The Best Miami Restaurants for Casual Weeknight Dinners

After a long day at work, odds are you won’t feel like dressing up or cooking. When you’re feeling lazy, consider these great spots for laidback weeknight dinners. 

Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen

Coral Gables’ Aussie-inspired brewery is a beer lover’s paradise. The gigantic venue is home to an assortment of satisfying suds brewed on site. Hefeweizens, pilsners, IPAs… You name it, and they got it. Complementing the copious amounts of beer is a menu comprised of highlights like lamb kababs, chicken parm, roast chicken, and smoked fish dip. Cheers!

Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen is located at 65 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information, visit their official website. 

Buya

Buya’s Japanese fare always hits the spot when you’re looking for something casual and affordable. The Wynwood eatery is known for its tasty and budget-friendly bites, as well as its short-but-sweet drink menu. Come as you are, and enjoy dishes like pork ramen, tiger prawns, shitake bao buns, and karaage chicken.   

Buya Izakaya + Yakitori is located at 250 NW 24^th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website. 

Café Bernie

For a great dinner with a gorgeous waterfront view, snag a seat at Café Bernie in Miami Beach. The casual establishment serves up a memorable mix of seafood specialties and an assortment of South Florida staples. Highlights include the ahi tuna tartare, the mango bang shrimp, the chorizo pizza and the “Like Butter” boneless short rib. 

Café Bernie is located at 5600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL  33140. For more information, visit their official website. 

CJ’s Crab Shack

Do you like your meals with a side of people watching? Then CJ’s Crab Shack on Ocean Drive is the place for you. The South Beach institution is known for its namesake protein, which can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Get the CJ’s Cajun combo for Old Bay-seasoned snow crab or treat yourself to a crab cake dinner or some Alaskan king crab. Shrimp po’ boys, fish and chips, and plenty of other non-crab dishes are also available (along with a full bar).

CJ’s Crab Shack is located at 600 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website. 

Jaguar Sun x Gilda

Jaguar Sun proper in Downtown Miami is taking a bit of a break right now due to COVID 19. In its place: Jaguar Sun x Gilda. The dual concept combines the bar’s signature drinks with food from Gilda, a tapas-inspired popup. Saddle up to the bar and enjoy bites like meatballs, bikinis (aka fancy grilled cheese sandwiches), crudos, and more. Most bites are in the $10-13 range and you can easily fill up on two or three dishes.  

Jaguar Sun x Gilda is located at 230 NE 4th Street, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website. 

Lobster Shack

If you’re more the lobster type, visit CJ’s sibling concept: Lobster Shack. You can find locations at South Pointe and Lincoln Road; neither one will disappoint. On the menu: lobster rolls galore along with fish tacos, ahi tuna salad, and a number of other delicious delights. And just like its sibling, there’s a full bar serving up hurricanes, mojitos, and other crowd favorites.

Lobster Shack has multiple locations on Miami Beach. For more information, visit their official website.   

Miami Diner

There’s one adjective that truly describes Miami Diner: comforting. You’ll feel a wave of nostalgia hit you the second you walk through the door; it’s a trip through time. As you’d expect from the name, you’ll encounter diner favorites like milkshakes, burgers, melts, subs, and just about everything but the kitchen sink. The best part: none of it breaks the bank. These prices are a steal, and you’re more than likely to leave with leftovers.

Miami Diner has multiple locations across Miami. For more information, visit their official website.

Wabi Sabi

Those of us looking for something on the lighter side will find a lot to like at Wabi Sabi. The Japanese eatery on 79^th street is known for its delectable sushi and satisfying bowls. Load up your bowl with tuna, salmon, and other fish; order maki a la carte; or just throw caution to the wind with a (very) reasonably priced omakase tasting. You deserve it. 

Wabi Sabi is located at 851 NE 79^th Street, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.