What is a vacation without food? Here are our top hidden affordable restaurants in South Beach with outdoor seating. It is said that Miami has over 8500 restaurants and cafes.
South Beach, Miami, is known for its eclectic mix of dining options, from upscale dining to casual beachfront curb cafes. However, dining at restaurants, especially when you have many mouths to feed, can be very expensive.
If you ever decide to visit South Beach, this blog is your guide for finding affordable restaurants in the neighborhood.
Why Visit South Beach?
South Beach has been one of my go-to vacation spots for many years, primarily for the close proximity to home, beaches, easy access to eateries, and just a fun place to unwind and destress.
I had not been to this part of Florida in many years. During my latest visit, I discovered that several of the hotels I stayed at and restaurants I dined in are no longer in business.
However, the neighborhood offers a wide variety of cuisines, including but not limited to classic American, Latin American, Thai, Korean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian.
Many restaurants in the area offer outdoor dining options, allowing guests to enjoy the South Beach weather while eating.
Disclosure:
This site contains affiliate links. When you buy through any of these links, we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Food Explora and allowing the blog site to continue to bring you valuable content.
South Beach On A Budget
South Beach is located at the southern tip of Miami Beach, in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Washington Street, Collins Avenue, and the famous Ocean Drive all run parallel to one another.
Between 7th and 14th street is the catchment area, where you will find some hidden affordable cuisines that meet everyone’s needs.
Many of the hotels are affiliated with restaurants and cafes, which offer curbside dining.
Visit our “Fun Things to Do in South Beach” blog to learn about memorable South Beach activities.
Below are a few budget-friendly restaurants and cafes. Please let us know which of these eateries you would visit in the comments section.
I have visited Wet Willie’s numerous times. When I visit South Beach, this is my first go-to affordable restaurant.
I enjoy their rooftop outdoor seating area overlooking Ocean Drive, which runs parallel to the beach and is lined with coconut trees. You can’t help but feel immersed in nature while grabbing a bite.
It can be very relaxing, but at times it gets charged with excitement and energy, especially when the restaurant is busy. It gets even crazier during spring break, but it has improved over the years.
Wet Willie’s Daiquiris and Food
Wet Willie’s is well-known for their frozen Daiquiris, or alcoholic slushies, which are refreshing on hot, humid days.
I believe I have tried all their flavors, but my favorites are “Sex On the Beach” and “Call A Cab.” I recommend mixing their mango with sour green apple; you will thank me later.
The menu is typical American food that you will find at most Super Bowl parties: French fries, burgers, tacos, and quesadillas.
I must give Wet Willies special praise for their French fries. They are always freshly made, crispy, and well seasoned. Their chicken and beef quesadillas are always a good eat.
If you want to experience the Miami Beach vibe: ocean breeze, vibrant energy, and tasty bites, On Ocean 7 Café has it all.
Nestled along the famed Ocean Drive, this café entices you with its lovely outdoor seating and bright yellow umbrellas. and keeps you coming back for its huge portions and surprisingly low costs for the neighborhood.
On Ocean 7 is not new to me. I dined here a few times. Yes, it is touristy, but in the best way.
Visitors go to South Beach to be in the heart of it all, and On Ocean 7 Café lets us do this with delicious food, fun drinks, good music, and never-ending people-watching.
I went to dinner and ordered their Seafood Paella with shrimp, scallops, calamari, baby scallops, clams, and mussels cooked in special rice. The seafood was fresh, the portions were generous, and the flavors were perfectly balanced.
My paella was paired with a beer. However, their Mojitos are strong and refreshing; perfect for the Miami heat.
The Clevelander South Beach is suitable for travelers looking for a stimulating and entertaining atmosphere in a prime location.
Its lively nightlife, close proximity to the beach, and friendly staff make it a popular choice for tourists wishing to immerse themselves in the South Beach culture.
South Beach Entertainment Hub
They host adult-only weekly events to suit everyone’s needs. From the Baewatch Pool Party to the R & B/Hip-Hop parties. However, those looking for a quiet retreat or traveling with families may want to look into alternative options.
The Clevelander South Beach is not only the place where the party never stops, but it also provides a dynamic dining experience by combining an affordable meal with a lively setting.
Whether you want a casual meal, a sports bar atmosphere, or beachfront dining, the Clevelander has something for everyone.
The Clevelander’s restaurant and bar offer a diverse menu. I ordered their Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo, which did not disappoint.
To learn more, visit their website HERE.
During a morning walk, I stumbled upon this cafe at the corner of Washington Avenue and 5th street. The name Under the Mango Tree was what attracted me to the place. It immediately reminded me of back home in Jamaica and the many awesome memories created under the mango trees in our backyard.
The cafe has a welcoming atmosphere with natural wood elements, beautiful plants, and a diverse selection of local art and handmade products.
The presence of what seems to be a mango tree inside the cafe adds to its distinct appeal. I am not sure what’s the significance of the tree, but it was loaded with small sticky note pads.
Healthy Menu Options
Under the Mango Tree is a great option for a healthy and comfortable café in South Beach. They serve various vegan and vegetarian dishes in a casual, tropical ambiance.
After a long walk, I was hungry, so I ordered one of their Acai Bowls for breakfast. Even though this is not my typical breakfast meal, it was enjoyable and filling, to say the least. The cafe also offers a variety of fruit juices, smoothies, coffee, sandwiches, vegan empanadas, and baked goods.
To learn more about the family-owned business, visit HERE.
The 11th Street Diner has always been my go-to for a breakfast fix and a good ole delicious burger for lunch. They are open 24 hours on the weekend. As a result, after a fun night out, and you get hungry, you can stop by and enjoy a meal or breakfast at weird hours of the morning.
What makes this diner special and unique is that it is a restored 1945 Art Deco car, which offers a cozy retro dining experience.
I noticed that they had extended the diner to include an outside sports bar section in the back of the restaurant.
The diner serves all-American dishes ranging from burgers, French fries, hot or cold sandwiches, eggs, waffles, shakes, and salads. You may learn more
6.
bonchon Korean Fried Chicken
This was my first time eating at Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken. Their menu seems to combine traditional Korean flavors with modern American cuisine. It appears to be one of the fairly newly affordable restaurants in South Beach.
The restaurant is perfect for families and large groups who wish to dine on a budget. Every adventurous foodie would enjoy Bonchon’s double-fried, Korean BBQ drumsticks.
They were extra crunchy and were bathed in delicious, sweet, and salty sauce. The waiter was quite pleasant, which added to the overall experience.
Bonchon Popular Menu Items
If you are a lover of Korean food, like me, you may want to try their Bulgogi Tacos, Japchae noodles, traditional Bibimbap bowls, soy garlic wings, or udon noodle soup.
Their steamed Bao Buns stuffed with crispy chicken and cucumbers were a hit. They also offer pork belly and bulgogi as alternative fillings.
The bao buns are served topped with coleslaw made with spicy mayo and katsu sauce. This was highly recommended by the waiter, but because I do not eat mayo, I had to pass. But the buns were still delicious with their different textures and flavors.
If you are ever in the South Beach area and are seeking a unique, delicious, and enjoyable lunch that differs from usual beachside dining, you can visit Bonchon. It’s where Korean culture meets South Beach lifestyle.
To learn more about their menu, visit HERE.
Esquina Cubana, located at the corner of Washington Avenue and 7th Street, is an affordable Cuban restaurant with outdoor seating in South Beach.
The ambiance and food are similar to Cubana Cafe, a restaurant I frequented in New York City. Even though they are no longer in operation, memories flooded back as I dined outside, waiting for the pulled pork and chicken sliders I had ordered.
The weather on South Beach at the time was perfect. It was bright and sunny, but cool with low humidity. The chicken slider was a bit dry, but the two flavored Pulled Pork Sliders were moist and delicious.
La Ventana Restaurant with Outdoor Seating.
Immediately next door to Esquina Cubana is this beautiful Colombian restaurant named La Ventana, which houses both indoor and outdoor seating.
After reviewing their menu, they seem to sell similar dishes to Esqiuna restaurant. Their bright yellow outdoor seating area is very attractive, inviting, and cozy-looking. I hope to dine here next time I am in South Beach.
To learn more about their restaurant visit, HERE.
If you want a taste of Naples in South Beach, IL Pizzaiola Restaurant is the place to go.
Enjoy one of their signature pizzas while relaxing in their shaded outside dining area while being served by their warm and friendly staff. (Camila and her team).
I ordered their freshly baked “Pizza Pepperoni” and must admit that it is possibly the best pizza I have ever had.
The raised, slightly charred, crispy but soft crust, combined with Fior di Latte Sorrentina cheese and dabs of basil leaves, made each bite even more special.
This is a dining experience that should not be missed. For more information on Pizzaiola, you may go HERE.
Mango’s Tropical Café, located on Ocean Drive in South Beach, is more than simply a restaurant or nightclub. It’s a lively celebration of Latin culture, music, and food.
I enjoy going here when I am in SOBE. From the moment I step into Mango’s, I get immersed in what I describe as an electrifying fusion of dining and entertainment.
The neon-lit artwork and the ambiance add to the tropical feel and vibe of the restaurant.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe offers a menu with dishes that have a tropical flair. I would recommend their Mango-Glazed Ribs and Tostones. Complement your meal with one of their handcrafted mojitos or margaritas, all available in a variety of tropical infusions.
As I dined, I was captivated by live performances by local artists who sang reggae and R&B with musicians who turned my evening meal into a dynamic spectacle.
Every week between 7 pm and 5 am, there are fun activities that everyone can enjoy. Mango’s website has all the details.
Whether you are a fashion lover, foodie, or just looking for a place to unwind, the open-air Lincoln Road Mall is an eight-block promenade of over 200 retail outlets ranging from international brands such as ZARA, Nike, Apple, and a number of boutique stores.
The mall’s open-air design creates an inviting atmosphere of shade from tall trees, seated areas, water fountains, and sculptures that makes it ideal for leisurely strolls, window shopping, and grabbing food to eat.
How Do I Get To Lincoln Road Mall?
The mall is easily accessible by a short ride using public transportation, or UBER or a nice walk if you are open to a 20 to 25-minute walk. If you drive, there is parking available in garages or street-side parking for a fee.
A Foodie’s World.
In addition to being a shopping haven, Lincoln Road Mall houses a melting pot of dining options with outdoor seating.
If you are Food Explora like me, you can indulge in different cuisines ranging from Japanese, Peruvian, Italian, American, French, Napoleanic, and just to name a few. The famous Cheesecake Factory is highly recommended. They have some of the best flavored cheesecakes I have tried.
One of my favorite things to do at Lincoln Mall is to visit their local Farmers Market on the weekend. I call it the little Caribbean island of South Beach.
I was able to purchase tropical fruits that are easily accessible in Jamaica, such as jackfruit, star fruit, naseberry, sweetsop, guinep, rambutan, soursop, melon, mangos, and fresh coconut.
When you are in the area, I recommend paying a visit to the Lincoln Mall on the weekends. to get your tropical fruits and other products that are for sale.
Visit the Lincoln Road Mall official website for more information, including a directory of stores and restaurants.
12.
FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS
Fast food restaurants in South Beach are great for on-the-go beach picnics, late-night refueling, or short meals in between excursions and attractions.
Many chain restaurants stay open late. Some until the early hours of the morning, making them a hunger quencher spot after a fun night out at a club or on Ocean Drive at Mango’s Tropical Café and The Clevelander.
Starbucks on Ocean Drive is always my go-to for a caffeine fix. Burger King, located across the street from the 11th Street Diner on Washington Avenue, is probably the first fast food chain restaurant I have seen with outdoor seating.
I am a big fan of Subway. It’s one of those fast food chain restaurants where you can get a quick and healthy bite for lunch or a day at the beach.
Most importantly, their sandwiches and salad bowls are affordable. Make sure you try their macadamia white chocolate/raspberry cookies.
Fuel up at Miami Beach IHOP on Collins Ave. Enjoy an affordable meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I came across Moaz Vegetarian on Washington Street. Based on their menu, it’s an affordable, fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Falafel, hummus, and a salad bar combine for a nutritious but quick meal.
Fat Tuesday and Denny’s are what seem to be new fast food chain restaurants established here in South Beach. To learn more about these fast food restaurants and their menus, visit the click-through links I have provided above.
Espanola Way RESTAURANTS
As a food and travel blogger, I have learned that the best travel experiences are made in places that feel like they belong in another era. Española Way is that kind of place.
Española Way, tucked between Collins Avenue and the high-energy chaos of Ocean Drive, is a hidden gem that embodies the essence of South Beach.
For foodies, visitors, romantics, and anybody looking for a taste of the Old World in the heart of Miami Beach, this pedestrian-only street provides a memorable experience.
Why Should I Visit Espanola Way, South Beach?
I learned that Espanola Way was originally built in the 1920s to resemble a romantic Spanish village. This explains the rustic cobblestone streets and the ambiance with glowing nightlights, which gave me a sense of both the charm of history and the pulse of modern South Beach.
A few years ago, I dined at a Mexican-themed restaurant. If I were a blogger at the time, I would have documented the name and my dining experience.
However, Española Way is a paradise for food lovers, with restaurants from all over the world crammed within a few blocks, making it a food lover’s dream.
Whether you’re hungry for tapas, pasta, tacos, or plant-based menus, this street has it all. If you feel for Italian food from Hosteria Romana or Cuban cuisine from Havana 1957, I am confident you will leave with a full heart and a full stomach.
EXPEDIA is a global leader in online travel booking. For many years, Expedia has been my go-to travel agent for all my travel needs. The group has you covered for everything from resorts to hotels, car rentals, and excursions.
Through my partnership with Expedia, you will find some excellent bargains for your family trip or baecation. Explore their bundle deals by visiting HERE or clicking below.
If you don’t have access to beach chairs, you can purchase this Sand and Water-Resistant Beach Blanket from Amazon for your beach travel destinations.
It takes up little room in your luggage, making it convenient for travel. The blanket is also ideal for picnics and hiking.
Always remember to apply this Vegan SPF 70 Body Sunscreen to protect your skin from dangerous UV rays.
Even if you currently have a sunglass, you should add this pair of inexpensive Polarized UV Protection Sunglasses to your collection.
© Food Explora 2025 All Rights Reserved.
A South Beach Experience
You may also love these Florida travel vacation hotspots.
Here are some travel guides for Pompano Beach Florida and Hollywood Florida below.
Share your thoughts in the COMMENT SECTION.
Have you ever been to SOUTH BEACH, FLORIDA or would you consider visiting.
© Food Explora 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Oh wow, this trip looks amazing! The food is amazing and your adventures are always so awesome!
Thank you, Lauren
Looks like some fab south beach restaurants, wishing I was going on holiday. I think I would love Under The Mango Tree
Thanks for visiting, Eileen. I hope you get to visit South Beach someday.
What an amazing variety of places to eat and food to try! I would love to go on a foodie tour around here as it looks and sounds like a wonderful experience.
It is always a great vibe in South Beach. I encourage everyone to visit SOBE at least once.
I love beach atmosphere restaurant. I just hope there’s no seagulls. They can be scary and disturbed you while you eat.
No seagulls at all, Fadima. Just good vibes and good-tasting food from my experience. Appreciate ypur support
Im still keen at the restaurant under the mango tree!!
Under The Mango Tree was an interesting foodie spot.
It’s been many years since I’ve been to South Beach. The restaurants sure have changed a lot. I’d love to try some of these spots. Perhaps when I visit my mom up in Delray, I’ll make a day trip and rediscover South Beach.
Thank you for visiting. I hope my restaurant guide will help you find some good eats next time you visit SOBE.
This is such a great list! I love discovering hidden gems, especially with outdoor seating.
Thank you, Angelina. South Beach has many restaurants with outdoor seating
I’m always on the lookout for budget-friendly spots when we’re on vacation, especially ones with outdoor seating! Can’t wait to try a few of these hidden gems next time I’m in the area. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you find my blog helpful. Enjoy your affordable dining next time you visit the South Beach area.
This made me so nostalgic about my travels to South Beach. I can confirm we went to Mango’s to sample the cocktails!
Intentional Lucie | intentionallucie.com
Thanks for visiting. Mango’s Cafe is a vibe. I always have a good time when I visit. See you soon.
So true! What is vacation with out food!! Love that, great post!
You are right, Lainey. You can’t visit South Beach and not indulge in the culinary scene. Thanks for visiting.