Kristina & Alexander
Things To Do
COFFEE: Various Coffee Spots
There are many different coffee shops that you can stop at for your morning wake up. Here are some of our favorites: -Cali Coffee (this one is our personal favorite) -Ella Cafe -Cubico Coffee -Starbucks
RESTAURANT: Rendezvous
Rendezvous is a nice on the water sea food restaurant. Also home of "The best burger Alex has ever had!"
RESTAURANT: Gabose Korean BBQ
This place is a bit pricy but if you are looking for Korean BBQ this is the best place to go. The food is absolutely delicious and there are many options to choose from. If a fun sit down BBQ isn't what you're in the mood for though, right next door is Gabose Pocha which has more of a bar feel with great drinks and good food as well.
RESTAURANT: Kristof's Kafe
A relaxed spot to get yummy breakfast and lunch foods.
RESTAURANTS: General Chains
Here are just some of the many chain restaurants that we enjoy! -The Cheesecake Factory: Make sure you come hungry, this place has ridiculous portions and the menu is a literal book, so there is something for everyone. Just make sure you leave some room for some cheesecake which comes at a measly 1300 calories per slice. -Flanigans: A south Florida classic for greasy bar food. We highly recommend the Rockin' Rib Rolls. -Texas Roadhouse: Literally the best bread you'll ever have and its free so why not try it! Oh and its a steakhouse, so its also good for that. -
BREAKFAST PLACES: General Chains
There are many casual breakfast places to go to. Some notable ones are Dennys, The Original Pancake House, IHOP, and First Watch. There are many of these around so we recommend searching for the one closest to where you're staying. Some of our own personal thoughts: -Denny's is great for a good stack of pancakes and open 24/7 -Original pancake house has the best orange juice -Honorable mention Cracker Barrel for breakfast (French toast) but they are open all day
DESSERT: General
Here are some of our favorite dessert spots in the area (Note: some of them have multiple locations so see which one is the closest to you!): -Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream: Easily our favorite ice-cream place! You have the option to completely customize your ice cream and its honestly delicious a MUST try to be honest! (vegan options available) -Crumbl: Our favorite cookie spot and they come out with different flavors every week, so if you are here for multiple then you can have a variety to try. -Jeramiah's Italian ice: sells yummy Italian ice, ice cream, or a mix of both. (vegan options available)
FOOD: Vicky Bakery
There is a couple locations of this cuban pastry shop and cafe. You should definitely stop on buy if you'd like to try some cuban cuisine. Our personal recommendations are: Ham/chicken croquetas, pastelitos de guayaba (guava pastry), cafe con leech (coffee with milk), and of course some Cuban bread.
DAY/NIGHT OUT: Funky Buddha Brewery
Floridas most famous craft beer. Tours are offered on weekends and they have good drinks and games on property.
NIGHT OUT: The Wharf
The Wharf is a spacious outdoor bar where you can find drinks, food trucks, and good music. There are two locations, this one and a Miami one, but we personally recommend this one. To enter is free you just have to have your ID and be 21+ years old. $$
DAY/NIGHT OUT: Pembroke Gardens
Pembroke Gardens is an outdoor mall with various shops and good restaurants. Here are some of our favorite spots to eat: -Cheesecake Factory: As mentioned in the general chains, it has a ridiculous amount of choices and ridiculous portions. Make sure you come hungry and leave room for cheesecake at the end. $$ -Havana 1957: If you would like to try delicious Cuban food than here is the place for you. $$ -Brio: A relaxed spot if you're in the mood for Italian. $$ -Brimstone: A nice bistro with steak, seafood, and small plates. $$$ -Agave: Great if you're looking for Mexican food and a "buzzy tequila bar". $$ -Twin Peaks: Sports bar serving American comfort food and super cold and cheap beer. If you'd like to try one of their in house beers we recommend the Dirty Blonde. ;) $$ -RA Sushi Bar: As you can probably tell by the name this is a good spot for sushi as well as other Japanese inspired cuisine. -Brass Tap: Smaller pub offering a variety of drinks.
DAY/NIGHT OUT: Downtown Hollywood
Downtown Hollywood has a variety of restaurants and bars perfect for a day or night out. Some notable places are: -Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub: A relaxed Irish inspired pub with good food and good drinks. $$ -The Tipsy Boar: A nice gastropub with comfort food, craft beers on tap, wine, and cocktails. $$ -Oaxaka: A Mexican and Asian fusion restaurant to spice up your meal. $$ -Nakorn Thai and Sushi: Thai and Japanese food all in one place served in a cozy atmosphere. -Coquitos: A bar and grill that has live music and occasionally does events such as karaoke nights. $$
NIGHT OUT: The Hard Rock Guitar Hotel
The Guitar Hotel. A huge Casino with bars and places to eat. Fun until all your money has either gone, or you're rich. But definitely worth going. $$$
NIGHT OUT: Rhythm & Vine
A nice indoor/outdoor beer garden with rotating food trucks and local DJs. Great for happy hour, plus Thursdays ladies drink Champagne and wine free from 8pm-11pm!
BEACH: Hollywood Beach
Hollywood beach is a great place to relax by the sea or walk along the broadwalk for shops and restaurants. It does get busy so we recommend getting there a little earlier. If you want to be a true Floridian you should head to Publix to get a Publix Sub (found in the deli) for your lunch before you go! (Alternative beaches that we recommend are Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach. South beach is also an option but not at the top of our list.)
SPORTS: FLA Live Arena (Hockey)
If you're hoping to catch a hockey game during your time here then this is the place to go. FLA Live Arena is the home of the Florida Panthers hockey team. You can purchase tickets on the websites or on ticket master. Prices will vary depending on day and seats.
EXPERIENCE: Everglades Holiday Park
Everglades Holiday Park is a park in the everglades that allows you to have encounters with Florida wildlife. Tickets include an airboat tour, a gator boys presentation, and a group photo. Cost is $36.99 (before taxes). If you would like a more up close encounter with some animals there are additional tickets that you can purchase.
EXPERIENCE: Wynwood Walls
Part of the artsy side of Miami with unique and colorful street murals perfect for photo spots. The area is also filled with various bars and food places.
EXPERIENCE: Jungle Queen Riverboat
The Jungle Queen is a riverboat that provides a variety of tours, including some to a private island for food and a show. If you would like to book a cruise you should check out their websites to see all their options. However, if you get sea sick... maybe you should skip out on this one.
MUSEUM: Frost Museum of Science
The Frost Museum of science is Miami's only planetarium, aquarium, and science museum. There are lots of fun things to experience and see. Tickets cost around $30 and include access to the museum exhibitions, aquarium, live science demonstrations, and a planetarium show.
MUSEUM: Perez Art Museum
The Perez Art Museum is a lovely waterfront museum featuring many different art exhibitions. It is also is great for photo opportunities. Tickets are round $16.
SHOPPING: Sawgrass Mills
As I've just been informed by Alex... This is the largest outlet mall in the USA. It is filled with many stores and restaurants for you to see. Prepare for a LOT of walking and getting lost but has lots of great deals.
DESSERT: Jackson's Ice Cream
This is an iconic restaurant/dessert place in South Florida and home of the "Original Kitchen Sink". If you're in the mood for something sweet its definitely a good choice. Fun fact: we visited this place at the end of two trips as a final dessert before Alex had to return home.
RESTAURANT: The Field Irish Pub & Eatery
This is a woodsy Irish pub themed tavern. It's a fun place for good food and drink. And if you're up for it, they even have karaoke and trivia nights. Check their website for details.