The Neighborhood

A Local’s Guide to South of Fifth: Sarah Akiba

A Local’s Guide to South of Fifth: Sarah Akiba

Sarah Akiba is a celebrity stylist, designer, and founder of AWOM, a lifestyle brand and organization creating a support system for the Miami community. She also started AWOM Lab, a female-forward co-working space and production studio. Here, Sarah shares some go-to spots in her local South of Fifth, Miami Beach neighborhood.

For Morning Fuel: Under the Mango Tree

A small bohemian juice and coffee bar with a down to earth feel. The menu is loaded with superfoods, and features refreshing açai bowls, smoothies, juices, and fair trade coffee. It’s an energizing way to start the day by the beach.

 737 5th St.

Photos via Under the Mango Tree

For Post-Beach Refreshments: Pretty Swell

I’m looking forward to the opening of the new café, restaurant & bar at Life House, South of Fifth. The eclectic space will have a 70s surf culture feel, and incorporate locally-sourced ingredients in their food and cocktail programs. Refreshers like spritz and agua with fresh herbs, spiked cold-pressed juice, and frozen drinks make the menu very appealing after a day spent under the sun.

321 Collins Ave.

For a Special Occasion: Prime Fish

As a pescatarian, this is one of my favorite upscale restaurants in Miami. It has romantic lighting, subtle music, and an outdoor seating area. It’s an easy place to have a conversation, and with their lengthy wine list, you can be sure to have a good time. 

100 Collins Ave.

Photo via Prime Fish

For a Scenic Stroll: South Pointe Park Pier

There’s nothing like going for a walk, run, or rollerblading along the South Pointe Park Pier. We are so lucky to live in a place where the sun is often shining, making it easy to throw on workout clothes and move your body whichever way feels good for you.

1 Washington Ave.

Photo via Greater Miami

For a Picnic on the Beach: Pretty Swell To-Go

Grab fresh salads or poke bowls and bottled cocktails at Pretty Swell on your way to the beach. Find your spot on the shore and enjoy.  Pro tip: if you’re looking for a low key, peaceful area, go between 2nd & 3rd street where there's few tourists. Just a 5 minute walk from Life House South of Fifth.

321 Collins Ave.

For a Shopping Spree: The Webster

This 3-story boutique curates luxury designer clothing and accessories in a really cool, sunny space. It’s actually a historic Art Deco building designed in 1939 by famed Miami Beach architect, Henry Hohauser.

1220 Collins Ave

Photo via The Webster

For an Art Fix: ARTECHOUSE

An art organization dedicated to the intersection of art, science and technology. Go for genre-pushing, immersive experiences and exhibitions that expand the possibilities of art and how we experience it.

736 Collins Ave

Photo via ARTECHOUSE

For Impressing a Date: The Laneway at Pretty Swell

Attached to Pretty Swell at Life House South of Fifth, there will be a hidden garden patio – just the place to bring someone you want to leave an impression on. Bond over the fresh spiked juice elixirs and locally-sourced shareable plates amidst the ocean breeze.

321 Collins Ave.

For a Throwback Escape: Kill Your Idol

If you know, you know! This is the perfect place to let go. I love their Thursday karaoke nights paired with a drag show. There’s a life-size Bruce Lee statue mounted on the bar, and vintage pinball machines. It’s also known for being reminiscent of NYC’s East Village punk rock scene of the 1970s and ‘80s.

222 Española Way

Photo via Kill Your Idol

For a Workout on the Water: D.A. Method

The palace for a satisfying outdoor workout. I can’t get enough of the sun and moving my body outside. D.A. Method is a boot-camp type workout on the Venetian Causeway (another Miami staple for a stroll or meditation) by David and Andres, and it just feels so good. They always have great energy and make you feel your best.

Venetian Causeway Park

Photo via D.A. Method

See Sarah on Instagram at @soakiba.

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