4 Must-Try Florida Spots Where You Can Sit Down or Hit the Takeout Window
Florida is famous for its sunshine, beaches, and incredible food scene. Whether you’re dressed up for a night out or just rolled out of bed in your flip-flops, some of the state’s best restaurants let you choose your vibe.
These four spots offer the best of both worlds—sit down for a full dining experience or grab your meal from the takeout window and enjoy it your way.
1. Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami Beach)
Since 1913, Joe’s Stone Crab has been serving up some of Miami Beach’s most legendary seafood. Walking through the doors of their iconic dining room feels like stepping back in time, with waiters in bow ties and white jackets gliding between tables filled with locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is buzzing, the portions are generous, and the stone crab claws are as fresh as they come.
But here’s the secret: you don’t need a reservation or fancy clothes to enjoy Joe’s famous flavors. Joe’s Take Away sits right next door, offering the same top-quality claws, creamy coleslaw, crispy hash browns, and Key lime pie without the wait or the dress code. You can order online, skip the line, and pick up your feast to go.
Whether you’re celebrating something special in the dining room or grabbing takeout for a beach picnic, Joe’s delivers every time. The restaurant only serves stone crabs during season—mid-October through mid-May—so plan accordingly. If you’re visiting Miami Beach during crab season, this spot is an absolute must, no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
2. Versailles Restaurant (Miami)
If you want authentic Cuban food in Miami, Versailles is the place everyone talks about. Located in Little Havana, this restaurant has been a cultural landmark since 1971, serving up hearty plates of ropa vieja, lechón asado, and perfectly seasoned black beans and rice. The dining room is bright and lively, with mirrored walls, chandeliers, and the constant hum of conversation in Spanish and English.
What makes Versailles truly special is its famous walk-up window. Open early and often packed, this little window is where locals grab their morning cafecito, buttery croquetas, and pressed Cuban sandwiches on the go. The coffee is strong, sweet, and served in tiny cups that pack a serious punch. It’s a quick, delicious taste of Cuban culture without needing to sit down.
The takeout window is perfect for tourists in a hurry or locals who just need their caffeine fix. Either way, you’ll leave satisfied and probably planning your next visit before you’ve even finished eating.
3. La Sandwicherie (Miami)
Tucked away on a corner in South Beach, La Sandwicherie has been a late-night lifesaver and daytime favorite since 1988. This French-style sandwich shop is legendary for its fresh ingredients, massive sandwiches, and laid-back vibe. The walk-up window is what made it famous—open until the early morning hours, it’s become a go-to spot for club-goers, beach bums, and anyone craving something delicious at any hour.
The menu is simple but perfect: choose your bread, pick your protein, and load up on fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Everything is made to order right in front of you, and the homemade vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully. You can also grab fresh-squeezed juice or a smoothie to complete your meal.
While the original location is all about the outdoor window experience, some newer spots offer casual indoor seating if you prefer to sit and relax. Still, most people agree that ordering from the window and eating at one of the outdoor tables under the night sky is the true La Sandwicherie experience. It’s unpretentious, affordable, and absolutely delicious—everything a great sandwich spot should be.
4. Star Fish Company (Cortez)
Perched on the edge of the water in the tiny fishing village of Cortez, Star Fish Company is as authentic as Florida seafood gets. This no-frills spot has been family-owned for generations, and everything on the menu comes straight from local waters. The vibe is casual and rustic, with weathered picnic tables overlooking the docks where fishing boats come and go all day long.
You order at the window, pick up your food when it’s ready, and grab a seat wherever you can find one. The menu features grouper sandwiches, shrimp baskets, clam chowder, and smoked fish dip—all prepared simply to let the freshness shine through. Seagulls might try to steal a fry or two, but that’s all part of the charm.
If you’re not in the mood to stick around, you can easily take your meal to go and enjoy it somewhere else along the waterfront. Either way, you’re getting some of the freshest seafood on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Star Fish Company isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s just honest, delicious food served with a view that reminds you why Florida’s coastline is so special.
