Miami Beach has roughly one American restaurant per block. These include special-occasion spots where you can order steaks that cost $10 per ounce as well as a bunch of weeknight eateries with sub-$20 burgers and soundtracks that lean heavily on classic rock. The next time you need help choosing from the vast selection, consult this ranking of our top picks.
Front Porch Cafe
$$ | (305) 531-8300 | WEBSITE
Everything at Front Porch Cafe is a little different, from the fresh food with large portion sizes and the Bloody Marys that remain a highlight, to the pleasant outdoor seating for people-watching and the nice atmosphere and decor. If you’re tired of your standard brunch spots, come here. The menu selection is great, the location is convenient and South Beach-appropriate, and, while service can be inconsistent, the outdoor area is saved for walk-ins.
Cafe Americano
$$ | (786) 698-4186 | WEBSITE
Cafe Americano sits right on the main street in Miami Beach, a charming spot with an outdoor space that feels like a peaceful oasis. So if you’re looking for a great breakfast or snack, plan a visit here. The famous pancakes with dulce de leche are still on the menu, and they’re still something you should eat. We’re also fans of the blueberry pancakes and chilaquiles that make you feel like you’re having the best breakfast in town. The blackberry jelly is a must-try.
The lush, green patio with twinkling lights is cozy and inviting, and servers like Ismael and Bruno provide friendly, attentive service that keeps people coming back. Overall, it’s a wonderful place with good ambience and tasty food, making it an absolute must-visit in South Beach.
Burgermeister – South Beach
$$ | (305) 534-0070 | WEBSITE
Burgermeister’s South Beach location is one of our favorite places to eat burgers in that neighborhood, and their enormous patties are a similarly nice spot to nerd out over quality ingredients. The outdoor-only seating has around a dozen tables, all of which have views of the bustling street, where burgers are grilled to order and fries are tossed with truffle oil. There’s usually little to no wait for a table, so keep this restaurant in mind for last-minute lunches with a friend or date.
Carlyle Cafe
$$ | (305) 489-1911 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been to Miami Beach’s livelier spots, you already know what to expect from Carlyle Cafe. This place is a popular choice for a casual night out when you’d like to eat some nicely seared salmon with quinoa salad, or perfectly simple margaritas. Get in and out for under $60, and enjoy some nostalgic attire and vibrant decor while you’re at it. If it’s warm out, grab a table in the cozy outdoor seating area.
The Tavern – American Restaurant in Miami Beach
$$ | (305) 938-1145 | WEBSITE
It’s entirely possible that whoever designed The Tavern had a checklist for cozy, welcoming American spots. Just look at the perfect ambiance created by the decor and lighting, the friendly staff like Zoran and Rolando, and the lovely live music that contributes to a great vibe. Like the atmosphere, the food here is flavorful, fresh, and satisfying, and it’s better than what you’ll find at the majority of casual American spots in Miami Beach.
Get a chicken piccata for the table, then have a shrimp wrap or a spicy margarita that’s absolutely on point. The Tavern isn’t doing anything especially new or mind-blowing, but, after one visit, you’ll wish you lived closer—especially since the prices are so reasonable, making it a very affordable dining option you’ll want to return to multiple times.
Stiltsville Fish Bar
$$$ | (786) 353-0477 | WEBSITE
Stiltsville Fish Bar—featured among Miami Beach’s best American restaurants—isn’t exclusively a fish house, but a whole section of its menu celebrates “fresh seafood.” So the focus is pretty clear. This elevated casual spot with great music is perfect for when you want to sip a tasty cocktail and enjoy some oven-roasted red snapper in a lively yet conversational setting.
The fried crispy whole red snapper that comes absolutely celebrated as the best in South Florida is our top choice, but the shrimp and grits is another intelligent route, as long as you don’t mind having a mouth that tastes like delicious comfort. The staff, especially the servers, are personable and knowledgeable, providing professional service that makes the experience satisfying.
Matilda’s Kitchen – Cuban restaurant in Miami Beach
$$ | (786) 424-5499 | WEBSITE
Matilda’s Kitchen is mostly walk-in-only, and every single night you’ll find people lined up in the entryway, waiting for a table with a quiet desperation. Waits can be anywhere from one to three hours, and it confuses us emotionally to say that, yes, this place is worth a three-hour wait.
The Cuban cuisine is the best in the city, the service from hosts like Ana and Evaristo is warmer and more compelling than the majority of non-Cuban restaurants, and sometimes you just feel like sitting in a vibrant room with rustic wooden tables, colorful murals, and the occasional local who embodies the spirit of Miami Beach.
The Tavern at Oceanside Hotel – American Restaurant in Miami Beach
$$ | (305) 763-8125 | WEBSITE
Some of the spots on this list are too formal, expensive, or overwhelming for a casual outing. The Tavern at Oceanside Hotel is not. This laid-back restaurant simply wants you to relax and enjoy a satisfying meal, perhaps even on the outdoor patio. The space has a vibrant ambiance, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere, and most dishes come in under $25. You might notice a lively crowd enjoying themselves when you arrive, but don’t let that deter you.
The service usually moves smoothly, and the genuinely hospitable staff makes any brief wait worthwhile.
The Drexel
$$$ | (786) 685-4172 | WEBSITE
The Drexel is not your typical Española Way hotspot. The restaurant itself, with its chic, romantic ambiance and welcoming vibe, feels like a cozy date-night spot in Paris, though you’ll trade in Eiffel Tower views for Miami Beach’s vibrant energy. But that’s OK, because the American dishes—like the perfectly cooked chicken breast and next-level wood-fired Neapolitan pizza—are excellent stand-ins for fancy French fare.
The whole chicken, enough to feed three with plenty of fries, and the chocolate mousse cake are must-tries, while the friendly service and top-notch cocktails make it a favorite for happy hour or a relaxed evening out.
Shake Shack South Beach Miami
$ | (305) 434-7787 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving something, and you know, deep down, that you absolutely need to eat a burger in Miami Beach, go to Shake Shack. The convenient location on a main shopping street is perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends, and the burgers are near-flawless. Get the popular ShackBurger, pair it with the customizable avocado burger with extra lettuce and crispy onions, and round things out with the fries.
Yes, every other burger joint in the area serves some type of fries, but the portion here could be larger, though the overall burger experience is a non-optional order. Shake Shack is one of the friendliest spots in the area, with helpful staff and self-service kiosks making ordering smooth, but seeing as this is South Beach, decent seating tends to be busy. The solution? Grab a table outdoors.