NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
A guide to local favorites in the MiMo District
- By Suzette Laboy
- Photos by Scott McIntyre
A few decades ago, the area along Biscayne Boulevard from 54th to 77th streets was lined with motels in mid-20th-century architecture. It quickly developed a bad reputation (think drugs and prostitution) but has since been revitalized, thanks to developers and locals hoping to preserve the iconic Miami Modern style. Today there’s a mix of boutiques and restaurants, Art Deco motels on Biscayne, and the iconic 35-foot Coppertone Girl sign.
Meet Suzette Laboy
Suzette has lived in Miami since she was 5 and embraces its constantly warm but often finicky weather (hello, random afternoon rain showers). But even given that, she prefers to be outdoors, exploring Miami one park and neighborhood at a time.
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Email bytheway@washpost.comRead more about Suzette
MiMo District
Morningside Park
Although the residential part of the historical neighborhood of Morningside is gated, anyone can enjoy the green space of this park that runs a few blocks along Biscayne Bay. It features tennis and basketball courts, a playground, walking trails and water sports.
Morningside Park, 750 NE 55th Terr. Miami, Fla. 33137
The Vagabond
The Vagabond, the first MiMo remodel on the block, enjoys the lore of it being a Rat Pack motel hangout back in the day. The boutique hotel still includes a retro lobby with 1950s-inspired furniture.
The Vagabond, 7301 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Fla. 33138
The Anderson
The Anderson pays homage to the former neighborhood bar that once was, with red couches and a piano onstage. The bar has a 1980s theme and an outdoor patio with a beach vibe and lounge chairs.
The Anderson, 709 NE 79th St. Miami, Fla. 33138
Jimmy’s Eastside Diner
This classic neighborhood diner opened in the late ’60s and has kept much of the retro feel. The portions are big, and the service is fast. It was featured in the 2016 movie “Moonlight,” whose Oscar for best picture now attracts crowds to the once-quiet spot.
Jimmy’s Eastside Diner, 7201 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Fla. 33138
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Suzette Laboy
Suzette has lived in Miami since she was 5 and embraces its constantly warm but often finicky weather (hello, random afternoon rain showers). But even given that, she prefers to be outdoors, exploring Miami one park and neighborhood at a time.
Scott McIntyre
Scott is a Miami Beach-based contributing photographer for The Washington Post who has been proud to call himself a Floridian since 2011. He has photographed a variety of stories throughout the state and beyond, but his favorite focus has been finding the people, locales and ideas that make Florida the unique place that it is. While some like to make fun of Florida, he likes to celebrate it.