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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These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

Memorial Day weekend in Miami rarely needs an excuse to go big, but this year it has one anyway. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show takes over South Beach for two days of military aircraft, waterfront displays, and a free Saturday night with SaluteFest — drones, fireworks, and a pyro parachute jump over Ocean Drive. On the other end of the causeway, the 20th annual Best of the Best Music Fest brings 10 hours of reggae and dancehall to Maurice A. FerrĂ© Park with Sizzla, Beenie Man, Capleton, and Tarrus Riley anchoring the bill. And if the weekend's Afrobeats and Caribbean energy has you looking for more, Watawe Miami x Afro Garden throws a free day party at Tomorrowland Miami on Saturday, and Stamped returns to Higher Ground at Arlo Wynwood on SundayBetween Santigold on Friday, Kygo on the Palm Tree Club waterfront Sunday, and Rhye playing two acoustic nights at ZeyZey, the music calendar alone could fill the weekend.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 this week

The best things to do in Miami this week

Summer is here and Miami is officially slowing down, though don't confuse that with a standstill. This weekend is Memorial Day, so head to the beach and look up to the sky as F-22 Raptors and B-1 Lancers rip through the sound barrier for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show. Earlier in the week, The Jacuzzi Boys bring some noise to the stoic Vizcaya grounds. Take advantage of the snowbird thinning to check out all the museum exhibits, concerts and more that dot the city, including an exposition on sexuality and cults at the Museum of Sex, new sports-themed exhibits at both PAMM and Frost, and the summer pop-up of Bay Skate.   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, 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 June events in Miami

The best June events in Miami

June in Miami is officially the slow season, but nobody told the city that this year. The FIFA World Cup arrives at Hard Rock Stadium starting June 15, turning Miami into one of the global centers of the sport for three weeks, with the FIFA Fan Festival taking over Bayfront Park for daily match screenings, concerts, and tens of thousands of fans from every corner of the world. Of note, too, are the cluster of events that will be rolling across the city throughout the month, from watch party to brand-sponsored events. The heat and the daily afternoon rain are real, but that's what Miami museums are for, and we've got plenty of things to do when the rain clouds roll in to keep you covered. Below, our continually updated list of the best June events in Miami.RECOMMENDED: The best 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 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

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Vizcaya Live: Viva Vizcaya with Jacuzzi Boys

Vizcaya Live: Viva Vizcaya with Jacuzzi Boys

Jacuzzi Boys play Vizcaya on Wednesday. The Miami trio, who have a song called "Vizcaya" on their 2011 Sub Pop album Glazin', are headlining the latest edition of Vizcaya Live in the museum's historic gardens, with support from Fat Produce, a Miami-based soul-jazz collective known for deep-pocket grooves and modern funk, and DJ Travis Acker. The band has spent nearly two decades making the case that Miami can produce great rock and roll, blending surf, punk, and garage. Playing it here, at sunset, on the bay, feels like a full-circle moment. Doors at 7pm, free parking included with ticket price.
The Flea at El Jardin

The Flea at El Jardin

Miami Vintage Market brings its monthly flea to El Jardin Inn's courtyard in Little Havana on Friday, May 29, with local vendors selling vintage clothing, accessories, and one-off finds in one of the neighborhood's most charming new settings. El Jardin is a boutique hotel on SW 7th Street that's been quietly building a reputation as a neighborhood cultural hub, with murals, an artist residency, and a matcha bar tucked into a lush tropical courtyard. The market runs afternoon into evening — a good excuse to spend time in Little Havana before dinner on Calle Ocho.
Altamura Trattoria x The Macallan 'Unico' Dinner

Altamura Trattoria x The Macallan 'Unico' Dinner

The newly opened Altamura Trattoria in Doral teams up with The Macallan for a one-night whisky pairing dinner on May 27, built around five expressions from the distillery's single malt portfolio. The evening opens with Italian tramezzini and a welcome pour, then moves through four courses—ahi tuna crudo, handmade ricotta gnocchi, grilled lamb and venison skewers, and dark chocolate bon bons—each matched to a specific expression, from the 15-Year-Old Double Cask up to the Rare Cask 2025. The Macallan Brand Ambassador Jente Gees will walk guests through the lineup. The 25-Year-Old is available as an add-on with a vanilla flan course for an additional $150.  
CarĂ­n LeĂłn at Nu Stadium

CarĂ­n LeĂłn at Nu Stadium

Fresh off of a Grammy win for Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album, Carin León takes on the distinction of fronting the first concert ever at Nu Stadium. The Sonoran-born singer who has spent the last several years becoming one of the most powerful forces in regional Mexican music, blending norteño and banda traditions with pop and rock in a way that has taken him from Coachella to the Grand Ole Opry to the Sphere in Las Vegas, where he sold out seven nights and became the first Latin artist to headline the venue. His Miami concert on June 28 falls in the middle of the FIFA World Cup, which means the city will already be packed with an international crowd when he takes the stage at the new 26,700-seat stadium.
Let's Wyn

Let's Wyn

The Wynwood BID is turning the neighborhood into its own World Cup experience this summer with Let's Wyn, a six-week scavenger hunt, public art trail, food festival, and watch party series running through the tournament. At its core is Wynwood to the World, a treasure hunt built around 48 country panels hidden throughout the neighborhood, one for each qualifying nation. Find them, earn badges, collect points, and climb a real-time leaderboard for a shot at two tickets to the Bronze Medal Match on July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium. The first 48 fans to complete all 48 country missions win a custom Let’s Wyn World Ball. The Soccer Ball Art Trail showcases 10 hand-painted balls by Paraguayan artist Lili Cantero, whose work has been shown at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and commissioned by adidas and FIFA, installed at businesses across the district, each representing a past tournament from 1986 to 2022. Free youth soccer clinics for kids ages 6 to 10 run June 27, June 28, July 14, and July 15, hosted with the FĂștbol Sin Barreras Foundation. And the Wynwood International Food Festival gives the neighborhood's restaurants a chance to represent global cuisines across the full six-week run, with participating spots including 1800 Lucky, Barcelona Wine Bar, Lira Beirut, and Cotidiano. Registration is free at letswyn.com starting May 26, with full programming launching June 11. 
Wynwood International Food Festival

Wynwood International Food Festival

The World Cup is happening in Miami, and Wynwood is fielding its own culinary teams. The Wynwood International Food Festival runs June and July alongside the tournament, turning the neighborhood into a two-month global food trail with 20-plus restaurants each representing a different nation. The entry point is a physical passport — $25, available online or at partner locations — that gets stamped at each stop, with exclusive tasting items priced at $10 or $15 per restaurant. If you upgrade to a shot glass package, you get a welcome shot everywhere you go. The lineup spans Cuba, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, France, India, Italy, Mexico, and the United States, with familiar Wynwood spots like Cerveceria la Tropical, Ghee, Lira Beirut, and Fra Diavolo among the participants. Collect every stamp and you unlock exclusive prizes, not to mention bragging rights for saying you've basically eaten your way through Wynwood. 
Asian Culture Festival

Asian Culture Festival

Now in its 35th year, the Asian Culture Festival takes over the Tropical Park Event Complex for a two-day celebration of Asian heritage spread across seven distinct pillars. The food alone is worth the trip: Eat Street brings together 50-plus vendors covering Thai, Korean, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, and more. Inside the 50,000-square-foot air-conditioned venue, the Heart of Asia stage hosts traditional dance and music performances. Plus, there's plenty of pop culture to fan out about, from anime to K-pop and manga to toys. There's an exhibit that explores the Evolution of Gaming, as well as an exploration of Asian beauty and wellness that includes color analysis sessions and glass skin masterclasses. A JDM motorsports showcase rounds out the floor with tuners, show cars, and drifters. 
Mango Festival

Mango Festival

If there's one thing Miami summers are made for besides the heat, it's mango season — and Fairchild's annual Mango Festival is the best excuse to lean into it. Every June, the garden transforms into a two-day celebration of the fruit that defines South Florida summers, with tastings of rare and hard-to-find cultivars, chef demos, cooking classes, lectures, and whole mangoes to take home by the bagful. General admission gets you access to the full festival grounds, mango tastings, the rare tree sale, and educational seminars from Fairchild's mango specialists. You can upgrade your ticket for access to the Mango Fresco lounge, a premium experience led by Chef Isamar Leal with chef-guided tastings and a handcrafted mango smoothie (an alcoholic mango pairing package is also available). Don't miss the Sunday Mango Brunch, a seated meal featuring South Florida chefs like Cesar Zapata of Phuc Yea, Zak Stern of Zak the Baker, and Timon Balloo of The Katherine. And the Mango Spectrum, a 45-minute guided tasting pairing fresh, freeze-dried, and chocolate mango expressions with Matiari Tequila, Bacoo Rum, and KAMM chocolate, runs three sessions each day.  
2026 FIFA World Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Miami this summer, and Hard Rock Stadium will host seven matches between June 15 and July 18, including four group stage games featuring Brazil, Portugal, Colombia, and Uruguay, a Round of 32, a quarterfinal, and the third-place playoff. It is the biggest sporting event the city has ever hosted, and the energy will extend well beyond the stadium. Matches at Hard Rock Stadium:   June 15: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, 6pm ET June 21: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde, 6pm ET June 24: Brazil vs. Scotland, 6pm ET June 27: Colombia vs. Portugal, 7:30pm ET July 3: Round of 32 July 11: Quarterfinal July 18: Third-place playoff   Fan events: FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park (June 13–July 5, free): The 436,000-square-foot waterfront takeover is the city's main public gathering point for the tournament, with live match screenings on giant LED screens, a 10,000-capacity amphitheater hosting concerts and cultural programming, interactive installations, food and drink activations, and — only in Miami — water-powered jet pack demonstrations over Biscayne Bay. Free community watch parties across Miami-Dade at Little Haiti Park, Amelia Earhart Park, Tropical Park, North Beach Sand Bowl, and Palmetto Golf Course, with specific matches assigned to each location. Branded fan events will be popping up all around the city, which we'll be including in our guide to the best events in Miami, updated weekly.     
FIFA Fan Festival

FIFA Fan Festival

You don't need a ticket to Hard Rock Stadium to feel like you're at the World Cup this summer. The FIFA Fan Festival takes over Bayfront Park for 23 days, turning 436,000 square feet of downtown waterfront into the city's main public gathering point for the tournament. All seven Miami matches screen live on giant LED displays, with a 10,000-capacity amphitheater hosting concerts and cultural programming in between fixtures. Expect food and drink activations, interactive installations, and a daily attendance of up to 30,000 people from every corner of the world. The festival runs June 13 through July 5 and is free to attend.
STAMPED: AYA x Friends

STAMPED: AYA x Friends

Stamped, the bimonthly party where Cameroon-born DJ Leslie "Aya" Ayafor features sounds from the African continent—and nothing else—returns to Higher Ground at Arlo Wynwood for a special Memorial Day weekend edition. Amapiano, Afrobeats, and the full breadth of what Ayafor calls "sounds from the continent" fill the open-air courtyard from 5 to 11pm, with the Wynwood skyline as a backdrop. Tickets are free; prices go up at the door.
Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits at Frost

Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits at Frost

Frost Science opens its summer exhibition just in time for a city that's about to become the center of the sports world. Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits is an interactive deep dive into the science behind wingsuit flying, freediving, parkour, ice climbing, and other disciplines that push the body to its edges — with hands-on stations where visitors can test their own reaction time, grip strength, balance, and decision-making. The exhibition also includes a Science of Soccer experience, built around the FIFA World Cup, with an interactive sports wall and gameplay experiences that translate the physics of the sport into something you can actually feel. On view through September 7.

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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