Are you up North? Specifically, are you in a place that is not Miami? If so, you’re likely not on a beach, you’re likely not in a swimsuit, and you likely don’t have a cocktail with an umbrella in it.
While heading south seems like something people (and birds) do in the winter, we’re talking Miami in January because we’re prepping our Bandit squad to head down for the Miami Half and Full Marathon this weekend. The full itinerary can be found here.
To help you plan your weekend either in reality, or in fantasy, we've put together a little handy guide to making your Miami weekend... as Miami as possible.
Where to eat lunch
Sanguich De Miami
2057 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
What is it?
This Cuban Spanish-inspired sandwich spot is so good it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award last year, recognizing value and quality - exactly what you want when you’re looking for a Cuban sandwich.
Why we love it.
Listen, it’s Miami. There are many spots to get a quality Cuban sandwich, but if you’re going to grab one, we suggest you do it properly and hit up Sanguich. Their meats are marinated for a week in garlic and spices. That's 7 full days! In other words, there are typically lines to get in, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
Kush Miami
2003 N. Miami Ave Miami, FL 33127
What is it?
A taproom of quality beers and locally-sourced, high-quality bar food. With a cozy, no-frills atmosphere, this is a solid place for a pint, a burger, friends and conversation.
Why we love it.
In recent years, craft beers have often become synonymous with snobbery. Not at Kush, where they value tasty beers that are hard to find, without the pretension. Proudly honoring their motto “Good beer ain’t cheap, cheap beer ain’t good,” Kush’s 18 rotating taps are the primary selling point, but their burger is also something to write home about (if not leave home for).
Bebito’s Cafe
1504 Bay Rd #106 Miami Beach, FL 33139
What is it?
A small cafe featuring solid coffee and smoothies and a select menu of mostly-Cuban breakfast items.
Why we love it.
Not sure the word “tasty” does this menu justice, but we’ll go with that. Their coffee and food make for a great late breakfast or early lunch. The inviting indoor space is well-designed and the seating is generous, with tables and lounge-style sofas.
Orilla Bar & Grill
426 Euclid Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
What is it?
Called the perfect example of the “rare and idyllic version of sexy south beach” by The Infatuation, Orilla is an Argentinian restaurant that nails the food as much as the vibe.
Why we love it.
It’s not a chain restaurant in South Beach. Never easy to find hidden gems in this part of town, and this is definitely one of them. Empanadas, steaks and the burger are *chef’s kiss*
La Ventana Restaurant
710 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
What is it?
Authentic Colombian food with generous portions and even more generous vibes.
Why we love it.
La Ventana restaurant embodies the proper use of the term “flavortown” - each dish on their IG will make you want to check the place out. Literally, everything on their menu slaps. Also, it’s not often mentioned, but their servers are some of the friendliest in town. Solid for lunch but also incredible for dinner.
Where to grab a drink
Ball & Chain
1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
What is it?
A bar slash restaurant slash dance club slash jazz club venue. Stefon from SNL would likely say this spot has it all, and it does. Note there’s no cover charge, but they sometimes will add a band fee to the check.
Why we love it.
Jazz, period-perfect cocktails, and salsa dancing in little Havana? Yes, yes, and yes. Come for the music, stay for the mojitos. The vibe is old Havana-style and harkens back to its date of inception in 1935 when acts like Billie Holiday and Chet Baker graced the Ball & Chain stage.
Bleau Bar - Fontainebleau Hotel
4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
What is it?
Bar inside the main lobby of the Fontainebleau hotel. There are drinks, there are seats, and there are people.
Why we love it.
OK, hear us out. Other than its location inside the incredibly beautiful room that comprises the lobby of the Fontainebleau hotel, The Bleau Bar isn’t that special. Also, it’s kind of expensive and fills up quickly. That said - this is a very good spot to grab your first solid drink of the night around 5-6pm, because you’ll no doubt see some interesting people getting into Bentlys, Rolls, and stretch limos. It’s a vibe, just trust us on this one. 
The Broken Shaker - Freehand Miami
2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140
What is it?
A mostly outdoor bohemian bar nestled inside the Freehand Miami hotel. No, you do not have to be staying at the hotel to access the bar. That would be mean.
Why we love it.
Broken Shaker is probably best for later in the evening hangs. When you’re likely over people-watching at the Fontainebleau, this is a nice palate cleanser. The outdoor vibes - along with a pool - makes it feel as though you’re at a chill house-party with no parents home. Also, every cocktail is a banger, with rotating menus and daily specials - the only issue: you may not know which awesome drink to order.
El Salón - Esme Hotel
1438 Washington Ave Esme Miami Beach, FL 33139
What is it?
Speakeasy inside the Esme with plush couches and quality drinks.
Why we love it.
If you’ve been to a speakeasy before, you’ll know that ordering off the menu is the safest bet. At El Salón, you’ll be comforted to know that you literally order blind here and you’ll get something fantastic. I wasn’t a big rum guy - but here, somehow magically, every rum drink blew my gd mind.
Where to get dinner.
Joe's Stone Crab
11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
What is it?
If you have to ask, then you don’t know. This place is legendary.
Why we love it.
The age of a restaurant doesn’t always equate to quality, but Joe's is provides an example of direct correlation. This spot has been serving up the best stone crabs since 1913 and is showing no signs of stopping. The ambiance and service harkens back to a different era, similar to Peter Lugers in Brooklyn, where you feel like you’re accessing heritage through dining. Just go here - you won’t be disappointed.
Pro Tip: reserve as far in advance as you can, ideally for the first sitting. It’s much easier to get a table that way.
Los Fuegos - FAENA Hotel
3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
What is it?
An exquisite upscale restaurant that, we promise, you’ll want to instagram.
Why we love it.
Have you ever wanted to feel like you were eating inside a Broadway production of Moulin Rouge? Here’s your chance, and it’s not as kitschy as it sounds. Los Fuegos overwhelms the senses in all the right ways. The food is solid too btw: if you love a perfectly cut and grilled steak, this is the spot.
Byblos
1545 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139-3110
What is it?
Upscale family-style middle-eastern cuisine meets contemporary Miami.
Why we love it.
Want to feel like you’re in Miami Vice? Eat here. This spot gives off art-deco vibes and features a Mediterranean “locally inspired” menu of family-style meals and small dishes. There’s so much happening here across every detail, but the menu and decor aren’t an attack on the senses. Instead, it's a perfect blend of Miami attitude and Middle Eastern cuisine. Highly recommend the Marrakesh Garden cocktail.
What to See.
Museum of Graffiti
276 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
What’s there?
No this isn’t Bridge Runner's new HQ. The Museum of Graffiti is the first museum officially dedicated to the impact graffiti has had on our culture, design, advertising, and fashion. With new exhibitions and graffiti classes, this place isn’t just a total vibe, but a preservation of creativity.
Wynwood Walls
2520 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
What’s there?
Graffiti and street art in the wild. Wynwood Walls have been a must-visit and must-’gram since before IG was a thing. Over 80,000 square feet of walls and a crazy list of artists. Just pull up and wander.
Art Deco Walking Tour
1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
What’s there?
Does this sound like something your grandparents would enjoy? They probably would, but who cares, since this is an absolute banger of a tour. For only $35, you’ll learn why Miami embraced art deco as a core component to its architecture and see buildings that illustrate its evolution of style. Def worth it.
Rubell Museum
1100 NW 23rd St. Miami, Florida, 33127
What’s there?
Basquiat, Koons, and Kusama are just a few of the artists with pieces in their permanent collection. If that doesn’t entice you to visit, we’re not sure what will.
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It's warm in Miami, so dress for the heat.
