Throughout my college experience, I got to choose some of the places my friends and I went to most of the time to just eat or hang out. Depending on the spot, we’ve definitely touched on all things Cuban, grab-n-go, and quick munchies.

Need a hang out spot and a bite?

Mojito’s

Coming here means I get to have Cuban food and dance the night away to live music. It’s a very cute spot to be at and very family involved! One of the true hispanic spots to appreciate life and let go for a few hours. I also love the food and their happy hour. Their mojito’s have lots of flavors too!

Latin America

As a local, Latin America is a must do because 1) it fits all the hispanic culture criteria you would expect, 2) the plates are huge, so come hungry and 3) they have amazing fries. If you know me, fries are my best friend.

Mac and Chess

The cutest date spot ever! I felt like a little kid with an adult paycheck, because you go in, place your order and play board games! They have a HUGE variety of board games and it’s free to play them until 7:00PM (after that, it’s $5). Mac and Chess was a hit and a great recommendation by my fellow friends. 

Habit Burger and Grill

Even in it’s 50th anniversary, Habit Burger Grill does not disappoint. I love the flavors in the food and the values the restaurant holds most. During our philanthropy events during my undergrad experience, Habit Burger was one of the main sponsors. The fact they help out to causes like those at FIU makes the restaurant event more attractive to me. I hope that makes sense. The ambiance and its people all make the overall experience worthwhile. 

Or do you just want a quick munch?

Dos Croquetas

If you’ve ever had a croquette, this is an even better version. They come in all shapes and sizes of latin goodness. You can’t come to Miami and not visit here once.

Night Owl Cookie Co

This VERY small business started off with only deliveries. In the span of my collegiate experience, they built two stores and have made probably thousands of delicious cookies. They became extremely popular for our night owl students. *pun intended* I think it’s highly important to know your target market and where you choose to reside. In this case, college students were the original focus and now, it has grown to kids and families. The location is small but mighty and very fit to the theme!

Chill’N

I’ve only been to Chill’N a couple of times since it first opened but it’s one of those places that you absolutely cherish going to. It mixes science with ice cream and I think that’s the best part. The concept is amazing! It serves nitrogen ice cream and the way they serve it in front of you makes the illusion even better. Even though it’s a drive from my house, I love coming for a random ice cream craving or even to catch up with a friend. 

When you’re in the mood for something specific, let me know! I’m always down, especially when it comes to foodie exploring. Whether you’re trying to eat a ton for the meal or just want a midnight snack… I’ll keep adding as I go!

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Walk through the area to these spots:

Cafe Catula

This is a birthday dinner kind of spot, which is exactly what we did. It felt like a coffee shot when we first heard of it, but it’s really an intimate restaurant once you go inside. Pretty neat! I also really loved the crepe!

Gramercy

As one of the places I went on my birthday dinner, I think this is a cute spot to just hang out. I know more people have now made it feel like a bar scene, but if you can reserve a spot to sit at the high tops, it’s even more worth it! The drinks also have a fun spin to them.

Taco Craft

Mexican food’s always a good idea! Tacos, margs and refried beans are my go-to. My cousin and I shared the taco platter because it had everything we were craving. In one of Sunset’s corners, Tacocraft is a place for cute dates and family outings. Imagine going on a Tuesday? The taco deals!!!

Earls

A MUST DO and the #1 FAVORITE for so many locals. They’ve even started to implement monthly specials, as well as their happy hour! I especially looove their raspberry mojito, one of my absolute favorites! Earls is a classy location on the second floor of Dadeland Mall. They offer plenty of parking- garage next door, lot beside it and valet right beneath it on the first floor. The ambiance is modern yet elegant type and it’s a Miami favorite! 

Monty’s

MAJOR THROWBACK!! Monty’s makes me feel so old because this used to be one of the spots we would hang out at in Coconut Grove. Their happy hours are always poppin’ and the view of the dock is simply indescribable. Also a cute place for a family and friends to meet up!

Dapple Bar and Kitchen

I visited with a friend and her family within a week of it opening and the place is SO cute. You walk in and there’s a bar to your left, seating straight ahead and what seems like a coffee shop vibe on the other side. The aesthetic and the decor has so much detail. Also, heart eyes for the food!!! I absolutely loved it!

Bulla

I freaking LOVE Bulla!!! It’s a Spanish restaurant, so they serve the best tapas in town. It makes me reminisce so much on my study abroad trip. Tapas are always fun to snack on, especially if you want to believe you’re a true Spaniard for a minute. MUST GO!

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It feels weird saying I’ll be home for a few weeks every time I come back because I never imagined leaving home this long. Growing up in Miami has exposed me to so many cultures and foods, so moving to a place without the same hispanic culture was odd for me. Choosing to study and have a new life elsewhere is never easy but my family’s support has made it even more worthwhile. 

I decided to work on a few ideas to incorporate a “what to eat when you’re home for a few weeks kind of post” with all day activities to help with anyone visiting Miami or in the mood to explore. This includes foods and events in Miami, Florida. My top eight spots to eat at close to home are some pretty neat places.

Finka Table and Top

Every time I even think of going to Finka, I learn something new. I didn’t know the owners from Islas Canarias, a Miami native restaurant, were the same for Finka!! Pretty cool, right?

Bar Louie

I absolutely LOVED the vibe!! I have never been to or heard of Bar Louie until a few weeks ago. The service was great and everything about it just makes you feel happy. I went to the one in Kendall but they have multiple locations. We went during brunch, so they have some specials, aka $10 bottomless mimosas and the food was so good! I would love to go again!

Rice

You know that one mediterranean place that you need to spot at when you’re in town… this is it. Rice is a cute spot in Doral that serves in a style similar to Chipotle. You go to the front and add to your plate as you go or you can just order up front. Their portion sizes are on point too. It’s also a plus when you get to eat with friends!

Bahama Bucks

Although it wasn’t chocolate, it was still pretty sweet. Bahama Bucks is a local hole in the wall in Kendall. They have amazing flavors for snow cones, ice cream and basically any ice related munchie. They even have those little cards to receive a free item after purchasing ten. Remember those? 

I got one with pink lemonade flavor, warheads and sour pass topping. I don’t really have a sour taste bud but the pink lemonade helped even out the flavors.

Jeremiah’s Ice

It reminded me of an ice cream drive thru because you order your gelato, an Italian-type ice cream, in one window and pick it up in the second. It was very quick service and I loved that. I had the cookies ‘n cream gelati… yum! My cousin and I sat in the little area on the left side to cool off from our Miami heat.

Islas Canarias

This restaurant is one of the places that just touches home a bit different. When we were kids, we would always come here after sporting games or big events with our friends and family. Sitting in a long table just means you have more people to gather with and memories to share.

So this time around, I brought Tyler to experience the most Cuban spot ever, closest to my home (besides my home of course). The batido de mamey (mamey shake) hit the spot!!!!!!

Sergio’s

When in Miami!!! As one of the most famous Cuban restaurants, Sergio’s hits the spot. They have great plantain chips and croquetas ready for you! I love going for lunch time because I get to choose between breakfast and lunch foods if I’d like.

Sonic

This right here is my childhood. There used to be more Sonic’s around, but now it’s only in select locations. It’s like a fast food restaurant but they bring it to you after ordering on the side. You can either enjoy it in the comfort of your car or grab a bite inside.

Crumbl Cookie

This place is literally a 2021 staple and brand new. It opened up in London Square and has been the go to spot for most people. They serve large, warm cookies… a tad over priced though. They actually have a chain throughout the states too. My cousin told me about the spot and I just had to go with some friends! If you’re into sweets, this is for you! I’d also recommend a cup of milk!

I’ll probably always add to this list because being a foodie is so much fun. I love exploring new places and just hanging around. These restaurants truly make life a bit more exciting!

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“Wynwood’s large stock of warehouse buildings, all with no windows, would be my giant canvases to bring to them the greatest street art ever seen in one place.”

Tony Goldman

Every so often, you’ll see new art on the walls curated by artists all over the world. There’s galleries throughout and restaurants that truly showcase what Wynwood has to offer and the future of the city to what it has become– absolutely beautiful.

While there’s lots of art, there’s also lots of foodie spots in the area. Different representation from all kinds of countries. It’s truly a magnificent hot spot in Miami.

1-800 Lucky

A cute little Asian restaurant catering to the Wynwood lifestyle. Once you enter, it’s a small plaza with multiple Asian cuisines and bars. You grab what you like and sit in either indoor or outdoor. After you’re done eating, you can get some of their authentic ice cream! SO many flavors but which one do you choose? I go basic and choose vanilla with all my favorite toppings. I feel like vanilla ice cream goes with everything and tastes good every time!

Bakan

Such a cute outdoor seating kind of place, but we sat indoors. While it still felt like the sun was hitting you in the right spots, I had no regrets. The seats are pretty low too. I’d dress accordingly. The restaurant’s decor was vibrant and very festive. There was a bar area that you could also be at. Very authentic to the hispanic-eye. It was quite the experience!

Salty Donut

A few years ago, Salty Donut opened its first little portable cart. Since then, they’ve boomed in SO many ways! The founders are both Miami natives and it’s nice to witness their growth from a small business, now having multiple stores in different states. They’ve been awarded in multiple magazines, including Forbes. LOVE their donuts!!! They add extra creativity to what types of donuts they create, involving Miami’s diverse culture. I wanted to give the experience of the original shop in Wynwood to start with their roots.

Zak the Baker

I’ve been wanting to come here for so long and it was finally made possible! It’s the cutest bakery inside and not hard to miss outside because of its vibrant colored walls. They actually started as a delivery service and then opened their own place. The cookies are so moist and filled with flavor, like a homemade galleta! I’m drooling just reminiscing on it.

Cerveceria La Tropical

Choosing a place for your birthday is always hard… at least for me. I usually want somewhere with lots of history or an experience that people can take home with them. This time around, there was tons of research involved. My family was even in on it!

I ended up choosing and working with the team at Cerveceria La Tropical. The staff truly made the experience unforgettable. Here’s a little behind the scenes about the restaurant-

In July 21, 1888, the Blanco-Herrera family establishes Cervecería La Tropical on lands once owned by Federico Kohly. Cuba’s Oldest Brewery grows and grows, and by 1958 La Tropical accounts for over 60% of all beer production in Cuba, making the brand world-renowned. It’s Cuba’s oldest brewery and now, Miami’s youngest!

Manny Portuondo, February 19, 2021

You walk into the streets of the brewery and it automatically gives you Cuba vibes; from the boat to the making of the beer to the palm trees. It’s amazing! The ceilings are high, the decor is filled with flamingos and the people are extremely welcoming.

Every time a friend travels to Miami, Wynwood is the first place I’ll be like “You have to go there!” Because while Miami Beach may have beautiful beaches, it’s not all that Miami is. The art district is where locals and tourists come together. It’s truly amazing!

When are you visiting?!

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Sugar Rooftop Bar

Sugar is one of my favorite rooftop bars because of the ambiance, the nature, and the lounge-type feel. The view is amazing but just one thing- you need to make a reservation if you want to sit in a table. Other than that, the bar is available and the drinks have a great Miami vibe!

Side note: It’s on the rooftop of EAST Miami. So you’ll have to let the front desk know that you’re going to Sugar and they’ll work with the elevators to take you up.

Komodo

A true hole in the wall hotel! You have to enter 801 brickell to visit this spot, but so cute. We were at the bar most of the time, but they have a reserved spot for tables upstairs. The people are very friendly too! Shout out to the girl who gave us free edamame!

Mama Tried

I don’t know what Mama Tried was originally because a friend showed us the spot, but this is a true hole in the wall. This bar is the cozy kind, lots of jazz feels with the lights off, not a lot of dancing. It was more of the “meet up” type bar. The bartenders are SO nice and I absolutely loved how they made us some secret recipe drinks. I love coming to Mama Tried for some rewinding. 

Ch’I

Located in the heart of downtown Miami, specifically in the Brickell City Centre, Ch’I is the spotlight. It has an outdoor space, as well as indoor, with lounge and a suit kind of space. They definitely cater to all kinds of people with their cuisine. You order food in one area and drinks in the bar. Keep in mind that the menus change inside and outside! Tip: it’s more affordable with the outside menu, but you can probably always end up inside. I’d also make a reservation because the lounge sofas are tight.

While there are a lot of locals that stop by the downtown area, there’s also lots of tourism ready to grab a bite or happy hour. It’ll always be a hot spot, so don’t forget to add this area to your list!

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It’s pretty freaking amazing how much body of water surrounds these islands, the amount of activities you can do and wander off to, as well as spend time with family and making memories.

Key West, a U.S. island city, is part of the Florida Keys archipelago. It’s also Florida’s southernmost point, lying roughly 90 miles north of Cuba. Famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses, it’s a cruise-ship stop also accessible from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. It’s known more for its coral reefs – destinations for diving and snorkeling – than for its beaches.

Google

Let me tell you a little something about this post before I really get started. It’s actually based off one of my close friend’s, Alex’s, experiences. Grateful she’s letting me use her photos and fun!

I’m trying to make this as touristy as possible!

What should you do in Key West if you’re going for the first time?

90 miles to Cuba

It only took a buoy structure for everyone to know we were 90 miles from Cuba. I feel like it’s actually become a landmark since then. Havana-ooh-na-na

It’s actually just a very large statement piece. I love that everywhere you go, you have a reminder of Cuba. The stories flood every time I look at something that reminds of this beautiful country. #ThanksPapi

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Housing about 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world. The nature conservatory is in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat too. They’re absolutely beautiful!

Up close and personal too!

Ernest Hemingway’s home

Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters

This was Ernest’s home in the 1930s. As an American writer, he situated himself in Key West, Florida.

The exact address is 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040. To give you some visuals, it’s on the other side of the Key West Lighthouse by the southern coast.

Walk through Mallory Square

Duval Street

These photos don’t do it justice.

This specific street had a strip of restaurants, live music, markets, and beautiful sunsets. Mallory Square was the life of the party in the Keys.

Restaurants

• Fat Tuesday: souvenir cups are my all-time favorite!
• Willie T’s Restaurant and Bar: where you place $1 from all over and make it decor
• Kermit Key Lime Shoppe: best key lime pie ever
• Santiago’s Restaurant: yummy tapas, or Spanish food

Islamorada

Robbie’s

This place brings back so many memories. I love coming here and doing all kind of water activities. Ironically enough, I’m not a huge water person. And I’m from Miami, so that took a lot of me to say.

You can feed tarpon and manatees. Going snorkeling was my highlight! You can also rent kayaks, boats, and go into local shops for your handy dandy souvenir.

Marathon

Turtle Hospital

As a non-profit organization, the monies goes straight to the rehabilitation and care of turtles. Look how cutie they all look!

Fun fact: Another way to find sea turtles in Key West is to go snorkeling! At “The Great Florida Reef“, you can explore them too. Did you know that this coral reef is actually the only living coral barrier reef in the United States?!

Dolphin Research Center

Holding a 90k sqft saltwater lagoons makes it home to dolphins and Cali sea lions. It’s located in Grassy Key, Florida too! Since 1984, this is one of the most respected institutions that study and protect these animals.

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

Where all sea creatures meet in a safe environment. They also include sharks, tortoise, and sting way when treating them.

Did you know, turtles can breathe through their butts?

The keys is always somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. I’m pretty bias too, but it makes all the difference because South Beach and Miami Beach are always packed. This way, you have different areas to do all kinds of water activities.

Right Alex?!

If you have any questions, please let me know! I’d be happy to help mediate more places to go in these fine islands. Florida has so much to offer, so I want to be able to expand on much more than Miami.

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