GO HEAT! Top Spots to Watch NBA Finals

Posted by Lisa C. on Jun 15, 2012 in FOOD N DRINK, MIAMI FUN, SPORTS | 0 comments

One of the cool things about living in Miami is getting to hop on the basketball bandwagon that is The Miami Heat. I never really got into basketball that much when I lived in New York and New Jersey. I remember when Patrick Ewing was the big star but it wasn’t like NY/NJ basketball ever really excited me. If I came across tickets I’d go. My theory is that the basketball finals are during the warmer months and people in NY and NJ only have a little bit of summer so they don’t want to spend a 70 degree June evening indoors watching basketball.

Here in Miami it is always summer. The sports scene reflects the interests of the people and here EVERYONE is interested in The Miami Heat. Some people who are originally from other cities want The Heat to lose. Not me, I want them to win. I like living in a winning city and the games so far have been really exciting.

 

If you are looking for fun spots to watch the games this week here are my picks. They all offer something unique so there’s something to suit whatever mood.

BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPOT: Monty’s Sunset http://www.montyssobe.com/

Monty’s Sunset is located off Alton Road along the marina at 3^rd street. I went there to watch game one ate, drank and sadly The Heat lost. But the vibe as always was fun and they put in these two super huge flatscreen TV’s making Monty’s sunset a fantastic spot for sports. I came to Monty’s Sunset to watch the Superbowl and they do a really great job to make sure people there watching sports have a tasty, affordable menu, amazing oysters and lots more. The menu has been tweaked a bit with a few more higher end dishes. During this recent visit we were advised to try the ribs which were delicious and I’d totally get them again. We also had the fish tacos which were really good, the conch fritters and finally the award winning Key Lime Pie. We were happy and stuffed. I’ve written about Monty’s Sunset a few times on this blog. It’s a laid back fun neighborhood spot. The vibe is flip flops and shorts causal. The crowd is always fun. If you’re looking for a great spot to watch The Heat that has an outside patio and food, Monty’s is the spot. It’s also a great spot for Friday Happy Hours.

BEST LOCAL BAR TO FLIRT WITH MEN WHILE WATCHING THE HEAT: FOXHOLE

Foxhole is a favorite spot of mine. It opened in the late fall/winter of 2011 and were really smart in how they let the people discover it. Foxhole is a hidden little local gem. It’s off Alton in an alley behind Dominos Pizza (around 15^th street). There’s a door and an orange light. There isn’t a sign, no cheesy wanna be model doorman, no big bouncer goons, nothing. It reminds me of these little underground places you find in New York. When you walk into Foxhole you enter into what looks like a mancave with a pool table and video games and TV screens. Then when you pass through that area Foxhole opens up into a two level bar with lounge seating around the perimeter. The drinks here are made very well and the male to female ratio is 4:1. Basically ladies, it’s like fishing in a barrel. Plus Foxhole doesn’t attract the “typical” skirt to the cooch, 5 inch heeled, gussied up Miami girl. Foxhole attracts the cool girls, the smart girls. It also attracts American men. There are plenty of TV’s and the vibe is awesome. It’s by no means a dive bar so you can dress cute. Think sandals, shorts and a vintage Rolling Stones T shirt.

 

BEST USE OF AUDIO VIDEO WITH EXCELLENT FOOD AND DRINK: HAVEN

Haven, located on Lincoln road before West Ave is small but when it comes to watching The Heat Haven really packs a punch. Haven’s walls are screens which are manipulated to create a different look and lighting scheme every half hour. Brands often have events here with their logos and images on the walls. However, when it is time for The Miami Heat to play a major game, Haven broadcasts the game on the wall screens that surround it this means you are surrounded by the game and you feel like you’re courtside. It’s really cool. Haven looks like a little baby Vegas lounge. People who watch The Heat Game here are looking for a classier experience with some glitz. The drinks are delicious. I’m a huge fan of their sangria. Isaac the bartender is a genius. You can tell him you want to have a drink that tastes like cookie dough ice cream and he’ll probably conjure something amazing up in 27 seconds. Haven’s food is EXCELLENT and because the lounge vibe, people overlook the food and are really missing out on something special. Order the Dallas filet mignon skewers, the sweet potato fries, crab cakes, you will love. The portions are small so you can order several tastes. Haven also offers specials at game time.

BEST OFF THE BEATEN TRACK SPOT TARKS, DANIA BEACH and STOUT Irish Bar in Oakland Park, FL (near Lauderdale).

Holycrap! DELICIOUS! Tarks is a local landmark. It was established in 1966 so it has history. They are known for their oysters and other seafood. For under $40 I shared the following with a handsome gent who invited me up to watch The Heat in his neck of the woods. First little neck clams, then calamari, then mahi mahi sandwich with fries. It was EXCELLENT so much so that if in that neck of the woods again I want to go back for oysters. They were out of oysters because they are that great, were having a special on them and we rolled in at like 9pm. The game was on the small flatscreen so it’s a good choice for the 1^st and 2^nd quarters of the game to grab a bite. After we headed on over to STOUT this place reminded me of Long Island. The wood work, the atmosphere all works. There’s a TV literally every 2 feet. You cannot NOT see the game. TV’s are everywhere. They also offer drink specials and there’s ample seating so you can get a table with a bunch of friends right in front of a TV. One thing I will mention is that the air conditioning is holy nipples freezing in this place so ladies feel free to wear jeans or bring a sweater or hoodie.TARKS is 1317 South Federal Highway, Dania Beach FL

STOUT is 3419 N. Andrews Ave. Oakland Park

GO HEAT!