The thing about eating your feelings in Miami is that it doesn't have to be a lonely, hiding-under-the-covers kind of ordeal. Sometimes you need energy, comfort food, and strangers who look like they, too, are low-key crashing out, but with a drink in hand and a slice of pizza in the other. That's where the Citadel comes in. It's like food hall therapy, with options ranging from bao buns to tacos, and the buzz of people who, like you, are pretending they aren't secretly spiraling. And if you want a more intimate distraction? Berries in the Grove, one of New Times' Best Restaurants in Coconut Grove, will serve you comfort food in the glow of wall-to-wall TVs, because nothing says "I'm fine" like watching four different sports games at once while your croissant breakfast sandwich with a mimosa on the side.
For the days when your comfort cravings are weirdly specific, Miami's got you. Cheesecake Factory in Dadeland? Absolutely. Just you, a slice of cheesecake the size of your face, and your emotional baggage in a sad-but-delicious little threesome. Maybe you're more of a Whip 'n' Dip Ice Cream Shoppe or Wall's Old Fashioned Ice Cream kind of person, or you want to sit at Mike's at Venetia, where the drinks are cheap, the bartenders are friendly, and the jukebox is playing exactly the song you needed to hear. And then there's Bougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern, aka "Bougie's," South Miami's ultimate mood stabilizer, with good drinks, better people, and the kind of "never fails me" energy you wish you could bottle up.
Because here's the thing: Miami comfort food isn't just about what's on the plate, it's about where you are when you eat it. Whether it's a pepperoni pizza chopped into tiny bite-sized squares with a giant side of Ranch dipping sauce (if you know, you know), at Sir Pizza in Key Biscayne, a frita-and-batido combo at El Rey de las Fritas, garlic bread rolls at the Big Cheese, or even cake by the ocean at Smith & Wollensky, these spots have healing powers. You might not leave with all your problems solved, but you will leave with a full belly, a slightly better mood, and maybe even a new plan to try every spot on this list the next time life throws you a curveball.
A few mimosas, a few appetizers, and some people watching at Berries and you'll forget all about our ex in no time
Berries in the Grove photo
Berries in the Grove
2884 SW 27th Ave., Coconut Grove305-448-2111
berriesinthegrove.com
Berries in the Grove is basically a support group with better cocktails. It's laid-back, low-key, and happy to let you sit for hours while you text your ex "one last time." The breezy patio, endless people-watching, and TVs give you plenty of distractions while you decide whether to order breakfast (served daily until 3 p.m.!), lunch, dinner, or all three. The fried chicken and waffles, steak and eggs, Benedicts, mimosas, and pancakes are a hug in food form. Add in boozy brunch, hearty comfort food, and that old-school Grove charm, and it's the kind of place that could nurse even the messiest heartbreak back to life. Plus, the people watching is kinda fire if you sit by the tables facing the sidewalk.
The Big Cheese
8080 SW 67th Ave., Miami305-662-6855
bigcheesemiami.comThe Big Cheese has been curing Miami's blues since 1984, dishing out hearty Italian-American comfort food in portions big enough to feed both you and your feelings. Order the legendary rolls with garlic sauce and marinara, slather some on a slice of cheese pizza, and wash it all down with an ice-cold Modelo. Sadness, who? With its warm, welcoming vibe and decades of community love, it's the kind of place where you can eat your weight in carbs and still feel hugged on the way out.
A visit to Bougie's is like a visit to the heartbreak doctor's office
Bougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern photo
Bougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern
7221 SW 58th Ave., South Miami305-669-8577
bougiesbar.comBougainvillea's Old Florida Tavern, or just "Bougie's" if you're a local, is the kind of place you can stumble into in sweatpants or sequins and still feel right at home. Founded in 2000 and tucked inside a 1940s-era cottage with dark-wood paneling, leafy patios, and a steady flow of good drinks, live music, and friendly faces, it's impossible to feel lonely for long. Whether you're sipping $5 Jager shots on a Monday, catching a local band, or losing track of time on the patio, Bougie's has a way of turning even the gloomiest night into a block party.
The Citadel
8300 NE Second Ave., Miami305-908-3849
thecitadelmiami.comThe Citadel in Miami Shores/Little River is like instant mood therapy. When you walk in and are hit with great energy, the sound of kids laughing with their parents, and the smell of every crave-worthy food imaginable, from bao buns to tacos to Stanzione's perfect pizza. This mixed-use hub packs some of Miami's best eats under one roof, like USBS's juicy burgers, Vice City Bean's killer coffee, so you can taste the city without ever leaving your seat. Add in a rooftop bar with music and sunset views, and it's pretty much impossible to leave feeling lonely. (Plus, the bar seating is a 10/10 for not looking like you're alone.)
Legend has it that the espumita on top of every Cuban cafecito has emotional healing properties (as well as heart rate-raising ones)
Photo via Instagram/@guesswhoshungry_
A Cuban Spot (Any Will Do)
There's something about old Cuban ladies decked out in gold religious necklaces and stacks of bracelets and red lipstick, older men in Guayaberas ordering their third cafecito of the day, well-made, homestyle frijoles negros with white rice, and deliciously sweet yet savory fried platanitos that I promise you will make you realize there's more to life than that guy who dumped you around your birthday. From Molina's Ranch and La Carreta to Sergio's and Islas Canarias, you truly can't go wrong stepping into a Cuban restaurant in Miami. The portions are generous, you won't break the bank, and chances are the server will call you "Mi amor," "mija (or mijo)," "mijita," "cariño," "linda (or lindo)," or any other endearing Spanish nickname. That guy whose name we no longer speak of could never.
Move over "red light machines," Flanny's green lights would like to have a word
Flanigan's Seafood Bar & Grill photo
Flanigan's
Locations Across Miamiflanigans.netFlanigan's is basically Narnia for the brokenhearted — once you step into that green-lit, windowless wonderland, time (and your problems) stop existing. You'll be too busy crushing garlic rolls, delicious baby back ribs, and "Firecracker Shrimp" while making small talk with your server-turned-therapist to remember why you were sad. By the time you leave with a full belly, a to-go cup, and two new friends whose last names you'll never learn, you'll wonder why you don't just live there.
Gramps Getaway
3301 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne305-465-2482
instagram.com/grampsgetawayGramps Getaway in Key Biscayne is basically waterfront therapy with better snacks. One sip of a cocktail while staring at Biscayne Bay and you'll forget why you were sad in the first place. The vibes here are immaculate. Plus, the smoked fish dip, conch fritters, and juicy sandwiches are so good you might actually propose to them, and the DJs keep the vibes so upbeat your dog (yes, it's dog-friendly) might start dancing. It's truly impossible not to feel at least a little better about life, lol.
It's hard not to have a good time JohnMartin's Irish Pub & Restaurant in the Gables
JohnMartin's Irish Pub & Restaurant photo
JohnMartin's Irish Pub & Restaurant
253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables305-209-0609
johnmartinsmiami.comJohnMartin's in Coral Gables is basically the Cheers of Miami — walk in lonely, walk out with three new best friends and possibly a group chat you didn't agree to join. The crowd gets rowdier by the hour, so by midnight you're either singing along to something you don’t know or debating Irish history with a stranger. With truffle pastrami baguettes, Irish nachos, and other comfort food miracles on the menu, you might just forget you came here to cry into your pint.
Mike's at Venetia
555 NE 15th St., Ninth Floor, Miami305-374-5731
mikesmiami.comMike's at Venetia is the kind of no-frills, high-comfort spot that wraps you up like a barstool hug when you're feeling low. With relatively cheap, surprisingly tasty food, nice bartenders, good regulars, and a solid jukebox, it's exactly what you want when life's being extra. Order a burger, grab a beer, and let the cozy dive vibes do their magic.
Publix
Locations Across Miamipublix.comPublix is basically Miami's unofficial therapist. One chicken tender Pub Sub and you're 85 percent cured of whatever emotional crisis you walked in with (this hasn't been proven — please go see your local psychiatrist or therapist). Where else can you grab a whole rotisserie chicken, a tub of ice cream, and a family-size bag of chips and still be considered just running errands? Add in the fluorescent lighting and friendly deli workers, and it's like the happiest heartbreak recovery ward in town.
Sir Pizza's tiny little chopped up ground pepperoni may or may not have healing powers
Sir Pizza photo
Sir Pizza
712 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne305-361-5701
sirpizzakeybiscayne.comSir Pizza on Key Biscayne is like a warm, cheesy hug for the soul, especially when you're sad or flying solo in Key Biscayne and aren't afraid to be surrounded by families or popular tweens, aka "Key Rats," from the Key. Because you're not here for them — you're here for slices of perfectly bite-sized pizza bits that dunk beautifully in Ranch. Their virtually flat pies are loaded with cheese, sauce, and toppings all the way to the edge, plus ground pepperoni that covers every bite like a comforting blanket. Pair that with the friendly service and a cozy island vibe, and suddenly your loneliness doesn't feel so lonely anymore.
Wall's Old Fashioned Ice Cream
8075 SW 67th Ave., Miami305-740-9830
wallsicecreamfl.comWall’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream is basically a sugar-coated time machine. Step up to the red-and-white striped window, order a sundae or malt, and suddenly life feels a little sweeter. With over 25 creamy, decadent flavors (plus housemade fudge that only true locals know about), it's impossible to stay sad for long. Between the old-school checkerboard floors and the pure joy of licking a cone in the Miami sun, this spot is comfort therapy by the scoop.
Whip 'n' Dip Ice Cream Shoppe
1407 Sunset Dr., Miami305-665-2565
whipndip.comJust like Wall's, it wouldn't be a great lonely list without Whip 'n' Dip. Family-run for the past 38 years (since 1985), this South Miami staple for generations of families is truly one of the very best ice cream shops to cure your heart (and sweet tooth). From the traditional chocolate and house-made vanilla ice cream flavors to the chocolate Oreo and rotating "lite" soft serve, it's always so welcoming, very low-key, and perfect for when you need to show up in sweatpants.
