Joliet

Even though Miami is about as south as you can get in this country, good Southern American food is tragically hard to find. That’s why we really like South Beach’s Joliet. They don't overcomplicate the classics. The simple cornmeal fried yellowtail comes with a side of hushpuppies and chow chow. You can get an oyster po’boy or a plate of Johnny cakes with a side of pimento cheese and thick slices of ham. And there’s not a single truffle involved in the sweet cornbread. But we also liked Joliet before the food hit the table. Its crisp dining room is covered in art and plants. It’s busy, but organized in such a way that never feels claustrophobic. This is a handy spot to have in your South Beach rotation anytime you need a slightly more sophisticated option that’ll still deliver something delicious and fried.