Iconic Waterfront Tiki Bar & Marina Since 1969 – Miami’s Legendary Gathering Spot
Monty’s Raw Bar is a Miami institution – an iconic Key West-style tiki bar and waterfront restaurant that has been serving fresh seafood, cold drinks, and good times since 1969. Located on South Bayshore Drive in the heart of historic Coconut Grove, Monty’s combines boat mooring facilities, spectacular marina views, live music daily, excellent fresh seafood, and a laid-back island atmosphere that has made it one of South Florida’s most beloved waterfront gathering spots for over 55 years.
Restaurant & Marina Overview
- Address: 2550 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133
- Location: Coconut Grove waterfront, adjacent to marina basin
- Phone: (305) 856-3992
- Website: www.montysrawbar.com
- Social Media: @montysrawbarcg (Instagram, Facebook)
- Established: 1969
- Type: Waterfront restaurant, raw bar, tiki bar, and boat mooring facility
- Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Dock Master: (305) 854-7997 (contact in advance for mooring)
Monty’s Raw Bar & Marina – Coconut Grove
Monty’s occupies one of Coconut Grove’s most scenic waterfront locations, overlooking the marina basin with stunning views of sailboats, yachts, and Biscayne Bay. The open-air tiki bar atmosphere, combined with fresh seafood and live entertainment, creates the perfect South Florida experience for locals and tourists alike.
Table of Contents
Historic Legacy – A Miami Icon Since 1969
Over 55 Years of Waterfront Tradition
Opening & Growth
- Opened in 1969 – Over half a century of service
- Grew through the years to become one of Miami’s most well-known and respected restaurants
- Family-friendly evolution while maintaining authentic character
- Coconut Grove landmark – Synonymous with the neighborhood
Founded by Key West native Monty Trainer two years after graduating from the University of Florida, the original “Monty’s Conch” was a small breakfast nook and gas station that expanded into a beloved waterfront spot, bringing Key West vibes to Miami.
Pop Culture Fame
Monty’s iconic waterfront location has served as the backdrop for numerous TV series, music videos, and movies, making it instantly recognizable to audiences worldwide:
Television
- Miami Vice – Featured in episodes of the legendary 1980s series
- Burn Notice – Appeared in this popular spy series
- Multiple other TV productions
Film
- Marley & Me – The heartwarming dog movie filmed scenes here
- Various other movies and commercials
Music Videos
- Backdrop for numerous music video shoots
- The waterfront tiki setting is perfect for tropical-themed productions
Cultural Impact
- Instantly recognizable to South Floridians
- Tourist destination – Visitors seek it out
- Local tradition – Generations have celebrated here
- Social media hotspot – Scenic photos shared worldwide
Monty Trainer’s legacy extends beyond the restaurant as a founding member of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, chairman of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, and president emeritus of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which he helped establish and which celebrated its 60th anniversary. He also brought major events like Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants to Miami and supported arts education through the New World School of the Performing Arts.
Boat Mooring Facilities
Arrive by Boat to Waterfront Dining
Boat Mooring Available
- Contact Dock Master in advance: (305) 854-7997
- Dock your boat and walk to restaurant
- Marina basin access – Protected anchorage
- Limited mooring spots – Reserve ahead
- Convenient for boaters cruising Biscayne Bay
Perfect Boating Stop
- Coconut Grove location – Center of sailing community
- Adjacent to Dinner Key Marina – Major marina nearby
- Close to Coral Reef Yacht Club – Sailing hotspot
- Biscayne Bay access – Easy navigation
- Waterfront dining – Enjoy meal after boating
Typical Use
- Lunch stop during day cruises
- Sunset dinner arrival
- Weekend social gatherings
- Post-sailing celebrations
- Tourist boat visits
Waterfront Dining Experience
Fresh Seafood & Island Vibes
Setting & Atmosphere
- Open-air dining – Tropical breeze and sunshine
- Tiki hut design – Authentic Key West style
- Marina views – Watch boats come and go
- Waterfront seating – Right on the water’s edge
- Indoor/outdoor options – Covered and open areas
- Relaxed, casual – Come as you are
- Family-friendly – All ages welcome
- Dog-friendly outdoor areas – Pets welcome
Dining Areas
- Main tiki bar – Central gathering spot
- Outdoor waterfront tables – Best views
- Covered pavilion – Protection from sun/rain
- Bar seating – Social atmosphere
- Large group areas – Accommodate 25-1000 people
- Banquet space – Private events and parties
Menu Highlights
Fresh Seafood Specialties
Popular Dishes (Highly Rated)
Appetizers
- Conch Fritters – $17.00 (87 reviews, 29 photos): Local delicacy, perfectly seasoned
- Calamari – $15.00 (44 reviews, 22 photos): Tender, crispy fried
- Peel and Eat Shrimp – $20.00 (27 reviews, 16 photos): Fresh, perfectly cooked
- Coconut Shrimp – $18.00 (24 reviews, 11 photos): Sweet and savory combination
Tacos
- Baja Fish Tacos – $14.00 (42 reviews, 22 photos): Super filling and flavorful; Customer favorite
Sandwiches
- Mahi Sandwich – $12.00 (21 reviews, 15 photos): Fresh mahi mahi, perfectly grilled
- Burgers – Customer favorite: Super juicy and flavorful
Main Courses
- Mahi Mahi – $17.00 (33 reviews, 13 photos): Fresh catch, multiple preparations
- Fried Shrimp – (17 reviews, 6 photos)
- Fish and Chips – $6.00 (24 reviews, 10 photos)
- Grouper – Fresh local catch
Soups
- She Crab Soup – $5.00 (16 reviews, 6 photos)
- Clam Chowder – $13.00 (20 reviews, 4 photos)
Salads
- Key West Conch Salad – $19.00 (18 reviews, 3 photos): Traditional Florida Keys recipe
Additional Menu
- Caribbean Chicken – New popular item
- Raw bar items – Oysters, clams, shrimp, stone crabs (seasonal)
- Great burgers and sandwiches
- Extensive salad options
- Daily specials – Check with server
Drinks & Bar
Full Bar with Waterfront Views
Bar Service
- Full bar – Complete spirits selection
- Craft cocktails – Tropical specialties
- Beer selection – Domestic, imported, craft
- Wine – Red, white, rosé
- Frozen drinks – Perfect for Miami heat
- Specialty drinks – Signature Monty’s creations
Happy Hour Specials
- Weekdays 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- All drinks discounted
- Discounted oysters
- Discounted clams
- Discounted shrimp
- Stone crabs available (seasonal, during happy hour)
Bar Atmosphere
- Sports bar with multiple TVs
- Catch every game – All major sports
- Social gathering spot
- Meet locals and visitors
- Lively, friendly crowd
Live Entertainment
Music & Events
Live Music Schedule
- Nightly live music – Seven days a week
- All day on weekends – Saturday and Sunday
- DJ until closing – Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Varied genres – Something for everyone
- Dancing encouraged – Get up and move
- Festival atmosphere on weekends
Entertainment Features
- Outdoor stage/performance area
- Professional sound system
- Crowd participation – Interactive performances
- Dancing – Open floor space
- Social atmosphere – Meet new people
- Instagram-worthy moments – Capture the fun
Special Events
- Weekend festivities – Extra special programming
- Holiday celebrations – Themed parties
- Private events – Banquet space available
- Corporate gatherings – Team building, parties
- Weddings and celebrations – Waterfront venue
Accommodations for Groups
Perfect for Large Parties
Group Dining
- Large groups – Easy to accommodate
- Banquet space – Capacity 25 to 1,000 people
- Event planning – Professional coordination
- Waterfront venue – Stunning backdrop
- Flexible setups – Indoor/outdoor options
- Full catering – Complete menu available
Event Types
- Corporate events – Team building, client entertainment
- Private parties – Birthdays, anniversaries, reunions
- Weddings – Ceremonies and receptions
- Fundraisers – Charity events
- Holiday parties – Festive celebrations
- Casual gatherings – Just bring your crew
Event Contact
- Call (305) 856-3992 to discuss your event
- Professional event staff will assist
- Custom menus available
- Full bar service for events
Parking & Access
Convenient Parking Options
Primary Parking
- Complimentary parking for 3 hours
- Miami Parking Authority Lot 72 – Next to restaurant
- Bring your parking ticket for validation at restaurant
- Very convenient for lunch or dinner
Additional Parking
- MPA Garage 5 (Regatta Harbor)
- Located at 3385 Pan American Drive
- $10 flat rate on weekends
- Short walk to restaurant
Valet Parking
- Valet service available
- Professional attendants
- Convenient for special occasions
- Check current fees with valet stand
Boat Arrival
- No car needed if arriving by boat
- Dock and dine convenience
- Contact Dock Master: (305) 854-7997
Location in Coconut Grove
Heart of Miami’s Most Charming Neighborhood
Coconut Grove Character
- Historic village – Miami’s oldest settlement
- Bohemian atmosphere – Arts and culture
- Tree-lined streets – Beautiful canopy
- Sailing community – Yachting heritage
- Walkable area – Stroll to attractions
Nearby Coconut Grove Attractions
- CocoWalk – Shopping and entertainment complex (5-minute walk)
- Peacock Park – Waterfront green space
- Coconut Grove Arts Festival – Annual February event
- Main Highway – Boutique shopping corridor
- Fresh Market – Gourmet grocery
- Dinner Key Marina – Largest marina in Florida
- Coconut Grove Sailing Club – Historic club
- Coral Reef Yacht Club – Prestigious yacht club
Surrounding Areas
- Brickell – Financial district (10 minutes)
- Downtown Miami – Urban core (15 minutes)
- Key Biscayne – Island paradise (15 minutes via Rickenbacker)
- South Miami – Shopping and dining (10 minutes)
- Coral Gables – Mediterranean elegance (10 minutes)
Customer Reviews & Reputation
Highly Rated Waterfront Destination
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 stars (1,529 reviews on TripAdvisor)
TripAdvisor Recognition
- #30 of 4,485 restaurants in Miami
- Travelers’ Choice 2025 Award
- Consistently earns great reviews
- Ranked within top 10% of properties on TripAdvisor
Customer Praise
- “A Seafood Lover’s Paradise by the Water”
- “Monty’s. A Miami classic.”
- “Such a staple in the grove area”
- “Fresh seafood, great location, live music”
- “Perfect waterfront dining”
- “Delicious food, great beach vibes”
What Customers Love
- Fresh, flavorful seafood
- Stunning waterfront views
- Live music and entertainment
- Laid-back, welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great happy hour specials
- Dog-friendly outdoor areas
- Convenient parking validation
Note on Service Charge: 19% service charge on all checks. Some customers find this excessive. Be aware when budgeting.
Special Features & Amenities
Complete Waterfront Experience
Features
- Waterfront location – Right on the marina
- Open-air design – Indoor/outdoor integration
- Multiple TVs – Sports viewing throughout
- Wi-Fi available – Stay connected
- Outdoor seating – Majority of tables
- Covered areas – Sun and rain protection
- Pet-friendly – Dogs welcome in outdoor areas
- Wheelchair accessible – ADA compliant
Payment Methods
- American Express
- Discover
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Digital payments accepted
- Cash welcome
Services
- Table service – Attentive waitstaff
- Full bar – Complete drink menu
- Takeout available – Call ahead
- Delivery – Check delivery apps
- Reservations – Recommended for large groups
- Catering – Off-site events
Find Professional Boat Services
Need Boat Maintenance or Repairs Near Monty’s?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified marine professionals serving the Coconut Grove waterfront area, including boaters who frequent Monty’s Marina.
Common Services Available
- Engine service and repair – All makes and models
- Bottom cleaning and painting – Antifouling
- Boat detailing – Complete cleaning and waxing
- Electronics installation – GPS, fish finders, VHF
- Fiberglass repair – Structural and cosmetic
- Canvas and upholstery – T-tops, biminis, cushions
- Mechanical systems – Steering, controls
- Electrical troubleshooting – Batteries, wiring
- Sail repair – Sailboat specialists nearby
- Rigging services – Mast and standing/running rigging
Why Choose Monty’s Raw Bar & Marina?
Iconic Coconut Grove Experience
- Miami Institution Since 1969: Over 55 years of waterfront tradition
- Waterfront Location: Spectacular marina and Biscayne Bay views
- Boat Mooring Available: Dock and dine convenience
- Fresh Seafood: Extensive menu with daily specials
- Live Music Daily: Entertainment seven days a week
- Happy Hour Specials: Weekdays 4-7 PM – drinks and seafood discounts
- Family & Dog Friendly: All ages and pets welcome
- Large Group Accommodations: Banquet space for 25-1,000 people
- Pop Culture Famous: Featured in Miami Vice, Burn Notice, Marley & Me
- Travelers’ Choice Award: Top 10% of restaurants on TripAdvisor
- Convenient Parking: 3-hour validation in adjacent lot
- Heart of Coconut Grove: Historic, walkable waterfront neighborhood
Key Features & Amenities Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location & Access | 2550 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove; Boat mooring via Dock Master (305) 854-7997; 3-hour validated parking in Lot 72; Valet available; Walkable to CocoWalk, Peacock Park |
| Hours | Mon-Thu 11:30 AM-10 PM; Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-11 PM; Sun 11:30 AM-10 PM; Happy Hour weekdays 4-7 PM |
| Dining & Menu | Fresh seafood (conch fritters $17, Baja fish tacos $14, mahi sandwich $12); Raw bar (oysters, stone crabs seasonal); Soups/salads; Burgers/sandwiches; Daily specials; Full bar with craft cocktails, frozen drinks, beer/wine |
| Entertainment | Nightly live music; Weekend all-day music + DJ; Outdoor stage; Special events (holidays, weddings, corporate); Group capacity 25-1,000 |
| Amenities | Open-air tiki bar; Indoor/outdoor seating; Wi-Fi; Multiple TVs for sports; Pet-friendly outdoors; Wheelchair accessible; Takeout/delivery/catering; Reservations for groups |
| Payments | Amex, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, cash, digital; 19% service charge on checks |
| Ratings | 4.2/5 on TripAdvisor (1,529 reviews); Travelers’ Choice 2025; Top 10% properties |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I arrive by boat?
Yes! Boat mooring is available. Contact the Dock Master in advance at (305) 854-7997 to arrange mooring.
Is parking free?
Yes, Monty’s validates parking for up to 3 hours in the Miami Parking Authority Lot 72 next to the restaurant.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining areas.
Is there live music?
Yes! Live music is performed nightly, with all-day music on weekends and a DJ until closing Friday-Sunday.
Can Monty’s accommodate large groups?
Absolutely! Monty’s has banquet space for groups of 25 to 1,000 people. Call ahead to arrange.
What are the most popular dishes?
Conch fritters, Baja fish tacos, mahi sandwich, and the burger are customer favorites.
Is there a service charge?
Yes, there is a 19% service charge on all checks.
Contact Information
Monty’s Raw Bar
2550 South Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Coconut Grove
Phone: (305) 856-3992
Dock Master: (305) 854-7997
Website: www.montysrawbar.com
Instagram: @montysrawbarcg
Facebook: Monty’s Raw Bar
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Parking: Free validation (3 hours) in Lot 72
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Monty’s Raw Bar – A Miami waterfront tradition since 1969
