After a recent police raid. Three popular South Florida night clubs, Fat Kat's Pool Hall, Cafe Iguana, and MarsBar, were shut down indefinitely with their liquor licenses revoked. Metro-Dade narcotics units and swat teams raided Cafe Iguana in ski masks and assault rifles and made several arrests for the illegal sale of drugs by several employees. It is uncertain when these clubs will open again if ever.
The Rathskeller - The university's own private pub. Students 21 and over can sample a wide variety of beers and alcoholic beverages while snacking on hot-off-the-grill food items. Live bands and students-only, night time parties are the norm.
University Center - The main hub of university activity during the day. Relax on sofas in the upstair International Lounge or watch soap operas downstairs while having lunch. Students can be seen engaging in everything from video arcade gaming to foosball and table tennis to billiards.
The Food Court - The newly renovated food court sports such famous restaurants as Pizza Hut, Freshens Yogurt, The French Quarter, Taco Bell, Panda Express, and Burger King.
A favorite hang out of many South Floridians, tourists, and Hurricanes is Coconut Grove. "The Grove" is a collection of expensive retail stores, restaurants and clubs. Parking, especially on weekends, is always scarce and is never free.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango - An upscale restaurant that serves a variety of foods ranging from Italian to Chinese Dim-Sum.
The Cheesecake Factory - A popular destination for many Grove patrons. Waiting times can exceed 2 hours during peek times. A vast selection of entrees from English Shepherd's Pie to Italian delicacies, and the world famous cheese cakes are not to be passed up. Bring a healthy appetite as a single appetizer alone is almost more than enough for two people.
CocoWalk and Mayfair Theaters - Take in a movie at either the Mayfair Cinemas or the CocoWalk AMC Theaters with over 30 screens between the two. Many foreign films and less main stream movies are shown here.
Dan Marino's All-Star Grill, Johnny Rockets, and Hooters - Sit back and watch a Dolphin, Heat, Marlins, Panthers or UM Hurricanes game at Dan Marino's and Hooters. Although, I'd recommend watching something else if you go to Hooters. At Johnny Rockets the decade of the 1950's is alive and well as servers sing and dance while serving your food.
Senor Frogs - A wonderful indoor outdoor restaurant where you can gaze at the stars while having a romantic dinner by candlelight.
The Grove also hosts a number of other restaurants and bars such as Cafe Med, Fat Tuesdays, and The Hungry Sailor.
There is so much for a person to do that it isn't funny. You can eat out at a different restaurant every night of the year and not return to the same place even once. Perhaps one of the hottest areas in South Florida is just off the Miami Beach coastline. Known by locals as "SoBe," South Beach is world famous for it's Ocean Drive and Art Deco architecture. South Florida is one of the biggest tourist destinations throughout the world. The State of Florida is the biggest tourist attraction in the world when you figure in the Walt Disney World Factor. Other hot spots include Town and Country Mall in West Kendall and Fort Lauderdale, Miami's twin city a short drive to the North.
Mars Bar, Fat Kats Pool Hall and Cafe Iguana - This trifecta of clubs is run by the same organization and has been around for several years now. It is a pleasant alternative to driving to The Grove or South Beach and fighting for parking. Cafe Iguana (21+) features mostly Salsa type music but delves into rap, and even some country from time to time. Just above Cafe Iguana is Fat Kat's Pool Hall (21+) where classic and 90's rock can be heard blaring over a crowded billiard room. A nice place to sit back and drink while shooting some pool with friends. Across the way is Mars Bar (18+ girls, 21+ guys). Mars Bar plays hits from the 80's along with rap and alternative and industrial music from Marilyn Manson to Nine Inch Nails to Blondie.
Glam Slam, Baja Beach Club, and Amnesia - Along Washington Avenue you will find South Beach's rows of bars and clubs. Glam Slam (?) is owned by the Artist Formerly Known as that Prince guy. It has since been closed down and who knows when it will re-open. Baja Beach Club, where ladies like to dress down. G-strings and lace are not uncommon attire in this club. (Varies) Amnesia (21+) is a loud club and has since re-opened after being shut down for a weekend for being too loud. Cover charges are steep and can range into the $15 area. I have never been inside these places so I don't know what type of music they play.
Rose's and The Chili Pepper - These loud bars are among the more popular stops along Washington Avenue. Live bands often play.
Ocean Drive - People watching is popular down Ocean Drive where the sand meets the surf. Parking is treacherous and non-existent. Expensive restaurants and open air cafes line the streets. Among them are News Cafe, The Clevelander Hotel, and Penrods Beach Club.
The Chili Pepper - What was once a main stay in Fort Lauderdale, The Edge nightclub has since closed and has re-opened as The Chili Pepper, the same one as in South Beach. I haven't yet gone to the former Edge but this was my favorite club. A large sunken dance floor along with an outdoor patio with reggae and live bands. Techno, dance and alternative music is played indoors in this multi-level club. National acts such as Live, Beck, The Cardigans, and Bush have played here in the past.
I will be updating this page in the future as the information becomes available so bookmark this page and come back soon. Back to the Hurricane Main Page.
© 1997 jazcrow@ibm.net This page last updated 7/1/97
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