Offering the best shopping and people watching on South Beach, Lincoln Road Mall is a perfect way to spend a Miami Vacation Day. Founded during the Art Deco era, the original mall shops were an upscale destination for wealthy snowbirds seeking some of the comforts of home while on holiday. Fully updated to suit the modern shopper, the newest iteration of the mall offers great stores, cool bars, fun sidewalk cafes, a huge multi-plex movie theater and even a rock & roll bowling alley.
The ideal destination rain or shine, Lincoln Road Mall opens early and keeps going into the wee hours. Find your bliss at art galleries, theaters and the New World Symphony where free movies are screened in the park Wednesday nights.
Early birds flock to Lincoln Road to get the best spots at sidewalk cafes to enjoy the morning news and a strong Cuban coffee. On weekend mornings a farmer’s market lines the east end of the mall bringing fresh produce and artisanal foods to area residents. On the west side closer to Alton Road, a popular antique and flea market sets up stalls every other Sunday. Even before the regular stores open, smart shoppers find the best antique dealers to score vintage fashions, Mid-Century furnishings and collectibles. While the rest of us are still waking up, satisfied bargain hunters are already on their way to brunch.
Dining on Lincoln Road
Dining on Lincoln Road is simply a matter of choosing your favorite cuisine. Brunch fans like Books & Books Cafe, Ice Box and Cafe Nexxt where portions are often large enough to share. For a more upscale culinary experience, book a table at Meat Market, Baires Grill, Khong River House or Yardbird Southern Table and Bar where brunch is a popular favorite as is a flawless fried chicken dinner. Fine Cuban cuisine can be found at Yuca on the mall and more casual Latin fare is best at Abuela’s Kitchen (Abuela’s means Grandma’s so you know it’ll be tasty).
Weeknight Happy Hour
Weeknight Happy Hour is always a good time on Lincoln Road at casual bars and at Haven GastroLounge where Chef Todd Erikson crafts upscale tapas and down home Tacos to help his cleverly crafted cocktails go down more smoothly. Enjoy off-price drinks at Doraku Sushi, Rosa Mexicano, Serendipity 3 and 5 Napkin Burger where tiny sliders are also on the discount menu. As the hour grows late, cocktail lounges like Gemma and Finnegan’s get crowded as do gay-friendly bars Score and Mova. Upstairs at the Van Dyke Cafe, find live jazz performances every night of the week or sing along with new friends at the piano lounge Crescendos.
Shopping on Lincoln Road
No matter what you are looking for, you’re sure to find it at Lincoln Road. Shoppers can track down bargain fashions and the latest designer looks at dozens of boutiques selling swimwear, sandals, and sportswear for the entire family. From big box retailers like Macy’s to the brand-new H&M flagship, it’s all at the mall. Casual looks for the family are often on sale at Banana Republic, the Gap and Gap Kids. A large format Victoria’s Secret offers ladies sleepwear, shape wear and swimsuits and the Quiksilver surf shop always has men’s swim and surf looks in stock.
For branded contemporary clothing, find Desigual, Anthropoligie and Super Dry, All Saints Spitalfields and Scotch & Soda. For young men’s and women’s fast fashion looks, a three-floor Forever 21 has just opened on Euclid Circle. The bags and shoes that complete every outfit are on sale at Journeys, Aldo and Crocs. Jewelry and fashion eyewear boutiques See, Koto and Uno de 50 have all the right accents. If you are looking for something special for your home, find it at CB2, Nest and Pottery Barn.
Movies & More
At the western edge of the mall, the Regal Stadium Cinema offers 24 theaters for a quick escape to the movies and a Shake Shack and Nespresso Cafe are just outside for the perfect post film treat. Even as the hour grows late and shoppers head home, cafes like Segafredo and the Hofbrau Munchen still serve as late night destinations for after dinner and before venturing on to the nightclub district. Lincoln Road Mall is South Beach’s Main Street – a great place to go to find fun, food and fashion in the center of town.
