As Miami gears up for its biggest weekend of the year, so do the businesses that will be affected by it. After a battle with the city, Ultra Music Festival begins today in a two-weekend extravaganza that will bring more revenue to Miami than LIV sees the entire year. That's a big deal, considering the Miami Beach club recently ranked number four on Nightclub and Bar Media's Group's "Nightclub & Bar Top 100."
This year the festival is more organic than ever, with free water stations and Wi-Fi. But festival food sucks. Chances are you probably won't want to eat whatever warmed-over eats are offered at the fest. And why would you?
The Carl Cox & Friends tent, first-time Ultra acts such as Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Disclosure, and live stage acts Snoop Lion, Azealia Banks, and the Weeknd have a much better chance of causing you to salivate than one of a thousand overgrilled turkey legs. Rest assured, though, that once the festival is over and the adrenaline from that last song wears off, two things will happen: First you'll realize you've just been part of history, and then your stomach will growl like never before. So remember to stay hydrated, dance on, and if you skip meals, eat late-night at one of the following places.
10. El Cartel
This tasty Colombian restaurant located in downtown is normally open till 10 p.m. But during Ultra weekend, a flock of thousands of hungry candy ravers will decide to keep the place open till "whatever time," the proprietors say. The place will stay open until 3 a.m or later each night of the festivities. All the Colombian late-night classics (hot dogs, hamburgers, carne asada) are good and obvious choices. But we say in celebration of the late-night Cartel occasion, go for the double burger ($8.99). A Colombian beer special will also be available. Three Aguilas for $8.99.
9. Arepazo 2
With Hugo Chávez's death last week and now Ultra, Arepazo 2 in Brickell is in for a real celebration. Owners have decided to cash in on all the spring breakers, tourists, and hungry locals by offering daily specials from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. They include a Caracas burger for $3.99 with Angus beef, avocado, ham, string fries, and a fried egg -- as well as not one but two jumbo hot dogs for $3.99. Bottled Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Budweiser will be on special for a dollar. Who ever said a buck can't go a long way? Clearly not Venezuelans. Although we wish Polar were a buck, we'll take the American beer with an arepa, also on special for $3.99 within the allotted time frame. Arepazo 2 will stay open till 6 a.m.
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8. The Corner
Conveniently located right next to Club Space, the Corner is the perfect place to go after Ultra or between the two venues. Hey, Datsik is at Space tonight after Ultra -- just saying. The Corner is open late night, till 5 a.m., and has a few items to get you feeling like your bad self again. The simple yet yummy pan con tomate and manchego ($6) is rich, refreshing, and decadent. Also a favorite is the Karl Kid ($5.50), a not-so-simple grilled cheese with American, mild cheddar, Muenster, and Dijon. And in case you really did some damage at Ultra and need to do some more here, opt for the croque monsieur with parma cotto, emmental cheese, and béchamel ($8). The Corner is good, cheap, and next door to Space, in case you want to head there if Ultra wasn't enough.
7. Casola's
Casola's isn't near Ultra, but it's great pizza. And it's open till 5 a.m. Besides, it's really not that far. Chances are you probably parked by there anyway. Your stomach is likely to be even angrier after making it wait longer to get here. Good thing Casola's slices are tremendously large. Also, while you wait, you can actually munch on a steady supply of little squares, offered free to customers. Nice touch. Fill up on them and order the chicken wings. Remember to wash your hands before eating, though. You just came from a festival. Oh, and bring cash. Casola's doesn't accept credit and debit cards.
Want access to our Best Of picks from your smartphone? Download our free Best Of app for the iPhone or Android phone from the App Store or Google Play. Don't forget to check out the full Best of Miami® online at bestof.voiceplaces.com.
6. Mary's Coin Laundry and Cafeteria
Mary's Coin Laundry opened in 1982 as a simple wash house. Today, it has one of the best pan con bistec sandwiches in town. Also try the ultra-dense and mouthwatering milkshakes -- the perfect nutrient-filled end to a day of raving. We recommend the chocolate banana or creamy mamey. Even better, this place is open all night. The coin laundry and cafeteria offer 24-hour service. You just have to sit outside. Good thing the weather this weekend is perfect for a music festival and late-night outdoor eating. So whether it be before or after Ultra or following the afterparty, Mary's has you covered. And, no, you don't need coins. Just hunger.
5. La Moon
Besides being extra-fatty and delicious, La Moon's food is fit for the raver in everyone. And it's affordable. It was also given Best of Miami nods in 2011 and 2010 for its traditional perro colombiano ($5.25) and Supermoon perro with smoked sausage, bacon, and quail egg ($6.50). Located in Brickell, it's just walking distance from Bayfront Park, where Ultra takes place. Open till 6 a.m and offering delivery and take-out, La Moon is also a great choice for those who live nearby, because the place is oftentimes packed at late hours and waiting times can exceed 45 minutes. Our suggestion is to order right when leaving the festival for pick-up or delivery -- or run, raver, run.
Want access to our Best Of picks from your smartphone? Download our free Best Of app for the iPhone or Android phone from the App Store or Google Play. Don't forget to check out the full Best of Miami® online at bestof.voiceplaces.com.
4. The Station
The Station makes our list for a couple of reasons. It has tasty and well-priced food, and it's an afterhours spot. That said, it can be expected to stay open way later than late-night during Ultra and WMC events. And it'll offer not only food but also a side of afterparty. Chef Adrian Peña is the last man to leave, much like a captain on a sinking ship. He's very adaptable, so whether it be dinner, a midnight snack, or breakfast you're looking for, he's got you covered. We suggest the Station chicken nachos ($11) or the short ribs with Peña's special sauce and peppercorn mushroom sauce ($16). The nachos have a perfect touch of spice, and the short ribs -- though tricky to eat in a club setting -- are finger-licking good.
3. Momi
Authentic Japanese ramen isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind after partying for hours on end. But Momi is a top candidate. For starters, it's open 24 hours. Though the food isn't not cheap, bowls are large enough to share with your ride-or-die raver buddy. And it offers complimentary bottled water. It doesn't hurt that the ramen here is off the chain. Besides, it's a popular food among college kids. Remember all those Cup Noodles you slurped down when you got home super-trashed? Consider Momi a $20 upgrade. Blame it on the pork belly.
Want access to our Best Of picks from your smartphone? Download our free Best Of app for the iPhone or Android phone from the App Store or Google Play. Don't forget to check out the full Best of Miami® online at bestof.voiceplaces.com.
Thank the party gods for this French sandwich chain having a location in Brickell. Open till 6 a.m on weekends, La Sandwicherie is able to piggyback off the success of all the nearby bars and bustling business district. This weekend should be different, with 60,000 Ultra attendees and an overabundance of glowsticks lighting up the streets. One thing can be expected to remain the same, though: At La Sandwicherie, sandwiches and ingredients are always fresh and delicious, and topped with cornichons (unless otherwise stated). Plus there are fruit smoothies to replenish your nutrient levels.
1. Gigi
Open till 5 a.m on weekends, Gigi has been a hit since it opened with Jeff McInnis leading its kitchen. And although McInnis left, it's still a midtown favorite. That fact might have something to do with its industrial New York feel or hipster crowd. For us, it's about the food. Although it's generally a good idea to eat healthy, sometimes you just want a burger. A game-over Gigi burger (brioche, pork belly, shiitake, poached egg) costs $16. In case Ultra wasn't enough, this will be.
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