What to bring home from Miami?

ah, I was going to suggest the monthly Sud Swap event in Wynwood but that's on the 23rd ... last time I went Wakefield had several kegs of fucking stupendous beer.

Places to check out... look them up on yelp for more info:

The mainland:

The Mighty
Kush
Both are pubs and have good food. Beer lists are pretty damn good.

Miami Beach:
The Abbey - our oldest craft beer bar. Selection not as good as Mighty or Kush but it is one to check out.
Lou's Beer Garden - has food, great little spot that you'd only know about because a local pointed you there.

There are of course several World of Beers here which I frequent every once in a while.

We have three Total Wines (one in Kendall, one in Pinecrest, one in Aventura). You may get lucky and find some Zhukov still around.

If you are up for craft cocktails -- and not just "craft" because it's trendy, but truly artistic and unique cocktails that are varied and consistently great, the best bar in US happens to be here in Miami Beach, the Broken Shaker at the Indian creek hotel. Excellent food as well.

I have been to pretty much every restaurant in Miami so let me know if you want me to get started on my recommendations there

 

I'm bot a big fan of theirs, but you may want to try out Miami Brewing Co. They have a couple beers that you can pick up at a Total Wine. They have a Blonde Ale called Big Rod Coconut Ale, a Brown Ale called Gator Tail, and a Wheat Ale called Shark Bait, and an American IPA called Vice IPA. Cigar City's beers are better IMO. Can't really think of any other local stuff that is bottled/canned. If you go to Total Wine you might be able to find something you don't often get back home.

 

I would avoid Miami brewing all together.

 

Due South Category 5 is in cans across South Flroida and is my favorite Florida year-around IPA.

 

Agree on the Due South Cat5, we're finally getting Cat 3 up in Orlando but the second Cat5 drops the shelves get cleared.

 

Have dinner at Kush in Wynwood.

 

Since you don't have a car, Wynwood would be quite a trek. Are you looking for a beer-centric restaurant or gastropub or just any dinner spot with good food near your hotel (downtown Miami/Brickell area)?

 

I don't know which liquor stores are in or near downtown Miami. Perhaps a Miamian can chime in. I'm in Broward. There is a Publix grocery store nearby where you can get year-round Cigar City beers like Jai Alai IPA.

A good friend of mine lives in Brickell Av area of downtown Miami and told me that Batch Gastropub is a good spot for dinner and they have a pretty decent beer selection (http://www.batchmiami.com/). Nothing on the level of Kush in Wynwood's selection, but good and close to your hotel. I'll let Miami ppl make other recs.

Last thing - find out if you can actually take beer in your luggage on the cruise. The cruises that I've been on, they check everyone's suitcase and confiscate alcohol before the boat leaves. However, you can get away with bringing your own clear-colored liquor (vodka, gin, etc) in water or Sprite bottles. Enjoy your stay!

 

If you're at the port I don't think downtown is far. Try OTC in Brickell. Good food and good rotating kegs.

I also took your above post that you were going to be here from August 10th-17th

 

Chandi Liquors is downtown. It's hit or miss on selection though.

 

Just an FYI, most cruises frown upon bringing your own booze, it hurts their business. You may want to check with your cruise line. They have been known to confiscate booze and not return them. Just figured I'd give you a heads up.

 

Democratic Republic of Beer is good but a little pricey.

The Filling Station and Garage Bar is a great place.