Lolita: Sexy, Fatty Mexican; Juvia: Quintessential S. Beach

VPE visits Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, a place she calls "a sexy Mexican" with "shabby-chic décor that resembles nothing so much as a House of Blues." As for the fare, well, it's not foul, but it is fattening, among other things. "Though a far cry fancier (and pricier) than a late-night taco joint, Lolita serves plenty of cheesy, fatty, fried fare that pairs best with lots of cocktails." Bottom line: 2 stars. [Miami.com]

Over at Juvia, Lee Klein marvels at the views and says that while it "suffers no shortage of creative ideas; it's the execution that needs improving." That said, Klein also says that "Juvia is a quintessential South Beach restaurant: pretty and pricey, stylish and trendy, and ever so up-to-date. It's also the rare SoBe spot that rewards early birds; you'll miss the buzz that vibrates during late-night hours, but a spectacular sunset view is quite the compensation. There might not be a better spot in the area for hoisting cocktails at this hour.It's a worthwhile place to dine too, but while the kitchen crew works out some entrée inconsistencies, it's probably safer to stick with the starters." [MNT]