Okay, we have all seen these top 10 lists, but what do they mean? They are normally marketing ploys to get you to visit certain restaurants and they are aimed at one thing, price, wine choices, steaks, seafood, etc… Where is the list of restaurants for the everyday guy that just wants a variety of places that he can go to when he is on vacation? You have finally found it my friends, because here is the list of the best 10 restaurants in Miami that you can actually really enjoy yourself at. Keep in mind that they are in no particular order as you are assured of a great time and great food at whichever one you choose!
1. The Cavalier Crab House – located at The Cavalier Hotel on Ocean Drive, you will not find a better place to get crabs on the main strip. Joe’s gets a lot of press, but this is a place to check out. You are in the middle of the action, televisions to watch the game and outside seating for ideal people watching. Did I mention the great bartenders and the manager that loves to come up and throw you a free shot while he hangs out and talks to you? Just a great spot to get a huge bucket of crabs at.
2. Tequila Chica’s – just of the beach on 15th street, there is flat out no better place to get a great anejo tequila after a long day on the beach. From 4-7, everything is half price and you can get a tasty beverage and fill your belly in a great atmosphere. How about the pole dancing competition where your girl can knock off some of that bar tab if she can get the crowd behind her, figuratively speaking of course!
3. Mango’s Tropical Café – I will not even pretend that the food is earth shattering here, but it is good. This place is more about the atmosphere and just flat out having a great time. The drinks are incredible, the food is more than adequate and when the bartenders and servers get up on the bar and start shaking their butts, you are going to have a great time
4. Espanola Way – this is actually a collection of restaurants in South Beach that is absolutely incredible. Café dining at each and every one of them and off the beaten path. It is off the beaten path and away from a lot of the tourists, but it is far and away one of the best collections of restaurant for great ethnic food. If you do anything when you are in South Beach, take in a meal on Espanola Way.
5. Rancho Argentino Steakhouse – Great Steak. That is about the best way to describe this place and probably the only way. Steak served every way you can imagine and each and every one of them is absolutely fantastic.
6. Tuscan Steak – how can you have a top 10 list without a great Italian restaurant on it? Steak is usually not the theme of an Italian restaurant that you want to look for, but Tuscan Steak just does it right. It is more than just a steak house as the menu is solid from top to bottom.
7. A Fish Called Avalon – This may be one of the best Seafood restaurants in Miami. It is located right on the main strip of South Beach, you not only get great seafood, but a great view of all the action going on. Absolutely delicious seafood and a great wine list to boot, this is flat out a great dining experience.
8. Joe’s Stone Crabs – There is no way to avoid it, Joe’s does crab’s great. The Cavalier is a great place to eat and people watch, but the only other crab house that you MUST visit is Joe’s. Work them both into your restaurant tour and you will not be disappointed.
9. Emeril’s Miami Beach – how can you not check out one of the master’s restaurants? This is the type of place that is better experienced as a group, but you have to make sure you stop in and get some essence. The man can flat out cook and his restaurants all carry his personal touch.
10. The News Café – You are going to have to have a place to get a good breakfast when you are in Miami and this is about as good as it gets. The place has evolved from a newsstand to one of the hottest morning spots in Miami. After a long night out, order the Steak and Eggs and get a Red Stripe to wash it down and then head to the beach. Everything will be alright, I promise!
Copyright 2009 MiamiSmarts
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