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Miami is a beach destination with glorious Art Deco architecture, world class dining and all night party’s which rival any metropolitan city- did we mention it’s all a stones throw from a world class beach destination? All the beautiful people who love to party call, Miami’s South Beach home.

Miami is crazy and that’s what’s so great about it! From the drag queens and the Latinas, to the models and fashionistas, Miami & South Beach are just ridiculous. Ridiculously loud, that is. We had to put on our ear plugs in the Armani store – so you can only imagine how much louder it is in the clubs. The area is also ridiculously fun. Just think, you can wear your black leather pants and nobody will care. And, you’ll fit in more if you dance on the tables!Nonstop nightlife (nobody goes out until at least 11 PM, and most pros won’t get caught dead at a bar until 1 AM), beautiful people (models may shoot in NY or LA, but they live here), blue skies, turquoise water, and pastels should come to mind when you think about Miami. Art deco design + sandy beaches = happy people. Rolling in their Hummers. Rolling in their money.Waste the afternoon away on the beach, get some rest, and then get prepared for a really long night out. Exotic eateries, sexy lounges, and exhilarating outdoor decks count the hours down and command the attention – so party till dawn, if you dare. While South Beach has a last call around 4 AM (in some places even later), downtown Miami has been known to rage till noon the next day!

With thousands of choices in the greater Miami area, you’re sure to find just the spot for a sumptuous celebration (food, dancing or otherwise). Your only challenge here will be to hit all the journeyPod Picks on your wish list!

Restaurants

Versailles Restaurant – In the mood for some authentic Cuban fare? Look no further. Versailles is the most famous Cuban eatery in all of Miami, known for its kitschiness and early-morning hours, this Cuban version of Denny’s has fans of every generation flocking to its doorstep. Whether you stop by after shaking what yo-mama-gave-ya in Little Havana, or meeting a friend during the day for some Cafe con Leche, Versaille has it all. The menu is a veritable survey of Cuban cooking and includes specialties such as Moors and Christians (flavorful black beans with white rice) and ropa vieja (shredded beef stew). Try the sweet tres leches (literally, “three milks,” a creamy Latin dessert) to finish. Located at 3555 SW Eighth St.

8 1/2 – Ever since the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, we cannot get the delicious taste of the Ox tail appetizer they served out of our heads. Hands down, Chef Jason McClain is a genius when it comes to creating the perfect dish. As long as they don’t let Rafael, the GM, in the kitchen the restaurant will continue to shine! (haha). Located adjacent to Hotel Clinton, this casual (yet romantic) spot will satisfy every taste – so make sure you add a trip here to your To Do list when you’re in town

The Honey Tree – This natural-food store pleases everyone from vegetarians to vegans with their deli, juice bar, and organic-produce market. Miami locals love this place (was voted “Best Natural Food/Vegetarian” by the Miami New Times). The top-notch desert options here include walnut-studded banana bread and nondairy chocolate mousse pie – which typically sells out by late afternoon – so grab it while you can! Located at 5138 Biscayne Blvd.

Soji Sushi – Expertly prepared and exquisitely fresh, Shoji offers an experience that includes simple dishes whose flavors speak for themselves- incorporating Japanese and North American ingredients in every bite! Shoju also offers the area’s first table-height sushi bar, allowing customers an unobstructed view of the sushi genius at work! If you are in the mood to dine al fresco, the Japanese Zen garden outside offers great seating options. Among the sushi you’ll likely not get enough of: Blue fin toro, the Hamachi Jalapeno and the Shoji Special roll. Reservations are highly recommended! Oh and here’s a tip: when you’re done with your dinner- you can make your way to Opium, located just steps away at 110 Collins Ave.

Barton G. The Restaurant – Culinary visionary Barton G. has created a restaurant that adds a new twist to dining out – by combining fine dining with fun dining. The Restaurant makes each meal an experience, fulfilling all your senses with enticing neo-Classic American comfort food. The fare is extravagantly whimsical and takes an entirely new direction with sophisticated style and an unparalleled fusion of many flavors. Try the West Avenue Backyard BBQ Ribs, the Bass-In-A-Bag or the BG Sea Monster – you won’t be disappointed with any of your choices off this menu. Located on 1427 West Avenue, away from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Drive, Barton G. features a sleek and trendy dining area in a lush tropical garden ideal for alfresco dining.

Joe’s Stone Crab – To most, this place has become a rite of passage, a phenomenon – and that’s no surprise. First opened in 1913, Joe Weiss started with a small lunch counter on Miami Beach, back when Miami Beach was just a quiet, backwater town. Folks stopped in to chat and for a top-notch fish sandwich and fries. Since then, no visit to Miami has been complete without a stop at Joe’s – the home of the famed Stone Crab Claws. Now occupying an entire city block, everyone from local Floridians to celebrities make their way to this place to chow down on the celebrated stone crab that’s in all its glory here (stick to the medium claws for the best flavor and quality). Here are a few things to know: the lines are long (no reservations, ever), the drinks are strongs, the food is fresh and the dining areas are packed. If you don’t feel like waiting, Joe’s as a take-away option. Located at 11 Washington Avenue.

Bars & Nightlife

SkyBar – In LA, this place is an absolute legend among professional “loungers” – and Miami’s version (located at the Shore Club at 1901 Collins Ave.) has quickly reached the same celebrated status. Set up in the hotel’s pool area, SkyBar is a Moroccan-themed open-air hideaway that boasts a wealth of lounging areas that will satisfy a number of moods. We love relaxing on the comfy lounges and gazing at the star filled sky above. You might see three ugly people out of the five hundred patrons that turn up that night. Celebrity spottings include Matthew McConaughey, Lance Armstrong, NBA stars, and we could go on and on here.

Nocturnal – When South Beach is closing down around 2am, head downtown to this mega club to keep the gold times rolling. Within its 20,000 square feet, Nocturnal boasts three floors and incorporates all the elements of a serious “dance club” with all the elements of a major stage production. Showcasing one of the best sound systems in the world, this place draws top DJ talent and serious electronic music fans. Its location in downtown Miami also allows it to operate well past the city’s usual 4am closing time. Why are so many people wearing sunglasses even at night? Because when that sun comes up at 6am they want to shield their tired eyes from daylight. Nocturnal is located at 50 NE 11th St. Celebrity spottings: Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, Timbaland, and Pharrell. More info at www.nocturnalmiami.com

Pawn Shop Lounge – Tired of the superficial pretentious set in South Beach? Head downtown where the party never ends at Pawn Shop (located at 1222 NE 2nd Ave.). Part lounge, part club, part…uhmmm…edgy dive bar, Pawn Shop delivers an authentic experience with a diverse crowd. As the name implies, tt’s a wonderland mix of nostalgic furniture, collectibles, historic pop culture icons and secondhand items – all of which act as living art. Guests here can suck down drinks in a 1977 school bus, jump aboard a vintage Boeing 727 jet airplane fuselage or set up camp in a 1960s hippie trailer. The club attracts both the millionaires of Miami as well as the local Indie Folk. You’ll love the musical mashups and the diverse crowd that leaves their attitudes at home. More info at www.thepawnshoplounge.com

Read more at journeypod.com – your guide to luxury travel around the world. We give you VIP access to the hippest hotels, the hottest nightlife, and the coolest restaurants. It’s the insiders guide to luxury and vip access around the world.

 

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