Eat Local Miami 

 
The Room 04/25/2009
 

100 Collins Avenue (more or less)
Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Room is a great little neighborhood spot right around the corner from the chaos of Opium/Prive.  True to its name, it’s literally the size of your bedroom, so if there's more than 20 people there, it can be a bit of a hassle to find a seat. In fact, you might just have to stand the whole time. But this little cozy lounge is totally worth it if you’re just looking for a cute, chic place to throw back a few beers with a few pals.
Once you’re at the Room, you'll be among an upscale and laid-back crowd enjoying a broad spectrum of music ranging from rock to...uh...rock. Their big business is beer - they have quite a selection from around the world - and most even come with their appropriate glass – reminiscent to many European bars where each beer is served in its own specialty glass. There is so much of a selection that you can literally be stumped. Ask the friendly bartenders for advice or be a dare devil and give anyone a go… Wanna be girly? Try the Iambic peche (peach beer) or throw back a Chimay and definitely try the Delirium. The prices are moderate about $6-15 a piece…  And for those non-beer drinkers out there, The Room has some great wine selections too.
Come around 10ish, that’s when this place is at its best but be warned: smoking is allowed inside, so you might come out reeking of cigarettes. As for parking, it’s usually not so bad as the other areas of South Beach. Park in the many meters around and note that after midnight, they’re free.
When you're looking for a chill night or a new little spot to take a date for a drink, this dark, sexy, south beach secret is the place to go. Trust me-- it won’t break the bank, you’ll impress your date and even if you don’t, the beer here will! Head to The Room--you won’t regret it.

 
 

5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Miami, FL 33146

www.titanicbrewery.com

Working a block away from Titanic is truly a blessing because sometimes, you just need a cold one after work and this is definitely the place to go.

A charming Gables mainstay, this dim, sea-themed bar opened up in the early nineties and has been serving up classic rock music, spicy Southern cuisine, and best of all, home-brewed beers. What’s better than that?

As for beer, ask for the Triple Screw or the frothy Woodchuck Cider—both a sure bet but don’t forget the munchies! The empanadas are delicious and so is their famous andouille bisque. Note to the wise: the spice in that soup will have you craving more beer!
In the mood for something more filling? Try the po boy sandwiches… full of crabmeat and totally satisfying. And if you’re coming for dinner, try the shrimp étoufée—full of shrimp and full of flavor. Top it off with key lime pie or a chocolate stout… any which way you go is bound to delight.

Most of all, sit back, chug a cold one or two and enjoy the ambience. There’s always a band at night and the college students trickle in by the minute. Park in the meters or across the street—the parking isn’t too much of a hassle. Overall, Titanic is a great place to throw back a few beers, listen to music and unwind with the locals.


 
Sunset Tavern 04/08/2009
 

7232 SW 59th Ave
South Miami, FL 33143
www.delilane.com
Hands down, Sunset Tavern is the place to go for Happy Hour. Neighborhood bars are supposed to be friendly and this place is true to that. Sunset Tavern has friendly people, friendly staff and definitely, friendly prices. You can get drinks for $3! 
 
Take a seat at the bar or sit outside--the people watching is amazing. Full of regulars, this place caters to all. From people in their 70’s to freshman in college, everyone is just relaxing and having a good time. Throw a buck into the jukebox and hear your favorite tune or just wait for the live bands at night.


What’s not to love…great beer selections, strong pours and free appetizers inside until 7pm during happy hour. You can snack on garlic chicken, shrimp and oysters—just make sure you snag one the moment they bring it, they go quickly.

Don’t be fooled… it’s not just the happy hour that’s good here. Their sister locale, Deli Lane (right next door), serves up some great breakfast and lunch. This place is packed on Sundays with families and their dogs all enjoying Miami’s sun outside. Have one of the omelets—they’re to die for. And for lunch, my God don't missed the pressed duck sandwich!

Parking can be a bit tough at times. If you get there for happy hour around 4:30, you can valet park for free. Otherwise, you have to go meter searching a bit. On Sundays, it can be even tougher but it’s worth it.

Don’t miss out… come for breakfast, lunch or both… If you come for Happy Hour on a Friday, make sure to say hello… I’m one of the regulars! 

 
 

6030 S Dixie Hwy 
Open Mon-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 5pm-12am


This place was quite the experience. Surrounded by the lights and posh buildings around Sunset Place, you wouldn't even notice this little grey building. Its no wonder the locals come here to relax and chug a cold one back without the fru-fru nonsense that goes on around the other places. I was surprised at how dark it was when you get in. In fact, you can barely see in there! But that doesn't stop the regulars from taking a seat at the bar. Who can blame them? This is just the place to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Once you get past the dark bar, there's a fabulous little sun room in the back. It is almost as if the place converts into a charming french cafe at the end of the hall. Yellow paint, floral wallpaper and wooden chairs make for a cozy dining space.

The waitresses try their best to juggle all the orders from the locals. Its actually amazing. You would never think this inconspicuous place was so packed. Sitting next to a table of Jewish grandpa's all eating Ruben sandwiches and French Dips, I knew they couldn't all be wrong. So, I ordered the French Dip and my friend ordered the Ruben.

The sandwiches weren't to die for, but they were good. Especially the Ruben. Just the right touch of greasiness and goodness. Golden crispy fries and delightful laughs from the gramps's table were enough to make Fox's a nice little lunch retreat.

I can't wait to try the bar. Next week maybe. I've heard their martini's are to die for.

Fox's has been around since 1946 and I can definitely see why. Good eats, a laid Back dwelling and fabulous locals make this a great local spot.