The heart wants what it wants, or in this case, the stomach.
When an unprompted afternoon nap leads to a scramble for dinner plans, having a quality restaurant in mind that stays open past midnight is necessary to satisfy an appetite. Good thing Miami is just the place for curing hunger pains and indulging until the house lights come on. From traditional American barbeque to authentic Latin cuisine, here are a list of eateries essential to the late-night Miami dining experience.
Skinny Louie
153 Giralda Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
954-440-2557
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Burgers and fries and shakes, oh my! Skinny Louie merges decades by capitalizing on the current smash burger craze while maintaining a ‘50s diner aesthetic. The result is a restaurant in the style of Johnny Rockets but with a greater sense of juicy flavor. A visit to Coral Gables wouldn’t feel right without stopping by the place and grabbing a combo meal as midnight rolls around. There’s a beauty in tradition being done right, something Skinny Louie understands to a T.
La Colina
11200 W. Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33174
305-225-5344
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 3 a.m.
On the surface, La Colina reads as a quaint combination bakery of Venezuelan and Colombian dishes. Look closely, however, and a few of their specialty items help them rise above the dime-a-dozen Latin eatery label. They certainly have a knack for cooking up arepas, no matter if it’s served with chorizo or chicharrón. Nothing compares to their pepitos though, a steak or chicken sandwich served on French bread and packed with Guayanés cheese, cole slaw and potato sticks. This triumph of a dish alone warrants a trip to the restaurant before the early morning.
Flanigan’s
9857 SW 40th St.
Miami, FL 33165
305-207-7427
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
An establishment synonymous with the city at this point, Flanigan’s rich history and menu speaks for itself. Being around since 1959 gives them the experience and reputation of a veteran craftsman, with their signature items being undeniable proof. The hypnotic nature of the restaurant’s green ambience is only strengthened by a delectable appetizer of rib rolls and wings that could make the average customer sing from pure joy. Prepare to take their full rack of ribs to go for next day’s leftovers.
Rey’s Pizza
2486 SW 137th Ave.
Miami, FL 33175
305-225-3611
Monday-Sunday: open 24 hours
It’s no secret that a large part of Miami’s cultural identity lies in its Cuban community. Rey’s Pizza jumps on this fact, operating as a piece of home for its recurring patrons and a different world for its new ones. Their Cuban-style pizza and spaghetti remain as fan favorites on the menu, yet the restaurant’s pièce de résistance continues to be their chocolate milkshake. Make sure to give it a try before the cat’s out of the bag. Being open nonstop ensures time will never be an issue for a paying customer.
Los Verdes
2426 SW 137th Ave.
Miami, FL 33175
305-480-6775
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Right across the aisle from Rey’s Pizza is a Colombian fast-food joint with a wonderfully simplistic menu. Los Verdes caters to a late-night craving more than any other restaurant of its caliber. Whether it’s a steak quesadilla or a mixed maicito, customers can expect a swift return on investment with deliciously addictive pineapple and pink sauces to boot. And if that wasn’t enough to fend off the stomach growls, their brownie with ice cream is borderline euphoric. The order might be made in a jiffy, but Los Verdes makes fast food feel like fine dining.
