I recently spent the weekend in Miami to celebrate a friend's birthday and as always it was a wonderful trip. I love long weekends in Miami. Sun, beach, food, drink and fun. That is what I call living. What's not to love...well let's find out.The Loews Miami Beach Hotel: 5 Stars
This was my second time staying at the hotel and I love it. The rooms are very nice, but it is the service that makes this place special. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Each afternoon in the lobby you can treat yourself to a new flavor of lemonade - complimentary of course. But the pool is the shining star of this hotel. It is a large pool with two hot tubs. There is full towel service, waiters to meet your food and beverage needs, and ample lounge chairs and umbrellas. The bonus is that throughout the day you are served treats like free icees, frozen grapes, and smoothies. If you can, shell out the bucks for the cabana. The extra pampering is worth it.
(Friday Night) This is a very spacious two level loft style club. The velvet ro
pe, as expected in Miami, is in full effect so come looking great or carrying lots of cash. The upside was that our bartender was great. Very attentive. The music was OK - standard hip hop/R&B type club music. The crowd was mainly African- American, Florida, Twenty-somethings. I doubt I would return.
pe, as expected in Miami, is in full effect so come looking great or carrying lots of cash. The upside was that our bartender was great. Very attentive. The music was OK - standard hip hop/R&B type club music. The crowd was mainly African- American, Florida, Twenty-somethings. I doubt I would return.
Lario's On the Beach: 4 Stars820 Ocean Drive, 305.532.9577
Lario's (part of singer Gloria Estefan's Cuban restaurant chain) is in the process of changing its name to SOBE (short for south beach) Bongos Cafe. Whatever the name I always like dining here. It is reasonably priced. The food is good. And the live Cuban band is always fun and festive. This is a great place for large groups of people or special occasions. I am personally a fan of the skirt steak and regular mojito. The cerviche was a big hit with my friends. Reservations suggested to avoid a long wait. $$
China Grill Miami Beach: 3 Stars
China Grill started in New York and has now opened locations (with various names) in a number of cities. The food is Asian Contemporary and is served family style. Again, this is a good place for large groups. The food was good. I particularly liked the duck fried rice and the short ribs. However, this is not a restaurant to choose if you plan to have a lot of across the table conversations. House music spins quite loudly while you dine. It took a minute to get used to it, because your mind notes that you are in a restaurant with white tablecloths, but your body tells you it is time to dance. Fast. Different, but I liked it. What I did not like was the service. Our waiter was HORRIBLE. He took advantage of the "gratuity included" in a way that only karma can remedy. It is a very popular restaurant, so reservations are suggested. $$$
Bella Rose: 5 Stars
423 16th St., Miami Beach, 305-673-8634
Destiny found Bella Rose for me. I was walking with friends along Ocean Drive, when one decided he needed a bathroom break at the Hotel Victor. I remembered attending a great party there some years back and decided to check it out while everyone waited for him to return. The Hotel Victor has a great roof deck. When I got upstairs I noticed the DJ was breaking down his equipment. He told me I just missed the party, but that he was on his way to the next spot where he'd be spinning old school hip hop at a local joint. My group decided to stop by and boy are we glad we did. We arrived very late (after midnight) and left very early (it was still dark :)). DJ Self Born had us dancing non-stop to the best old sc
hool hip-hop, pop, rock, and R&B until we literally closed the place down. Yes, long after the locals had gone home. The crowd was 20-40 somethings and mainly white.
I do have to add a very important disclaimer. Bella Rose is not just a local spot, it is a hole in the wall. Seriously, it is. But people still dress nicely (neat jeans and tennis are OK) and there is bottle service if you desire. Wear dancing shoes.
hool hip-hop, pop, rock, and R&B until we literally closed the place down. Yes, long after the locals had gone home. The crowd was 20-40 somethings and mainly white. I do have to add a very important disclaimer. Bella Rose is not just a local spot, it is a hole in the wall. Seriously, it is. But people still dress nicely (neat jeans and tennis are OK) and there is bottle service if you desire. Wear dancing shoes.
Please comment on your thoughts on these Miami spots or others you would recommend or suggest we stay away from.
1 comment:
Caveat: The rest rooms were "touch and go". Mostly "go".
The music, however, was great. I was struck by how well mannered people are in Miami, too. I would go as far as to describe them as nice. I would caution that the reviewer was throughly shot-out on lemon drop shots.
4 (vodka-soaked) stars!
-Westmoreland
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