Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road District, one of the country’s most beloved destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment, is welcoming back three homegrown businesses and celebrating the launch of two food halls as the street’s year-round calendar of free programming expands and pedestrian traffic soars.
Returning to the iconic street are local favorites Fritz’s Skate Bike & Surf, the Dog Bar, and Lulu Laboratorium, which have contributed to Lincoln Road’s rise as a destination for residents and visitors over the past two decades. Nearby, Time Out Market and Lincoln Eatery are each showcasing the talents of South Florida’s homegrown culinary scene, appealing to locals and tourists alike.
As the Lincoln Road District maintains its standing amongst Miami’s strongest real estate markets, coupled with strong and steady visitor numbers, it is renewing calls for the implementation of a long-awaited makeover that will improve the street’s pedestrian experience, enhance public spaces, and add new design features and amenities.
The pedestrian promenade welcomed 11 million visitors in 2018 according to count data collected. Lincoln Road is home to more than 350 restaurants, shops, galleries, bars, and cultural outlets, including the New World Symphony with over 80,000 attendees, the Colony Theatre, managed by Miami New Drama, with over 40,000 theatergoers and the Fillmore Miami Beach reporting over 122,000 concertgoers.
“Tourists and locals are increasingly looking for one-of-a-kind experiences that bring people together and showcase the unique aspects of a community, and Lincoln Road is the perfect venue for doing just that,” said Tim Schmand, executive director of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID). “Lincoln Road has always been a prime location for shopping, dining, and people-watching, and we are strengthening those offers through events, activations and live performances that are free to all. The City’s planned renovation of our street will ensure Lincoln Road remains a significant economic engine and destination for future generations of locals and visitors.”
Home-Grown Tenants Return to the Road
Lincoln Road is seeing a reemergence in local retailers beginning with Fritz’s Skate, Bike & Surf. Once a staple in Miami Beach, Fritz’s originally opened on Lincoln Road in 1989, before relocating from the promenade. In February 2019, Fritz’s reopened at its new location at 1014 Lincoln Road. Dog Bar, Miami’s original full-service pet boutique, moved back into its original location on Lincoln Road and is once again well situated in one of the world’s most popular (and pet-friendly) pedestrian promenades. Also, returning to the 1100 block of Lincoln Road is Lulu Laboratorium, a space that draws from both fashion and art bringing together artists and designers to showcase their work.
“With so much consistent foot traffic on Lincoln Road and the continuous efforts made by the BID to entertain and engage locals and visitors, it wasn’t a hard decision to return. Lincoln Road remains the heartbeat of this city,” said Gerald Bendheim, owner of Fritz’s Skate Bike & Surf.
Two New Food Halls and a Michelin Chef
In addition to the return of tenants with roots on Lincoln Road, the corridor is now home to Miami Beach’s first two food halls. Both Time Out Market and Lincoln Eatery serve up unique food concepts created by Miami-bred chefs that offer locals and visitors from around the globe a taste of the best of Miami’s culinary culture. Lincoln Road will also soon be home to its first 2 Star Michelin Chef when Thierry Marx opens his MediterAsian restaurant, Mila, at 800 Lincoln Road.
Time Out Market at 1601 Drexel Ave. features 17 eateries, a demo kitchen, and three bars serving craft cocktails – all helmed by some of the city’s top chefs including Michael Beltran, Jeremy Ford, and Norman Van Aken. Over at 723 Lincoln Lane, the recently opened Lincoln Eatery spans 9,600 square feet of space, boasting 16 fast-casual, artisan, and grab-&-go concepts perfect for the local foodie looking for a quick bite or out-of-towners craving an authentic Miami culinary experience.
“The fact that many of Miami’s celebrity chefs, restaurateurs, and local merchants are choosing to come – or return – to Lincoln Road speaks to its unique ability to attract locals and visitors by the millions,” said Steven Gombinski, president of the Lincoln Road BID.
Lincoln Road is the Place to Be
According to a recent poll, approximately 60% of residents say Lincoln Road is one of the places they visit most on Miami Beach. With this in mind, the Lincoln Road BID sponsors free activities ranging from tango lessons and yoga classes, to live concerts and farmers markets to cater to the diverse residential base.
“With the support of the City, the BID is investing in creating activations, programming, and entertainment to remain a top destination that showcases the best of Miami through dining, shopping, and cultural offerings,” said Gombinski.
The Lincoln Road BID promotes and encourages the continued development of a diverse, vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood by fostering a spirit of cooperation and maintenance of high standards of quality among its members. With this dedication to excellence, it’s no wonder Lincoln Road remains a top destination for visitors and locals alike.
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