The King of Ocean Drive draws even locals onto the most tourist-ridden
street in the area. The News Cafe is one of the places
that helped define the South Beach renaissance. Originally
opened in 1988 as an oasis for the ever-present production
company crews and models shooting on South Beach, its location
at the corner of 8th and Ocean Drive allowed the News to
become the strip's premiere people-watching perch. Now
we're hearing that this South Beach classic might be moving
up in the world--all the way up to 13th and Ocean at The
Cardozo Hotel. (Gloria, you little devil) We'll see what
changes, if any, the new location brings to the menu. As
for now, just enjoy the setting and the great view. Eleven
o'clock in the a.m. is a great time to be selecting your
seat, but if all the good spots are taken, don't despair,
it's a 24 and 7 operation - eleven o'clock in the p.m.
is just as good!
The
Scene
There's no better place to get a taste of tanned, buffed, sweaty,
touristy South Beach than News Cafe. Whether you come by foot
or blade, Harley or Ferrari, make sure to snag a table on the
cramped outdoor patio, ground zero for full immersion in the
SoBe experience. Don't expect much in the way of service, though:
Staff can be slow and attitudinal.
The
Food
The menu offers some fairly good bites, among them the Middle
Eastern platter (hummus, tahini, tabbouleh, and grape leaves),
made-to-order hamburgers, gigantic fruit plates and omelettes
with (or without) all the fixins'. If you're not very hungry,
staff won't hassle you if you order just a Pellegrino or a cappuccino.
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