Ashley Brozic is a freelance writer, copywriter and creative strategist based in Miami. A Miami girl through and through, Ashley has been covering the city’s fashion, fitness, food and cultural scene since launching Racked Miami in 2013. She graduated from the University of Miami and has contributed to a number of publications including Departures, Ocean Drive, Indulge Miami, Eater, Miami New Times and more. By day, she works at an ad agency as a senior copywriter for big CPG brands and interest groups. By night she’s out and about checking out new restaurants, bars and music venues in Miami—or filling up more online shopping carts than she’d like to admit. She’s Cuban, compact and always on the hunt for the next cocktail trend.

Time Out has covered the world’s greatest cities through the eyes of local experts since 1968. For more about us, read our editorial guidelines.

Ashley Brozic

Ashley Brozic

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Articles (81)

These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

Mother's Day weekend in Miami doesn't do subtle. The city has brunches covered, obviously — but it also has a morning rave on Club Space's Terrace, The Notebook closing out its run at the Adrienne Arsht Center, and Miami City Ballet wrapping its season with a Beach Boys-and-Andrews-Sisters finale at the Broward Center. Leave it to Miami to turn a Sunday for moms into a full-scale cultural event. Friday and Saturday bring the usual mix of nightlife, live music, and cultural enthusiasm the city does on autopilot. Since you're out and about, take advantage of the weather and visit the myriad botanical gardens and parks around the city, check out our many locals-approved attractions, or book a reservation from our ever changing list of Miami's best restaurants. Keep scrolling for everything worth doing this weekend. RECOMMENDED: Things to do in Miami
The best things to do in Miami for locals and tourists

The best things to do in Miami for locals and tourists

Locals and tourists can agree that the best things to do in Miami extend beyond ounging on the sand—though it goes without saying that spending some time on the best Miami beaches is fundamental to life in the 305. Aside from dabbling in our famous nightlife and exploring Miami's best bars, no trip would be complete without scoping out the booming culinary scene and our award-winning Miami restaurants. In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails, check off these essential Miami experiences, a mix of year-round attractions, seasonal events, cultural staples and exciting one-offs vetted by our expert editors and contributors. (We're a team of born-and-raised locals and passionate Miami transplants with an unhealthy aversion to staying home). By the way, this list is curated, as always, but isn’t ranked—we just couldn’t choose favorites. Updated May 2026: May is Miami in transition. The heat is arriving, the tourists are thinning out, and the city starts to feel like a local's town again. It's also the last quiet stretch before FIFA World Cup descends on South Florida this summer, so consider this your window for the summer: the crowds are manageable, the restaurants aren't slammed, and there's still plenty going on. Memorial Day weekend delivers two major free events back to back — the Hyundai Air & Sea Show takes over South Beach, and the 20th annual Best of the Best Music Fest brings 10 hours of reggae and dancehall to the Maurice A. FerrĂ© Park waterfront. Plus, Mi
The best things to do in Miami this week

The best things to do in Miami this week

This week, Miami winds down after an F1-fueled weekend, but only after knocking back some tequila shots and discounted margs on Tuesday for Cinco de Mayo. May in Miami means the start of rainy season, so it's a good time to check out our plethora of museums, concerts, cultural exhibitions and more. There are tons of eclectic activities to jump into whenever the mood strikes, plus festive pop-ups and tourist attractions that even locals approve of. Curated below is our guide to all the special events and happenings worth checking out over the next seven days, but should you prefer to plan your weeks in advance, here's our curated guide to everything happening in May in Miami. And if you're looking specifically for what to do this weekend in Miami, we've got a guide for that, too. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in Miami Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in Miami news, culture and dining.
The best Miami events in May 2026 to look forward to

The best Miami events in May 2026 to look forward to

May in Miami is a month of contrasts: the single-seater cars tearing around the Miami International Autodrome and precision jets slicing across the South Beach skyline signal an action-packed start, but step outside in the morning and there's still a breeze worth savoring. The sand won't burn your feet yet. Summer is coming, you can feel it, but Miami in May still offers those small windows where the heat relents and the city breathes. Yes, it will probably rain. That's fine. We've got you covered with plenty to do when the sky pours down, from indoor concerts to Miami museums and beyond. For everything else, peruse our picks for the best Miami events in May 2026 below.   RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami 
The best Cuban sandwiches in Miami

The best Cuban sandwiches in Miami

The Cuban sandwich is Miami's most argued-about food, not because anyone disagrees that it's good, but because everyone has opinions about where to get one. The essentials are non-negotiable: roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mustard, pressed hard on Cuban bread until the whole thing is flat and crackling. What separates a great one from a forgettable one is harder to articulate, but you know it immediately. Tampa will tell you they invented it, and technically they're not wrong. But the version that became iconic — pressed hard, no salami — is Miami's, because as most things go, we claim ours is the best. That holds whether you're at a no-frills West Miami counter where the pork hangs above the sandwich station and gets sliced to order, or a Palmetto Bay butcher shop smoking the ham in-house and baking their own bread. The ingredient details may vary, but that satisfying, slightly tangy, comforting feeling that comes from the first bite never does. These are the places that get it right.
The best Miami events in April 2026

The best Miami events in April 2026

April is Miami's exhale. The snowbirds are starting to flock north, the Ultra and spring break aftermath has settled, and the city gets a moment to be itself again — which, as it turns out, is pretty great. This month brings the Miami Film Festival, O Miami Poetry Festival, and Miami Beach Pride's full eleven-day program of drag shows, parades, and everything in between. Up north, Tortuga Music Festival takes over Fort Lauderdale's shoreline, while down in Homestead, Miami-Dade CountryFest brings two days of rodeo and livestock to the fairgrounds. A new event, Tequila Town makes its debut in Hialeah for anyone who needs a reason to drink on a weeknight. Warm weather, good programming, and no one fighting you for a barstool. This is the month. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami
The best bars in South Beach, from grand hotel lobbies to neighborhood classics

The best bars in South Beach, from grand hotel lobbies to neighborhood classics

There are two versions of South Beach. The one that advertises two-for-one margaritas in plastic cups—and the one that quietly serves some of the best martinis in the city behind a velvet curtain or a lobby column. Our world-famous barrier island offers no shortage of places in which to find a world-class drink, almost always overpriced, but hey, someone’s gotta subsist in the scene. On any given night, you can move from a martini in a grand hotel lobby to a mixology-driven lounge to a 4am dive with red neon and a cash-only register—without ever crossing the causeway. The trick is knowing which door to walk through—and when. These are the South Beach bars that get it right. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to South Beach, Miami
The best Miami events in March

The best Miami events in March

March in Miami hits different—the weather is flawless, the city is electric, and the calendar is stacked. The Miami Open returns to Hard Rock Stadium for another star-studded two weeks of world-class tennis, celebrity sightings, and courtside glamour. The city comes alive for Miami Music Week, culminating in the thunderous spectacle of Ultra Music Festival taking over Bayfront Park with an all-star EDM lineup including Carl Cox, DJ Snake, and Major Lazer. Culture vultures won't want to miss the Calle Ocho Festival, as 15 blocks of Little Havana transform into the largest Latin street party in the country—and it's free. Sports fans have reason to celebrate too, with the World Baseball Classic bringing international heat to loanDepot Park all month long. Whether you're catching a set at the GroundUP Music Festival's 10th anniversary, browsing rare finds at the Miami Beach Antique Show, or simply settling into a new table at one of the latest new Miami restaurants—March is Miami at its most magnetic. Here's everything worth putting on your calendar this month.
The best spas in Miami for blissful massages, relaxation and self-care

The best spas in Miami for blissful massages, relaxation and self-care

Miami is a pampered city, figuratively and literally. There are endless perks that come with living in a town that touts so many incredible hotels and resorts, and one of those is access to world-class spas. Here, you can wrap yourself in 24-karat gold, clear your chakras through bodywork, exfoliate with decadent sugar scrubs or sweat it out in a Scandi-style sauna. If there’s a trendy new treatment, rest assured you can find it here—otherwise, your next Swedish massage is probably just a block or two away. From Miami Beach to Coral Gables, these standalone spots and luxurious hotel destinations are the best spas in Miami to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and absolutely amazing. Updated January 2026: With a new year underway, Valentine's Day around the corner and Miami's chilly season in full effect, we thought it an appropriate moment to revisit the best spas in Miami. We've checked back in at many of our go-to self-care sanctuaries and tried out the latest and greatest treatments—of course, all in the name of research! This guide has been refreshed and reordered so that the hardest part of your spa journey is deciding between a lymphatic facial or a full-body scrub. See you in the sauna!
Where to see the most spectacular Christmas lights in Miami

Where to see the most spectacular Christmas lights in Miami

Like most things in Miami, our Christmas light displays tend to be a bit over-the-top. Ours might not be a snow-capped wonderland, but there’s nothing we can’t illuminate in this town. Tropical jungle? We’ve got every palm tree glittering in LEDs. Christmastime boat parade? Sure! And let's make it yacht rock-themed while we're at it. Because the holidays just hit different in Miami.  From whimsical Christmas events to extravagant Christmas dinners, massive Christmas carnivals and classic neighborhood light spectacles, celebrating the season in Miami can be just as magical as anywhere else—especially when you’re taking in our twinkling scenery by sea. So get that hot cocoa to-go and ride out after the sunset. Here are the best places to see spectacular holiday lights in Miami. RECOMMENDED: Time Out Guide to Christmas in Miami
The best Cuban food in Miami for Abuela's cooking

The best Cuban food in Miami for Abuela's cooking

Miami is beaches, palm trees, nightlife and humidity. It is also Cuban food. This is the home base of America’s (if not the world’s) Cuban diaspora, which means we are likely the best place to dig your fork into a plate of saucy ropa vieja, shred through a dish of vaca frita or graduate from a Cuban sandwich to a media noche, just like abuela makes it. Right now is an exciting time for Cuban food in Miami, from Little Havana to South Beach and beyond, as first- and second-generation Cuban Americans put their unique twists on the cuisine’s staples. We’ve included old-school classics and new-wave gems in this guide—and even some spots that come with a side of salsa (the kind you can dance to!). August 2025: For this update, we’ve limited Miami’s best Cuban restaurants to the top 10 spots, removing restaurants that have sadly closed (like Caja Caliente in Coral Gables and La Cumbancha in Miami Lakes), along with places that no longer cut the mustard on the proverbial cubano. In this guide to Miami’s best Cuban eateries, you’ll find Michelin-recognized gourmet sandwich shops alongside homey strip mall spots and our tried-and-true pick for solid Cuban eats on South Beach. Prepare to loosen a pants button—these portions are not small—and definitely don’t forget to order a colada for that inevitably necessary post-meal pick-me-up. How we curate and review at Time Out
The best bars in Miami: a definitive guide to drinking in the 305

The best bars in Miami: a definitive guide to drinking in the 305

Welcome to Miami, where the bars are plentiful and it's always a great time to go drinking. Sun's out? Fuel up on frozen delights at a waterfront bar (and don’t forget to ask for a floater!). Trying to impress a date? Miami’s got sexy speakeasies galore. Catching up with friends? Do so with a glass of something funky and a bowl of warm olives at a charming Miami wine bar. One of the Miami bars in this guide even stays open until 7am, should that be your destiny. Perhaps surprisingly, Miami is also home to plenty of places to drink when you're not drinking, where the low and no-ABV bevs are just as flavorful as their full-proof brethren. This is all to say, if you want to sip cocktails and party all night, you're in the right place. Wondering where to start? We’re breaking down our favorite bars in Miami, spots slinging drinks so good, you'll be hard-pressed not to order another round. July 2025: It’s been nearly a year since we last took full stock of Miami’s bar scene, and a lot has changed. Some of our favorite spots have closed, like MO Bar and Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental, in this case, to be demolished with the rest of the hotel sometime in 2026. Others we’ve moved off the list, like ZeyZey, a gem that skews decidedly more music venue. There are a few new entries, too, including Willy’s, a neighborhood gay bar in Wynwood, and Magie, a natural wine garden in Little River. Finally, we’ve updated and streamlined the entire guide to include the most up-to-date info and sc

Listings and reviews (112)

Miami City Ballet: ÂĄVamos! To the Beach

Miami City Ballet: ÂĄVamos! To the Beach

Miami City Ballet closes out its season with ¥Vamos! To the Beach, a three-part program that leans fully into the summer energy already settling over South Florida. Paul Taylor's Company B opens with swing-era Andrews Sisters hits; Durante Verzola's Grand Glittering Gershwin brings Art Deco cool to a Gershwin score; and Twyla Tharp's Deuce Coupe, a company premiere, closes things out on a wave of Beach Boys tunes that'll have you humming out of the theater. The program heads north for a final weekend at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on May 9 at 7:30pm and May 10 at 1pm and 6:30pm.
The Notebook: The Musical

The Notebook: The Musical

Based on Nicholas Sparks' best-selling novel and the film that made a generation cry in theaters, The Notebook arrives at the Adrienne Arsht Center as a full Broadway musical with music by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter (This Is Us). The story of Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds bound together across a lifetime, gets a stage adaptation directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Rent) that critics have called genuinely gorgeous. Tickets from $35, running May 5–10 at the Ziff Ballet Opera House.
Best of the Best Music Fest

Best of the Best Music Fest

For Memorial Day weekend's other major event, head to Maurice A. FerrĂ© Park on Sunday, where the 20th annual Best of the Best Music Fest takes over the waterfront for a 10-hour deep dive into reggae and dancehall. The festival has been a Miami institution for two decades, and this year marks a new chapter — a fresh venue with a lot more waterfront and a lot more room. The lineup spans generations: roots reggae heavyweights Sizzla, Beenie Man, Capleton, and Tarrus Riley anchor the bill, while contemporary dancehall acts including Skeng, 450, Tifa, and Kraff keep the energy rolling well into the evening. Gates open at 2pm.
Bard in the Bars! Shakespeare meets Hip-Hop

Bard in the Bars! Shakespeare meets Hip-Hop

Shakespeare and hip-hop have more in common than most people give them credit for, and The Bard in Bars makes that case in full at the Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown on May 15 and 16. Poet, playwright, and educator Darius V. Daughtry brings iconic Shakespearean monologues and scenes into conversation with hip-hop's rhythm and lyricism, backed by the 12-piece New Canon Chamber Collective live string ensemble. Evening performances include a VIP pre-show art exhibit featuring the work of Purvis Young, whose expressive pieces made from reclaimed materials remain some of the most powerful documents of Overtown's spirit and the broader Black experience in America. 
Hyundai Air & Sea Show and Music Explosion

Hyundai Air & Sea Show and Music Explosion

Memorial Day weekend calls for something the whole family can do together, and there are few better ways to spend it than watching the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds tear across the South Beach sky. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show brings two days of military aircraft performances, high-speed water demonstrations, and five city blocks of interactive displays along Ocean Drive. This year carries extra resonance: the show is part of America's 250th birthday celebration, and Miami Beach has its own chapter in that story. During WWII, more than 300 hotels along these same streets were converted into barracks and training facilities for nearly half a million U.S. Army Air Forces troops, who who drilled on the golf courses, swam in the hotel pools, and trained on the very beach this event is taking place on.  The action spreads across the whole stretch of Lummus Park, but you don't need a designated viewing area to catch it; the aircraft are visible from anywhere along the beach, particularly between 1st and 10th streets and 13th to 20th streets. The heart of the action is between 10th and 13th streets, where you can spot them taking off, then wander the Patriot Display Village for tanks, helicopters, rifle ranges, flight simulators, and live demonstrations from all six branches of the military. There's a kids zone, extreme sports demos, and a food court if you need to refuel. On Saturday evening, the party continues with SaluteFest on Ocean Drive: country group Parmalee performs live, the
Huniik pop-up at BeyBey

Huniik pop-up at BeyBey

Chef Roberto SolĂ­s built his reputation in some of the world's most exacting kitchens — Noma in Copenhagen, Per Se in New York, The Fat Duck in London — before returning home to MĂ©rida to do something no one else was doing. His restaurant Huniik, whose name translates to "unique spirit" in Mayan, is the fine-dining flagship of a movement he essentially invented: nueva cocina yucateca, a culinary philosophy that fuses locality, tradition, and innovation to put Yucatecan food on the world map. It worked. Huniik currently sits at No. 32 on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants and No. 89 in the world. Now Miami gets a taste of it. BeyBey is hosting a dinner in collaboration with SolĂ­s — six courses for $95, which, for cooking at this level, is the kind of deal that tends to sell out fast. Go.
CELSIUS x Aston Martin Aramco Run Club

CELSIUS x Aston Martin Aramco Run Club

Ahead of F1 Miami weekend, CELSIUS and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team are taking over the streets of Miami for a three-mile run on April 29. Aston Martin Aramco's F1 Academy driver ambassador Jessica Hawkins and former racing driver Pedro de la Rosa will be on the ground, and SIDEQUEST will DJ the entire route from a roling pedicab to keep your feet moving. F1 simulator cars and an Aston Martin Aramco replica show car will be waiting for you across the finish line, along with music, light bites and merch giveaways. Ready to run? Find the starting line at Bayside Marketplace's Pier 5.
LAM BASQUIAT SONGYE at Gary Nader Art Centre

LAM BASQUIAT SONGYE at Gary Nader Art Centre

Two of the twentieth century's most important painters, Wifredo Lam and Jean-Michel Basquiat, share a room with a selection of Songye kifwebe masks, nkisi figures and prestige objects from Central Africa at Gary Nader Art Centre in Wynwood. The show makes a pointed argument: that both artists weren't borrowing from African visual traditions so much as thinking from within them, as painters of the African diaspora working at the same intersection of the visible and the invisible that Songye sculpture has long occupied. Expect about 35 paintings and works on paper between the two, alongside objects drawn from a distinguished European collection. 
Coyo Taco x Levi's Cinco de Mayo

Coyo Taco x Levi's Cinco de Mayo

Coyo Taco's South Miami location is going all in for Cinco de Mayo this year with a Levi's collab that brings mariachis, a DJ set by David California, free Levi's mini margaritas until 5pm and a Levi's pop-up stocked with exclusive merch you won't find anywhere else. Come early for the margs and 505s, or stay late for the music, but be sure to save room for dessert: Coyo has also partnered with The Salty on a birria croissant that'll take the edge off all those salty rims.  
The Longest Table

The Longest Table

Miami is many things, but a city where strangers regularly sit down and break bread together is not typically one of them. The Longest Table is here to change that. The large-scale community potluck, where hundreds of people who don't know each other share a meal at one very long table, comes to Miami for the first time on May 1, taking over The Underline's Inter Grove Gallery with family recipes, pastelitos, and yes, store-bought contributions welcomed without judgment. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, a Miami native who has made the loneliness epidemic a centerpiece of his public work, will be there too.  RSVP at bit.ly/thelongesttableinmiami. 
Audi Revolut F1 Team Off Track Experience

Audi Revolut F1 Team Off Track Experience

The Audi Revolut F1 Team is planting its flag in Wynwood for F1 Miami week, taking over MAPS Backlot from April 30 through May 3 with live race screenings, daily sunset DJ sessions, racing simulators, a Gillette barber corner and a 180° spatial film experience on Apple Vision Pro. Miami-local artist Hoxxoh is painting a mural across the exterior that bleeds into the inside of the venue, and a live poster printing station runs throughout the week producing designs pulled directly from the artwork. Driver Gabriel Bortoleto makes a public appearance Thursday evening, and Audi F1 Project head Mattia Binotto follows Friday night. Beyond Wynwood, the team is also doing a co-branded takeover of nine Rosetta Bakery locations across the city from April 25 through May 3—a quieter way to find the team if the Backlot crowds aren't your thing. 
Cinco de Chela's at Chela's Cocteleria

Cinco de Chela's at Chela's Cocteleria

Miami Lakes' biggest Cinco de Mayo party turns three this year, and Chela's is not taking the anniversary lightly. The annual outdoor celebration returns May 5 with mariachi performances, DJs Ray the DJ and DJ Barrios spinning from a converted food truck DJ booth complete with lasers, smoke machines and giant speakers, Don Julio margaritas, an Oaxacan Paloma featuring Union Mezcal, filet mignon tacos, churros and an Hora Loca to close out the night properly. Power 96 broadcasts live from the indoor happy hour from 3 to 7pm, where $7 margaritas and $5 tequila shots get things started. The outdoor experience runs on a ticket system, so buying ahead is both cheaper and faster. Indoor seating is first come, first served with bottle service available. 

News (44)

The ultimate Passenger Princess guide: companion fares, free flights and travel perks

The ultimate Passenger Princess guide: companion fares, free flights and travel perks

Travel is always better when you can sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the logistics. I should know—I’ve been a passenger princess for years. Being or bringing a plus one means splitting the Uber fare, having a built-in bag watcher, and someone to vent to when your “charming” boutique hotel turns out to be a glorified broom closet. But beyond the obvious social perks, traveling as a duo unlocks real financial benefits—because airlines, hotels, and credit cards love rewarding those who bring a guest. It’s a little like the movie The Lobster, where Colin Farrell’s character is thrown into a matchmaking retreat in a world that doesn’t favor solo life. One of his first nights, he’s forced to navigate with one hand cuffed—a not-so-subtle metaphor for how much easier life is when there are two of you. And while no one’s turning single travelers into animals, nor are we saying that solo travel doesn’t have its own stellar perks, those who embrace the passenger princess (or prince) lifestyle get treated like VIPs—with lounge access, free flights, and hotel upgrades to match. Airlines, credit cards, hotels, cruises and even railway companies offer perks for travelers in pairs—think buddy passes, bonus hotel nights, and two-for-one cruise fares that make bringing a plus one a no-brainer. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or just along for the ride, here’s how to master the passenger princess travel life. Airline companion fares The best airline perks aren’t just about legr
I hired a chauffeur to take me holiday shopping in Miami. My life will never be the same

I hired a chauffeur to take me holiday shopping in Miami. My life will never be the same

In theory, spending an afternoon soaking up the holiday spirit at the mall sounds idyllic. Children posing with Santa, quaint little holiday villages popping up in corners, garlands and bows adorning every railing, and enticing sales to score the perfect gifts. But reality has a way of dashing those sugarplum dreams. The moment you roll into the parking lot, the ferocity of Miami drivers slams into you like a sack of coal and the fantasy crumbles, replaced by chaos, long lines and endless crowds. And on this last weekend before Christmas? A winter wonderland, the mall is not. But what if last-minute holiday shopping could actually feel, dare I say, luxurious? Imagine my delight when, instead of braving the madness on my own, a private chauffeur arrived at my doorstep, ready to whisk me away for a day of stress-free holiday shopping! Enter Blacklane. The private, on-demand car service has launched a Holiday Chauffeur package (offered through January 2, 2025), which promises to transform the stress of gift shopping into an experiential treat. Available in Miami, New York, London and Dubai, it includes five hours of chauffeur service complete with curated routes to top shopping spots and festive attractions.  Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out First stop: Miami Design District My driver, Sergio, picked me up in a brand new Mercedes-Benz EQS EV packed with water (at different temperatures!), chargers (for all kinds of phones!), mints and the sound of smooth jazz (because wh
These are America’s best new restaurants of 2024, according to Time Out

These are America’s best new restaurants of 2024, according to Time Out

It’s been a year, readers! As we near the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the meals we savored because the only thing we want to remember about the last 12 months is the best things we ate. (Isn’t it always about the food?) Time Out editors and contributors across the country spent countless hours eating their way through their respective cities, reviewing restaurants, and dissecting trends to bring you this year’s Best of the City Award for Best New Restaurant. It’s a coveted title bestowed to the special spots that won our hearts and swept up accolades, not only from us but also from Michelin and other eagle-eyed diners. If you find yourself in any of these cities, now or in the future, add these fantastic new restaurants to your list. Miami: Sunny’s It’s hard to do many things well, but Sunny’s somehow manages to excel at all its endeavors: a fun happy hour spot, a glamorous Art Deco steakhouse, a chill outdoor restaurant (and dare I say, kid-friendly?) and a lively cocktail bar where you can order a drink and bowl of pasta without any side glances from your neighbor. We also love the tableside martini service and the down-to-earth staff, and, of course, those perfectly seared cuts of meat. Photograph: Jeanne CantoSunny's Steakhouse Chicago: Cariño This Latin American restaurant opened at the tail end of 2023 but quickly became an essential player in Chicago’s dining scene. Recently, Cariño was awarded a Michelin star, a nod our restaurant critic, Maggie Hennessy, i
The best Miami comebacks of 2024

The best Miami comebacks of 2024

Nothing lasts forever, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Miami. Over the last few years, we’ve been on a spree of In with the new! And while we welcome change (I mean, have you seen all these buzzy new concepts?!), it often comes at a cost. Rents rise, concepts go stale and the Miami gaze wanders to whatever’s shiniest, leaving the old restaurants, nightlife venues and trends many of us grew up loving to fall like proverbial dominos. But wait, what’s this? Could it be Miami has developed a sense of nostalgia, and the gumption to actually do something about it? Judging by the number of reopenings this year (and more to come in 2025), it would seem so! More than nostalgia, perhaps it’s even a newfound reverence for the places and ideas that shaped Miami’s identity, a recognition that some things deserve to be more than fleeting. Don’t call it a comeback, or do. Here are the Miami restaurants, bars, people and trends that made triumphant returns in 2024. Photograph: Michael PisarriMartini service at Sunny's Steakhouse 1. Sunny’s Steakhouse By far this year’s most anticipated opening, pandemic darling Sunny’s “Someday” Steakhouse made its return in October, dropping the “Someday” for a permanent address in their original Little River pop-up space. This is the Floridian steakhouse we didn’t know we needed—but co-owners Will Thompson and Carey Hynes did. They kept the outside almost intact in both aesthetic and spirit, with casual seating and bar service surrounding a dec
8 Miami Spa Month deals that are actually worth it

8 Miami Spa Month deals that are actually worth it

Miami Spa Months are back, which means from July 1 through August 31, treatments and therapies at the city’s most coveted spas are more accessible than ever. Aching for a little stress relief? There’s an aromatherapy massage for that. Has this gnarly summer heat triggered a skin flare-up? Perhaps a clarifying hydra facial is the answer. Or maybe you’ve just been curious to try out that trendy new cellulite treatment. From Coral Gables up to Sunny Isles, Miami’s best spas are waiting for you to take advantage of this summer’s tempting reduced pricing. Still, starting at $109, treatments aren’t exactly cheap. We’ve combed through the offerings to pick out the very best Miami Spa Months specials (at our pre-vetted favorite Miami spas) that are actually worth it—because you deserve it.  Top Miami Spa Month deals Photograph: Courtesy Mandarin Oriental Spa/George Apostolidis 1. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental - Miami The spa: Crossing the bridge to Brickell Key for the day isn’t really getting away, but when you’re surrounded by water and pampered like royalty it’s easy to make believe you’re on vacation. This massive facility offers treatments inspired by ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai traditions. The treatment: The Oriental Essence Massage ($199, 80 minutes) uses custom-blended oils and movements inspired by traditional Oriental therapies, relieving tension through the whole body. Deep Tissue and Hot Stone upgrades are available for an additional $30.00..
Here's your first look inside Lucky Cat, Gordon Ramsay's Tokyo drinking den-inspired restaurant

Here's your first look inside Lucky Cat, Gordon Ramsay's Tokyo drinking den-inspired restaurant

Gordan Ramsay has had his eyes set on Miami as of late. After opening Hell's Kitchen in Brickell, the "world's meanest chef" will be opening yet another restaurant in town, this one inspired by Depression-era kissas (jazz pubs) in Tokyo and Shanghai drinking dens. But note, there's nothing depression-era about this space.  Originally from London's posh Mayfair neighborhood, Lucky Cat is Ramsay's Asian-inspired late night lounge and restaurant concept and his first to open stateside. The space is sultry, with velvet booths to sink into, dark fluted walls and art deco light fixtures that keep the space nice and dim. Black neko cats line curved golden shelves and we'd dare you not to order a second round at the sexy little bar inside. The restaurant also features a raw bar and chef’s table for special occasions.  Lucky Cat's menu is inspired by popular dishes across the continent from Ramsay's travels. Expect things like sushi and sashimi, buns and dumplings, tempura specialties, and robata-grilled items. There will also be small plates and creative bar snacks, as the venue also doubles as a late night lounge. Additionally, the culinary team has crafted some only in Miami items, including a manilla wagyu roll, smoked shima aji nigiri, baked clay pot glass noodles with Maine lobster and Berkshire pork belly and Lamb Dumplings with Szechuan pepper.  And as its inspiration might suggest, Lucky Cat will feature a robust selection of Japanese whiskeys and premium sakes, alongside win
Do you really need that much ship? I set sail on the world’s biggest cruise ship to find out.

Do you really need that much ship? I set sail on the world’s biggest cruise ship to find out.

The internet has been ripe with commentary since Royal Caribbean first announced Icon of the Seas, the biggest ship ever to set sail. It’s been likened to the Titanic, a “Disaster at Sea,” a colossus on water. I may have bought into the slander had I not gone on the ship myself, but after spending three rum-filled days on board, I can assure you that this ship isn’t sinking anytime soon. In fact, how it caters to every single age and interest guarantees the Icon will be sailing—and setting the standard for family cruises—for a long time. The Icon itself is a layered experience, and I mean that in a physical sense. On your standard cruise, every floor, restaurant and activity is markedly separated. You’re either on the top deck or the mid-deck, with nothing to connect the two but a staircase. Not so on the Icon. Though there are eight different “neighborhoods” on board, the ship is engineered for exploration and discovery, designed to flow people throughout its 18 public decks with the buoyancy of lapping waves. Standing on one level doesn’t prevent you from being integrated into the other; you can somehow be in five places all at once. Disorientating? Yes, but at no point will you ever feel claustrophobic. Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out OK food, next-level cocktails and the never-ending night While grabbing an espresso at Pearl, the main cafĂ© in the Icon’s two-story Promenade, where many of the lounges and bars are located, I looked up through a window into Central
Gramps is expanding, and not just to Key Biscayne

Gramps is expanding, and not just to Key Biscayne

For a city bordered by an ocean and a bay, waterfront restaurants and bars are surprisingly hard to come by. And a decently priced one where the food and drinks don't just rely on views, that’s actually good? It doesn't exist—until now. Pioneering Wynwood bar Gramps expands to Key Biscayne with today's "soft grand opening" of Gramps Getaway, a campy, authentically Florida joint with boat access, skyline views, freshly caught seafood, tropical drinks and all the funky thrills Gramps has come to be known for—with a more "come-in-your-flip-flops" vibe. “We’re taking Gramps and doing it again, except with a bigger covered outdoor space
and it’s on the water,” says owner Adam Gersten. Photography: Ashley Brozic for Time OutGramps Getaway Though the layout feels virtually unchanged from what the shuttered Whiskey Joe's left behind (the thatched huts still stand), Gramps' DNA can be traced throughout. I popped in a few days before opening and noted the squiggly lines on neon planks of wood that look like they were drawn with magic dot pens, the schooner-like bar that'll be slinging out craft cocktails and frozens, and an area marked for a stage, because anytime they’re open, you can expect live music and entertainment. “We’ll have a pretty intense event program," says Gersten. "All the usual gramps stuff—DJs, live music, cultural events—and maybe more arcade games.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Key (@grampsgetaway) Dif
A Barbie Dreamhouse truck is coming to Miami!

A Barbie Dreamhouse truck is coming to Miami!

Have we reached peak Barbie yet? Not yet, Ken! After making its way across California, Mattel's Barbie Dreamhouse truck will be bopping its way to the Sunshine State, bringing tons of limited edition merch to those of us who love a life in plastic. (Spoiler alert: It's fantastic.)  As a part of its Dreamhouse Living Tour, the rainbow-hued Barbie truck will be making stops at three South Florida malls throughout February. Inside, you'll be able to shop tons of limited edition Barbie-themed merch, like bright and playful accessories, home goods (think cute doggy bowls, drink coasters and water bottles) and "Dream Wear," so you can flaunt your love for this iconic doll everywhere you go. Why not make a total Barbie Dream Day of it? Pop by the truck to get a full outfit, then head over to the Malibu Barbie Café in Wynwood for lunch, opening to the public on February 9.  You'll have three chances to catch the Barbie Dreamhouse truck as it rolls through South Florida. This includes a stop at Sawgrass Mills (in the Colonnade Outlets near the Matchbox Restaurant from 10am to 7pm), Aventura Mall (near the Slide Tower and Apple store from 10am to 7pm) and Dolphin Mall (in the Fountain Plaza from 11am to 8pm). Want to start strategizing your shopping trip? Here's a small snapshot of what you'll find:  Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel  Recommended: A Malibu Barbie Café is coming to Miami
These 5 Miami restaurants, bars and chefs have been nominated for James Beard Awards

These 5 Miami restaurants, bars and chefs have been nominated for James Beard Awards

In the culinary and bar worlds, there are two reigning organizations that elicit prayers for recognition. On one corner, you've got Michelin Guide, which finally began doling some stars to Miami in 2022. On the other, you've got the James Beard Foundation, which is dedicated to highlighting the best of the best in America's hospitality industry. Today, the latter announced its 2024 nominees with a handful of Miami and South Florida cuts, and while we won't find out who officially won until June, securing a nod from this non-profit is enough of a badge of honor to warrant a visit in order to see for yourself what makes a particular restaurant, chef or bar worth noticing.   As Eater Miami points out, the James Beard Foundation updated its award criteria three years ago in an effort to be more inclusive and highlight diverse talent. Florida rarely gets is share of the pie, and this year is no different. Out of the hundreds of nominees across categories like Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, ten Florida establishments and chefs have been nominated, including five from Miami.  Our city swept up with bakery nominations: Zak the Baker got a nod for Outstanding Bakery and MiMo's favorite croissant and cachito makers (and father-son duo) Jesus and Manuel Brazon from Caracas Bakery have been nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Macchialina has been recognized for its fantastic wine program and Chefs Valerie Chang (Maty's) and Tristen Epps (Oc
A First Look at Mad Arts, Fort Lauderdale's First Immersive Art Museum

A First Look at Mad Arts, Fort Lauderdale's First Immersive Art Museum

It turns out Superblue and Artechouse aren't the only immersive art museums in town. If you're looking to discover experiential works in South Florida, Mad Arts just underwent a multi-million-dollar museum expansion, giving artists more space and opportunity to immerse people in really disruptive, technology-driven installations and exhibits.  “Expanding our physical space and exhibition program formalizes the work we’ve been doing at the intersection of art and technology over the years,” says Mad Arts Executive Director, Marc Aptakin. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors into an entirely new museum experience. This expansion will give Mad Arts an opportunity to bring in more artists, expand educational programs and elevate how we use emerging technology to amplify stories, something that is central to our mission. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mad Arts (@madarts_space) The 50,000 square-foot-space touts 20 different exhibitions by both local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between innovation, technology and creativity. A work on the first floor, Resonances, captures your movement at a moment in time, multiplying and stretching it across screens all around you. The Light Pours Out of Me by Miami-based Richard Velez is a live audio/visual installation that manipulates light and sound to create a cacophonous experience. And Sound the Deep Waters by Josh Miller and Angela Fraleigh asks you to submit secret messages, and transla
Miami ranked one of the best cities in the world by locals

Miami ranked one of the best cities in the world by locals

It only takes one trip to Miami to plant the seed in your mind: "I could live here." And how could you not want to? Boundless beaches and palm trees, a kaleidoscopic patchwork of cultures and an endless calendar of things to do under the sun puts our population in a constant vacation state of mind. But hey, don't take our word for it; just ask the thousands of city dwellers who voted Miami as one of Time Out's 50 Best Cities in the World.  Miami ranked #23 in this year's global survey, which asks locals around the world what it's like to work, play and just exist where they live. This years rankings focused on quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife, as well as how the city overall made them feel, from the aesthetics surrounding them to the friendliness of their neighbors.  What really stands out about Miami is our legendary party scene. Miami had the second highest score for nightlife with a 94 percent approval rating, right behind Dubai which scored 98 percent. We nudged ahead of other party destinations like Berlin (92) and Singapore (91). And we totally back this finding, from bars to day parties, and nightclubs to strip clubs. Even astrologists agree: there has never been a more exciting time to live in this city than right now. Change is the only constant here, and everything from our hospitality scene to our arts and entertainment offerings are leveling up. We have internationally revered chefs like Massimo Bottura and Thomas Keller opening restaurant