Overtown - Miami, FL Area Guide

Located in the heart of Miami, Overtown has been an established neighborhood since the city's incorporation in 1896. During the days of segregation, the neighborhood housed black railroad construction workers and their families.

When Florida's economy exploded during the roaring 1920s, many wealthy families descended on Overtown and made it home, including one of the first Southern black millionaires, D.A. Dorsey, who owned Fisher Island.

The post-WWII economic boom facilitated more growth and development in the area as Overtown established itself as a prime entertainment district. Subsequent construction of interstate highways fragmented the area and contributed to economic decline, but revitalization began in the late 1980s and produced such amenities as the Miami Arena and a restored Lyric Theatre.

Overtown features a strong arts scene which culminates in June with the neighborhood's annual Music and Arts Festival.

Overtown doesn't have a centralized restaurant and entertainment district. However, a broad selection of dining options dots the area and provides residents with diverse culinary choices, including soul food, sandwiches and pasta.

Fooq's features a mix of many palates, including French, Persian, American and Italian cuisines. Check out the Fooq's burger, a wonderful blend of skirt, brisket and shortrib beef served with Jarlsberg cheese, beefsteak tomatoes, mustard greens, special sauce and Vidalia onion served on a toasted brioche bun. Persian pomegranate chicken features chicken thighs braised with pomegranate, almonds and Persian spices served alongside apricot rice and sunflower studded rice.

Soul food remains a local favorite in Overtown, and residents prefer to get it at Jackson Soul Food on Northwest 3rd Avenue. Talk to people in the area, and hear them rave about the catfish and biscuits at this locally owned haunt. If you've never tried chitterlings, the variation offered at Jackson Soul Food is the perfect first introduction. Kids' specials run regularly, so bring the entire family.

People's Bar-B-Que on Northwest 8th Street serves smoked meats and classic Southern sides at very low prices. The ambiance remains upbeat and inviting, featuring walls painted in pastel colors and an energetic, amiable waitstaff. Not many dining establishments in the Miami metro area serve up a more palatable helping of ribs and mac and cheese. Locals also talk up the meatloaf sandwich.

In addition to its close proximity to Brickell, South Beach and other world-renowned Miami nightlife meccas, Overtown features its own impressive array of bars, dance clubs and local dives. Club Space on Northeast 11th Street provides live disc jockeys spinning techno music enjoyed by a mass of hungry ears attached to undulating bodies on a packed dance floor. For live music, sing-alongs, karaoke, trivia night and nerd night, check out Gramps on NW 24th Street.

Because the neighborhood covers a large land area characterized by the presence of many busy highways, residents find walking or bicycling long distances in Overtown fraught with difficulty. Roads feature heavy traffic and no bike lanes. Furthermore, nagging crime issues along several of the neighborhood's main thoroughfares preclude safe travel on foot at night; however, the area's crime rate trends downward.

The proximity of so many interstates and highways does carry a benefit as easy access to downtown Miami and the area beaches. Also, most parking in Overtown remains free or very inexpensive.

Numerous taxi companies serve the area, as does Uber. Locals cannot easily hail a cab on the street, making it necessary to call in advance for a ride.

For public transportation, the Miami Metrorail and Metrobus both make numerous stops in the Overtown area.

Overtown doesn't have any exercise-centric parks, but Dorsey Park on Northwest 1st Avenue is a popular spot for picnicking, shooting hoops or throwing a Frisbee around with pets and kids. There is no cost to park or enter.

Williams Park, situated on Northwest 5th Avenue, is notably larger than Dorsey Park and features tennis and swimming facilities in addition to its basketball courts and picnic areas. The park provides free parking and admission but charges a small daily fee for use of the pool.

No annual festivals or events take place at Overtown's parks, but Williams Park provides structured sports programs and after-school activities for kids.

Overtown provides a much lower cost of living than the city average. The typical one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $610 monthly, most local bars charge around $2.50 for a beer, and $2.25 purchases a bus or train ticket to downtown Miami. Gas prices hover at or near the national average.

Overtown is home to several boutiques and specialty stores, though it lacks a centralized shopping district or high-end retailers. More extensive shopping can be found a few miles south in the Brickell district or north at the Aventura Mall, both accessible by public transportation.

Moselles Boutique on Northwest 3rd Avenue carries a wide selection of ladies' fashions including dresses, tops, casual wear and shoes. While you're there, be sure to stock up on accessories and swimwear.

For motorcycle lovers, a stylish selection of shirts and accessories awaits you at American Rider Rental on North Miami Avenue. Whether you're there to buy or rent a motorcycle or just stock up on gear, the friendly staff is known for going out of its way to give every customer a memorable shopping experience.

A variety of locally owned grocery stores serve Overtown residents, including Arena Supermarket, Moore's Grocery and Overtown Food Mart. A Publix is located just east of the neighborhood on U.S. Route 1. The Upper Eastside Farmers Market, the closest one to Overtown, requires a short drive north on U.S. Route 1.