Explore Lincoln Road Like A Local

Lincoln Road, in the heart of Miami Beach, is one of the most architecturally intriguing streets in the world. In addition to its treasure trove of Art Deco buildings, it also features sculptures that architect Morris Lapidus designed for the middle of the pedestrian-only promenade. Today, Lincoln Road boasts an abundance of world-class shops and restaurants, and it’s a hotbed for art and performances.

With so much to do and see along Lincoln Road, sometimes visitors find it challenging to pinpoint what to do. But locals know all the good spots and can guide you to the best places to discover. So come along and experience Lincoln Road like a local, and find all the restaurants, rooftop bars and art galleries that make it such a unique destination.

Morning Coffee and Breakfast Spots

Lincoln Road is especially alluring in the morning, when the streets are quiet and you can enjoy the warm breeze in total peace. Stop into Cortadito Coffee House, just off Lincoln Road on Meridian Avenue, and power your morning walk with a jolt of Cuban coffee. Then, grab a pastelito or croquetas for an authentic Cuban breakfast on the go. You can also stop into Segafredo near the west end of Lincoln Road for an Italian-style coffee experience, lounging outside and sipping espresso in the morning sun. For a sweet treat, pop into Rosetta Bakery.

Shopping and Unique Finds

For locals, the highlight of the week is the Lincoln Road Farmers Market, where vendors from all over the Miami area offer fresh vegetables, inventive crafts and distinctive clothes. It runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also find rare gems and quizzical objects at the Lincoln Road Antique and Collectible Market, which takes place two or three times a month from October to May.

For more traditional shopping, Lincoln Road has a handful of cool boutiques that locals love. Habitat Hyett is filled with art and vintage clothing as well as items like vintage books, postcards and shell-covered steering wheels. For a unique souvenir, stop at Wanahat for a custom-shaped Panama hat perfect for walking on the beach. You’ll also find one of the most stylish bookstores in the world on Lincoln Road – TASCHEN Books. It’s located in the 1111 Lincoln Road building, an architecturally stunning parking garage designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

Cultural and Artsy Moments

With the abundance of shops, restaurants and street performers, it’s easy to walk by all the public art on Lincoln Road and barely notice it. Slow down a little, and you’ll find the median strip is filled with some cool sculptures. The works rotate frequently, but previous artists have included sculptor Daniel Anderson and visual artist Rubem Robierb.

The Colony Theatre, an Art Deco gem that’s home to the Miami New Drama theater company, anchors Lincoln Road’s west end. It’s a showcase for exceptional local playwrights and actors who bring Miami’s stories to life. Some shows even spill out onto Lincoln Road, using its shops and walkways as their stages.

Oolite Arts hosts resident artists at its Lincoln Road studio. It’s a great spot to find works by local artists. Other notable Lincoln Road art galleries include Peter Lik Miami, which is filled with fine art photography, and LUMAS Miami Beach, which features sculptures and pop art.

Lunch Like A Local

Lunchtime is perfect for people-watching on Lincoln Road, as you enjoy a leisurely meal at one of its many sidewalk tables. Grab a bite at Spris, a Neapolitan pizza spot that’s been a locals’ favorite for 20 years. There are many Italian restaurants along Lincoln Road. Osteria da Fortunata is one of the best. Its only location outside of Italy is the one on Lincoln Road. Havana 1957, adorned in mid-century Latin décor and featuring a large menu of Cuban classics, is a good bet for Cuban food. If your whole party can’t decide what kind of cuisine to choose, head to the Lincoln Eatery food hall, where more than a dozen local, fast-casual concepts offer a little bit of everything.

Outdoor Experiences

The New World Symphony’s concert hall, the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, sits just off Lincoln Road. It hosts WALLCAST® simulcasts of select performances on a giant outdoor screen (with spectacular acoustics) in the adjacent Soundscape Park. The park also hosts the Soundscape Cinema Series, screening outdoor movies on Wednesday evenings from October through May. Grab a blanket and picnic basket and join the throngs of locals who make these events a fall and winter tradition. Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach offers an open-air movie experience year-round with breathtaking skyline and sunset views.

Happy Hour and Sunset Vibes

Sipping cool cocktails along Lincoln Road is one of the best ways to take in the sights and sounds, especially as the sun goes down. Sunset drinks are always in order at Mila, a swanky rooftop bar and restaurant with elevated views from its second-floor terrace. For stunning sunset views, hit Twisted Tonic atop the Lincoln Eatery, where you’ll see the sky change colors from 15 floors up.

Dinner and Late Night Eats

There are many places to choose from for dinner on Lincoln Road. Locals love Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, a block south of Lincoln Road, for its fried chicken. Andres Carne de Res is a lively Colombian restaurant that transforms into a full-on party as the night progresses. Issabella’s, an intimate Mediterranean spot with an impressive wine list, is perfect for date night.

Insider Tips

One of the cooler hidden gems on Lincoln Road – literally – is Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza, tucked inside a nondescript office building on Michigan Avenue office building. If you can find it, it’s worth the journey.

If you’re driving, park at the 17th Street Garage. The location is perfect, and the $2/hour rate can’t be beat. There is a $15/hour flat rate during special events.

Those going by foot can take advantage of the Miami Beach Trolley, which offers loops around South Beach.

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