Upper East Side North - Miami, FL

During its early days, Upper East Side North was a deserted beach, inhabited only by a lonely Coast Guard station. However, throughout the 1920s, single-family home developments began sprouting rapidly in the area. By the mid 1950s, a booming suburban community full of funky hotels and modern shopping plazas had taken over.

The community has witnessed a revival during the past decade, with high profile residential projects and lots for new independent retailers opening in the area. This comeback can be traced back to 2000, when a cluster of family-owned restaurants moved into the area. Since then, other businesses settled along the neighborhood’s commercial stretch.

There are no museums in Upper East Side North, however, the area houses a historical collection of Miami Modernist structures built between the 1950s and 1960s. This creative neighborhood also includes 13 original art galleries as well as several antique dealers, showrooms and thriving architecture firms.

The majority of restaurants, bars and clubs in this area can be found in Biscayne Boulevard's older MiMo district, but a short drive across the causeway to Miami Beach brings seemingly infinite choices. Flavors from around the world blend in this neighborhood's creative and multicultural cuisine selection.

Chef Alex Richter, owner of the nearby Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus, came here from Germany bringing with him his passion for Bavarian food to present a diverse array of authentic dishes and beers. This enchanting restaurant immerses guests in a homey Old-Germany feel, and the experience is akin to a gathering with family and friends. Appetizers such as escargot with spinach or the decadence of potato pancakes with salmon and caviar make it clear that this menu was developed with a trained palate in mind. For dinner, order sauerbraten or schnitzel, followed by a dessert of yummy homemade apple strudel or Black Forest cake with a nice Caffe Kahlua. Numerous events take place at the Schnitzel Haus, offering opportunities to try more dishes and meet new friends.

Jimmy's East Side Diner has the casual feel of an old neighborhood hangout. Green and brown walls decorate the oddly appealing interior, giving it a bright and friendly look. Breakfast is served all day, featuring gigantic omelettes and excellent service. Try the Philly cheesesteak or the tuna melt during lunch for a great and tasty deal. The health-conscious crowd gathers at Gourmet Station, a cafe that prepares nutritious salads, pastas, wraps, sandwiches and entrees at excellent prices. Do not skip the amazing turkey meatball with barbecue sauce and tofu. Daily specials range from grilled salmon to baked chicken breast in mushroom sauce. Hearts and wallets can equally appreciate this spot.

With South Beach and downtown Miami as neighbors, locals here have plenty of nightlife options. The Upper East Side North region may be considered ground zero for Miami's exciting nightlife scene. Surrounded by every sort of entertainment type imaginable including music venues, residents can do something different every night of the week.

Locals seeking a great place to grab a beer and dinner after work enjoy Tap 79 Bar and Grill's elegant pub grub and robust craft beer selection. The pub has several draft beers available as well as other beers by the bottle, consisting mostly of microbrews from USA and Belgium. The bar seats up to 25 people, and with a private dining area and outdoor seating, this place is suitable for any occasion.

Biscayne Tavern, located in the trendy B2 Downtown Hotel, also provides the delights of a gastropub with dozens of beers on tap. This is another great place to kick back and relax after a long day of work.

Residents in Upper East Side North prefer driving their cars around town because they enjoy easy access to all major highways, affordable parking spaces and minimal traffic. Public transportation includes a fleet of buses, a local trolley system and several private jitney services that cover the entire North Miami Beach area. The system is easy to follow and excellent for commuting up and down the east coast.

Hailing a cab of the streets can be difficult, but arranging a pickup with a local company is simple. Uber and Lyft services are also available.

This neighborhood has great street configuration, which includes ample sidewalks, bright night lighting and a pedestrian-friendly feel. The majority of streets include clearly marked bike lanes for safe cycling.

Green parks and small bungalows line the quiet residential avenues of Upper East Side North. Morningside Park runs for six blocks along Biscayne Bay and provides three tennis courts, two basketball courts, a baseball field and a tot lot for the little ones. Residents can also take advantage of the public pool, which holds several swimming lessons throughout the year. Picnic beaches, tall palm trees and walking trails make up the rest of the scenic area.

Legion Park holds several summer, winter and after-school programs for kids and young adults. This park also sports a well-maintained set of tennis courts that offer one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean. Entrance is free, and dogs of all sizes are welcomed. Catch one of the expert kite-flying competitions held here ever year, which are simply mesmerizing to watch.

The cost of living in Upper East Side North is lower than the Miami Beach average, making dining out, entertainment and gas slightly cheaper. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages at around $850 per month.

Public buses cost $2.25 for a one-way fare, while gas prices tend to stay about 9 percent lower than the national average. Sipping a pint of beer at a local bar costs around $5.

Locals can shop in Aventura Mall, a premier shopping destination for the larger part of South Florida. This beautiful indoor mall has something for everyone. High value stores include international designer brands such as Fendi, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Pandora and much more. Boutique lovers will be happy to find secret charms such as Cartier Boutique, which houses modern women's clothing fashion and accessories. Another popular store is Emilio Pucci Boutique, an Italian designer brand that features bold looks for both women and men. On Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm, the Upper East Side Farmers Market sells fresh bread, local honey, fruits, vegetables and produce at great prices. Publix supermarket on Biscayne Boulevard carries everything you need when it comes to groceries. Further down is the smaller, yet more affordable Presidente Supermarket.