Where to Eat Before a Miami Marlins Game

4 mins read
Elia on the River

Sure, peanuts and Cracker Jack are classics, but Miami has way better options just blocks from the ballpark. Skip the stadium food (at least for now) and check out these satisfying eats before you settle into your seat at LoanDepot Park.

Elia on the River

This is waterfront dining with MVP energy. Elia on the River feels like a mini getaway before first pitch: breezy, sun-drenched, and full of Southern Italian flavor. Their spicy rigatoni is a fan favorite, and the charred octopus? Tender, smoky perfection. Whether you’re pregaming with a cocktail by the water or grabbing a quick pizza, Elia makes even a regular Tuesday night game feel like a special occasion. Bonus: it’s close enough to the park to roll in fashionably full.

Hijole Taqueria

For a speedy, wallet-friendly meal before the game, Híjole hits the mark every time. The ordering process at this taco shop is straightforward and hassle-free, and the food comes out fresh and fast, so you don’t waste any time. Best of all, the prices are easy on the budget, leaving you plenty of room to grab your favorite snacks or drinks once you’re inside the ballpark. It’s the perfect quick stop to fuel up before the first pitch.

Hijole Taqueria is located at 2164 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 33125. For more information, visit their official website

Old Lisbon

Got time to kill? Enjoy a leisurely meal at Old Lisbon. The Portuguese restaurant trades in wings and sliders for sizzling garlic shrimp and flaky cod that will have your taste buds on Cloud 9. It’s rich, rustic, and way more interesting than your usual bar grub; it’s the perfect pregame detour when you’re tired of the same old lineup of fried everything. And the best part? It’s only a short drive from the stadium. 

Pinolandia

Need a quick, hearty meal before the game? Pinolandia, just a few blocks from the stadium, is your ticket to authentic Nicaraguan comfort food. Their generous portions of carne asada, gallo pinto, and crispy fried cheese are packed with flavor and ready fast, so you can indulge and get to the game without missing a moment. It’s a local favorite that’s open 24/7 – perfect for early arrivals and late-night celebrations alike.

Pinolandia is located at 119 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33128. For more information, visit their official website

The Brightside

At The Brightside, the game’s already on –  even if it hasn’t started. TVs blasting, beers pouring, and plates piled high with crowd-pleasers like wings, burgers, and loaded nachos. It’s loud, it’s local, and it’s built for the diehards. The Coral Way favorite also has some wild cards on the menu, including a fantastic Beef on Weck sandwich. The food and vibe here is so good that you might just skip the game and watch it here. 

The Brightside is located at 1721 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145. For more information, visit their official website

Geoffrey Anderson

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. is a contributing/staff writer for Dish Miami. For over six years, he has covered the South Florida dining scene with his wife for the award-winning local food blog Miami Food Pug. When he's not writing about food, he's eating it—or attending rock concerts and traveling.

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