User Lists in Miami, FL Metro

Now that suburbia is close to hugging the Everglades border, West Kendall has evolved from an agricultural hub to a residential hotbed. Strawberry fields and orange groves are now upscale restaurants and friendly neighborhood watering holes. From a movie theater that serves up gourmet eats to a tapas bar in the heart of a strip mall, here are the top places to grab a memorable meal or a stiff drink in West Kendall.

The best meals are often the ones tucked away in unexpected places. Miami has plenty of places for culinary double takes. From a lavish tapas bar at the other end of a gasoline station to an offbeat winery in the heart of South Florida's farm country, we reveal our picks for unearthing Miami's surprising adventures. (Photo: Courtesy of El Carajo International

Given Miami's popular shoreline, tourists and locals alike take in the salty seas and are left hungering for seafood. Thankfully this town can throw a net or fishing line down like the rest of them, and an easy way to spoon into the maritime flavor is with a hearty bisque. From traditional lobster to crab meat and even more culinary tweaks, a good cup seafood bisque always warms the soul.

Downtown South Miami has grown up in recent years. Trying to catch the same lightning in a bottle that defined the Grove in the 1980s, a stroll down Sunset Drive between Red Road and U.S. 1 is enhanced with outdoor cafes, charming boutiques and unpretentious bars. From an Irish pub to a jogger's paradise, here are the top places to grab a memorable meal, a stiff drink or a shopping bag in South Miami.

In Miami, this we can guarantee: There's always a party going on somewhere. From a high-tech playground in the financial district to a dueling piano bar in the Grove to a high-tech wine bar in South Miami where swiping plastic is the key to unlimited sips, South Florida has it all. These were Miami's hottest spots in 2009.

South Florida's inviting weather makes eating out a year-round affair. There's never a shortage of buzz-worthy kitchens to check out. From a modern chophouse scooping up rum-baked plantains to the home of a 10-pound burger beast, Miami has something for every palate. Now, in no particular order, find Miami's best restaurants of 2009.

It never fails. Someone throws a potluck party and you're stuck trying to tickle the taste buds of your family, friends or co-workers. From gourmet seafood rice entrees to decadent sticky bun treats, we know where to go when you want to impress even the most jaded of foodies.

A dollar isn't what it used to be, but there are buck magnets beyond the suburban dollar stores. From fish tacos to shots of hot sake, there are $1 deals to be had around Miami if you know where--and when--to look. Let's go over a few of the deals that won't break the bank.

Miami may have faux snow and palm trees wrapped in lights, but the holiday spirit is still as bright as a Christmas tree in South Florida. From Christmas ballet classics to romantic bayfront yuletide concerts, shake away the inner Scrooge this season at these holiday events all over town.

It's party time in Miami. Whether it's co-workers shooting down tequila shots at a corporate soiree or celebratory milestones with family and friends, there is no shortage of restaurants, clubs and museums around town that would love to host the catered affair. From a lively warehouse with all of the nightclub trimmings to an animal park that encourages guests to show their wild side, we found the venues that set the right tone for your festivities. (Photo: Courtesy of Miami Science Museum)