Last-minute plans are a common sight in Miami, and finding a place to host you without a reservation can prove difficult. That said, there are some places that will do their best to accommodate impromptu plans. Check out these great spots known for their hospitality:
Buya Izakaya + Yakitori
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, you shouldn’t have to wait long for a table at Buya, the Wynwood hotspot for Japanese cuisine. Once you’re seated, we suggest ordering 2-3 plates per person; everything is designed to be shared. It’s tough narrowing down what to order – everything is so good – but you can’t go wrong with the salmon sashimi, tempura beech mushroom, and duck gyoza hot pot.
Buya Izakaya + Yakitori is located at 250 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Café Bernie
No reservation? Not a problem at Café Bernie, which has an abundance of waterfront, indoor, and bar seating. Wherever you end up seating, you’re in for a treat. Chef Bernie Matz’s South Florida-inspired cuisine is to die for. Case in point, the famous seafood chowder. Two words: wow. Other notable dishes include the avocado tostadas, the key west conch fritters, and the Miami frita burger. And yes, there’s a full bar.
Café Bernie is located at 5600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit their official website.
CJ’s Crab Shack
Don’t let the large crowds discourage you: There’s always room at CJ’s Crab Shack. The monstrous Ocean Drive restaurant is home to some of the best seafood on South Beach – namely crab. While the snow crab and king crab are the stars of the show, everything else on the menu deserves just as much praise. Some of the best sellers: crab dip, grouper fingers, fried shrimp, and the seafood pasta.
CJ’s Crab Shack is located at 600 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Cozy Corner
A Miami Springs institution, Cozy Corner offers exactly that: a cozy meal. Everyone is so warm and friendly, and the food is like a giant hug. Expect to find comfort classics like deli sandwiches, southwestern chili, quarter-pound hot dogs, hoagies, and homestyle fare like country-fried steak and meatloaf. There’s a little bit of everything here.
Cozy Corner is located at 90 Westward Drive, Miami Springs, FL 33166. For more information, visit their official website.
Lobster Shack
Just like its sibling concept CJ’s Crab Shack, the Lobster Shack specializes in its namesake dish. If you’re looking for amazing lobster rolls, this is the place. Ample seating at this Lincoln Road and South Pointe favorite means little to no wait for a table on most days. Not sure what to order? The naked lobster roll warm with butter will blow your mind, as will the seared tuna salad and the fish taco.
Lobster Shack has multiple locations on Miami Beach. For more information, visit their official website.
Miami Diner
Diners are known for fast service and affordable food, and Miami Diner is no different. At either of its two convenient locations, Miami Diner will get you in and out fast and full. As you’d expect, the menu is extensive with everything from burgers and milkshakes to pasta dishes, subs, and sandwiches. Even appetizers like the mozzarella sticks and chicken meatballs are large enough to be your entire meal. It’s hard to find this much value elsewhere.
Miami Diner has multiple locations across Miami. For more information, visit their official website.
Titanic Brewery & Restaurant
Located around the corner from the University of Miami, Titantic Brewery & Restaurant is a reliable no-frills bar with good food and stiff drinks. The dive-bar vibes may make you think twice about getting food here, but trust us: it’s pretty darn good. The crawfish and andouille bisque is a satisfying starter and the pork katsu sandwich is a sleeper hit. Ahi tuna sliders, BBQ St. Louis ribs, and jambalaya are also worth a look.
Titanic Brewery & Restaurant is located at 5813 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33146. For more information, visit their official website.
Wabi Sabi
Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, you’ll likely find a free seat or two at Wabi Sabi. The 79th street eatery serves up delicious sushi and other Japanese specialties. The food is so tasty that you’ll lose track of time; you’ll just want to keep ordering more and more. This problem has an easy solution: do one of the tastings. It’s not cheap but worth every penny.
Wabi Sabi is located at 851 NE 79th Street, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
