Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

According to the Michelin guide, a star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. You know what isn’t a prerequisite? A meal that costs more than your car payment. To be fair, Michelin’s awarded stars to a substantial number of stuffy restaurants where you can easily spend that—and upwards.  But the flip side of that coin is affordable spots that might look a lot more like your local taco shop than a white-linen temple to haute cuisine. Exhibit A: a humble Mexican spot obsessed with the craft of masa; Exhibit B: a no-frills food stall bringing the best of the Yucatan to life; Exhibit C: a—yes—stuffy restaurant with an unbeatable lunch deal. You just have to know where to look. Or, save yourself some time and check out our picks for the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States below. July 2025: We’ve updated this list to reflect some hot newcomers to the Michelin scene along with current pricing, hours and menu offerings for some of our favorites. Of note, however, is the closing of Tail Up Goat at the end of the year. We’ve chosen to keep them in this guide as a not-so-gentle nudge to get over there and experience their Caribbean-inspired cuisine before it’s too late.    RECOMMENDED: Every Michelin-starred restaurant in L.A.Every Michelin-starred restaurant in Miami Every Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco

We love a good theme restaurant. America, fortunately, knows how to deliver. From the bright lights of Vegas to the sunny coasts of Florida, you’ll find plenty of kitschy dinner experiences that’re worthy of a road trip or three. After all, there’s nothing like having a model train deliver your double-stack cheeseburger (we’re looking at you, Fritz’s) or eating in a converted KC-97 U.S. Air Force tanker (fittingly called, The Airplane Restaurant) to help you tap into your inner child.   We’re not alone, though. Just ask the Matt Parker and Trey Stone, the creators of South Park. They bought Colorado’s beloved Casa Bonita and restored it to all of its whimsical glory—mariachis, magicians, cliff divers, and all. But it’s not the only themed restaurant you’ll find on this list. All you need is a car and a hearty appetite to experience the best themed restaurants in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The best fast food restaurants in the U.S.

The heart of country music, Nashville has flourished over the past decade, cementing itself as one of the top U.S. cities to visit—no matter what’s on your playlist. This year alone, the city is expected to welcome 17 million tourists, and it’s easy to see why.  Live music? Nashville delivers, with artists and bands performing on every corner. Curious gourmand? Get hot chicken and Kurdish delights at your fingertips. Sports fanatic? Grab tickets to a Titans, Preds or Nashville SC game. Not to mention the lush hiking trails, parks, lakes and waterfalls, all just a short drive away.  Whether you’re here for the music, food or thrill of the game, Nashville is sure to charm you. Below, discover some of the best things to see, do and taste in Music City.  RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Nashville🕺 Guide to the best nightlife in Nashville🥑 The best brunch in Nashville🏠 The best Airbnbs in Nashville 🍗 The best hot chicken in Nashville🏘️ The best places to stay in Nashville

I’ve always had a soft spot for the classic American diner—the kinds of places where the waitresses call you “hon,” the hash browns come with a side of nostalgia and the coffee tastes like it’s been brewing since the Dolphins were last in the Super Bowl. In Miami, where the trend leans more toward $30 avocado toast, finding these spots is like finding a gold watch in the sands of South Beach. Since the days when Miami Beach delis were packed with retirees (pour one out for Wolfie’s), diners have blended this city’s American and imported cultures more than most places. Whether it’s an egg-loaded sandwich at a bagel shop or an all-day breakfast in a retro booth, these are the spots that make you feel at home in Miami, even if you’re just passing through. RECOMMENDED: The best breakfast in Miami for the perfect start to your day

Picking a restaurant for date night or a lunch with the visiting boss is a pretty straightforward equation of ambience-plus-food. Finding a spot to take the kids requires much harder math, adding in high chairs and space for strollers, subtracting places that are too loud and don’t have menus any kid would consider. To help parents with this arithmetic, Time Out’s crew has taken our children and nieces and nephews to everything from burger joints to fine-dining spots. What we found are these spots below, where kids are welcome and parents will find plenty of dishes, and much-needed drinks, to keep everyone happy. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do with kids in Miami

Sara Stonecipher, owner of MISRED Outfitters in St. Petersburg, Florida, grew up in the area and studied hospitality management at the University of Central Florida before launching herself headfirst into the fashion industry. She opened Misred in 2010 with $17,000 in savings and tried clothing design, online sales, and floor change planning and distribution. She even opened (and subsequently closed) a second location on her entrepreneurial journey. “All of those growth plans turned out to be stifling,” says Stonecipher. “But I learned a ton and never gave up.” What inspired you to open MISRED? My mom had a consignment boutique in downtown St. Pete when I was growing up. That’s when I was bit by the boutique bug. But it wasn't until I became burned out at my corporate jobs that I decided to revisit my small business dream. Who were some of the mentors or teachers that had an impact on your career? My mom was a huge mentor to me. She was a local small business pioneer way before St. Pete was cool. She started her shop on the now-famous Beach Drive when the historic Vinoy hotel was vacant and in ruins. The year she opened, St. Pete was a ghost town after all the professionals went home at 5pm. There was no nightlife, tourism, or thriving arts culture. Yet she saw something no one else did. She opened her store in 1991 and immediately ran for president of the downtown business association, hoping to be a part of the change she knew St. Pete could be. Today, I try to follow in he

Brittany Berger, founder of Mindful Music Lab in Miami, grew up in Aventura and studied hospitality and event management at the University of Central Florida before moving back to Miami to expand her roots in her hometown. Berger’s donned many hats throughout her career—author, motivational speaker, fitness instructor, wellness programmer, mindset coach, reiki energy and sound bowl healer, songwriter, artist and repertoire (A&R) representative, and executive producer—all of which inform her experience in the mental health and wellness industry. Through her work, she inspires individuals to find their purpose, shift into alignment, overcome their daily fears and prioritize mental and physical health. With her passion for addressing personal truths and embracing authenticity, she has become a leading voice in the field of mindfulness, manifestation, meditation, and community. What inspired you to open Mindful Music Lab? I realized that there was a lack of mental health awareness and action within the music industry. I would be in and out of recording studios and homes with all of my healing equipment noticing that these spaces were not the right environment for healing. A concept of mental health, healing, community, networking, collaboration, and making music did not exist. What are some of your favorite places to visit in Miami? Some of my favorite places to visit in the city are 27 Restaurant & Bar, Broken Shaker, and the Eagle Room at Freehand Miami! It’s the perfect place

Small business is booming in the Sunshine State, and there’s good reason for it. According to a recent study, Florida ranked as the best state to start a small business thanks to low corporate tax rates and an outpouring of small business loans. But what’s striking about this boost in small business numbers is the diversity behind it. Women own over 45 percent of small businesses in Florida, and the state has the third most businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and people of color. And the entrepreneurs behind these startups are using their culture, family legacy, and heritage to inspire and inform how they do business. From a celeb-endorsed eco-friendly jewelry line to a wellness-based recording studio, small business owners are turning their passion into profits and giving back to their community. It’s time to meet five Florida entrepreneurs who are doing exactly that.

When most people think nightlife in Nashville, they think of Broadway’s bright lights, blaring bands, and party tractors practically tipping over with beer-toting bachelorettes. Hey, they don’t call it “NashVegas” for nothing. And while everyone should experience the chaotic circus that is Broadway at least once in their lives, there’s so much more to Music City’s nightlife scene. The best of Nashville nightlife doesn’t stop at the city’s fabled honkytonks—there are glamorous rooftops with jaw-dropping views of the city, headlining comedy shows, down-and-dirty karaoke joints, and even a pulsating nightclub for the EDM heads in the crowd. The best nightlife in Nashville is everything you imagined and so much more. There’s a little something for everyone. It does not disappoint. Here’s a little of what you can expect. This guide was updated by Nashville-based writer Jackie Gutierrez-Jones. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Nashville🥑 The best brunch in Nashville🏠 The best Airbnbs in Nashville 🍗 The best hot chicken in Nashville🏘️ The best places to stay in Nashville

In the mood for a warm breeze and a little sunshine on your face as you sip your drink? There's a Miami beach bar or waterfront gem for that. At these luxe hotel patios, bumping beach clubs and tropical dives, the booze flows and the sunset views reign supreme. Whether you’re seeking some romance, a lit bottomless brunch or a lively Miami happy hour before dinner, we have you covered. No matter the season, we’re free to sun on Miami’s best beaches, imbibe atop the city’s many rooftop bars and, maybe best of all, bear witness to its stunning sunsets from the best waterfront and beach bars in Miami. RECOMMENDED: The best waterfront restaurants in Miami

Some take tiki culture quite seriously like it’s an academic study into the bartending masters who turned fruits and spices and booze into an art form. Others just want a fun, fruity drink in a coconut shell to melt away the week’s stress. For both, we dove deep into Miami’s tiki bars, risking hangovers from potent concoctions served under acres of faux thatch roofs. The result is this guide that not only offers a virtual trip to Polynesia but also throws down some highly festive late-night parties.  RECOMMENDED: The best speakeasy bars in Miami

When it comes to Miami, South Beach and Wynwood get the lion’s share of the world’s love and affection. And though both have rightly earned their time in the spotlight, a new class of neighborhood is stepping up to give them a run for their money. Case in point: These five on-the-verge areas are making waves with an influx of compelling art, creative wares, great restaurants and lip-smacking cocktails. Admittedly, Miami neighborhoods can be a bit tough to define, but make no mistake, these districts are distinctive, diverse and deserving of your attention.

First, let’s get the basics out of the way: The Aquarium is a theme restaurant with locations in Tennessee, Colorado and Texas. The Nashville iteration, which is situated in the sprawling Opry Mills shopping mall and near the airport, is easily accessible to the tourists who primarily frequent it. And like the Rainforest Cafe and the Planet Hollywood of yore, don’t go expecting gourmet eats—it’s really all about the kitsch.  If the adjacent gift shop overflowing with stuffed animals and aquatic toys wasn’t a dead giveaway, The Aquarium is for the kids. Think: Red Lobster meets Six Flags. Families make up just about all of the diners seated around the 200,000-gallon tank in the middle of the space, with little ones pressing their noses against the glass to ooh and ahh over the resident stingrays and reef shark. A diver makes feedings twice a day in full view of the dining room, which adds a bit more panache to the experience.     When it comes to the food, expect incredibly overpriced, overseasoned, and lackluster fare. Like a $22.99 Castaway Combo appetizer with fragile, greasy tortilla chips and chewy gator bites. Most of the items on the menu lean heavily seafood, with a couple of burgers and chicken platters for those who prefer more land-locked bites. Coupled with the dirty utensils that seem to accompany the plates and the delayed service, The Aquarium seems to sink more than it swims.    The vibe: A kid-friendly grotto that feels like a set piece from The Little Mermaid

An oldie but a goody, Delano’s sexy lobby bar is situated in a narrow alcove away from its busy entrance. Perfect for intimate nightcaps, the rose-hued space nails the classics (think martinis and a nice Tom Collins) and also makes a great perch for some interesting people-watching.

Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in Key Biscayne, Donut Gallery has been quietly serving up generous portions of classic American diner fare for over 40 years. Sidle up to the counter at this no-frills joint and order up a glass of fresh-pressed orange juice to go with the Ted’s Special—that’s bacon, ham, cheese, tomato and egg on an open-faced English muffin. But be sure to bring some bills—this is a cash-only establishment.

Perched on the waters of Biscayne Bay right off the Rickenbacker Causeway is a massive tiki hut that beckons thirsty locals with hurricane glasses filled with frosty rum runners, margaritas and Mai Tais. A deck festooned with faux parrots, brightly painted wood and the odd carved coconut or two provides a breezy perch for enjoying the tipples while the bay ripples beyond. Looking for a nosh to soak up some of the boozy concoctions? The menu is replete with bar favorites—nachos, wings, quesadillas—with items like gator bites and fried avocado offering a twist to the usual fare.  

The WetLab has been one of the best-kept secrets in Miami—and for good reason. It takes a bit of maneuvering to find (it’s located behind the University of Miami’s RSMAS campus on Key Biscayne), but the views and prices are more than worth it. A wide-open terrace looks out over the turquoise waters of the bay, with string lights gently illuminating the view after the sun sets. Wine is a mere $4 and beer—including an exceptional craft selection—will put you out anywhere between $2.50 to $4, max. It’s a bargain beer drinker’s paradise.

A newcomer to the Miami scene, this Greek dream recently opened up along the Miami River in a 100-year-old converted fish market. A partially covered deck with tied-back white curtains and ivy-wrapped columns sets the scene for the simple, yet rustic Mediterranean fare that’ll accompany date night rounds of ouzo tinged with fresh-pressed juices. And while the main bar is tucked inside the charming rustic environs of the restaurant, the view from outside bar makes the decision to take a cocktail al fresco a no-brainer.

You can study the rapidly changing skyline for clues of Miami’s evolution, but what do the interior of the buildings themselves reveal about a city? That’s the focus of Miami Motel Stories, a real-time immersive theater experience taking place inside hotels and motels in developing neighborhoods. The three-part series launches on October 27 at Little Havana’s Tower Hotel (1450 SW 7th St), former stomping grounds of Billie Holiday and other jazz legends. The collaborative project is the brainchild of Juggerknot Theatre Company (and made possible by a Knight Foundation grant). It brings together writers and real estate developers of Barlington Group—which has been fiercely committed to revitalizing Little Havana since 2004—to tell the story of Miami’s past, present and future. The result: an actor-led walk through rooms in which stories of migration, segregation, love and family unfold. Penning the first production is local playwright Juan C. Sanchez, who was born and raised in the area. “I’m fascinated by Little Havana’s history, especially what it’s been to people of different cultures through time,” he says. Sanchez, as well as playwrights of future untitled productions, is working with HistoryMiami Museum to conduct interviews and sift through archives to better understand the spaces he will explore through his play. “We often hear that there is a lack of artistic space in Miami; I want to disrupt this belief with Miami Motel Stories,” says Tanya Bravo, founder and artistic

Multitasking moms are in for some serious pampering. POD 22 is Florida’s first indoor playground and nail spa. The brains behind the glossy new operation is Virginia Aguirrebeitia, a busy Miami Shores Village mom whose digits and viable day-care options were in distress. “During the week, I traveled extensively for my corporate job, and on weekends I attended birthday parties for my kids’ friends. I had no time to relax without constantly feeling guilty about having to leave my children,” says Aguirrebeitia, who channeled her anxiety into creating a place where kids and parents could go together but also spend time apart—so Mommy can get a manicure while her kiddo climbs rocks nearby. POD 22 has ball pits, swings, nets and structures for children to scale under staff supervision. Parents can rest assured that their little ones are safely engaged in active play while they treat themselves to a luxurious mani at the spa in the back or a cup of tea in the lounge. Pinkies up!   To get a BOGO deal on supervised playtime POD 22 click here.   Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

During the day, Miami’s museums are mild-mannered treasure troves of art, photography and sculptures. But after hours, the city’s cultural institutions come alive with evenings full of music, cocktails and dancing. (And, yes, even some art.) Here is where to head for a cultured night out. PAMM Third Thursdays: Poplife Social Pérez Art Museum Miami is home to 200,000 square feet of galleries and idyllic public spaces perfect for whiling away the day. Things change on the third Thursday of the month, when it teams up with event promoter Poplife to host a roster of indie acts. The exhibits stay open late (including Julio Le Parc’s showstopping “Form into Action”), but this is also your shot to soak up live entertainment and dance on the terrace. Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18 6–10pm; with $16 admission free. Coral Gables Museum’s Gallery Night Live! Housed in the City Beautiful’s old fire station, the Coral Gables Museum pays homage to the city’s past with guided architecture tours and photography displays. On the first Friday of the month, the Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables Gallery Night Live! takes over the plaza for live music and artist meet and greets. Mar 3, Apr 2, May 5 6–10pm; free. Jazz at MOCA The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami offers something for everyone on the last Friday of the month. Free admission (7 to 10pm) and more than 600 pieces by artists from around the world—including Jean Claude Legagneur’s exhibit “Faces of Freedom”—draw the crowds inside. Outside, live