The Bottom Line
IMPORTANT NOTE: Rascal House closed permanently in March 2008. This review is left online to preserve the memory of this Miami Beach institution.
Craving an authentic New York-style Jewish deli? This Miami Beach institution serves up the old favorites: bagels and lox, corned beef and cabbage and mile-high pastrami sandwiches.
Craving an authentic New York-style Jewish deli? This Miami Beach institution serves up the old favorites: bagels and lox, corned beef and cabbage and mile-high pastrami sandwiches.
Pros
- Funky 1950s atmosphere
- Many vegetarian options
- Stunning selection of desserts – everything from honeybuns to Halvah
- Quick, no-nonsense service
- Gargantuan portions
Cons
- * Restaurant is located in the northern end of Miami Beach, a bit far for tourists
- Menu is so large that it is a bit overwhelming
Description
- Super-casual atmosphere (you will see surfers, grandparents and Cuban immigrants)
- Cool, retro vibe (the restaurant opened in 1954)
- Scrumptious deli cuts, including fresh lox and pickled herring
- Catering is available
Guide Review - Wolfie Cohen's Rascal House
IMPORTANT NOTE: Rascal House closed permanently in March 2008. This review is left online to preserve the memory of this Miami Beach institution.
Frank Sinatra and his buddies used to dine here after performing in Miami Beach – and the kitschy, hip vibe still permeates Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House today. This authentic delicatessen is a throwback to the old Miami, but the food is still incredible. Upon sliding into the leather-lined booths, you will notice pots of pickles and pickled cabbage on the table. Indulge freely.
The restaurant-deli is located at 17190 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach. It is far – very far – from the tourist hub of South Beach. However, it is well worth the drive. If you are on South Beach, take Collins Avenue north; it will take about a half-hour with traffic. If you are in the city, take either Biscayne Boulevard of I-95 to 163d Street, then head east toward the beach. Turn left on Collins and the restaurant will be eight blocks on your left. The restaurant does not take reservations; if you are lucky, there won’t be a line snaking out the front door.
If you have room after eating the giant pastrami and cheese (or for the traditionalists, throw a slice of tounge on the sandwich), try the cheesecake; it’s made fresh, in house every day. The desserts alone are worth a visit – just imagine stacks of blueberry-filled blintzes, apple crumb cakes and key lime pies and you’re in Rascal House heaven. Take home a batch of rugelah and a half-dozen cherry danishes and savor the Rascal experience at home.
Do you agree with our review? Think we're way off base? You can submit your own review of this or any other Miami restaurant for inclusion on the About Miami site. You can also read reviews of Rascal House submitted by other readers.
Frank Sinatra and his buddies used to dine here after performing in Miami Beach – and the kitschy, hip vibe still permeates Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House today. This authentic delicatessen is a throwback to the old Miami, but the food is still incredible. Upon sliding into the leather-lined booths, you will notice pots of pickles and pickled cabbage on the table. Indulge freely.
The restaurant-deli is located at 17190 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach. It is far – very far – from the tourist hub of South Beach. However, it is well worth the drive. If you are on South Beach, take Collins Avenue north; it will take about a half-hour with traffic. If you are in the city, take either Biscayne Boulevard of I-95 to 163d Street, then head east toward the beach. Turn left on Collins and the restaurant will be eight blocks on your left. The restaurant does not take reservations; if you are lucky, there won’t be a line snaking out the front door.
If you have room after eating the giant pastrami and cheese (or for the traditionalists, throw a slice of tounge on the sandwich), try the cheesecake; it’s made fresh, in house every day. The desserts alone are worth a visit – just imagine stacks of blueberry-filled blintzes, apple crumb cakes and key lime pies and you’re in Rascal House heaven. Take home a batch of rugelah and a half-dozen cherry danishes and savor the Rascal experience at home.
Do you agree with our review? Think we're way off base? You can submit your own review of this or any other Miami restaurant for inclusion on the About Miami site. You can also read reviews of Rascal House submitted by other readers.
