Take a Scenic, Comfort Food Crawl Through Coconut Grove

Welcome back to Food Crawls, a series in which Eater Miami staffers guide you (virtually) on various food (and booze) crawls in the Miami area.

When we go out, we often find ourselves wanting to try more than one restaurant or bar at a time — a drink and a snack here, another drink and perhaps a dessert there — and want to share our favorite multi-stop combinations with you. These crawls are meant to be relatively walkable, and the amount of food and drink is meant to correspond roughly to a couple of average appetites (so bring a friend), although your mileage may vary. Email us if there’s a particular theme, specific dish or drink, or neighborhood you’d like to see covered in a future installment.

Coconut Grove’s food scene has had a resurgence in the past few years. Going from an overdeveloped land of chains and sports bars to a more mom-and-pop, independently owned restaurant scene that’s reflective of the neighborhood’s early years. With its tree-lined streets and waterfront location, it’s easy to get lost just strolling through the area. And while there are plenty of notable dining options in the area (that can be found here) below is the best way to soak up a little bit of everything that makes the area so unique and profoundly Miami.

Grove Bay Grill

3381 Pan American Dr, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Sure, Grove Bay Grill — i.e. the former Scotty’s Landing — might be a bit simple in the food and drink categories, but what it lacks in those departments it makes up for with its waterfront views. The eatery still rocks the same look and feel as its predecessor, complete with the white and green awning and plastic chairs, but locals would argue that just adds to the charm. Kick off the night here around happy hour time with a cold beer and some smokey fish dip and soak up those hard-to-beat water views.

Le Bouchon du Grove

3430 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Now that an appetite has been worked up, take a walk down to the heart of the neighborhood to eat at one of the area’s longstanding spots: Le Bouchon du Grove. The compact restaurant makes some of the best French cuisine in the city and has for more than 25 years. Grab a bowl of mussels, which is served with a side of fries, naturally, and wash it all back with a crisp rose like a true Parisian.

Ariete

3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Since this is Miami after all, a frita is a must. Especially when it’s made by Ariete’s chef, Michael Beltran. His spin on the classic Magic City eat features a chorizo patty, onions, crispy papitas and spicy ketchup. (Pro tip: it’s just $2 on Tuesdays.) Keep the Cuban feeling going and pair the sandwich with a refreshing Old Cuban cocktail, a citrusy libation made with Havana Club rum and lots of mint.

Vicky’s House

3190 Commodore Plaza, Coconut, FL 33133

Hope there’s room for dessert, because Vicky’s House serves up nostalgic milkshakes that could be meals on their own. The space, modeled after owner Matt Kuscher’s own 1986 childhood home, is a nostalgic trip down memory lane with yellow flower wallpaper, linoleum floors, and a wood-paneled “family room” with a Galaga arcade. Once inside, grab a seat at the 12-seat bar and order the Instagram-worthy “Golden Girls” milkshake made with golden graham crackers and, of course, cheesecake, along with a PBR sold out of a washing-machine-turned-cooler.