West Miami-Dade

Westchester used to look like that? See the shopping, horse track and restaurants

By Miami Herald Archives
A welcome to the neighborhood sign in 1998.
A welcome to the neighborhood sign in 1998. Pedro Portal Miami Herald File

Did you grow up in Westchester?

Spend time at Bird Bowl? Get a slice at Frankie’s and a hot dog at Arbetter’s? Gather at La Carreta? See the horses at Tropical Park?

MORE: Westchester bucket list: Do these things before you die (or your abuela moves)

Let’s browse the Miami Herald photo archive and look back at the Miami-Dade community through the years:

FUN

Bird Bowl in Westchester.
Bird Bowl in Westchester. Miami Herald File
Comedian Brittany Brave is photographed at Bird Bowl in Westchester.
Comedian Brittany Brave is photographed at Bird Bowl in Westchester. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Comedian Brittany Brave visits the arcade inside of Bird Bowl in Westchester. Brave, who grew up in Miami’s Kendall neighborhood, is preparing for her stand-up performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Nov. 23, 2024.
Comedian Brittany Brave visits the arcade inside of Bird Bowl in Westchester. Brave, who grew up in Miami’s Kendall neighborhood, is preparing for her stand-up performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Nov. 23, 2024. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
In 2009, Before the rain started Mark Klein takes off in his 1932 Ford Roadster during the annual Citizen’s Crime Watch Black Party in Westchester.
In 2009, Before the rain started Mark Klein takes off in his 1932 Ford Roadster during the annual Citizen’s Crime Watch Black Party in Westchester. Miami Herald File
Tropical Park in 1970, when it was a horse race track.
Tropical Park in 1970, when it was a horse race track. Miami Herald File
Tropical Park and surroundings in 1975.
Tropical Park and surroundings in 1975. Miami Herald File

FOOD

Francesca Lozzi, niece to founder Bob Arbetter, decorates for a street naming party at Arbetter Hot Dogs in Westchester, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010. The shop has been located at 8747 Bird Road since the early 1970s.
Francesca Lozzi, niece to founder Bob Arbetter, decorates for a street naming party at Arbetter Hot Dogs in Westchester, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010. The shop has been located at 8747 Bird Road since the early 1970s. Miami Herald File
A sampling at Arbetter Hot Dogs in Westchester.
A sampling at Arbetter Hot Dogs in Westchester. Miami Herald File
Frankie’s Pizza in Westchester in 2005, with the family who owns it celebrating at the time 50 years in business.
Frankie’s Pizza in Westchester in 2005, with the family who owns it celebrating at the time 50 years in business. Miami Herald File
Frankie’s Pizza in Westchester is celebrating 50 years this week.
Frankie’s Pizza in Westchester is celebrating 50 years this week. Miami Herald File

BUSINESS

The lottery ticket frenzy at Adolph’s Westchester News in 1989.
The lottery ticket frenzy at Adolph’s Westchester News in 1989. Raul Rubiera Miami Herald File
The parking lot at Westchester Shopping Center in 1981.
The parking lot at Westchester Shopping Center in 1981. Miami Herald File
In 1998, a security guard patrols the Westchester Mall at Coral Way and 87th Avenue.
In 1998, a security guard patrols the Westchester Mall at Coral Way and 87th Avenue. Roberto Koltun el Nuevo Herald File
Westchester Mall in 1994.
Westchester Mall in 1994. RAUL RUBIERA Miami Herald File
In 2000, Lazarro Pizarro of Westchester Florist.
In 2000, Lazarro Pizarro of Westchester Florist. RAUL RUBIERA Miami Herald File
Illegally parked cars in 1977 at Westchester Shopping Center in front of Play World and Eckerd.
Illegally parked cars in 1977 at Westchester Shopping Center in front of Play World and Eckerd. Joe Rikmus Jr. Miami Herald File
In 1997, Westchester Hospital at 2500 SW 75th Ave.
In 1997, Westchester Hospital at 2500 SW 75th Ave. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File

PEOPLE

Madge Belden of Westchester takes her dogs, Sabrina and Bruno, for a walk in 1979.
Madge Belden of Westchester takes her dogs, Sabrina and Bruno, for a walk in 1979. Albert Coya Miami Herald File


In 1966, protestors picket Food Fair supermarket at the Westchester Shopping Center.
In 1966, protestors picket Food Fair supermarket at the Westchester Shopping Center. Albert Coya Miami Herald File
In 1986, Obdulia Hernandez does last-minute toy shoping for her grandchildren, at the Westchester Shopping center.
In 1986, Obdulia Hernandez does last-minute toy shoping for her grandchildren, at the Westchester Shopping center. Albert Coya Miami Herald File

This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

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