Our Favourite Places in Miami
Our Guide to Miami
At The Small Social, we firmly believe in that old saying: work hard, play harder. We recently went on a retreat to Miami where we took some time to reset as a team, reorient ourselves as a business, and have a LOT of fun in the sun too. The trip was quick - we were only in Miami for 2 full days - but we packed a lot in and fell in love with some amazing local places. Keep reading for our Miami favourites.
Wet Willie’s South Beach
If you’ve never been to Miami, you need to stop in for a margarita at Wet Willie’s. Located directly across from South Beach, this infamous frozen marg place is every margarita-lover’s dream.
There are more than 20 flavours to choose from, plus you have the option to mix a few together to make your own. Think of it like the vacation version of the 7-Eleven slushy. More flavours and way more fun.
Pro tip: Get the to-go cup so you can go walk the streets while you enjoy your refreshing drink.
Orange Blossom
We had two dinners while we were in Miami. On the first night, we went to Orange Blossom. The vibe is quiet and calm, but the food and drinks are unreal. There were quite a few dishes that our team raved about. For the seafood lovers, the tuna steak, shrimp guacamole and the mussels are must try menu items. Ashley even said that the mussels were the best she’s ever had. The fillet was also amazing (get the mushroom sauce), and if you love a good spicy margarita, this is the place to get one.
Don’t miss: The incredible patio and the photo-op worthy wall decor.
Mango’s
Remember the part where we play hard? That’s where Mango’s comes in. This lively night club features great drinks, the most incredible atmosphere, and hours of live entertainment. The performances were fun with talented singers and exciting dances. Vic’s favourite performance was Livin’ on a Prayer. In addition to the bar set up, there is also a full dancefloor, if dancing the night away is more your style.
Tip: If you want a good seat for the performances, book ahead. It fills up quickly.
Pastis
If you’ve read our Top Places in New York City blog, you know that we love Pastis. This French-inspired restaurant features simple, classic food that’s easy to enjoy. On our second night, we were THRILLED to find a Pastis location in Miami, and even more excited to discover that it’s just as good as the location in NYC. What do we recommend? Almost everyone at our table got the fillet, and it did not disappoint. When 6 people get the same meal and all rate it a 10/10, it’s definitely worth a try. The artichoke app was also phenomenal, as was the gratin au macaroni (fancy mac + cheese).
Talkin' Tacos
What do you need after a late night of dancing and fun? For our team, it was a trip to Talkin’ Tacos. We tried a variety of tacos there and not a single item disappointed. The highlights included the guacamole, the shrimp tacos, and the chicken tacos. According to more than one member of the team, the shrimp and chicken tacos were some of the best they’ve ever had.
Our best advice: everyone should order something different and share. Everything is good.
Wynwood
On day two, we spent the afternoon wandering around town. One of the places that was constantly recommended to us was Wynwood. The neighbourhood is beautiful and covered in murals all over the buildings. We enjoyed walking through the streets and seeing all of the incredible art. There are countless cute shops to visit, especially if you’re looking for some fun souvenirs to take home from the trip. We also stumbled on a great frozen margarita place (are you noticing a theme with our team?) which had traditional and strawberry frozen margs ready to go.
The Beach
Miami has no shortage of beaches, that’s for sure. But if you’re looking for the perfect sand, great spots to lounge, and easy access to restaurants and entertainment, you need to go to South Beach.
Don’t miss: the incredible sunsets over the water. Truly breathtaking.
The Airbnb
For our accommodations, we were looking for a place that would let us be together in one space, relax in the mornings, and offer some fun if we simply wanted to lounge around. We found the most beautiful Airbnb in El Portal, just a few minutes away from the excitement of Miami. We took full advantage of the large dining area, the fully equipped kitchen, the cozy living room, and of course the beautiful backyard and pool. If we go back, we will definitely stay here again.
Whether you’re heading to Miami for a quick weekend getaway, or you’re taking a longer vacation, be sure to check out our Miami favourites. We promise, you won’t be disappointed.
