Hello!

I am traveling for the 1st time to South Beach. We are staying at the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club. Any recommendations for restaurants and bars? Also, what should I wear for a night out in South Beach?

Thanks!

There are hundreds of choices of restaurants. It would help to know what you're looking for--casual or upscale? I like to walk Lincoln Road and pick a sidewalk cafe. You really can't go wrong. Spris is good for wood-burning oven, European style pizza.

I also like Grillfish for something indoors--great food in a festive atmosphere. It's on collins avenue.

If you're looking for posh, I'm not the one to ask

As far as dress is concerned, South Beach's motto is "if you got it, flaunt it!"

Sorry about the hotel choice (the Catalina is a crash pad in an OK location, but that's about the best thing that can be said). But you'll save a lot of money for the restaurants and bars.

Lincoln Road will have lots of choices for eateries. You can just walk around and follow your nose. NEXXT Café and Tiramesu were good last time I was there.

I love Grillfish too. A Fish Called Avalon at the Avalon Hotel is another great seafood specialist.

Wish, in The Hotel, is an outstanding restaurant. And very expensive. Just down Collins is Puerto Sagua, a Cuban diner with great food.

Lario's on Ocean is Gloria Estefan's Cuban restaurant in South Beach, and it's improved since its opening, so it's worth a stop.

Clubs? The scene goes up and down, gay and straight, electronic and hip-hop.... It's ever-changing and can be exhausting after a few years. Check out this site for some guidance:

www.southbeach-usa.com

Oh, and as far as what to wear, kick it up a few notches. The natives dancing in the bars will include a lot of models (the agencies all have outposts in South Beach), so it will be a pretty good-looking crowd. Pore over that South Beach website for pictures, and then use your judgment as to what you can get away with.

Thanks for the follow up. I hope the hotel is ok - I had such a hard time trying to find something that wasn't astonomically high. I am open to any restaurants, we will be going out afterwards so I don't want to blow $300 on dinner, but someplace with ambience and good food!

Thanks for the info.

I have heard great things about Taverna Opa from my cousin who lives in Miami...close to bars, fun shows, great courtyard to lounge out back. We'll be going this weekend so I'll find out myself!

http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2003-05...pa-cabana/full