Travel Information, Dining Recs, Tips, & Tricks Mega Thread

[doghouse]

Ok settled on Sth Beach - all recs and tips for bars, restaurants, clubs etc. welcome!

I'll let Grand Potentate give you the Souf Beach run down, I'm more a denizen of downtown or the Grove. One place you absolutely have to go though is El Carajo over on SW 17th and 1st by the Grove. It's the best Spanish restaurant I've been to outside of Spain and it is literally in the back of a gas station. Like, 'walk past the sodas and pork rinds and surly gas station attendants' back of a gas station. You go through a door in the back and all of a sudden you are in this rich wood paneled room with thousands of bottles of wine on racks and some of the best paella evar. It's wild.

http://el-carajo.com/

Garcia's over on the river used to be a decent spot to hang out for seafood, not sure if that is still the case though

I was going to suggest if you are feeling the need to hang out with your colonial oppressors, Elwood's was a good British joint, but it appears to be closed down. Unfortunate, as Elwood was a pretty cool guy.

Thanks for this. Haven’t booked Air BnB in Chitown yet, so any picks for the best neighborhoods also much appreciated.

If you are AirBnB-ing it, look in either Millennium/Grant Park or River North. By far the densest collection of things to eat, drink and screw. You can walk basically everywhere.

What time of year are you coming?

 

[robertito]

That menu looks good. No way you can find Ceviche in an Spanish restaurant but I guess that is the trade off of having an Spanish restaurant out of Spain.
The price is cheap too. Cheaper than Spain in fact for a restaurant of that calibre.
I would eat everything that is in the menu except the vegetarian paella (really?) the ceviche and the caldo callego (one of my favourite dishes but you need galician kale)

 

[doghouse]

I would eat everything that is in the menu except the vegetarian paella (really?)

Yes, there are a few nods to the fact this restaurant is in Miami. Gotta do whatcha gotta do I guess.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Ok settled on Sth Beach - all recs and tips for bars, restaurants, clubs etc. welcome!

alright, lets get started then. first off, look at a map of the miami area to get an idea of the travel situation. you've got south beach, which is connected by a causeway to downtown miami. just south of that maybe 5 minutes in traffic is the brickell area which is the new hot business/lifestyle district. the downtown is sort of the grungy courthouse filled with homeless area but there are a few clubs and restaurant spots there. west of the highway is wynwood, which is the hipster art/shopping/restaurant area. north of that is shit until you get to the aventura area. slightly south and west of the brickell area is doghouse's favorite coconut grove, which is mostly residential with some restaurants and shopping. the big university is there as well. keep going south of coconut grove and you get kendall, which is basically worthless for you. now wynwood, brickell, coconut grove, and downtown are all accessible by uber/lyft. aventura is as well but i'd check the rates as its probably a good 15-20 miles or so.

as far as specific recommendations, doghouse's el cajon is indeed very very good. they also have a surprisingly excellent craft beer selection in the gas station. i love yardhouse as John Lee Pettimore III can attest to. they make a fantastic fried chicken and some really great drinks.

try and sort out what types of places you're interested in, types of food, things you want to do, etc. and I can narrow down the list a bit. look on trip advisor and http://www.miaminewtimes.com/ for the area and see the restaurants and bars and shit. do you want nightclubs, titty bars, fancy drinks, etc.?

 

[robertito]

Last time I went to Miami they took me to eat some pork ribs. I don't remember the place (somewhere in Haileah?) but the food was very very good.

 

[Grand Potentate]

Last time I went to Miami they took me to eat some pork ribs. I don't remember the place (somewhere in Haileah?) but the food was very very good.

you can find a good place or two in the miami area. certainly not a bbq hotspot but there are a few gems.

 

[doghouse]

you can find a good place or two in the miami area. certainly not a bbq hotspot but there are a few gems.

There's one place way out by Homestead that is fantastic. Can't remember name though.

 

[Grand Potentate]

There's one place way out by Homestead that is fantastic. Can't remember name though.

that's a LONG fucking way to go to get some damn ribs.

 

[doghouse]

that's a LONG fucking way to go to get some damn ribs.

Oh I agree

 

[prince nez]

I'll let Grand Potentate give you the Souf Beach run down, I'm more a denizen of downtown or the Grove. One place you absolutely have to go though is El Carajo over on SW 17th and 1st by the Grove. It's the best Spanish restaurant I've been to outside of Spain and it is literally in the back of a gas station. Like, 'walk past the sodas and pork rinds and surly gas station attendants' back of a gas station. You go through a door in the back and all of a sudden you are in this rich wood paneled room with thousands of bottles of wine on racks and some of the best paella evar. It's wild.

http://el-carajo.com/

Garcia's over on the river used to be a decent spot to hang out for seafood, not sure if that is still the case though

I was going to suggest if you are feeling the need to hang out with your colonial oppressors, Elwood's was a good British joint, but it appears to be closed down. Unfortunate, as Elwood was a pretty cool guy.

Thanks for the recs! I’m actually off to Spain (to eat paella and have unsuits made) after the US but will try and get to el carajo - looks great.

If you are AirBnB-ing it, look in either Millennium/Grant Park or River North. By far the densest collection of things to eat, drink and screw. You can walk basically everywhere.

What time of year are you coming?

Coming in June next year (twss). Appreciate the neighborhood recs, will check them out.

Seeing as you mentioned Elwood, I might just be inspired to save some money on the Chicago accommodation...

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xo2xoe

 

[doghouse]

Coming in June next year (twss). Appreciate the neighborhood recs, will check them out.

Good, because if you said you were going to Chicago in the winter then I would call CBP and have you barred from the country because you are obviously a tacky profonator who is also psychotic.

Let me know where you pick and I can give you the best walking distance stuff. There's also a few spots you need to go regardless of where you stay, like Erie Cafe, where the steaks are apparently around 75% of the entire cow's mass.

 

[Fwiffo]

I'm trying Airbnb for the first time. I inquire about a place and I was told I don't have a photograph, prior reviews, and I don't have social media connected to Airbnb that might yield more information about me.

Am I not paying for a service here? I feel like I'm asking for social welfare or trying to get a job. Also, as with the first job, how do I get a job without needing to have previous work history?

Anyway, I used my LinkedIn profile photograph (cheers work!) - and said that's really the only social media I have. I reckon they are now tracing my lineage back to William the Conqueror.

This is similar to a coworker telling me to mind my rating on Uber. I'm giving you money?!?!? If you don't like my rating, skip me because plenty of immigrants and underemployed people will climb over you to drive me for cash.

 

[prince nez]

There's also a few spots you need to go regardless of where you stay, like Erie Cafe

Please to add to this list! I’m staying in Old Town btw. Unlike Fwiffs my direct lineage to Tamerlane was verified.

 

[doghouse]

Please to add to this list! I’m staying in Old Town btw. Unlike Fwiffs my direct lineage to Tamerlane was verified.

Well, unfortunately the Cabrini Green projects have been demolished so my top rec for urban warfare voyeurism is gone.

Basically everything from where you are down through the Loop is an easy Uber away.

Upscale eating - Maple & Ash is the current hotness.

Gibson's is iconic, but I've always found it so so. I like the aforementioned Erie Cafe, which is actual old Chicago steakhouse action. Don't expect anything modern modern than the 1970's there. Just the best steaks ever.

I highly recommend the BIlly Goat Tavern, which is the inspiration for the SNL Cheeseburger skit. The Second City comedy club is actually really close by as well.

Miller's Pub is a good old drinking joint. Great martinis too. A little south of where you are staying, but if you find yourself in the area, worth checking out. Probably a lot of your fellow Armenians are the waitstaff.

Trattoria No. 10 is in the same area as Millers. Top Top EyeTailian food. Small little place in the basement.

Tavern at the Park is kinda non descript but has an outdoor patio on the third or fourth floor of the Prudential Building that overlooks Millennium Park, and is pretty good spot on nice days to just hang out.

 

[Thruth]

Well, unfortunately the Cabrini Green projects have been demolished so my top rec for urban warfare voyeurism is gone.

Basically everything from where you are down through the Loop is an easy Uber away.

Upscale eating - Maple & Ash is the current hotness.

Gibson's is iconic, but I've always found it so so. I like the aforementioned Erie Cafe, which is actual old Chicago steakhouse action. Don't expect anything modern modern than the 1970's there. Just the best steaks ever.

I highly recommend the BIlly Goat Tavern, which is the inspiration for the SNL Cheeseburger skit. The Second City comedy club is actually really close by as well.

Miller's Pub is a good old drinking joint. Great martinis too. A little south of where you are staying, but if you find yourself in the area, worth checking out. Probably a lot of your fellow Armenians are the waitstaff.

Trattoria No. 10 is in the same area as Millers. Top Top EyeTailian food. Small little place in the basement.

Tavern at the Park is kinda non descript but has an outdoor patio on the third or fourth floor of the Prudential Building that overlooks Millennium Park, and is pretty good spot on nice days to just hang out.

I'll second Miller's Pub and the neighbourhood.

 

[doghouse]

I'll second Miller's Pub and the neighbourhood.

Fo shizzle. There's several other good places a bit south of there too, like Chicago Firehouse for steak, but since he is in Old Town, he would drive past a dozen already good places, so I'm not sure if it's worth it.

 

[doghouse]

Hey prince nez , just stumbled on a place in Chi Town I've never been to. Three Dots and a Dash, epically good Tiki bar. Wish I had been able to direct you there. If you find your self back definitely check it out.

 

[Dropbear]

doghouse maybe you can explain the whole tiki bar thing to me?

 

[doghouse]

doghouse maybe you can explain the whole tiki bar thing to me?

 

[Dropbear]

There’s one opening in my neighborhood. I’m still kinda confused by the whole concept, but I guess I can dust of a Hawaiian shirt and go see if I get a lei there.

 

[doghouse]

There’s one opening in my neighborhood. I’m still kinda confused by the whole concept, but I guess I can dust of a Hawaiian shirt and go see if I get a lei there.

Well, my only advice is there are only like 5 good ones on the planet, and the rest are utterly terrible. It's an all or nothing kinda thing, and if they dont capture 1950s kitsch they aren't worth much.

Trader Vics, Dukes in Waikiki, and the Tonga Room are the gold standards

 

[Dropbear]

I might discover number six down my street...

 

[fxh]

Theres only ever been one proper TIKI bar in this town (over 4.2M) and I loved it. Now closed. I've always been a fan of exotica music so it was a natural fit for me.

 

[Dropbear]

How have I not known about this whole Tiki Bar thing all my life??

 

[doghouse]

Apparently you live in a cave and/or are Amish.

 

[Dropbear]

Funnily enough, I have a Shag print decorating my Amish cave.

 

[doghouse]

Lol.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

Theres only ever been one proper TIKI bar in this town (over 4.2M) and I loved it. Now closed. I've always been a fan of exotica music so it was a natural fit for me.

They never made it to the UK, at least not to make any cultural impact. Only ever been in one Tiki bar in Menorca.

 

[MES]

Theres only ever been one proper TIKI bar in this town (over 4.2M) and I loved it. Now closed. I've always been a fan of exotica music so it was a natural fit for me.

There's a tiki bar in Aberdeen - a crossover between a metal pub and tiki bar. Down by the harbour, it used to be the Moorings but I think it's now Krakatoa? Really an excellent pub, with a huge beer range and a decent selection of tiki drinks (though like PS says, tiki isn't a concept I've really seen anywhere else so I've no comparison to make). Super friendly people, too, though you get some odd characters floating in from the boats

 

[doghouse]

They never made it to the UK, at least not to make any cultural impact. Only ever been in one Tiki bar in Menorca.

Traders Vics London is the most famous tiki bar on the planet.

 

[Dropbear]

Traders Vics London is the most famous tiki bar on the planet.

I saw a werewolf drinking a piña colada at Trader Vic's
And his hair was perfect

 

[Grand Potentate]

I saw a werewolf drinking a piña colada at Trader Vic's
And his hair was perfect

exactly

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

Traders Vics London is the most famous tiki bar on the planet.

Never came across it in my travels in the imperial city, even though I know the song!

 

[fxh]

There's a tiki bar in Aberdeen - a crossover between a metal pub and tiki bar. Down by the harbour, it used to be the Moorings but I think it's now Krakatoa? Really an excellent pub, with a huge beer range and a decent selection of tiki drinks (though like PS says, tiki isn't a concept I've really seen anywhere else so I've no comparison to make). Super friendly people, too, though you get some odd characters floating in from the boats

I'll check it out on Oct when I'm there.

I put up a bit of Tiki/Exotica music on the music thread.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

I'm arriving in Madrid tomorrow (Wednesday) in the middle of a taxi strike and have to order the full on Grand Hotel transfer deal at Euros 110. No Tiki bars I expect in central Madrid.

I'm close to the museum district, 5 minutes walk from the train station Puerto del Sol or 20 minutes from the Atocha bus station. Not that that matters, as I won't be using public transport unless it goes really pear shaped big time with the transfer and lack of taxis.

Where is there to go on your own? In 40 degree heat?

Likely nowhere, unless you're with a client, colleagues or you're paying for an escort. But the Grand Hotel gives you a chance of hanging out in the cocktail bar for a few drinks in a place with some modicum of old world decorum and refinement. Then order room service and bottle of red watch CNN entrepid business traveller and then Rai in search of showgirl eye candy before slipping into a blissful sleep.

 

[güero]

I'm arriving in Madrid tomorrow (Wednesday) in the middle of a taxi strike and have to order the full on Grand Hotel transfer deal at Euros 110. No Tiki bars I expect in central Madrid.

I'm close to the museum district, 5 minutes walk from the train station Puerto del Sol or 20 minutes from the Atocha bus station. Not that that matters, as I won't be using public transport unless it goes really pear shaped big time with the transfer and lack of taxis.

Where is there to go on your own? In 40 degree heat?

Likely nowhere, unless you're with a client, colleagues or you're paying for an escort. But the Grand Hotel gives you a chance of hanging out in the cocktail bar for a few drinks in a place with some modicum of old world decorum and refinement. Then order room service and bottle of red watch CNN entrepid business traveller and then Rai in search of showgirl eye candy before slipping into a blissful sleep.

sounds horrible tbh. There are quite a few parks where it is not that hot even during daytime. There are also millions and millions of bars and cafes right about where you stay, obvs beats room service and CNN, even when going alone. Won't stay alone for long anyways. Next time you go stay in Hotel Orfila, by far the nicest I found in Madrid. They have a nice garden/backyard where you can have breakfest etc. and the rooms are close to perfect. Westin is ok if you like some grand hotel atmosphere but it is pretty rundown overall and way overpriced. The other couple of hotels I don't even remember the name, nothing worth returning.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

Looks good that Hotel Orfila. But again, doesn't matter how good the restaurants are, I've grown tired of eating alone in public. Breakfast is as far as go in this respect. There's a good cocktail bar in the hotel and that will do me. I might do lunch at Schipol as well, as a couple of colleagues are off to Iceland at the same time.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

Westin is ok if you like some grand hotel atmosphere but it is pretty rundown overall and way overpriced. The other couple of hotels I don't even remember the name, nothing worth returning.

Passed the Westin on the way to the Prado Museum and I could hear the rich baroque orchestra playing from outside. The Prado is wonderful a reminder that only Western civilization has created such art works and we're not going to hand it over to a bunch of SJW post-modernists and replace it Tracey Emin's spunk and menstrual fluid stained bed.

Stayed 10 minutes walk away in the Gran Hotel Ingles, excellent attentive staff and cocktail bar. I will stay there again.

 

[ter1413]

Westin is ok if you like some grand hotel atmosphere but it is pretty rundown overall and way overpriced.

I stayed at the Westin appr 10 years ago when I visited Madrid for the first time. Nice classic/grand hotel. Loved the location and the service. Not sure how it is now.

I had a drink at the hotel bar one night when I came in. Saw one of the best looking "working girls" in my life sitting at the end of the bar looking for some action. Also payed the most I ever have for a Stoli/cran. I looked at the bill when it was put in front of me and did a triple take! But I was on vacation and it was all good. Ended up having 3-4 more. Didn't end up with the "working girl." Wonder what her rates would have been?

 

[doghouse]

Holy shit, ter1413