Miami Bar Asks Internet to ID ‘Serial’ Drink-and-Dasher With $650 Tab

A calculated scammer has targeted multiple Sports Grill locations across Miami, running up at least five separate tabs and stiffing the popular local chain for over $650, according to a social media post by Only in Dade (@onlyindade) that broke the story.

The man's scheme follows a predictable pattern at each restaurant: He sits alone at the bar, orders beers, wings, and occasional shots, then claims his wife "just arrived outside." After ordering takeout "for her," he steps outside to "deliver" the food — and vanishes.

Bandit's Boozy Blueprint

The thief doesn't just disappear; he plans his escapes with tactical precision. Allegedly, at one Sports Grill location, he waited for the bartender to grab extra sauce before making his exit. At another, he tried using a credit card he knew would be declined.

His most brazen heist happened at the Doral Sports Grill, where he camped out at the bar for four hours, knocking back Don Julio and building a hefty tab he never intended to pay. "This isn't just about the money — it's about respecting our staff and the work they put in," a Sports Grill owner told Only in Dade. "We're a local business. This hurts."

The man has struck five separate times so far, hitting multiple Sports Grill locations, including the ones on Bird Road, in Kendall, and in Doral. His drink orders show a pattern across these visits — he frequently asks for Space Dust beer, switching to Jameson when it's unavailable.

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Local Restaurants on Alert

The dine-and-dasher appears to target family-run, casual restaurants deliberately, taking advantage of their hospitality and busy staff.

Established in 1987, Sports Grill operates seven locations across Miami-Dade County and has built its reputation on award-winning "Special Grilled Wings" and a neighborhood-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is now warning other local establishments to watch for the scammer.

Restaurant owners who spot someone matching this behavior should notify staff immediately and contact police if the person has a history of skipping out on tabs.

Sports Grill thanked Only in Dade for spreading awareness, commenting on the social post: "Appreciate you Only in Dade. No one deserves to be taken advantage of. To other business owners...I hope we helped!"

If you have information on this crime, please call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or visit crimestoppersmiami.com.

Sports Grill. Multiple locations; sportsgrill.com.