Miami-Dade County

Restaurants in Miami used to look like that? See some popular places through the years

Pickin’ Chicken, at 71st Street and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, was rated as one of the 10 most beautifully decorated restaurants in America by Fortune magazine. The restaurant was popular in the 1950s into the ’60s.
Pickin’ Chicken, at 71st Street and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, was rated as one of the 10 most beautifully decorated restaurants in America by Fortune magazine. The restaurant was popular in the 1950s into the ’60s. Miami Herald File

We love to reminisce about our favorite restaurants. Especially those that no longer exist.

Miami historian Seth Bramson even wrote a whole book about the “Lost Restaurants of Miami.”

These restaurants of the past stay in our hearts. They are places where we celebrated milestones. Places that served as landmarks in our youth. And of course, places where we’ve eaten a memorable meal or two.

So let’s dig into the Miami Herald photo archives for a look at some of them. Do you remember any of them?

THE LANDMARKS

Embers Restaurant in Miami Beach.
Embers Restaurant in Miami Beach. Battle Vaughan Miami Herald File


Firehouse Four Restaurant at 1000 S. Miami Ave.
Firehouse Four Restaurant at 1000 S. Miami Ave. Bill Frakes Miami Herald File
Lums in Miami Beach.
Lums in Miami Beach. Battle Vaughan Miami Herald File
Bill Sanders Miami Herald File
Miami Herald File
Chuck Fadely Miami Herald File / 1995
In 2006, a view of Martha’s on the Intracoastal restaurant in Hollywood.
In 2006, a view of Martha’s on the Intracoastal restaurant in Hollywood. Candace Barbot Miami Herald File
The fine-dining restaurant at Miamarina in 1970, site of the current Bayside Marketplace.
The fine-dining restaurant at Miamarina in 1970, site of the current Bayside Marketplace. Doug Kennedy Miami Herald File
In 2003, the Rascal House in Sunny Isles Beach put a speacial note on their sign for Emma Noble, a counter waitress who had her retirement party.
In 2003, the Rascal House in Sunny Isles Beach put a speacial note on their sign for Emma Noble, a counter waitress who had her retirement party. Miami Herald File

THE FOOD

In 2006, Lois Lovett-Gianos, owner of Nick’s Restaurant in Hallandale Beach, shows off a carrot cake.
In 2006, Lois Lovett-Gianos, owner of Nick’s Restaurant in Hallandale Beach, shows off a carrot cake. Miami Herald File
In 2006, Chef Kal Abdalla makes shrimp during the dinner rush at Prezzo restaurant in Aventura.
In 2006, Chef Kal Abdalla makes shrimp during the dinner rush at Prezzo restaurant in Aventura. Miami Herald File
Tuxedo clad delivery serve Debi London picks up food prepared by line cook Mike Malki at Mark’s Place in North Miami.
Tuxedo clad delivery serve Debi London picks up food prepared by line cook Mike Malki at Mark’s Place in North Miami. David Bergman Miami Herald File

AT THE TABLE

Florida Gov. Bob Graham autographs a poster of himself as Jeanne England and granddaughter Melissa look on as he visits tables at Wolfie’s restaurant in Miami Beach in 1986.
Florida Gov. Bob Graham autographs a poster of himself as Jeanne England and granddaughter Melissa look on as he visits tables at Wolfie’s restaurant in Miami Beach in 1986. Miami Herald File
In 1995, City Games Foundation Co-Chairmen Danny Hernandez and Arnold Schwarzennegger meet in Miami’s Planet Hollywood restaurant.
In 1995, City Games Foundation Co-Chairmen Danny Hernandez and Arnold Schwarzennegger meet in Miami’s Planet Hollywood restaurant. Raul Rubiera Miami Herald File
Louis Kovacs plays at Budapest restaurant in Miami Beach.
Louis Kovacs plays at Budapest restaurant in Miami Beach. Brian Smith Miami Herald File
Andrew Innerarity Miami Herald File
Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File
Chuck Fadely Miami Herald File
Peter Andrew Bosch Miami Herald File
La Paloma restaurant.
La Paloma restaurant. Bob East Miami Herald File

This story was originally published July 12, 2023 at 5:00 AM.

Profile Image of Jeff Kleinman
Jeff Kleinman
Miami Herald
305-376-3561
Consumer Team Editor Jeff Kleinman oversees coverage for health, shopping, real estate, tourism and recalls/scams/fraud.
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