We will be spending one night in Miami prior to a cruise right in the heart of spring break. Can you suggest a restaurant that will be a fun or interesting dining experience that isn't in the party zone? There will be 10 of us, ranging from 10 years - 67 years old.

Our hotel is near the airport but we'll have a car.

Thank you.

Dinner at The Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne is nice. Would strongly recommend sitting OUTSIDE by the water NOT inside. (You'll probably need dinner reservations for your party.) Dining inside The Rusty Pelican isn't "all that." Travel by car is about 25 min. from the airport.

You can also try BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE www.baysidemarketplace.com -- lots to
see and do, but you may encounter crowds.

You'll need to be a little more descriptive about your hotel for us to help you out with more restaurants in your immediate area.

;-)

Bayside is a huge tourist trap (but if you like Bubba Gumps....).

If you don't mind driving, I highly suggest Wolfie Cohen's Rascal House. It is a landmark and very good.

Miami Beach at 172nd and Collins Avenue.

The Rusty Pelican is a great suggestion.

Thank you for the suggestions so far.
We're in the Springhill Suites, which used to be the Amerisuites near the Airport. The say we're about 9 miles from the Port of Miami.

Driving is fine.

Rascal House is fabulous, though I've only been their for their famous and delicious breakfasts!

Here are a few other suggestions:

5 minutes away from your hotel: LARIO'S (Cuban Cuisine) - 79th Avenue & Flagler.

15 minute away - Houston's in Coral Gables - 201 Miracle Mile (which is the same as SW 24th Street/Coral Way). Houston's is a bit pricey, but the food is great. If you're looking for something moderate in the Gables, try JJ's American Diner.

I personally love Coral Gables. More of an upscale locals' hangout and very pedestrian friendly. Walk around
the "Gables" [as the locals call it] and then have dinner (most of the shops close early on the mile). Lots metered parking. www.greatgables.com You can let the 10yr. old loose at kids section of the Barnes & Noble catty-corner from Houston's.

Lastly, if you want something simple, not too pricey and about 10 minutes away from your hotel- Try Roadhouse Grill on NW 12th Street & 87th Avenue --or the Doral Alehouse on NW 37th Street & 87th Avenue. There's also a Shorty's BBQ restaurant on NW 22 Street & 87th Avenue.

;-)

Go to Versailles in Little Havanana, SW 8th St. and SW 35th Ave. Huge portions, interesting Cuban cuisine with plenty of American style dishes too, and bargain prices. It's world famous and very nice, not more than a few miles from your hotel.

I'd say Havana Harry's in the Gables is a good Cuban Restaurant as is Las Culebrinas. Versailles is a landmark near the Airport west of Little Havana. In Coral Gables there are tons of restaurants Anacapri, Bugatti, and Randazzo's are great Italian restaurants.