesy and gooey. They use a creamy Gouda base and shell pasta macaroni to make their classic order. But Ms. Cheezious goes above and beyond for this classic American meal. For instance, they make the “Mackin Melt,” which pairs mac & cheese with house-cured bacon sandwiched between two slices of toasted sourdough bread. And you can add your own toppings to customize your ultimate comfort food — blue cheese, green onions, some more of that crisp bacon. This is your world, and your cheesy macaroni is just in it.

Want a taco with Southern Cali cred, but right here in Miami? The Taco Stand is your spot. And the long line of folks also hungry for affordable, warm, housemade corn tortillas at its Wynwood location is evidence of this being the best in town. Taco types include carne asada, al pastor, Baja, mushroom, mahi mahi, and even cactus, AKA the nopal taco for $3.35. The real winner is the camarón, a spicy grilled shrimp taco with cheese, avocado, and cabbage, topped with a spicy chipotle sauce. Still hungry after downing a few tacos? Try the mar y tierra fries with grilled shrimp and Angus steak on a bed of french fries with guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. And if the lines in Wynwood are too long, no worries. Earlier this year, the chain expanded to a second local location on Calle Ocho.

Sure, even bad tostada gets the job done, but how is flaccid Cuban bread with bald spots and artificial butter supposed to get you through the whole day? With a good tostada, the bread needs to be pressed tightly, like coal turning into a diamond, flat as Death Valley, and buttery as hell. The quality mantequilla should seep through the bread like waterlogged wood. Hold my cafecito, someone! Tinta y Café knows the rules well. The café has been giving a modernist touch to the classics for almost twenty years. Try the housemade Cuban bread pressed thin and crisp but with a chewy crumb. It’s the absolute perfect juxtaposition to a silly sweet café con leche. One bite makes the adage true: Nothing is better than bread and butter.

The Argentina-style empanada can be a sober affair of baked pastry stuffed with savory but never spicy picadillo or other predictable flavor combinations. So, a proper “best” empanada is defined in the details, which they observe at Punta Lara in Buena Vista. They make the dough and fillings by hand daily, cook to order — even if it means customers have to wait seven minutes — and make sure each empanada has uniform bubbly char spots from the industrial 500-degree toaster oven. The owners are from landlocked Córdoba but named their restaurant Punta Lara after the seaside city to showcase the maritime origins of the empanada itself. The tuna gallega is the go-to order here, made with savory tuna ragout with onion, red pepper, briny olives, egg, and a pastry crust that is thin and delicate yet somehow maintains a crisp outer layer and a chewy inner layer. Add a side of chimichurri or sriracha, pair with an $11 imported tall boy of hazy IPA from Argentina’s Temple brewery, and consume it all under the shady banyan in dreamy Upper Buena Vista.

Between local staples like Vicky Bakery and Pinecrest Bakery, you can get your pick of croquetas here in Miami. But no one is doing it as right as Dos Croquetas, a Cuban restaurant putting its modern spin on the classic Latin hors d’oeuvres. The self-proclaimed “croqueta bar” has locations in both Little Havana and Bird Road and a pop-up in Hialeah, where customers can sample different handmade croquetas, from classic ham or cheese to new culinary takes including mac & cheese and medianoche croquetas. They also offer a decent Cuban sandwich, Cuban fritanga wrap, or areparada sandwich, all of which build on the brand’s favorite delicacy. These delectable croquetas can even be shipped nationally for friends or family looking for a taste of the Magic City. For those with a sweet tooth, Dos Croquetas also has one hell of a mango shake, cloud coffees (with flavors from tiramisu to white chocolate cinnamon), and even chocolate croqueta bites that you can dip in icing. For anyone and everyone looking for a fun remix on their abuela’s favorite snack, see ya at Dos Croquetas.

Filled to the brim, the arepas at La Latina are easily the best in Miami. Made with gluten-free corn flour and antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, there’s nothing but flavor to savor with these babies. They’re crunchy on the outside, packed with juicy meats and melty cheeses, and complemented with delicious garlic and cilantro sauces that are made in house. Since 2011, this somewhat hidden gem has been cranking out these corny portable meals with more than a dozen filling options (think: cheese, sweet plantains, and avocado or shredded beef and cheese) in a cozy space just on the edge of ever-evolving Midtown. Perhaps the best part is how well they travel/deliver, making them the ideal poolside, party, or beach snack.

When the summer sun shines, it’s time to cool down with something refreshing and light to keep you from melting at high noon. Enter Dr. Limón, a Peruvian slice of paradise specializing in the country’s signature meal of raw fish “cooked” in lime juice. If you’re a first-timer, try the “remedio casero,” featuring a fresh catch of white fish bulwarked by sweet potato, choclo (large Peruvian corn), fried corn kernels, and a delicate topping of pickled onion. You could, of course, spice it up more with “Dr. Tokyo,” tuna, pineapple, and hot limo pepper inside a fried tortilla chip. The dish, whose history goes back thousands of years, is a beautiful pairing of flavors, prompting Dr. Limón to have thirteen ceviche options, all as deliciously sour and fatty as the last.

When it comes to ramen, nothing matters more than a good broth –– and no establishment in South Florida makes a ramen broth quite like Shimuja Ramen. Tucked away in a Southwest Ranches strip mall, the laid-back restaurant has been slinging bowls of authentic Japanese ramen since 2018. It’s one of those places where everything on the menu is just right, like their flavorful Japanese curry, immaculately crisp karaage chicken, and addictive shishito peppers. However, most people make the journey deep into suburbia for one particular item: the Kagoshima special ramen. A generous bowl consisting of an 18-hour pork-bone broth and rich pork belly, jammy boiled egg, and thick noodles, the hearty soup warms your soul and fills your belly (literally, it’s enough to feed at least two or three people). Starting at $20, it’s pricier than your average ramen, but we’d argue that’s because it’s far better than your average ramen.

With so much brewery goodness stemming from Broward County, picking a favorite one is like picking a favorite child. Well, let us choose. Tarpon River Brewing is the undisputed golden child for its consistent brews, community happenings, and badass space. Housed in what once was a 1929 horse barn, it’s an oft-open-air experience with a tap room, tasting room, brewery, kitchen, and plenty of seating for consuming it all. Whereas other breweries are getting obnoxiously experimental, Tarpon River Brewing does the classics well. Its Deflated IPA and Morning Express stout are fool-proof and should never, ever leave the menu, period. Beyond booze, its grub is upper-tier, with LOL-worthy named plates like the “Cluck Norris” fried chicken sandwich and “Et Tu, Brute” caesar salad.

Open less than a year and already Miami’s best brewery? Yes, dreams come true when they are deserved. The brainchild of Haidar Hachem (of Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. fame) and his amazing wife, Marilyn Orozco, Sho_jo_’s Dojo is Florida’s first sake brewery. It occupies the former Ceiba space but has quickly made an identity all its own. Beyond housemade sake brews, the spot has a killer craft beer selection. And, yes, you can order a sake bomb for $9 with your choice of a craft brewski and shot of sake. Pro-tip: Don’t skip out on a sake-infused cocktail either, with a menu curated by Giovanny Gutierrez (@ChatChowTV). Mari’s mule, with lemongrass-infused sake, lime, and ginger beer, and a dehydrated lime bedazzle is a chef’s kiss.

Miamians who are into vinyl bars but don’t want to deal with the hype of hot-spots like Dante’s HiFi have a more subdued but just as cool option with Miami Sound Bar. Nestled between a pizza shop and a pilates gym downtown, Sound Bar was inspired by Japanese listening bars. It has an excellent high-fidelity sound system that’s been used properly by some of Miami’s best DJs, like Jovigibbs and Sinopoli. The intimate setting, with its suede red couches and low lighting, also makes this an easier place to connect with party companions than nearby bars like Lost Boy or Mode. The rotating cocktail menu is definitely one of the highlights, with musically inspired drinks like “Leaving on a Jet Plane” with pear-infused bourbon and the “Blind Melon,” a tequila-Midori mixture. Bonus: This is easily one of the best spots for a first date with a vinyl-curious Gen Zer.

We love character when it comes to a bar, and Swizzle Rum Bar and Drinkery is full of it. This Miami Beach bar is nestled (AKA fairly well-hidden) inside the Stiles Hotel, which also goes by the name Viajero Miami hostel, a totally unassuming building on Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach shenanigans. Once you find your way in, you’re welcomed into a dark drinking den with shelves of spirits, mainly rums, from all over the world. Bartenders are slinging drinks — ranging from classic negronis and old-fashioneds to fun riffs and tailored tropical drinks. Owner Danilo Dacha Bozovic made his way to Miami nearly a decade ago as the principal bartender for the now-defunct Employees Only Miami. When it abruptly closed (in a very Miami fashion — lease battles), he was determined to create a new bar where he and his team could continue to serve well-crafted drinks in a warm, hospitable environment. And so, Swizzle was born.

In an unsuspecting shopping plaza in the heart of Victoria Park next to a Winn Dixie is a hidden speakeasy with masterful cocktails. No joke. Once you step in, away from the mundane strip mall energy, you’re struck with a whole new vibe that just starts with the golden draped curtains. Blue velvet booths, crystal chandeliers, a bar with a black counter and dark green backsplash, and even a Zoltar Speaks machine give No Man’s Land a vintage look that sucks you in. Despite the upscale appearance, you can totally show up in shorts if you want — hey, it’s freaking Fort Lauderdale (though you may want to dress up a bit for the Miami Beach location). But whatever your getup, you’ll stand beside your fellow drinkers amazed by the creatively conceived cocktails, like the $16 “Dirty French Toast,” their take on an espresso martini, and tasty bar bites that the bar sets up with more options each Tiki Tuesday.

If you’re looking for a gay bar in the “don’t say gay” state, you need to locate the most in-your-face, unabashedly G-A-Y bar you can find. The place you are looking for is Ramrod. The suggestively named bar is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and it’s easy to see why, in the ever-changing landscape of South Florida nightlife, the Ramrod remains. You won’t find supportive parents or bachelorette parties in search of drag queens here; this is an assertively queer establishment. While it calls itself “a Levi, Leather, Uniform bar,” Ramrod is not hung up on your clothing or lack thereof. You may come as you are. They keep people coming with theme nights like Leather, Jockstraps, or Fetish Fridays each week, featuring a few provocative contests for those interested in competing. From the annual Mr. Ramrod pageant to their insanely long happy hour stretching from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Ramrod has something to do from sunup to sundown.

This South Miami staple is one of the buzziest bars you’ll find west of I-95 on any given day. Known better as Bougies to literally anyone who’s ever stepped foot inside since it opened in 2000, it’s inside a ’40s-era cottage, and, over the years, has expanded to include a few different outdoor areas with satellite bars and plenty of seating. Bougies is the go-to spot for suburban dwellers looking for a place to grab some simple drinks close to home to a soundtrack of live local musical acts. Every night, it throws down its own incentives, including kryptonite-like $5 Jager shots on Mondays, ladies drink free on Wednesdays, and house party Fridays. Plus, this bar knows how to throw epic block parties — some of the best take place on St. Patrick’s Day and Drinksgiving, AKA the day before Thanksgiving.

Amid a growing abundance of South Florida snobbery, Big Dog Station is such an approachable reprieve. Tucked at the southern end of Oakland Park’s main drag, this is a no-frills gem with a scratch-off Lotto machine, outdoor pool table, and a bar cat that may greet you outside the front door. The staff here — Aaron and Scotty are bartender standouts — are like family, and the owner, Debbie, is usually onsite cheering on her Boston teams. Adding to the familial vibe, the spot hosts everything from adult Easter egg hunts to potluck dinners. Speaking of dinners, the food here is unreal for a bar, including the crispest tater tots on earth and an absolutely mammoth Cajun turkey club sandwich for under $12. We need more Big Dogs in the world.