HAPPY HOURS
1/30/2007 10:45:32 AM by Jorge Arauz
When out in the world’s sexiest neon city by the sea for the Miami International Boat Show, there are a few things to keep in mind and a few places to check out before and after the show. Follow me, a born and raised South Beach resident, on a typical day in my city. Feel free to rip this article out and take it along with you as you discover the hidden treasures South Beach has to offer.
9 a.m.
I wake up to the sun shining on my face from the window in my condo at The Flamingo, my stomach growling, begging for breakfast. I grab a cab to Balans (1022 Lincoln Road) and order a four-egg omelet, toast and coffee. I always make sure to get my complimentary grapefruit juice shot. It’s a little secret only locals know about.
TIP: When dining on South Beach, keep in mind that most places will add a 15% gratuity to the bill. Make sure to review your itemized receipt carefully or you might tip twice. Also, feel free to lower the tip if the service wasn’t up to par.
10 a.m.
Breakfast went by pretty quickly, the service was great and the bill left me enough dough to do some shopping. I hit up Fly Boutique (650 Lincoln Road) right down the street and check out their latest shipment of their vintage threads. Nothing fits. Must be the breakfast in my belly. I buy a silk white tie with a sky-blue squiggle on it for $10.
11 a.m.
I stop by Agora (640 Lincoln Road) next door to Fly and buy a set of glass art coasters for $4.50 a pop. I browse around the Indian-influenced, Zen-inspired store and flip through a couple of the books they have for sale. I grab a handful of incense, pay for it and leave.
TIP: Most of the street vendors on Lincoln Road sell one-of-a-kind jewelry you can’t find anywhere else. The prices are all negotiable. Buying more than one piece can usually guarantee at least a 50% discount off the ticket price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate — most of them expect it and sometimes even initiate the deal.
Noon
I backtrack down the other side of Lincoln Road and stop by Base (939 Lincoln Road) for a quick glance at their international magazine collection and a whiff of their scented space. This place has the coolest collection of printed materials on the beach. From artistic photo books to fashion magazines, it has something for every taste. More traditionally inclined folks will enjoy their heirloom collection in the back of the store. Books and Books (933 Lincoln Road) right next door has some more mainstream titles and is cramped compared to the airiness of Base.
1 p.m.
I head over to Recycled Blues (1507 Washington Ave.) for a cool vintage shirt to match my tie and end up buying a retro belt instead. (You never know when a hippie-era inspired party will pop up at one of the clubs on the beach.)
TIP: When shopping on South Beach, it’s important to note that most of the boutiques have the same clothes at different prices. I’ve seen prices for the same clothes range by as much as 30%. So, if the price doesn’t feel right, keep window shopping, you might just run into the dream pair of shoes you would’ve bought two stores down for $100 less than you would’ve spent.
2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Naptime.
8 p.m.
After a rejuvenating slumber, I get dressed, chug down a Corona and get ready to start my night off right with some dinner at Sushi Samba (600 Lincoln Road). Although their seafood fare hits the spot, I really come to this place for their one-of-a-kind Cucumber Martinis. I say martinis because I usually have more than one.
TIP: South Beach is divided into four party sub-categories: The Clubs, The Hotels, The Restaurants and The Bars. Several venues try to mix some, or all, of the categories together, hoping to create an all-encompassing destination. Most fail, but a couple have blended food, music, drinks, dance and ambiance masterfully.
Wave Spotlight:
Clarke’s
840 1st. Street
Drop by this place for a Pilsner
and an order of Irish Spring Rolls.
10 p.m.-Midnight
I start my usual party hop, making my way down the beach. The short version is as follows: I stop by Polar Bar for a Frozen Margarita (938 Lincoln Road) before stopping at El Rancho Grande Restaurant (1626 Pennsylvania Ave.) for a second round, sans the slosh. Then I stroll over to Santo (420 Lincoln Road) for a taste of their world-famous Mojito. Then, it’s a short cab right over to the SoFi District (South of Fifth Street) for a beer at The Room (100 Collins Ave.), a Pilsner and Irish Spring Rolls at Clarke’s (840 1st St.) with their beautiful and sociable owner, Laura Cullen, and a quick stop at Ted’s Hideaway (124 2nd St.) for a pitcher of Miller Lite. If I’m hungry after all my “drinkapades,” I like to stop by at Big Pink (157 Collins Ave.) for a bite of their oversized, made-to-order masterpieces.
TIP: You can always tell a good place by the people in it. Stay away from unpopulated holes-in-the-walls…they’re usually empty for a reason! The beach is full of struggling dives, and many of them are cesspools of drugs and prostitution, so steer clear unless you’re looking for trouble.
Wave Spotlight:
The Fifth
1045 5th Street
The hottest club on South Beach welcomes everyone — as long as you’re dressed right.
1 a.m.-5 a.m.
I always stop by The Fifth (1045 5th St.) on the weekends. The attire is strictly enforced and totally South Beach chic, so if you don’t feel like dressing up, avoid this place. On weeknights, the hotel scene is where it’s at past midnight. The Delano (1685 Collins Ave.), The Raleigh (1775 Collins Ave.), The National (2401 Collins Ave.), The Ritz-Carlton (1 Lincoln Road), The Setai (2001 Collins Ave.) and Hotel Victor (1144 Ocean Drive) are a few of my favorites.
TIP: Most clubs close around 5 a.m., but a lot of restaurants, bars and hotels may close public access earlier, based on poor turnout or inclement weather. A couple of places will never close, and they flaunt that fact with bright neon “Open 24/7” signs.
So, when out on South Beach, remember that there’s always something to do, and somewhere to eat and drink — whether you want to get dressed up or not. With that said, good luck as you stroll through the streets of this libation-laden playground.