Love Hate Tattoo Studio
Most people might know it better by the name of the TV show it was featured on — Miami Ink — but by any name, the artists at Love Hate Tattoo Studio are some of the best in the business. Owned by Ami James and Chris Nunez, this shop is located just where you'd expect — in South Beach — and is home to a dozen artists, each with their own strengths. While they still handle walk-ins, they're rather popular (as should be expected), so it's probably best to make an appointment if you plan on getting work done while you're in town.
Rock That Burger
Something about burgers and rock n' roll just seem to go together... and Rock That Burger is a perfect example. This Kendale Lakes spot — from the team behind Yellow Submarine — offers a music-themed menu that includes a number of burgers named after songs (Hotel California, Ring of Fire, and Oye Como Va, for instance), as well as a number of well-topped hot dogs, classic sides like chili fries and onion rings, and beverages ranging from canned soda to thick milkshakes and, of course, beer. Because what's more American that that?
Bin 18
The town might be better known for its mojitos and other beach-friendly drinks, but that doesn't mean it doesn't takes its vino seriously. Bin 18 makes sure of it by supplying the arts district with a stellar of both wines and beers — the former available by the glass or bottle — and a food menu that ranges from small plates of artisan cheeses and cured meats to full-on meals of pasta, steak, chicken, pork, and seafood. While the latter might seem overkill, after settling in to the surroundings, it's easy to see how you could lose a few hours — but gain an appetite — here.
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
Great food doesn't have to be pretentious. At least, that's the vibe you get at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink. This staple of the Design District dining scene relies on the freshest ingredients available — obtained from local farmers and purveyors — that are turned into dishes that are simple on the surface but pack a huge amount of complexity and flavor once they hit your mouth. The wine, beer, and cocktail list is no slouch, either, but if at all possible you should leave room for one of the wonderful desserts dreamt up by their outstanding pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith.
Living Room Bar
Yes, it's filled with couches, comfy chairs, and other spots for lounging, but make no mistake — the Living Room Bar is far cooler than your average TV room. Located in the W South Beach, this laid back bar specializes in cocktails that take advantage of fresh fruits and produce from around the globe, incorporating everything from Japanese yuzu to sriracha in their libations. And while the fresh, modern interior is a perfectly comfortable place to sip, there's also an attached terrace that's perfect for people-watching.
Churchill's Pub
Some bars draw you in with high-end cocktails, or cheap beers. Others with their food. Churchill's Pub draw is (mainly) music. Opened in 1979, this local mecca of the punk rock scene boasts a full bar inside, an outside bar and patio, two pool tables, arcade games, a kitchen cranking out pub-style eats, and even a working, open-to-guests laundry room. But the big draw is the stage and dance floor, which has hosted everyone from Marilyn Manson and Social Distortion to Dick Dale and Agent Orange. Just watch out for the pillar (trust us, you'll get it once you're there).
Sweat Records
In a city known for its music, it can be hard to introduce people to new bands and sounds. Yet somehow, Sweat Records has been doing it for years. Located in Little Haiti, this friendly store offers a large selection of a wide variety of genres, making it an ideal place to browse no matter what you listen to. Of course, there's also a small assortment of tees, books, and posters available, as well as a few tables down the middle which serve as spots for playing board games or munching down on some vegan treats & espresso from the cafe.
Sugar Cane Raw Bar Grill
Whether you're in the mood to eat outside or in, or wanting grilled meat or sushi, Sugar Cane Raw Bar Grill has you covered. As the name suggests, this Midtown eatery offers more than just one specialty thanks to its three distinct kitchens: a robata grill, hot bar, and raw bar. On the food menu you'll find a stellar array of small plates, including crudos, tapas, grilled meats, sushi, and, of course, seafood; the drinks menu is equally interesting, with a range of signature drinks — think fruity and refreshing — as well as a selection of rum-based and beer-based cocktails. Now all you have to figure out is whether to dine on the 850-square-foot terrace or in the massive 4,200-square-foot indoor dining area.
Mac's Club Deuce
Lots of people visit Miami for the sunshine, the beautiful people, the striking architecture, and the high-end dining and drinking options. You'll find none of those at Mac's Club Deuce. This local institution sports an interior that doesn't appear to have changed much since the Johnson administration, highlighted by mirrors, neon signs, a pool table, ingenious horseshoe-shaped bars that lets you keep your eyes on both your drink and the action, and lots of smoke. A 2-for-1 happy hour — extra drinks are denoted with poker chips — runs from its 8 am opening until 7 pm, or long past the point at which you're too drunk to leave — so it's a good thing that it stays open until 5 am.
Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe
Most of the time, you're lucky if you get a decent conversation included with your grooming service. At Sloane Square Barbers & Shoppe, you'll get much more than that. This South Beach spot is membership-focused — members receive unlimited monthly haircuts, among other benefits — but still offers its full menu of a la carte services to non-members. Those include haircuts, hot lather shaves, beard trims, facials, hair coloring, and manicures, and a high-end selection of hair and face products are available, as well. Oh, and the conversation is good — perhaps even as satisfying as the shoulder massage and drink that's included with your haircut.
Hotel Urbano
Most former chain hotels become... another chain hotel, just under a different name. Hotel Urbano is different. Saved from its bland beginnings, Hotel Urbano has been transformed into a contemporary, 65-room diamond in the rough. Wach room offers a mini-fridge, a balcony or walk-out lanai, and walk-in showers. Also on site is a full-service restaurant and bar serving South Florida cuisine, with dining areas both inside and outside by the well-landscaped pool, and an impressive art collection. Situated in the Brickell neighborhood just across the causeway from Key Biscane and within a short distance to tons of shopping and dining options, it's an ideal spot for a low-key Miami getaway.
Latin House Burger & Taco Bar
Like a high-end Del Taco, the Latin House Burger & Taco Bar is an ideal place for you to indulge your love for the combination of Mexican food and fries. Unlike the fast food joint, however, Latin House brings a lot more flavor to the proceedings, scattering its menu with healthy doses of crema, avocado, and cheese. For a real taste, try out the Original burger with swiss, mozzarella, provolone, bacon, grilled onions, mushrooms, avocado, crema, and avocado lime sauce and the Taqueria Calle Tacos, and wash it all doen with a Modelo, sangria, chili-lime margarita, or one of the bar's current tap offerings.
