jubileegirl

Spending 3 nights in Miami next month, me, my husband (both older than we would like !)and our 15 year old daughter who is heavily into music, fashion, boys etc. We need some ideas for places to eat that would be fun, not too expensive, not so trendy that we feel like old has-beens, but lots to look at!Some live music would be good too. We're not bothered what type of food but anything we don't get here in the UK would be appealing! We're staying at the northern end of South Beach but have a car and don't mind driving somewhere although walking from our hotel might be better so we can drink.Any ideas?

GoTravel

Firstly, a car in South Beach is a waste of money. Whatever you are paying in rental fees, add $15-$25 per day in parking fees. Everything is in walking distance.

If you are planning on travel outside South Beach, I would rent the car then.

As for restaurants, what is your idea of not too expensive? Jerry's Deli is good as is News Cafe and you can eat at both for under $10 per person.

Not sure about the live music. The only music venues I can think of are the clubs and you have to be over 21. We are very strict about the drinking age over here and enforce it.

Don't worry about feeling like old has beens. You will see all kinds in South Beach.

jubileegirl

Thanks for your reply! We're staying at the Holiday Inn South Beach which has (allegedly - it says so on our booking confirmation anyway!) FREE parking!!!
As far as expense I meant nothing way way over the top - I suppose up to $20 (ish) per head plus drinks.
Oh, and we weren't expecting to ply our daughter with alcohol!!! A coke (of the liquid variety) is her drink of choice! The reference to walking so we could have a drink was so my husband can have a beer or two!We just wondered if there were any restaurants where there was live music or something else a bit different to keep Chloe entertained. Glad too that we won't seem out of place - I had visions of everyone being under 30 and feeling like someone's Granny who'd got off the bus at the wrong stop!

GoTravel

There is an Outback Steakhouse in the Holiday Inn and it is very good and reasonably priced.

You will love the location of the Holiday Inn.

rjw_lgb_ca

Go have given you some great advice (hi, Go!!). I will only add a couple of tidbits.

A lot of the Ocean Drive hotels offer live music starting in the late afternoons (especially on the weekends), so if you're dining at one of them, you get that perk. I think Lario's on the Beach has live bands on the weekends, for example. I don't think they'd throw anyone out if you're dining there-- and the food is reasonably priced there. It's Cuban and perfectly acceptable, but not my favorite in South Beach (that would be Puerto Sagua). The Big Pink is a diner-style joint that won't break the bank. News Café is a good option as well. And I always enjoy going to the original Jerry's up in the Valley (North Hollywood area, CA), so that's a great place for noshing.

That Holiday Inn is just outside the District, but it's a not-horrible walk down. However, it will be very, very hot and humid, so buy water bottles and stay well-hydrated. Have fun!

amcc

I'd say Lincoln Road, on 17th between Alton and Collins is top-notch for things to look at. Standard American fare at Nexxt Cafe, good pizza at Spris, decent sushi at Sushi Samba, good Italian at Rosinella's, although half the fun is walking it up and down and choosing a place to eat at. Van Dyke Cafe had live jazz and they were owned by the News Cafe people.

Lincoln Road has a good vibe - locals go there too! Most places have tables outside, and the parade of people is non-stop. The Ghirardelli ice cream shop is a delicious way to cool off, as is Parmalat. Have fun!

jubileegirl

Lots of good tips there so thanks everyone! Can't wait until we visit!