Stroll Down Lincoln Road in Miami Beach
March 14, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Home & Living
Miami Beach is known as much for the hip celebrities that visit as well as for the actual beach. But a trip to Miami probably will feature at least a stop off in the area.
There’s more to Miami Beach than just the beach!
Lincoln Road is a popular area of Miami Beach, and is a hip, creative, pedestrian-only shopping area that features specialty shops and restaurants tucked in between some of the large national retail chains stores. Although it likes to bill itself as more than just touristy, as I looked around I couldn’t identify anyone who wasn’t one.
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
You’ll find lots of outdoor dining spots with the inevitable umbrella covered tables, but you’ll also find sofas and easy chairs put out for a more relaxed environment for cocktails. It’s almost like having cocktails in your living room — except for the chair-side service and expensive bar tab.
On the cocktail front, however, I found most to be a little overpriced ($13 was a common price for a drink), especially considering that many of the bars offered little in the way of ambiance and the service was largely indifferent. I think these are definitely “tourist” prices rather than “local” prices, especially when a half block off the main street prices dropped by about a third.
For dinner, I’d definitely recommend stepping away from the main street. A block or so off of Lincoln Avenue you’ll find El Rancho Grande (1626 Pennsylvania Avenue), a charming Mexican restaurant. This is not a typical Mexican restaurant — you’ll find strong Cuban influence, as well as other flavors and seasonings from the Caribbean. Service is excellent! Dinner for two, including a couple of beers, will run around $50. Still a bit on the high side for Mexican food, but a bargain compared to the rest of the neighborhood.
If you’re 21 years old with a body to die for, you’ll probably be willing to spend the higher prices of Lincoln Road simply for the opportunity to see and be seen. But if you looking for a better experience, at a more reasonable price, get off the beaten path.
