Miami Beach ranks high as a favorite getaway city not just because of its nightlife but because it is a foodie town. Partially this is due to the large number of food-preneurs and kitchen incubators that support the city’s food creatives. But it’s common knowledge that you can eat well in this town, just not where. As a general rule, there is no better way to understand a city than from the perspective of its local food. Here are four affordable foodie destinations where the locals eat that will fill your tummy and warm your soul.
Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
Yardbird Restaurant Miami Beach
Photo by Erik Bachford via Trover.com
Every now and then you make an exception to your dietary habit and eat something outside of your norm. In Miami, for those fried chicken-deprived, Yardbird is the place to do this. Think flaky, crispy fried chicken that is moist on the inside, shrimp and grits, smothered pork chops, and cheddar cheese biscuits. People come from far and wide to partake in the restaurant’s signature dish, their old school, Chicken n’ Watermelon n’ Waffles. You can approach the menu by indulging this way or by exercising restraint and eating a kale salad and a turkey burger. Either way, expect no disappointments.
Photo by Joan Garcia via Trover.com
Freshly prepared food and cheap prices are a winning formula that encourages return visits to this establishment. Polo Norte is neighborhood place where visitors can count on the best pizza, pasta, or sandwiches. The locals tend to go because there’s also freshly prepared Cuban food ranging from conch fritters to cassava bites. As one might expect, this is also the place to get a real, traditional Cuban sandwich made with ham, mojo-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Honey Smoked Salmon on Bagel
Photo by Nelli Davis via Trover.com
This is definitely a local favorite located in the 1500 block of Alton Road. There are bagels. Then there are gourmet topped bagels, bagel clusters, bagel toppers, and still more. Think bagels with whatever you personally like making these the perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner choice. Customers are encouraged to linger and relax. So if you go more than once, you are bound to meet someone you’ve seen before since repeat business is the hallmark of this establishment.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Fresh salad from Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Photo by Luvadish via Trover.com
When a hearty light meal is what you want, think Mandolin Aegean Bistro. This 17-seat bistro features mezes of Greek or Turkish samplers, octopus, bulgur salad, tiger prawns, and the best olive oils for dipping. You can also choose from a selection of sandwiches or even main courses. It’s a little known secret foodie spot, perfect for that day you finally managed to break away from the beach and are in the Midtown/Wynwood Design District looking for the right place to take a breather.
This abbreviated list is just intended to nudge you out of your comfort zone and into the foodie destinations where the locals eat. If you find yourself nowhere close to any of these above and wondering what’s close, check here to find food establishments that are nearby.
If you need a place a stay, take a look here. By the way, what’s your favorite foodie find in Miami? Leave me a message in the comments below.
**This is a sponsored post opportunity via Hipmunk with their #HipmunkCityLove Project. The content is my own.**
teresa speight says
I will make certain that the next time I am in Miami, I try some of these places. Wonderful recap of the chouces available.
Patricia A Patton says
Do Teri. I recommend them all.