South Florida and Miami Limo Rental Blog
Lincoln Road Street Market
Lincoln Road Street Market
By Nick Jurkowski
"Contact Us Online":/page/contact
If you're anything like me, you cannot survive on nightclubs alone. Naturally, you need some diversion during the day to kill the time until you can get back to the important business of enjoying Miami's unparalleled club scene. Luckily, Miami has a wide variety of activities and destinations to hold your attention during the day. One of the most well known (popular with tourists and locals alike) is Lincoln Road.
Lincoln Road is a pedestrian street market that offers all manner of food, shopping, and entertainment. From the late 1920s to the early 1950s, it was the commercial center of Miami Beach, featuring 5 movie theaters, a Saks Fifth Avenue, and numerous upscale commercial areas for the wealthy patrons of the day. By 1980, almost all of the shops had closed, and Lincoln Road's heyday was over. Luckily, it began a renovation into the attraction it is today.
Nowadays, you will find a huge variety shopping, eating, and people watching here. In addition to the normal GAP/Banana Republic generic-type clothing stores, there are also a number of less ubiquitous destinations, and Sundays feature a market with fresh produce and always interesting, sometimes bizarre handicrafts. There is also a healthy smattering of art galleries that will certainly hold your attention (if you dig that kind of thing). These varied attraction and unique history helps the Lincoln Road area maintain a very individual character. Naturally, the people watching at these venues is always entertaining (there's no where in the world to people watch quite like Miami), and just wondering around the area is a great way to kill some time and spend some money (provided you don't get run over by a scantily-clad roller-blader).
"Contact Us Online":/page/contact
By Nick Jurkowski
"Contact Us Online":/page/contact
If you're anything like me, you cannot survive on nightclubs alone. Naturally, you need some diversion during the day to kill the time until you can get back to the important business of enjoying Miami's unparalleled club scene. Luckily, Miami has a wide variety of activities and destinations to hold your attention during the day. One of the most well known (popular with tourists and locals alike) is Lincoln Road.
Lincoln Road is a pedestrian street market that offers all manner of food, shopping, and entertainment. From the late 1920s to the early 1950s, it was the commercial center of Miami Beach, featuring 5 movie theaters, a Saks Fifth Avenue, and numerous upscale commercial areas for the wealthy patrons of the day. By 1980, almost all of the shops had closed, and Lincoln Road's heyday was over. Luckily, it began a renovation into the attraction it is today.
Nowadays, you will find a huge variety shopping, eating, and people watching here. In addition to the normal GAP/Banana Republic generic-type clothing stores, there are also a number of less ubiquitous destinations, and Sundays feature a market with fresh produce and always interesting, sometimes bizarre handicrafts. There is also a healthy smattering of art galleries that will certainly hold your attention (if you dig that kind of thing). These varied attraction and unique history helps the Lincoln Road area maintain a very individual character. Naturally, the people watching at these venues is always entertaining (there's no where in the world to people watch quite like Miami), and just wondering around the area is a great way to kill some time and spend some money (provided you don't get run over by a scantily-clad roller-blader).
"Contact Us Online":/page/contact
Get to Know the NEXTEL Drivers: Matt Kenseth
Name: Matt Kenseth
Date of Birth: 03/10/1972
Hometown: Cambridge, Wisconsin
First Race: 1998 MBNA Gold 400 (Dover)
First Victory: 2000 Coca-Cola 600 (Lowe's)
Most Recent Victory: 2007 Pep Boys Auto 500 (Atlanta)
Awards: 2000 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year
2003 Winston Cup Champion
2004 IROC champion
Car Number: 17
Car Make: Ford
Team: Roush Fenway Racing
Sponsor: DeWalt Power Tools
2006 NEXTEL Cup Position: 2nd
2007 NEXTEL Winnings: $5,953,397
2007 NEXTEL Laps Led: 605
Wins: 1
Rank: 10
Date of Birth: 03/10/1972
Hometown: Cambridge, Wisconsin
First Race: 1998 MBNA Gold 400 (Dover)
First Victory: 2000 Coca-Cola 600 (Lowe's)
Most Recent Victory: 2007 Pep Boys Auto 500 (Atlanta)
Awards: 2000 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year
2003 Winston Cup Champion
2004 IROC champion
Car Number: 17
Car Make: Ford
Team: Roush Fenway Racing
Sponsor: DeWalt Power Tools
2006 NEXTEL Cup Position: 2nd
2007 NEXTEL Winnings: $5,953,397
2007 NEXTEL Laps Led: 605
Wins: 1
Rank: 10
The Quotes of NASCAR
Like every sport around, racing has its fair share of quotes, memorable sayings uttered by those involved. From comical ones, to those aimed at speaking to racing hopefuls, quotes deliver something that resonates within all of us. The following are some of the sources of NASCAR quotes, those that best speak to life in the fast lane.
Michael Curtis Waltrip: A professional race car driver and owner of Michael Waltrip Racing (natch), Waltrip won the Daytona 500 twice, once in 2001 and once in 2003. He is also a commentator, providing his talent for oration to the Speed Channel on occasion. Waltrip was once quoted as saying, "Racing cars is not the safest thing. Maybe at times it's not the sanest thing."
Kasey Kahne: A driver in NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup series, Kasey Kahne drives a number nine Dodge for Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Outside of the race car, he's also known for his work in charity. He was once quoted, when referring to changing from a Cup fire suit to a Busch fire suit, as saying, "I change fire suits faster now than Clark Kent can duck into a phone booth and become Superman."
Dale Earnhardt: Perhaps the best well known race car driver to ever put the pedal to the metal, Dale Earnhardt has become synonymous with the number three. During his career, he won seventy six races and seven championships (a record he shares with the great Richard Petty). He died doing what he loved: fatally crashing during the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. True to the way he live his life, Earnhardt was once quoted as saying, "Finishing races is important, but racing is more important."
Murray Walker: A well known United Kingdom Motorsports commentator, Murray Walker worked mostly for the BBC during his career. Among a sea of sports announcers, Walker stood out: he was famous for the commentator's curse, his passionate enthusiasm, and his keen ability to fluctuate his voice in sync with the fluctuation of the race car engines. He was once quoted as saying, "Anything happens in Grand Prix racing, and it usually does."
Ricky Bobby: The fictional character brought to life by Will Ferrell in the movie Talladega Nights, Ricky Bobby perhaps captured the competitive nature of racing best when he said, "If you ain't first, you're last." Yes, Shake and Bake forever.
Michael Curtis Waltrip: A professional race car driver and owner of Michael Waltrip Racing (natch), Waltrip won the Daytona 500 twice, once in 2001 and once in 2003. He is also a commentator, providing his talent for oration to the Speed Channel on occasion. Waltrip was once quoted as saying, "Racing cars is not the safest thing. Maybe at times it's not the sanest thing."
Kasey Kahne: A driver in NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup series, Kasey Kahne drives a number nine Dodge for Gillett Evernham Motorsports. Outside of the race car, he's also known for his work in charity. He was once quoted, when referring to changing from a Cup fire suit to a Busch fire suit, as saying, "I change fire suits faster now than Clark Kent can duck into a phone booth and become Superman."
Dale Earnhardt: Perhaps the best well known race car driver to ever put the pedal to the metal, Dale Earnhardt has become synonymous with the number three. During his career, he won seventy six races and seven championships (a record he shares with the great Richard Petty). He died doing what he loved: fatally crashing during the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. True to the way he live his life, Earnhardt was once quoted as saying, "Finishing races is important, but racing is more important."
Murray Walker: A well known United Kingdom Motorsports commentator, Murray Walker worked mostly for the BBC during his career. Among a sea of sports announcers, Walker stood out: he was famous for the commentator's curse, his passionate enthusiasm, and his keen ability to fluctuate his voice in sync with the fluctuation of the race car engines. He was once quoted as saying, "Anything happens in Grand Prix racing, and it usually does."
Ricky Bobby: The fictional character brought to life by Will Ferrell in the movie Talladega Nights, Ricky Bobby perhaps captured the competitive nature of racing best when he said, "If you ain't first, you're last." Yes, Shake and Bake forever.
Get to Know the NEXTEL Drivers
Get to Know the NEXTEL Drivers: Kyle Busch
Name: Kyle Busch
Date of Birth: 05/02/1985
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
First Race: 2004 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 (Las Vegas)
First Victory: 2005 Sony HD 500 (California)
Most Recent Victory: 2007 Food City 500 (Bristol)
Awards: 2004 Busch Series Rookie of the Year
2005 NEXTEL Cup Rookie of the Year
Car Number: 5
Car Make: Chevrolet
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Sponsor: Kellogg's
2006 NEXTEL Cup Position: 10th
2007 NEXTEL Winnings: $4,188,318
2007 NEXTEL Laps Led: 406
Wins: 1
Rank: 6th
Name: Kyle Busch
Date of Birth: 05/02/1985
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
First Race: 2004 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 (Las Vegas)
First Victory: 2005 Sony HD 500 (California)
Most Recent Victory: 2007 Food City 500 (Bristol)
Awards: 2004 Busch Series Rookie of the Year
2005 NEXTEL Cup Rookie of the Year
Car Number: 5
Car Make: Chevrolet
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Sponsor: Kellogg's
2006 NEXTEL Cup Position: 10th
2007 NEXTEL Winnings: $4,188,318
2007 NEXTEL Laps Led: 406
Wins: 1
Rank: 6th
The Statistics of the NEXTEL Cup Series
The Statistics of the NEXTEL Cup Series
The youngest winner in the history of the NEXTEL series was Bill Rexford, who won in 1950 at the tender age of 23 years old. It was his only career win. In the modern history of the race, Jeff Gordon is the youngest winner. He won in 1995 when he was just 24 years old. On the other end of the age spectrum, the oldest winner is Bobby Allison. In 1983, he won at the age of 45. He turned 46 shortly after.
Winning apparently runs in the family, at least some families. Father and son Ned and Dale Jarrett both won as did Lee and Richard Petty. Terry and Bobby Labonte, brothers, were also both winners. These are the only family members to claim the title.
The amounts of teammates to win the NEXTEL Cup series are few and far between. They are Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson (with Hendrick Motorsports), Kurt Busch and Matt Kenseth (with Roush Racing), and Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart (with Joe Gibbs Racing).
Only one person has won three times in a row. Cale Yarborough won in 1976, 1977, and 1978. He, along with Tony Stewart, was also one of the only people to finish last in the Daytona 500 and go on to win the NEXTEL Cup series title later that season.
No driver has ever gone the entire season without winning a race and still won the championship. However, four drivers have won only a single series and still won the title. They were Benny Parsons, Bill Rexford, Ned Jarrett, and Matt Kenseth.
>
Richard Petty remains the winningest driver for the NEXTEL Cup series. In 1967, he finished with 27 wins out of 48 races. This winning percentage is viewed as unbelievable by NASCAR drivers and fans alike.
The youngest winner in the history of the NEXTEL series was Bill Rexford, who won in 1950 at the tender age of 23 years old. It was his only career win. In the modern history of the race, Jeff Gordon is the youngest winner. He won in 1995 when he was just 24 years old. On the other end of the age spectrum, the oldest winner is Bobby Allison. In 1983, he won at the age of 45. He turned 46 shortly after.
Winning apparently runs in the family, at least some families. Father and son Ned and Dale Jarrett both won as did Lee and Richard Petty. Terry and Bobby Labonte, brothers, were also both winners. These are the only family members to claim the title.
The amounts of teammates to win the NEXTEL Cup series are few and far between. They are Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson (with Hendrick Motorsports), Kurt Busch and Matt Kenseth (with Roush Racing), and Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart (with Joe Gibbs Racing).
Only one person has won three times in a row. Cale Yarborough won in 1976, 1977, and 1978. He, along with Tony Stewart, was also one of the only people to finish last in the Daytona 500 and go on to win the NEXTEL Cup series title later that season.
No driver has ever gone the entire season without winning a race and still won the championship. However, four drivers have won only a single series and still won the title. They were Benny Parsons, Bill Rexford, Ned Jarrett, and Matt Kenseth.
>
Richard Petty remains the winningest driver for the NEXTEL Cup series. In 1967, he finished with 27 wins out of 48 races. This winning percentage is viewed as unbelievable by NASCAR drivers and fans alike.
Get to Know the NEXTEL Drivers: Jimmie Johnson
Get to Know the NEXTEL Drivers: Jimmie Johnson
Name: Jimmie Johnson
Date of Birth: 09/17/1975
Hometown: El Cajon, California
First Race: 1998 Kroger 200 (Indianapolis Raceway Park)
First Victory: 2001 Sam's Club Presents Hill Bros. Coffee 300
Most Recent Victory: 2007 Pep Boys Auto 500 (Atlanta)
Awards: 2006 NEXTEL Cup Champion
2006 Daytona 500 winner
2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner
1998 ASA Rookie of the Year
Off-road championships in SODA, SCORE International and Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group
Car Number: 48
Car Make: Chevrolet
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Sponsor: Lowe's
2006 NEXTEL Cup Position: 1st
2007 NEXTEL Winnings: $6,757,463
2007 NEXTEL Laps Led: 406
Wins: 9
Rank: 2
Name: Jimmie Johnson
Date of Birth: 09/17/1975
Hometown: El Cajon, California
First Race: 1998 Kroger 200 (Indianapolis Raceway Park)
First Victory: 2001 Sam's Club Presents Hill Bros. Coffee 300
Most Recent Victory: 2007 Pep Boys Auto 500 (Atlanta)
Awards: 2006 NEXTEL Cup Champion
2006 Daytona 500 winner
2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner
1998 ASA Rookie of the Year
Off-road championships in SODA, SCORE International and Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group
Car Number: 48
Car Make: Chevrolet
Team: Hendrick Motorsports
Sponsor: Lowe's
2006 NEXTEL Cup Position: 1st
2007 NEXTEL Winnings: $6,757,463
2007 NEXTEL Laps Led: 406
Wins: 9
Rank: 2
The Founding of NASCAR
The Founding of NASCAR
Some people love it, some people hate it, some people do a little bit of both, but one thing is for sure: no one can ignore it (or its fans). Whether it drives you giddy or drives you crazy, NASCAR is here to stay. For those who are in the former category (and there's a lot), there is one person to thank: the late, the great William France, Sr.
As a mechanic, William France Sr. knew cars inside and out. From their engine to their transmission, from their tail pipe to the pine tree air freshener swinging on a rearview mirror, France had a natural knack for cars. He also had an idea: he believed people would enjoy watching stock car races. If he built it, they would come.
In 1935, France moved from Washington DC to Daytona Beach, Florida in hopes of finding work in a Great Depression laden economy. With knowledge of the area and the land speed record attempts, France entered himself in the land speed event. In 1936 he finished fifth; in 1938 he took over as course manager.
Before his involvement, races were a risk in more ways than one. Dishonest promoters typically sold their drivers on large dreams and riches, only to take the money and run before the drivers were paid. This, in part, led to France's belief that stock car racing needed some kind of organization; it needed to become an association with a rigid set of rules, set schedules, a set championship, and protection for all those involved.
In December 1947, France summoned some of the most well known racers and race promoters to propose his ideas. They met at a hotel in Daytona Beach where it is rumored that an outline of the point system and the "official" rules were written on a bar napkin.
After just two months, NASCAR was officially formed on February 21, 1948. From there it was, quite literally, off to the races.
Some people love it, some people hate it, some people do a little bit of both, but one thing is for sure: no one can ignore it (or its fans). Whether it drives you giddy or drives you crazy, NASCAR is here to stay. For those who are in the former category (and there's a lot), there is one person to thank: the late, the great William France, Sr.
As a mechanic, William France Sr. knew cars inside and out. From their engine to their transmission, from their tail pipe to the pine tree air freshener swinging on a rearview mirror, France had a natural knack for cars. He also had an idea: he believed people would enjoy watching stock car races. If he built it, they would come.
In 1935, France moved from Washington DC to Daytona Beach, Florida in hopes of finding work in a Great Depression laden economy. With knowledge of the area and the land speed record attempts, France entered himself in the land speed event. In 1936 he finished fifth; in 1938 he took over as course manager.
Before his involvement, races were a risk in more ways than one. Dishonest promoters typically sold their drivers on large dreams and riches, only to take the money and run before the drivers were paid. This, in part, led to France's belief that stock car racing needed some kind of organization; it needed to become an association with a rigid set of rules, set schedules, a set championship, and protection for all those involved.
In December 1947, France summoned some of the most well known racers and race promoters to propose his ideas. They met at a hotel in Daytona Beach where it is rumored that an outline of the point system and the "official" rules were written on a bar napkin.
After just two months, NASCAR was officially formed on February 21, 1948. From there it was, quite literally, off to the races.
Quinceanera
The Wondrous Quinceanera
One of the great things about Miami is her diverse citizenry. As you are no doubt aware, Latin American (particularly Cuban) culture forms a large part of Miami's cultural stew, and Latin American festivals hold a fair amount of importance here. One such festival is the Quinceanera (often seen as "quince"), the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday. I recently had the opportunity to attend one of these celebrations, as one of my good friend's daughters was turning 15.
To those of you unfamiliar with the Quinceanera, it is part "Sweet 16," part Bat Mitzvah, and part debutant ball. The traditions associated with the celebration vary from country (I gather that in Mexico, there is often a large religious component, while in Cuba, it traditionally features a large, choreographed dance – a tradition that my friend upheld, though on a slightly smaller scale than might traditionally be seen). The American variant of the Quince has taken on the characteristics of many Americanized traditions – they get flashier and take on a different kind of importance – one that often is more of a way of maintaining cultural identity than of providing a genuine "rite of passage" experience. As such, the ways people celebrate this occasion are quite varied. As an employee of Millenium Limo, I naturally have a bent towards the use of limousines to enhance any event. Limousines can add quite a glamorous touch to any occasion, and there is no better way to draw attention to the girl of the hour than to have her step out of a sleek black limousine.
No matter how you choose to celebrate your (or your loved one's) Quinceanera, make sure it's unique and memorable. Have fun, and keep Millenium Limo in your mind as a possibility!
One of the great things about Miami is her diverse citizenry. As you are no doubt aware, Latin American (particularly Cuban) culture forms a large part of Miami's cultural stew, and Latin American festivals hold a fair amount of importance here. One such festival is the Quinceanera (often seen as "quince"), the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday. I recently had the opportunity to attend one of these celebrations, as one of my good friend's daughters was turning 15.
To those of you unfamiliar with the Quinceanera, it is part "Sweet 16," part Bat Mitzvah, and part debutant ball. The traditions associated with the celebration vary from country (I gather that in Mexico, there is often a large religious component, while in Cuba, it traditionally features a large, choreographed dance – a tradition that my friend upheld, though on a slightly smaller scale than might traditionally be seen). The American variant of the Quince has taken on the characteristics of many Americanized traditions – they get flashier and take on a different kind of importance – one that often is more of a way of maintaining cultural identity than of providing a genuine "rite of passage" experience. As such, the ways people celebrate this occasion are quite varied. As an employee of Millenium Limo, I naturally have a bent towards the use of limousines to enhance any event. Limousines can add quite a glamorous touch to any occasion, and there is no better way to draw attention to the girl of the hour than to have her step out of a sleek black limousine.
No matter how you choose to celebrate your (or your loved one's) Quinceanera, make sure it's unique and memorable. Have fun, and keep Millenium Limo in your mind as a possibility!
Historic SoBe
See Historic South Beach Through Her Drinking Establishments
As you no doubt have heard, South Beach has quite an interesting history. From it's start as a coconut farm, to the boom in the 20's that saw the advent of streamline moderne art deco architecture, to the Miami Vice era, Miami Beach has seen quite a lot. One of the things that makes it so interesting is that in spite of this sense of history, the entertainment landscape of South Beach is ever changing. Clubs and restaurants come and go, and there's always a new flavor of the month.
Keeping this in mind, it is interesting to check out a few of the destinations that have remained South Beach standards for some time - in particular, The Clevelander and Wet Willie's.
The Clevelander is a combination hotel, bar, and restaurant. Famous as much for their events and atmosphere as for their food and drink (this concept should be familiar by now to those who hang around South Beach, there is always something happening at this Ocean Drive staple. Don't miss Splash, every Saturday afternoon – it's a giant pool party that features (surprise, surprise) scantily- clad models and thumping music. Their drinks are imaginative and tasty, and their food is exactly as you would expect.
Wet Willy's specialty is daiquiris. They have probably put more effort into figuring out how to make the perfect daiquiri than anyone else in history. The have many other drinks as well (my favorite is their take on the White Russian). The food is good bar-style fare, and (just as is the case with the Clevelander), you're paying for ambiance and excitement as well as more tangible goods.
In a place like South Beach, anything that can stick around for more than 10 years has got to be doing something right. Do yourself a favor and brush up on South Beach history – through libation!
As you no doubt have heard, South Beach has quite an interesting history. From it's start as a coconut farm, to the boom in the 20's that saw the advent of streamline moderne art deco architecture, to the Miami Vice era, Miami Beach has seen quite a lot. One of the things that makes it so interesting is that in spite of this sense of history, the entertainment landscape of South Beach is ever changing. Clubs and restaurants come and go, and there's always a new flavor of the month.
Keeping this in mind, it is interesting to check out a few of the destinations that have remained South Beach standards for some time - in particular, The Clevelander and Wet Willie's.
The Clevelander is a combination hotel, bar, and restaurant. Famous as much for their events and atmosphere as for their food and drink (this concept should be familiar by now to those who hang around South Beach, there is always something happening at this Ocean Drive staple. Don't miss Splash, every Saturday afternoon – it's a giant pool party that features (surprise, surprise) scantily- clad models and thumping music. Their drinks are imaginative and tasty, and their food is exactly as you would expect.
Wet Willy's specialty is daiquiris. They have probably put more effort into figuring out how to make the perfect daiquiri than anyone else in history. The have many other drinks as well (my favorite is their take on the White Russian). The food is good bar-style fare, and (just as is the case with the Clevelander), you're paying for ambiance and excitement as well as more tangible goods.
In a place like South Beach, anything that can stick around for more than 10 years has got to be doing something right. Do yourself a favor and brush up on South Beach history – through libation!
The Oldest Bar in Miami
The Oldest Bar in Miami
By Nick Jurkowski
Those of you familiar with my writings (mom) know that I have a penchant for Miami's more historic watering holes; places that have existed for a decade or more (mainly South Beach) - while remaining popular - are somewhat rare, and are generally doing something right (though cases of long-term mass delusion regarding the supposed greatness of a place is a common enough occurrence in Miami). To that end, I'd like to recommend (to anyone with a penchant for historical drinking) Miami's oldest bar (traced from oldest liquor license), Tobacco Road.
Tobacco Road first started legally serving libations to swaggering patrons in 1912, and it's still going strong today. Since its inaugural year and the years that followed, Tobacco Road has taken a few curves. Prohibition came and went (with the bar serving as a speakeasy for thirsty guests including Al Capone), numerous judges and city officials have attempted to shut Tobacco Road down for, among other charges, "lewd, wanton, and lascivious behavior." Since the current owners took over in the early 1980's, there have been a variety of important changes. For one thing, criminals don't patronize it with quite the same frequency. For another, yuppies patronize it with far greater frequency. For another, it became a blues bar, featuring the likes of B.B. King and Albert Collins.
In spite of the renovations and improvements, (or perhaps because of them), Tobacco Road still suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. Clearly, some of the patrons remember the days when the bar was a dive in the non-ironic way, while others look like this is the first bar that they've ever entered. The food is typical greasy bar fare, and is just right if that's what you're looking for. The drinks are also pretty standard – the main draw to Tobacco Road is clearly the history and the Blues acts they have. It's definitely worth a look, if only for the interesting cross-section of Miami culture.
By Nick Jurkowski
Those of you familiar with my writings (mom) know that I have a penchant for Miami's more historic watering holes; places that have existed for a decade or more (mainly South Beach) - while remaining popular - are somewhat rare, and are generally doing something right (though cases of long-term mass delusion regarding the supposed greatness of a place is a common enough occurrence in Miami). To that end, I'd like to recommend (to anyone with a penchant for historical drinking) Miami's oldest bar (traced from oldest liquor license), Tobacco Road.
Tobacco Road first started legally serving libations to swaggering patrons in 1912, and it's still going strong today. Since its inaugural year and the years that followed, Tobacco Road has taken a few curves. Prohibition came and went (with the bar serving as a speakeasy for thirsty guests including Al Capone), numerous judges and city officials have attempted to shut Tobacco Road down for, among other charges, "lewd, wanton, and lascivious behavior." Since the current owners took over in the early 1980's, there have been a variety of important changes. For one thing, criminals don't patronize it with quite the same frequency. For another, yuppies patronize it with far greater frequency. For another, it became a blues bar, featuring the likes of B.B. King and Albert Collins.
In spite of the renovations and improvements, (or perhaps because of them), Tobacco Road still suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. Clearly, some of the patrons remember the days when the bar was a dive in the non-ironic way, while others look like this is the first bar that they've ever entered. The food is typical greasy bar fare, and is just right if that's what you're looking for. The drinks are also pretty standard – the main draw to Tobacco Road is clearly the history and the Blues acts they have. It's definitely worth a look, if only for the interesting cross-section of Miami culture.