Night Out on the Town

When it comes to the Miami social scene, this Iowan sees two types of places. One is a place to be seen and the other is not to be seen. Those places on Ocean Avenue along the South Beach district are the chic clubs where a dress code is enforced. Away from the club atmosphere are "dive" bars known for having a drink, watching some sports and eating some greasy food. Beaches Bar & Grill in the basement of the nearby Days Inn is a great example of a "dive" bar.

Arriving to Miami late on Christmas night we were afraid it would be hard to find a restaurant open to have a sandwich. That wasn't a problem at Beaches as we walked in at 1am with the grill open and a bar that closes at 5am. The menu isn't big but it has a sandwich list that most could find something they like. My blackened fish sandwich was one of the finest I've had in a while.

Those who frequent Beaches may never see the inside of a Ocean Avenue Club, but they seem to like the low-key atmosphere with their NFL Sunday Ticket, a number of tvs, and a darkly lit room. There hasn't been many renovations to this local hangout, but no one seems to care.

Once the lights go out at 5am, they don't stay out for long as it re-opens at 7am for breakfast.