When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami Beach with a group of friends or family, consider
Locust Ocean Drive
Why Locust Ocean Drive is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Locust Ocean Drive, located in the heart of Miami Beach at 918 Ocean Drive, offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Open daily from 10:00 AM until 5:00 AM, this establishment provides a full range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night meals. The menu features fresh, chef-inspired dishes that combine Mexican and American influences, with items such as Mexican nachos and salmon with side salads. Guests can also enjoy an extensive cocktail menu featuring both classic and contemporary drinks, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list. The venue's ambiance is enhanced by live music and the picturesque beach views right in front, making it an excellent spot for social gatherings. Locust Ocean Drive supports a casual yet lively experience with outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and a full bar. It is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and equipped with highchairs, making it accessible for various groups. Whether you seek a relaxed brunch with bottomless mimosas, an evening cocktail, or a memorable party venue, Locust Ocean Drive accommodates diverse social needs while ensuring quality food, drinks, and service. Valet parking and delivery services further add to the convenience for visitors looking to enjoy Miami Beach's vibrant lifestyle.
Here's what people think of Locust Ocean Drive
As of recent, Locust Ocean Drive holds a 4.2-star rating based on 804 reviews.
Customer reviews of Locust Ocean Drive are generally positive, reflecting an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 from over 800 reviews. Many patrons praise the establishment for its excellent food quality, notable cocktails, and friendly staff. Positive feedback consistently highlights the engaging live music, great atmosphere for socializing, and views of the beach that enhance the dining and drinking experience. Specific menu items such as Mexican nachos and fresh salmon receive commendations for their taste and presentation. Additionally, many users appreciate the attentive and helpful staff, the smooth order timing, and the venue's vibrant, welcoming vibe that suits groups of friends and families alike. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention concerns about wait times during busy periods and occasional inconsistencies in service speed or food preparation. A few customers note that certain expectations were unmet regarding portion sizes or specific menu requests. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment remains favorable, with most guests recommending the restaurant for its combination of quality offerings and lively ambiance. In conclusion, reviews affirm Locust Ocean Drive as a popular Miami Beach destination for dining, drinks, and entertainment with a few manageable areas for improvement.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
N K
Keep walking. Unfortunately stoped in for happy hour and should have kept walking. First and foremost the service is very slow, and unprofessional. Didn’t offer menus or know anything that was on the menu. Had to ask for condiments and waited a while before they were brought after the food was delivered. The sangria was good, however the food was horrible! Looked like day old food, lettuce was wilted and turning into mush.
Jim Yencer
Stopped for a happy hour drink and snack, really loved the drinks and apps. The calamari was very fresh, meatier than I’ve ever had , and perfectly cooked. The mussels were huge with a garlic broth that was simply amazing, as they supplied 4 pieces of toast to sop it up. All while relaxing in the shade and comfy couches in front. Surprising how much we loved this place! Didn’t expect to love it, so I neglected food pics beforehand.
David Brodosi
We visited the Locust Ocean Drive restaurant on Sunday, May 26th, around 11:30 AM for breakfast. Due to the direct sun and heat, we chose to sit inside and were seated in a corner overlooking the entire restaurant. There weren’t many people dining inside at the time. The first thing I noticed was how dirty the place was from the night before. To sit down, I had to brush strands of what looked like wig hair from the seats, which was quite off-putting. The breakfast menu was simple, and the food arrived quickly. It was hot and beautifully presented, complete with a flower on the plate. However, after serving the food, our waitress completely disappeared. We had to go to the bar for drink refills, and it wasn’t until 30 minutes after our food arrived that the server returned to check on us. A word of caution: the restaurant automatically adds a 20% service charge to your bill. You pay using a small machine at the table, which first shows your total and then asks what tip you want to leave. This additional tip is on top of the 20% service charge already included. Despite the lovely food presentation, the overall experience was marred by the lack of cleanliness and poor service.
Jace Harrington
The food and atmosphere were enjoyable, but the service was disappointingly slow. Despite ordering bottomless mimosas, our server took over 15 minutes to check on us in between mimosa orders, and the drinks were mostly orange juice. We also went the entire time without a water refill. On top of that, the bathrooms were in poor condition. For an Ocean Drive restaurant, a $160 bill for three people should come with better service and cleanliness. We ended up leaving an hour into our 2 hour brunch. We do not recommend.
Natalie Pote
The club sandwich was nice and the frozen Margarita was delicious. The best thing is…there’s happy hour and affordable prices for alcohol and cocktails. Just thought it was a bit strange though that the server showed me the bill amount on his device and then took the cash from me and didn’t give me a receipt. So I called him back and asked for it. He then went in and took a while but then finally brought me one.
How to reach Locust Ocean Drive
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Why Locust Ocean Drive may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Locust Ocean Drive with your friends?
Locust Ocean Drive in Miami Beach stands out as an exceptional venue for gathering with friends due to its vibrant atmosphere, diverse menu, and prime location right in the heart of South Beach. It offers a perfect blend of quality food, refreshing drinks, and a lively vibe that caters to groups seeking a fun, social experience. Whether you're catching up over brunch, enjoying a casual dinner, or looking for a place that transforms into a nightclub scene at night, Locust fits the bill. The restaurant’s spacious layout and attentive staff make it easy to accommodate larger groups without feeling cramped or rushed. Moreover, its reputation for delicious dishes like the Loaded Locust brunch and the ever-popular avocado toast ensures that everyone’s taste buds are satisfied. Pairing this with well-crafted cocktails, including standout options like frozen margaritas and mango mimosas, creates a memorable time to enjoy with friends. Locust Ocean Drive’s combination of great service, a welcoming environment, and excellent offerings makes it an ideal rally spot for reconnecting and celebrating.
What are the main activities to enjoy with friends at Locust Ocean Drive?
When visiting Locust Ocean Drive with a group, the activities revolve primarily around enjoying a dynamic food and drink experience in a social setting. During the day, guests can indulge in a chef-inspired menu featuring brunch favorites, hearty lunches, and unique small plates that cater to a variety of tastes, including options that appeal to health-conscious diners. The location shines with its brunch service, perfect for weekend meetups or casual celebrations with friends. Drinks are also a focal point, with the restaurant offering an extensive selection of cocktails, including large, flavorful frozen drinks and bottomless mimosas, which enhance the convivial mood. As the sun sets, Locust Ocean Drive transitions into a vibrant nightlife spot complete with a remodeled interior that functions as a nightclub featuring state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and resident DJs. This shift provides guests with the opportunity to dance and enjoy premium hookah in a lively ambiance. For groups looking for exclusivity, the venue offers bottle service and private event spaces, making it perfect for celebrating special occasions or having a personalized gathering. The combination of dining, drinking, entertainment, and private group options creates a versatile space tailored for socializing and fun.
Why is Locust Ocean Drive the perfect place for group meetups?
Locust Ocean Drive’s appeal for group meetups derives mainly from its atmosphere, versatility, and attentive service. The restaurant offers ample seating both indoors and outdoors, accommodating varying group sizes comfortably while fostering a relaxed yet energetic energy ideal for social interaction. The staff is noted for being professional and attentive, ensuring smooth service even when handling large parties, which is crucial for group satisfaction. The diversity of the menu caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone in the group finds something enjoyable, from savory dishes to vegetarian and gluten-free options. Furthermore, being located on Ocean Drive, one of the most iconic areas in Miami Beach, adds to the attractiveness by providing scenic views and a bustling neighborhood that heightens the sense of occasion. Nighttime offerings, such as bottle service with premium lighting and music, allow groups to escalate the fun into a nightclub experience without leaving the venue, making it a seamless choice for nighttime celebrations. Ultimately, the blend of a welcoming vibe, comprehensive menu, flexible entertainment options, and location makes Locust Ocean Drive superb for hosting a memorable meetup with friends or family.
What makes the food and drink offerings at Locust Ocean Drive stand out?
Locust Ocean Drive is celebrated for its culinary creativity and quality, a feature that makes it a destination for food lovers gathering in groups. The chef-inspired menu is designed to deliver flavorful, colorful dishes that appeal to a variety of tastes. Brunch items like the Loaded Locust and avocado toast have earned high praise for fulfilling portions and balanced flavors. The menu also includes solids like snapper dishes and bacon, egg, and cheese options, ensuring hearty and satisfying meals. Guests frequently commend the drinks, particularly the giant frozen margaritas and mango mimosas, which perfectly complement the food. The bar boasts premium cocktails, with a commitment to fresh ingredients and exciting flavors. Beyond the food and drinks, service personnel’s friendliness and professionalism enhance the overall dining experience, contributing to repeat visits. The thoughtful pairing of quality dishes with excellent beverages caters well to groups looking to enjoy a social meal while exploring diverse tastes, making the offerings at Locust a major draw.
How does the nightlife and entertainment scene at Locust Ocean Drive enhance group experiences?
Locust Ocean Drive’s transformation into an energetic nightlife hub after dark significantly enriches group gatherings. With a newly remodeled interior designed to become a nightclub, visitors enjoy an atmosphere enriched by vibrant lighting, high-quality sound systems, and a rotating lineup of resident and guest DJs. This entertainment setup invites guests to dance, socialize, and revel in the music, creating an interactive experience beyond just dining. The availability of premium hookah adds an extra layer of leisure and social enjoyment that appeals to many patrons. Bottle service elevates the nightlife experience, offering groups a VIP-style option complete with private tables and personalized attention from staff. This combination of a top-notch culinary experience by day and an engaging entertainment venue by night makes Locust Ocean Drive uniquely suited for versatile group outings, supporting everything from casual brunches to lively night-time parties. The lively yet approachable vibe encourages guests to linger and deepen their connection in an exciting environment.
What do reviews say about the overall experience at Locust Ocean Drive?
Locust Ocean Drive enjoys generally favorable reviews from visitors who highlight its tasty food, great drinks, and excellent atmosphere as core strengths. Many reviewers emphasize the friendly and attentive staff who contribute to a positive and welcoming experience for groups. The quality of the food, especially the brunch items and seafood, receives consistent praise, and the drink selections are often described as delicious and well-crafted, with specific mention of signature cocktails like the Bulldog Margarita. Some patrons note occasional service delays but generally appreciate the effort to check in with guests and ensure satisfaction. The venue's layout and mood are recognized as perfect for spending quality time with friends, family, or dates. Its location on Ocean Drive also adds to its appeal, providing scenic views and a classic Miami Beach vibe. While there is occasional mention of service speed issues, the overall consensus remains strongly positive, making it a recommended destination for social outings and comfortable group dining.
What special event or private group options does Locust Ocean Drive offer?
For those looking to host private gatherings or special events, Locust Ocean Drive provides tailored options that enhance group celebrations. Their bottle service area is brand-new and features state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology, allowing guests to enjoy a high-energy atmosphere with dedicated space. This area is perfect for birthdays, reunions, or business events where exclusivity and privacy are desired. Additionally, the venue’s capacity to transform into a nightclub makes it versatile enough to shift the tone from a dinner party into a lively dance floor, keeping guests entertained throughout the night. Though the restaurant is updating its event schedule, the promise of customized service and an exciting environment underscores the place’s suitability for hosting dynamic private parties. Guests interested in reserving tables or organizing private events typically find staff willing to accommodate their needs to create memorable experiences, making Locust Ocean Drive an appealing option for significant occasions in Miami Beach.