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Photo Courtesy of Big City Tavern

33 Iconic Meat Dishes in Miami, And a Little Beyond

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Being the multi-culti city that it is, Miami's iconic meat dishes are as varied as its inhabitants. We've found vieja ropa, a Cuban shredded beef dish (which is not-so-appetizingly translated as "old clothes," but is delicious), to be as iconically Miami as the a Supermoon Perro, a Colombian hot dog topped with loads of crushed chips, mayo, ketchup, pineapple sauce and other things that shouldn't work, but do. Then again, Haitian meat dishes also reign supreme, as do Southern ones and many, many more. So, without too much ado, here are Miami's most iconic meat dishes, a melting pot of wonderfully carnivorous options that would totally bewilder anyone who didn't live in the Magic City, in no particular order.

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Chicharron at El Palacio de los Jugos

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Opened over 20 years ago, El Palacio de los Jugos dishes out some of the best Cuban food in Miami (not to mention some of the cheapest). The pork rinds are a must.

Frita at El Mago de las Fritas

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Known to some as the Cuban hamburger, the frita is one of Miami's most well-known Cuban classics. And El Mago, whose skills can summon even president Obama, cooks up some mean and irresistible varieties.

New York Strip at BLT Steak

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Located at The Betsy hotel, BLT serves nothing but USDA Prime or Certified Angus beef (otherwise known as nothing but the best). Meats here are aged, then seared to perfection at a specific 1700 degrees, and served topped with herb butter. Plus that 16 oz steak includes chicken patê and artisan bread, pickled veggies and enormous popovers.

Aussie Lamb at Edge, Steak & Bar

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Here's a modern steakhouse where you can safely go for more than the classic NY strip, without breaking the bank. Try one of their signature dishes, fire roasted lamb chops, served with greek yogurt.

The Corben Blue Collar

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Named in honor of Billy Corben, this Blue Collar creation is "a nice brisket sandwich by a nice Jewish boy from Miami named after another nice Jewish boy from Miami," in the words of chef/owner Danny Serfer. It's served on a Portuguese bun and comes with latkes.

Supermoon Perro at La Moon

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This Colombian hot dog isn't only famous in Miami, it's even gotten its 15 minutes on Man vs. Food. Yes, it's topped with an odd combo of potato chips, sauces (like pink sauce aka ketchup and mayo), cheese, sausage, bacon pineapple sauce and quail eggs, and yes, it's wonderful.

Prime Bone-In Rib-Eye Steak The Palm

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Bay Harbour Islands' The Palm was originally opened back in 1929 in New York where it quickly made a reputation for itself as an Italian steakhouse. Still operated by members of the original founding families, The Palm continues to offer always-on-point, classic items like the 24 oz prime bone-in rib-eye steak.

Housemade Charcuterie at Big City Tavern

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Chef Louie Bossi (aka "The Hogfather") gets a whole hog every single week and breaks it down into a variety of charcuterie. That's dedication.

The Meatballs at Macaluso's

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Hands down some of the best out there, Macaluso's meatballs are made with veal, served in a tomato sauce and topped with heaps of ricotta — a recipe that's been in the owners family for generations.

Slow Roasted Beef Short Rib at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

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Slow roasted beef short rib with cipollini onions and romesco sauce at Michael's Genuine — enough said.

Filet Mignon at Bourbon Steak

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Chef Michael Mina's Aventura restaurant undoubtedly serves up the area's best steak. But of all their options, Bourbon's 10 oz American Wagyu Florida grass fed filet mignon, a Mina favorite, kills it.

Cuban Sandwich at Versailles Restaurant

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Some may argue that the Cuban sandwich here isn't the best of them all, but it's certainly the most iconic. And it's definitely pretty damn good. Here's everything you could ever want to know about it.

Porterhouse at Prime One Twelve

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You might have to wait an hour to sit down and eat the 48 oz Porterhouse steak here, but it's Prime 112 and it must be done.

29 oz Certified Angus Beef Prime Dry Aged Tomahawk at Red, The Steakhouse

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One of Miami's most iconic steakhouses, and their most requested, and only, dry aged steak. Worth a visit.

Sirloinburger at Le Tub Saloon

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A 13 oz drool-inducing, ground sirloin patty between two buns (possibly with cheese). That's all you need to know. But also: Chili, barbecue pork and barbecue ribs. Just putting it out there.

The Jewban at Josh's Delicatessen & Appetizing

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Food critic Evan Benn recently dubbed this roasted pork-meets-pastrami concoction "an epiphany." And now there is nothing left to say.

Bowl 'O Burnt Ends at Pride And Joy

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Burnt ends or barbecue heaven — call them what you will. These guys serve a whole bowl of 'em.

Honey Orange Baby Back Ribs at Sakaya Kitchen

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Chef Richard Hales' puts an Asian spin on the 1/2 rack of ribs at Sakaya Kitchen. They're meant to be shared, and, like most things on the menu, can do no wrong.

Pig Wings at The Federal Food Drink & Provisions

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The team at The Fed can be seen outside smoking and grilling many different dishes, all of which change regularly. What doesn't change though, and what's been on their menu since their very first day open, are pig wings. Magical pig wings, topped with pickled carrots and celery; served with blue cheese mousse. [Photo Credit: Gary James]

Ropa Vieja at Little Havana Restaurant

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Go here for the Ropa Vieja, which literally translates to "old clothes," but is actually just amazingly tasty shredded beef.

Croquetas de Jamon at Islas Canarias

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Wherever you are, however far you need to travel, it's probably worth your time to venture to Islas Canarias for their rightly famed croquetas. Also available with cheese or fish, but go for the ham, 5 Days of Meat and all.

Pan Con Bistec at Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop

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Most items on Enriqueta's menu will probably leave you salivating for more, but the pan con bistec is really something else. And at under $10, the pressed steak sandwich is a steal.

Feijoada at Fogo De Chão

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A traditional Brazilian stew made with beans, pork and beef, the Feijoada at this steakhouse is one of its most requested items. But, if it's not your thing, they've also got over 10 Brazilian-style, succulent cuts (like beef ancho and picanha).

Gator Tail at Tarks Of Dania Beach

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In South Florida, we're a little different. We eat things like ... alligator. Tarks, a tiny spot in Hollywood where belting out your order is the only way to do it, serves it marinated, deep fried and just right.

The Empanizado at Sergio's

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Opened in the 70s, family owned Sergio's serves up authentic Cuban cuisine, and while you can't go wrong with any of its traditional dishes, the "Empanizado" really stands out. Go for the fried, breaded steak version; you can also order it "a la Milanesa," topped with tomato sauce, ham and swiss cheese.

Ribs at Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill

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It's nothing fancy, but it certainly is a ridiculously popular place for ribs.

Jerked Double Pork Chop at Ortanique on the Mile

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What started as a hole in the wall off Lincoln Road eventually grew into the Caribbean powerhouse that is Ortanique. Their popular jerked pork chop makes use of familiar island flavors with guava spiced rum sauce, rice, black beans, raisins and fruit flambe.

Stewed Oxtail at Tap Tap

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For a real deal Haitian meal in Miami, head over to Tap Tap in Miami Beach. The restaurant serves up a great stewed oxtail (think of oxtail as pork's Haitian cousin in Miami) that comes with rice and fried plantains. [Photo Credit: freehand.com]

Buffalo Tenderloin at Meat Market

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Since it opened on Lincoln Road, the trendy Meat Market's been selling Durham Ranch’s buffalo tenderloin steaks like crazy. They're made with chili and espresso rub and topped with chocolate more butter. [Photo Courtesy of Andrew Meade]

Pork Belly at Pubbelly

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Pubbelly boys' original offspring, Pubbelly, opened up in 2010 and has since been serving up playful, meaty dishes galore. Their kick-ass pork belly (served with kabocha squash, butterscotch miso and corn powder) is only one of the main attractions. [Photo Credit: Pubbelly Media Group]

Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill

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Since opening back in 2010, Sugarcane has garnered a great following (and some sweet reviews) for its multicultural dishes. Among them: a Bone Marrow as tasty as it looks, served with veal cheek marmalade.

Vaca Frita at Molina's Ranch Restaurant

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Vaca Frita (or "fried cow") just like your abuela would make it. Shredded steak with rice and beans, and about as Cuban as this dish can get in Miami.

Llewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

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First popularized while former chef Jeff McInnis was around, Yardbird's fried chicken dish is still a staple Miami item. A family recipe passed down from owner John Kunkel's grandmother, the dish has been featured in multiple publications (local and national) and touted as the best fried chicken in Florida.

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Chicharron at El Palacio de los Jugos

Opened over 20 years ago, El Palacio de los Jugos dishes out some of the best Cuban food in Miami (not to mention some of the cheapest). The pork rinds are a must.

Frita at El Mago de las Fritas

Known to some as the Cuban hamburger, the frita is one of Miami's most well-known Cuban classics. And El Mago, whose skills can summon even president Obama, cooks up some mean and irresistible varieties.

New York Strip at BLT Steak

Located at The Betsy hotel, BLT serves nothing but USDA Prime or Certified Angus beef (otherwise known as nothing but the best). Meats here are aged, then seared to perfection at a specific 1700 degrees, and served topped with herb butter. Plus that 16 oz steak includes chicken patê and artisan bread, pickled veggies and enormous popovers.

Aussie Lamb at Edge, Steak & Bar

Here's a modern steakhouse where you can safely go for more than the classic NY strip, without breaking the bank. Try one of their signature dishes, fire roasted lamb chops, served with greek yogurt.

The Corben Blue Collar

Named in honor of Billy Corben, this Blue Collar creation is "a nice brisket sandwich by a nice Jewish boy from Miami named after another nice Jewish boy from Miami," in the words of chef/owner Danny Serfer. It's served on a Portuguese bun and comes with latkes.

Supermoon Perro at La Moon

This Colombian hot dog isn't only famous in Miami, it's even gotten its 15 minutes on Man vs. Food. Yes, it's topped with an odd combo of potato chips, sauces (like pink sauce aka ketchup and mayo), cheese, sausage, bacon pineapple sauce and quail eggs, and yes, it's wonderful.

Prime Bone-In Rib-Eye Steak The Palm

Bay Harbour Islands' The Palm was originally opened back in 1929 in New York where it quickly made a reputation for itself as an Italian steakhouse. Still operated by members of the original founding families, The Palm continues to offer always-on-point, classic items like the 24 oz prime bone-in rib-eye steak.

Housemade Charcuterie at Big City Tavern

Chef Louie Bossi (aka "The Hogfather") gets a whole hog every single week and breaks it down into a variety of charcuterie. That's dedication.

The Meatballs at Macaluso's

Hands down some of the best out there, Macaluso's meatballs are made with veal, served in a tomato sauce and topped with heaps of ricotta — a recipe that's been in the owners family for generations.

Slow Roasted Beef Short Rib at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

Slow roasted beef short rib with cipollini onions and romesco sauce at Michael's Genuine — enough said.