Coconut Grove

The commercial district of Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest neighborhood, is a short walk (and even shorter complementary ride) from the Courtyard Marriott Coconut Grove and about a 20-25 minute walk from the Hampton Inn. There are standard French, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Thai, and American offerings and a variety of other possibilities at various price levels. Some of the more distinctive dining options include:

Bayshore Club Bar and Grill: This is Thursday night's gathering place. A waterfront location, between city hall and a big marina, just a few minutes’ walk from the Courtyard Marriott hotel. To get there, cross Bayshore Drive, turn right, and walk to Pan-Am Drive. Turn left, walk towards city hall and the bay, and you will see the Bayshore Club on your left. From the Hampton by Hilton, it is about a twenty-minute walk. Turn right at the end of the hotel drive, go to 27th Ave. and turn right. Walk to Darwin street and take a slant left. Walk past the Marriott and follow the directions from there. The Bayshore Club has indoor and outdoor dining and a covered bar outside with great views of Biscayne Bay. We usually have a gathering place for people who arrive the night before the conference and want food or just company, and this is the choice for this year.

Monty’s: This is right on the bay, a couple of blocks from the Marriott. It specializes in seafood, including Florida Stone Crabs, which should be in season during the conference. It’s a little touristy but a Coconut Grove Institution.

Glass and Vine: Pleasant outdoor dining in Peacock Park.

Chug’s Diner: A Cuban American take on diner food that is listed in the Michelin Guide.

Jaguar: Various sorts of Latin American Food at a reasonable price.

Los Felix: A Michelin Starred Restaurant focusing on Mesoamerican cuisine.

Ariete: Another Michelin Starred Restaurant. Prepare to take out a second mortgage.

Close to the Hampton Inn

Berries in the Grove: A nice restaurant around the corner from the hotel.

Various fast food places and markets can be found within a short walk of the Hampton Inn, including at the Coconut Grove Metrorail station, though once again, exercise extreme caution crossing US 1. One surprisingly good fast food option (though I haven’t eaten at this location) is Pollo Tropical, which has a number of Latin options and is just a few steps from the hotel.

Near the University (but not walking distance):

The Fontana at the Biltmore Hotel: This restaurant is in the courtyard of the Biltmore Hotel, a 1925 gem that has been fully restored. If you go, don’t miss visiting the beautiful lobby of the hotel.

Further afield, there are plenty of good restaurants in South Miami(near the University), in the business district of Coral Gables, and on Brickell Avenue, all a relatively quick drive or ride from the hotels. Further afield are the riches of Miami Beach, the design district, and Wynwood.