All three of these areas, quite unique to Miami, are where Black settlers from the Bahamas and the US made South Florida their home. Black American Soul Food and Bahamian cuisine is to be expected when venturing into these heritage neighborhoods.
Historic Overtown was the all-Black city where businessmen, landowners and celebrities came to live work and play during the segregation era. Liberty City became the playground of many Blacks migrating from Georgia to a deeper South in the early 60s. Coconut Grove saw the infusion of Black American and Bahamian culture creating new ways of life for the Southern Floridian. With integration, the I-95 cause-way, and massive migrations north for work, Overtown, Liberty City and Coconut Grove rapidly transformed into sleepy towns with historically designated architectural relics waiting patiently for the return of its vibrant residents.
Albeit the changes, one thing that’s stayed the same in each of these places is the yummy soul food akin to a Sunday family dinner at Granny’s house. Fried croquettes, grits, cornbread, collard greens, sweet yams, buttermilk biscuits, all home-cooked and served piping hot in Southern Comfort Glory. With a cultural serving of Caribbean delights: steamed conch, rice and peas based in coconut milk, brown stews and curried chicken, here are some restaurants to put on the itinerary.
Restaurants in Overtown
Jackson Soul Food: Hearty Soul Food breakfast and lunch. Top rated dining experience with delicious entrees; order a few to share. Collard greens and cornbread are definitely on this menu. Open for breakfast and lunch. 950 NW 3rd Avenue
Lil Greenhouse Grill: American and Soul Food Fusion. Expect burgers and fries and shrimp and grits. This restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with great service. It is quite intimate, great for two and small parties. Serves wine and beer. 1300 NW 3rd Avenue
Restaurants in Liberty City
Bahamian Pot Restaurant: Authentic Bahamian cuisine. Stewed conch, whole fish. Delish! Be sure to try the Bahamian Soda and desserts and take a selfie behind the rustic Caribbean décor and friendly staff. 6301 NW 6th Avenue
MLK Restaurant: This is all feel good comfort food. Smothered chicken, boiled fish, grits and more. MLK is home-grown staff with an extremely local vibe. Expect to see police officers, commissioners, pastors and real community patron MLK. 5931 NW 17th Avenue
Snappers: Everything is fried in a golden batter. Fresh, fast, tasty seafood, chicken and fries. The lemon pepper chicken wings are beyond amazing. If this seasoning is new to the palate, ask for light sauce to get the perfect blend. 6700 NW 7th Avenue
Pop-ups in West Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove Farmers Market: Peruse this well-visited fresh market every Saturday for fresh produce, holistic items and yummy finds. This market brings local artisans together to enrich and sustain humanity. Rain or shine! 3300 Grand Avenue