A guide to local favorites in the MiMo District Miami
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 your local
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.
@suzettelaboyWant to get in touch? Email bytheway@washpost.com
Where I live:
Miami Shores, a suburb 15 minutes away from downtown, Wynwood and Miami Beach. This tree-lined neighborhood on the shores of Biscayne Bay is often called “the Village Beautiful.”
Best way to get around the city:
Miami isn’t known for its public transportation. There are Uber and Lyft, but to get a more intimate feel of the city, search for bike sharing and rentals. Many of the surrounding cities, like Coral Gables and Miami Beach, offer buses or trolleys.
Don’t leave Miami without having:
A cafecito from a ventanita (walk-up window) at one of Miami’s Cuban coffee stops. Don’t forget a croqueta or a sweet cheese pastry.
But the local favorite is really:
Crandon Park, in the northern part of Key Biscayne. Cross mainland Miami on the Rickenbacker Causeway for spectacular water views before stopping at this urban park, full of bike trails, tennis, grills for a barbecue and perfect beach spots.
If I moved, I’d most miss:
The proximity to the Florida Keys. It takes about an hour to get to the northernmost key, and four to reach Key West, at the southernmost tip of the United States. But the drive alone, over marshes and crystal-clear water, is an escape.
MiMo District
Blue Collar
This restaurant from Miami native and owner Daniel Serfer is worth the wait. Blue Collar is known for its comfort food, like braised oxtails and shrimp and grits, among other dishes.
Blue Collar, 6730 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Fla. 33138
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
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.
@suzettelaboyScott 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.
@scottymacphoto
