South Florida Favorites

1. Mac’s Club Deuce: Adorned with old-school neon, the Deuce is a true dive bar in a city that lacks options on that front. I’ve seen everything from celebrities getting away from the nearby glitz of South Beach to roller derby teams fist-fighting each other at this gem that stays open until 5 a.m. every day.

   
   

   If you’ve overstayed your welcome, the bartender quietly slips you a discreet business card to let you know you’ve been 86’d without making a scene. Don’t ask me how I know.

   
   

   The Deuce doesn't serve food (thank God), but it’s located directly across the street from La Sandwicherie, a Miami staple serving absolutely huge sandwiches also until 5 a.m.

   

2. Matheson Hammock Park: “The Locals Beach,” as it’s called, is perfect for a laid-back beach day away from the insane prices and crowds on Miami Beach. Here you’ll find picturesque views and locals. You’ll also find Redfish Grill, which features a patio that serves all manner of seafood and drinks just steps from the water. It’s the only restaurant on the beach, but it’s all you need.

   
   

3. Pubbelly Sushi (multiple locations): The magic of Pubbelly is its versatility. It’s a place to grab solid sushi and other Japanese food in a laid-back, almost sports-bar-like atmosphere. Ever wish your local bar had dishes like short rib & truffle dumplings and yellowtail nigiri instead of wings and a mediocre Reuben sandwich? Pubbelly is the answer. Plus, they have an incredible happy hour with deals on both booze and food every day.

   
   

4. Domino Park: Domino Park is a uniquely Miami experience. Located in the heart of Little Havana, the community's old men often gather here to play dominoes, discuss Cuban politics and hang out in the sun. It’s a sight to behold and is located on historic Calle Ocho, surrounded by some of the best Cuban diners and restaurants you can find anywhere on Earth. You’re welcome to challenge one of the old dudes to a game, and they’ll likely let you play. That said, you won’t win.

   
   

5. Cafe La Trova: La Trova is a special occasion restaurant but not nearly as expensive as a lot of other Miami restaurants and comes with a laid-back, party atmosphere of sorts. I celebrated my birthday here four years straight. It has a James Beard–winning cocktail program and the best upscale Cuban food you’ll find in the city. It features live music by Cuban bands, which sets a unique ambiance.

   My go-to is the skirt steak ropa vieja, but everything I’ve ever had here is excellent. Get a reservation in advance.

   

6. Alex Rodriguez Stadium: You might think of Miami Heat basketball or Dolphins football when you think about the South Florida sports scene, but a less-talked-about experience is University of Miami baseball games.

   
   

   The Hurricanes play their home games here and draw well, especially when they’re winning. The stadium is famous throughout South Florida for its fun and funky milkshake flavors. Ever wondered what a Philly cheesesteak milkshake tastes like? Well, I had one here, and it was actually pretty good … I promise. More traditional flavors are also available, of course.

   
   

   Tickets are affordable, and you’ll probably see a future major leaguer or two. Take a look around Miami’s beautiful Coral Gables campus while you’re there.

   
   

7. Mama Tried: Half cocktail bar, half dance party, this small Downtown Miami lounge is a great place to meet strangers, dance, play Ms. Pac-Man, or admire the bar’s dark-but-refined interior design. Mama Tried is open until 5 a.m. and features some of Miami’s best DJs in a small, intimate setting. There are few bars better for making human connections in a city where making new pals can be pretty difficult.

   

8. The Standard: A resort for locals and other people in the know. Removed from the more tourist-friendly Fontainebleau and hotels like it, The Standard is frequented by Miami locals looking for a relaxing staycation that includes high-end amenities, retro-feeling rooms, and a pool that has underwater speakers … for some reason.

   
   

   The Standard is a great place to stay with a significant other or a group of friends. There’s a bit of a party vibe in the main pool, but the property also features quiet gardens, high-end food and ocean access. You can book a room, but The Standard also sells afternoon passes for people not staying on the property.

   
   

9. White Rose Coffee Shop: Why is one of Miami’s coolest coffee shops located in a tattoo parlor? I never got the answer to that question, but I spent years writing in this place nevertheless. The shop hosts coffee cuppings from local roasters and is often home to rotating art from local artists.

   
   

   Want a tramp stamp with your gourmet flat white? This is one of the only places in the country that can accommodate that request.

   

10. Various seafood shacks on the way to Key West: There’s something about hopping in a car and doing the 160-mile drive between Miami and Key West on US Highway 1. The path includes a seven-mile bridge and roughly 100 different seafood shacks, some of which sit atop stilts on the water.

    
    

    Each is a little different, but most feature cocktails, reasonably priced raw bars, grouper sandwiches and various other seafood dishes. Stopping at them helps break up the drive and provides a unique experience with panoramic ocean views. Bonus points if you rent a convertible.

    
    

Rob Cassidy is a sports journalist and former South Florida local, with years of experience finding the best that the area offers.