Happy’s Stork Lounge and Liquor

If you seek a place where the booze is cheap and the patrons are salty drunks, look no further than this bar and package store on the 79th Street Causeway, midway between the mainland and the beach. Order a beer or cheap-for-Miami-rail cocktail and strike up a conversation with someone who will proceed to fill […]

Hong Kong House

When you’re broke as a joke but can’t stomach any more PB&J or ramen noodles. At times like these, thank God for Chinese takeout. North Miami’s Hong Kong House will stuff that rumbling tummy for less than $10 with favorites like krab rangoon, pork fried rice and chicken lo mein. It’s satisfaction for both your […]

Il Migliore Trattoria

This quaintly appointed Tuscan-style trattoria is a gem. The menu and cuisine are as elemental as can be, chef/owner Neal Cooper favoring fresh, quality ingredients over complicated cooking techniques. Actually there’s no cooking involved when it comes to cold appetizers of prosciutto, bresaola, and beef carpaccio, all lavishly portioned and plated in unadulterated fashion. Caprese […]

Il Mulino New York – Miami

Hey there, Mr. I-Used-to-Have-a-Bottomless-Expense-Account. Back then, you would breeze into Il Mulino like a big shot, thumb through the wine list, and choose one of the vintage reserves. Plus, you’ll still have your classic Manhattan cocktail — for chrissakes, a man’s gotta live. And if you’re polite, there’s a good chance you’ll be served a […]

Ironside Pizza

Ironside Pizza is a straightforward place that takes its pizza seriously. So much so that they hired a pizzaiolo certified by Italy’s so-called pizza police to oversee pie production. The key is how the dough is stretched: never in the air, and from the center out. What results are pies with supremely thin centers requiring […]

Island Water Sports

This mainstay in North Miami Beach has a loyal following, and rightfully so. They have every kind of gear you’d ever need for water-bound fun. surfboards, stand up paddleboards, skateboards, wakeboards, bodyboards, skimboards, accessories galore and a knowledgeable staff to help you navigate their aisles without any aimless wandering. Whatever you need for your wateriffic […]