Lunch Counters

Before fast food, diners who needed meals in minutes depended on automats, luncheonettes or lunch counters. The latter, which multiplied throughout the U.S. via department stores, and five and dimes, took on a whole new entity as sit-in venues during the civil rights movement.

Local historian Dr. Paul George reports downtown Miami’s numerous lunch counters at Burdines, Woolworth’s and McCrory’s, among others, are often overlooked for their role during this epic transition. “A year before the famous 1960 Greensboro, North Carolina sit-in, African-Americans and Jews joined forces to hold one in Miami,” he said.

Burger Bob ’s
Long before the gourmet burger trend swept Miami, Coral Gables claimed the ultimate, sizzling beef patty served old school style at
Granada Golf Course’s onsite restaurant. But namesake Bob Maguire, who bought the joint nearly 20 years ago, reports neighborhood regulars far outnumber golfers for wolfing down burgers and the also popular homemade chili. 2001 Granada Boulevard, Coral Gables, 305.567.3100, Daily, 6am-3pm. Cash only.