Diglossos

Interesting places, local events and happenings – especially for featured towns/cities where a Diglossos member will be.

SOUTH FLORIDA

Interesting Places in Miami Area

Blue Marlin Fish House Restaurant
2500 NE 163rd Street
North Miami Beach, FL  33160
Tel: (305) 957-8822
www.bluemarlinfishhouse.com

Just off off Biscayne Boulevard, in Oleta River State Park, casual, outdoor dining. Seafood, burgers, hotdogs, delicious smoked fish. Owned and run by a CIA-trained chef. Live music on the weekends. A good place to relax, get a tan while eating or drinking. Very inexpensive.

The Bookstore in the Grove
3399 Virginia Street #620, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(The corner of Virginia and Grand Ave.)
Tel: 305.443.2855

A great local independent community bookstore, reminds one of Atticus Bookstore in New Haven.  Friendly staff, small but up-to-date collection of books (so not completely like Atticus), nice place to get gifts for the bibliophile or writer.  They do custom orders; so, you don’t have to feel like you have to run elsewhere.  And the coffee is really good!  Plus, they have a wide selection of pastries, sandwiches and even vegan selections.  Also, fresh-squeezed juices and beer and wine.  Free wi-fi and great people watching.  Limited outdoor seating.

The Grove Spot
3324 Virginia Street Miami, FL 33133‎
Tel: (305) 774-6696‎
http://thegrovespot.com

Coconut Grove’s version of a bistro, which means very friendly and relaxed atmosphere and good food.  The tasty and reasonably priced breakfast/brunch items are available all day, and the place is packed Saturdays and Sundays.  However, the menu in general is really good.  Plus, the home brew, Grove Spot Red Ale, is well made.  This Newcastle girl approves!  Outdoor seating and free wi-fi are available, and the place is a great for people watching.  It’s just off the beaten path from the main drag in the Grove (Main Highway); so, you can get away from the general madness and the tourists.  Plus, you can mix with the locals.

Black Point Park and Marina
24775 Southwest 87th Avenue, Homestead, FL
T: (305) 258-4092
http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/black_point_marina.asp

Situated at the northern tip of Biscayne National Park, it’s a nice starting point for fishing and diving expeditions into the national park. It’s also a nice stop for those on their way to the Caribbean who need a break for a day. It’s got a restaurant, Black Point Ocean Grill, that serves decent grub, and there’s a good selection of beers. People are friendly, perhaps because the area is so peaceful and beautiful. Cyclists, nature hikers, fisherman, people who just want a place to hang will love this spot. It is out of the way, though; so, make this your day trip or keep tourist activities down to just a couple. Plus, most people I know decide not to leave and just spend the day here.

NEW YORK

Interesting Places in New York

Toad Hall
57 Grand Street
New York, NY  10013
(212) 431-8145

A delightfully dive-y space in SoHo.  Good prices, good drink.  During the day, a good place to hang out and write (and drink); by night, a nice hangout (though crowded).

Meade’s Restaurant and Bar
22 Peck Slip (near Water Street)
New York, NY  10038
(212) 791-1818

Raw bar and seafood restaurant (restaurant upstairs) in the South Street Seaport area.  Good place for brunch and to unwind after a night on the town.  Sunday night is movie night.

Bleecker Street Bar
55-58 Bleecker Street (at Crosby)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-0244
www.bleeckerstreetbarnyc.com

The “Anti-NoHo NoHo watering hole” (NY Mag) with darts and pool.  Friendly staff and no-nonsense bouncers.  Sunday nights after a game are great for winding down (and getting a seat).  One of the few places that sends out a newsletter to update patrons on bar events; so, sign up!