Style File: Summer For Locals

WSVN -- Whether you're Cuban or not, La Bodeguita Del Medio is the place to spend the Havana nights of summer.

Joseph Maya, owner, La Bodeguita Del Medio: "Every time you make a walk, you find something new."

This new restaurant in Coral Gables has a flashy amusement park vibe. With it's glowing sign, Cuban police cars from the Batista era and stairs that change colors.

Joseph Maya: "When you go to a Cuban restaurant, what you see is everything old, like Cuba 1959, but what you see here is 1959 plus 2008, very modern."

The restaurant serves up Cuban-infused food and 25 types of Mojitos, but the real show-stoppers are the live music and dancers that'll take you back to another era.

Mos: "It's a great atmosphere, it's worth your time."

For all you SoBe socialites, the plunge pool on the rooftop of the Gansevoort South is making big waves this summer.

TJ Lenk: "You got panoramic views; you got the open air."

Teresa Trujillo: "How many places can you go to on the 19th floor, with beautiful pool, wind in your hair, the palm trees."

The hotel just kicked off their summer series with 944 Magazine with music performances by Praz and Macy Gray. All summer long there will be entertainment from music to fashion shows on the rooftop.

Lilaj: "May is music, June is film & art, July is fashion and August is food and wine."

If you just want to kick back and avoid all the drama and expense of bottle service, locals in the know are always welcome at the South Florida neighborhood haunt Clarkes.

Laura Cullen: "There's a saying in Irish 'Cead Mile Failte' and that means a hundred, thousand welcomes, which is the way we try to greet every guest."

Courtney Recht: "It's like Cheers. Everybody knows your name. They see you pull up in your car, and Mickey the bartender has your drink ready for you."

Not only do they know your name and drink, they know your price. Owner Laura Cullen, has created a summer menu with light items like diver sea scallops, seared tuna and Greek salads. All at affordable prices.

Nick Doyle: "The food is phenomenal for a fair price."

When it's hot out, sip their signature summer drink, an iced Irish coffee, and you weekenders won't want to miss Clarke's new Sunday Bloody Sunday special.

Laura Cullen: "So we'll have Bloody Marys for $5 all day. We'll do some food specials as well."

Now that's an Irish welcome.

Belkys Nerey: "Sunday Bloody Sunday is every Sunday during the summer months at Clarke's. Also, if you want a little local getaway, the Gansevoort is also offering hotel packages for locals."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

La Bodeguita del Medio
3138 Coral Way
Coral Gables, FL 33145
305-441-7016

Gansevoort South
Hotel Spa Residences
2377 Collins Avenue.
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Clarke's Miami Beach
840 First St.
Miami, FL 33139
305-538-9885
www.clarkesmiamibeach.com