One of the best ways to explore a new city is with your stomach – and Miami has a tantalizing food scene that is sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Whether you’re searching for some fresh seafood, dishes infused with Latin flair, or just a good old fashioned burger, you’ll find endless options in Miami.
No matter where you decide to tuck in, you’ll get a great sense of Miami’s culture and the food that helps make it the vibrant city that it is by stopping by some of the20 best chain restaurants in Miami listed below.
Pitmaster Myron Mixon just won his 5th World Champion of BBQ, so if you’ve got a hankering for barbeque, this is the place to go!
You’ll find all your favorite barbecued meats here including ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork – along with a long list of sides to spruce up your meal. You won’t want miss out on the mac and cheese and seasoned fresh-cut fries.
There are also some sandwiches and salads on the menu, though the real stars of the show are the BBQ plates.
Start your meal off with one of the mouth-watering appetizers and end it with dessert, and wash your food down with a tasty drink. You’ll find everything from local craft beer and spicy margaritas to a seriously impressive collection of whiskey, bourbon, rye, and scotch.
One of the best things about Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbeque is that it’s relatively unknown, so this hidden gem is rarely overcrowded. Consider stopping by around happy hour for cheap drinks and discounted grub.
If you fell in love with Myron Mixon’s while in Miami, you’ll also find additional locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Hoboken, New Jersey.
The Kush hospitality group is an award-winning chain of restaurants and bars that basically guarantees a great experience at Kush Coconut Grove. This trendy joint boasts one of the best happy hours in the Grove – and all the food is made 100% from scratch.
This is the place to be if you’re looking for an Insta-worthy meal. Not only is everything made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, but the food is plated in a visually pleasing way – so it’s truly an experience for all senses. The décor is also a work of art, with no detail left untended.
Start with some freshly shucked oysters and a funky cocktail as you make your way through the rest of the menu. Eaters of all kinds will find something here to please them – including the vegans! You’ll find plenty of options for surf, turf, and veggies – and the brunch menu here is also a hit.
Some of the favorites here include the gator bites and the crab cakes – and you simply can’t leave without trying the key lime pie!
For heaping piles of fresh seafood, make a beeline to the Crafty Crab. Though it is a bit outside of Miami’s city center in the Kendall suburb to the southeast, the drive is worth it for its delicious and reasonably priced food.
The massive platters are perfect for splitting between family or friends, but if you don’t feel like sharing, a seafood boil is the way to go. You’ll choose from nearly a dozen different catches, including crab, lobster, shrimp, and more – and you pick your seasoning and level of spiciness.
You can also find fried fish, chicken baskets, and tons more appetizers, sides, salads, and desserts. The bottom line, is if you love seafood and want a lot of it, this is the place to go.
The Crafty Crab is a chain restaurant, so there are other locations all over Florida – with a few additional locations along the east coast, Texas, and all the way up in the Midwest.
You’ll find several Tap 42 locations sprinkled around the Miami area, as it’s one of the best chain restaurants in town. Their extensive menu is sure to please people from all walks of life. There are fun specials available throughout the week and a daily happy hour that is hard to beat.
No frills eaters will be happy to find staples like fish and chips and chicken tender platters on the menu, while the more adventurous foodies can try items like chimichurri skirt steak and sushi bowls. Even vegetarians and gluten-free eaters will be able to find delicious things to eat.
A mouth-watering brunch menu is available on the weekends, along with the option for bottomless mimosas, bloody Mary’s, and other morning drinks.
Wine lovers can stop by on Wednesdays for half-price bottles all day long, and the ladies could swing by on Thursdays for a free glass of bubbly.
Other specials vary by location, but you can always count on discounted drinks during happy hour at all of the Tap 42 locations.
A favorite in the Lone Star State and across the country, Texas Roadhouse is one of the best chain restaurants in Miami. You’ll find all the classics here, including delicious hand-cut steaks, steak cut fries, and of course, fresh-baked rolls.
Texas Roadhouse is famous for its good food, fair prices, and lively atmosphere – and the Miami location is no exception. The only downside is that this place is a favorite for both locals and out of towners alike, so you can almost always expect to wait for a table (though you’ll never be left standing for too long).
The good news is that you can join a waitlist before arriving, and there’s a wide variety of tasty cocktails and other drinks available at the bar while you wait.
If burgers are what you’re after, there’s no better joint in Miami than PINCHO, formally known as Pincho Factory. There are numerous locations around the Miami area, so no matter where you are in the city you’ll likely find one nearby.
This highly awarded chain restaurant is mostly known for its creative and delicious burgers, but you’ll also find kebabs, sandwiches, plates, and bowls on the menu. There’s also a hefty list of sauces and sides to choose from, and the kiddos will have access to their own mini menu.
Of course, there’s also beer for you to wash your food down, because there’s no better way to eat a burger!
What makes it even better is that the prices at PINCHO are on the low end – yet the charming ambiance and high-quality food make this anything but a fast-food restaurant.
As you may have guessed from the name, Samurai is a hibachi restaurant that serves up mouth-watering steak and sushi for Miami locals and tourists alike. You’ll get dinner and a show as you sidle up to your grill-side table, and if you’ve never frequented one of these restaurants before, you’re in for a treat.
If you order something from the grill, a five-course (and 5 star!) meal awaits you. The chef will stand center stage and cook up your fare with flair and tricks that’ll have you oohing and aahing. If the chef takes a liking to you, you may even get a few shots of sake while he cooks!
Once the show is over, you’ll munch down on your meal, which consists of veggies, rice, meat or seafood, and homemade dipping sauces. The service is great and the food is even better – so you may want to arrive plenty early, as reservations are not accepted here.
If you’re on the hunt for a fine dining experience without the snobbery that is often associated with it, check out Moxie’s Grill & Barhibbachi. This high-end establishment is embellished with an Asian flair, but the main goal of its food is to use fresh, local ingredients that reflect the community being served.
That being said, you might find slightly different variations in the menu at their different locations in Miami and Texas – although the same good quality is ensured no matter which establishment you choose to dine at.
The main Miami location is conveniently located in the heart of the Mary Brickell neighborhood, making it the perfect place to stop for some food and drinks after a long day of shopping and sightseeing.
The menu is massive, and you’ll find appetizers to share, handhelds, salads, steaks, power bowls, and so much more. The drink list is equally as impressive, with a long list of fun cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits. Don’t miss happy hour from Monday-Friday for discounted bites and drinks.
There’s no questioning that Famous Dave’s is indeed famous all around the country – and if this is one of your favorite chains, you’ll be happy to learn that there is one in Miami.
This is one of the best places to go if you’ve got a craving for anything smoked, and no matter what you order you’ll get copious amounts of it.
From short ribs and brisket to wings and rib tips, you’ll find all the signature BBQ dishes you could ask for. There are even some special items that feature south Florida flavors, so be sure to try something new if you’re not from the area.
The sides at Famous Dave’s are almost as good as the mains, and the complimentary cornbread is simply to die for. You’ll also find appetizers, salads, desserts, and a hefty list of ice-cold beers to wash it all down with.
The Yard House is the perfect chain restaurant for those looking to couple craft beer and delicious grub. Both the food and drink menu are impressively long, especially when you take into consideration that most of the food is made from scratch each day.
The fare is American bar food with a twist – and you’ll find everything here, including wings, pizzas, burgers and salads. There’s also an appetizer and kids menu, and the drink menu is just as long.
The craft beer is really what the Yard House is all about, and you’ll find over 100 brews of all different types. If you’re having a hard time choosing between drafts, you can always opt for a tasting so you can sample more than one.
Besides the extensive beer list and great food, one of the best things about the Yard House is its location in South Beach Miami, perfect for catching a game or fueling up after a day at the beach. If you’re not a Miami native but loved Yard House, you’ll find over 80 more locations across the nation.
Fogo de Chao is one of the best restaurants in Miami for meat lovers with big appetites. This churrasco-style restaurant offers up an all-you-can-eat experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
If you indulge in the churrasco experience, you can stay seated at your table as servers bring you a continuous selection of fresh, fire-smoked meats and Brazilian side dishes. You’ll have over a dozen different options of cuts, from filet mignon and top sirloin to ribeye and chicken and everything in between.
You could also opt for a single serving of a high-end cut like Wagyu or Tomahawk, but be ready to pay a premium price. There’s also a selection of entrees for any non meat-eaters in your group, with cauliflower steaks, sea bass, and salmon being the main people pleasers.
It’s not always easy to find healthy chain restaurants, but Chicken Kitchen aims to bring fresh and nutritious meals to every community. So far they’ve done a pretty good job of that in the Miami area, with 18 locations and 4 more on the way.
The menu features chicken as the main ingredient (hence the name), and you’ll find bowls, burritos, salads, and quesadillas in an assortment of customizable combinations. Everything is fresh and local, including the extensive list of signature sauces.
Apart from being convenient, healthy, and delicious, the Chicken Kitchen is one of the best chain restaurants in Miami because you won’t have to wait long for your food. You’ll also get large portions for a small price, which is often hard to find in this big city.
Bring your meal with you for a picnic on the beach, or order it back to the hotel after a long day of sightseeing.
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, then the Capital Grille should be your first stop. This high-end restaurant is a classic American steakhouse with a dinner club vibe that boasts service and quality in spades.
The steaks are hang dried and hand-cut on premises, and you’ll also find fresh and local seafood on the menu. The acclaimed wine list is extensive with over 350 labels from around the globe.
The Capital Grille is a great place for a birthday or anniversary, though this upscale steakhouse will cost you a pretty penny. Be sure to be dressed to the nines when dining here, as the restaurant has a strict dress policy.
This classy restaurant doesn’t have the feel of a typical chain restaurant, but luckily you will find over 50 locations around the country.
Novecento is an Argentinian restaurant with multiple locations in southern Florida and around the world. The food is all about fresh flavor and made-from-scratch meals, and the atmosphere is relaxed but fun – offering the perfect combination for a great dining experience in Miami.
The menu consists of Argentinian classics like empanadas, ceviche, and of course, delicious cuts of meat. You’ll also find pasta, salads, sandwiches, and pizza, in addition to appetizers and other entrees. There’s also a long list of wines from Argentina and other parts of the world, along with cocktails and beer.
Stop by for brunch and bottomless mimosas on the weekends, while you’ll find some discounted grub and libations during happy hour daily.
Outback Steakhouse is another chain restaurant that is famous across the United States, and you’ll find 3 in the Miami area alone.
Outback serves up great food at a great price, and although steak is the main star of the show, you’ll find seafood, sammies, soups, and salads on the menu as well. The drink list is also extensive with tap beer, a nice wine list, and creative cocktails at hard-to-beat prices.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, you can start with an appetizer (the blooming onion and coconut shrimp are both standouts!) and end with dessert, or go all out with a surf and turf combo.
athe Bonefish Grill is all about the seafood. The menu is large, and you’ll find some great dishes that come from the land if you’re not a fish fan.
You can start with a soup and salad, share an appetizer with your fellow diners, or get right into the mains with a grilled fish filet or fresh cut of meat. There are tons of tantalizing options on the menu here, and you may need to sip on a cocktail or glass of wine while you deciding what sounds best – though you may have a hard time picking from the long bar list, too!
If you’re dining with family or a large group, you can opt for a family bundle that includes salad, fresh-baked bread and pesto, and even dessert along with the main courses.
The Bonefish Grill is popular across the nation, and if you took a liking to the delicious food and fun atmosphere, you’ll find more locations in dozens of states across the country.
Those looking for a top-notch steak house with a more relaxed atmosphere will love Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. The ambiance is reminiscent of the mid-century, high-end steakhouse – though the prices are more palatable than many of the other classy joints around Miami.
The food here is superior, the vibe is anything but stuffy, and the friendly waitstaff strives to give you the most enjoyable dining experience possible.
The menu changes with the season, but no matter when you’re dining at this award-winning restaurant you’ll find a host of tantalizing dishes like surf and turf pasta, char grilled salmon, and of course, plenty of steaks and chops that are grilled up to your liking.
There’s also a cold seafood cocktail bar that features shrimp cocktails, oysters, and ahi tuna tartar, among other things. You can even build your own seafood tower for your table if you’re feeling extra hungry.
And of course, what’s dinner without a drink? Choose from the extensive menu ofBar 79, with hand-crafted cocktails and reserve wine being the knockouts.
The Miami location is the first in Florida, though you’ll find other Perry’s Steakhouse & Grilles in various locations across the country, especially Texas.
If you’re looking for the local version of In N Out or Shake Shack in Miami, head straight for Checkers. This fast-food burger joint is nothing fancy, but is insanely cute with its old-school diner theme – and the food here is top-notch.
You’ll find classic burger and fries combos, but checkers also serves up wings (both boneless and traditional), hot dogs, loaded fries, and ice-cold slushies that are a welcome reprieve from the hot Florida sun.
While it may not be the best meal you ever eat, it’s worth a visit if a greasy burger is what you’re in the mood for. There are dozens located around Miami so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one, no matter where you are in the city.
As one of the most classic American restaurant chains, our list wouldn’t be complete without TGI Fridays. For one, the menu is massive – so no matter what your preferences are you’re sure to find something that’ll please you.
The food here is also consistent no matter which location you visit, whether it be in New York, California, or anywhere in between.
There are 6 TGI Friday’s locations in the Miami area alone, so if you’re having a hard time deciding where to eat, this well-known chain is a pretty safe bet. Whether you’re looking for outside seating, a late-night meal, lunch with a large group, or just someplace fun for a date night – TGI Friday’s has you covered.
Besides the extensive menu, the drink list is equally as large – so don’t hesitate to wash your meal down with a pint of cold beer, a glass of wine, or a classic cocktail.
Another American classic is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and the Miami location is as good as any to sit back and enjoy some seafood. Even if you’re not a fan of anything from the ocean or the movie that this place is based on, Bubba Gump’s menu is extremely diverse – with soups, salads, handhelds, and plenty of farm-raised options.
Its vibe is pure southern soul food (along with non-stop showings of Forrest Gump), and the service matches the food with the finest southern hospitality. You may want to brush up on your film knowledge before you arrive though, as the waiters are known to quiz fans.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is so much more than a restaurant – it’s really a whole new experience. After you finish your meal. take pictures of all the film memorabilia on the walls and peruse the gift shop for a souvenir to remember your experience.
