Ocean Drive is usually where dreams go to be overpriced and underwhelming. You walk past the neon lights, dodging promoters with plastic menus, and wonder if any of these spots actually have a soul. But then there’s Montana’s Miami Beach. It sits inside the Colony Hotel—yeah, that iconic blue-lit Art Deco building from every movie poster ever—and it’s a weird, beautiful mix of 1980s Scarface grit and high-end South Beach dining.
If you’re looking for the Canadian BBQ chain, keep driving. This isn't that. Honestly, it's a common mistake, but Montana's Miami Beach is a standalone beast with a menu that leans heavily into dry-aged steaks, fresh-caught seafood, and cocktails that are, frankly, large enough to swim in.
Breakfast on the Drive: Not Your Average Cereal
Most people think Ocean Drive stays asleep until noon. Wrong. By 8:30 AM, Montana’s is already slinging plates. The breakfast menu here is surprisingly robust, though it definitely carries that South Beach price tag.
You’ve got the Easy Breakfast for $11, which is basically two eggs, potatoes, and toast. It’s the baseline. But if you’re actually here to eat, the Montana’s Breakfast is the move. It’s $26 and comes with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and fruit. It’s the kind of meal that fuels a long walk down the sand or a very long nap.
For the high rollers—or those nursing a serious headache from the night before—the Steak and Eggs ($34) features a NY strip that doesn't feel like an afterthought. They also do a Lobster Benedict for $33. It’s indulgent. It’s messy. It’s exactly what you want when you’re sitting ten feet away from a palm tree.
The Heavy Hitters: Steaks and Seafood
When the sun goes down, the menu shifts into "power dining" mode. The chef, Don Carpin, has built a selection that mirrors the 1980s aesthetic: bold, unapologetic, and heavy on the protein.
- The Octopus: The Grilled Octopus ($28) is arguably the most talked-about starter. It’s charred, tender, and served with roasted red pepper aioli.
- The Platters: If you’re with a group, the From The Grill Platters are the only way to go. The $140 version for two people is a mountain of NY steak, salmon, pork chops, jerk chicken, and chorizo. The $220 version for four adds churrasco and pineapple fried rice.
- Seafood: They don’t skimp on the local stuff. The Lobster Mac and Cheese ($36) uses a heavy hand with the cheese, and the Picanha Steak ($36) is served with traditional rice, beans, and salad.
Honestly, the burgers are the sleeper hit here. The Manny’s Cheese Burger ($26) is topped with onion strings and BBQ sauce, while Tony’s Burger ($29) goes full Miami with country-fried chicken breast, pimento cheese, and fried green tomatoes. It’s a lot. Maybe too much. But that’s the point.
Drinking Like a Legend (Or Just a Tourist)
You can’t talk about Montana’s without talking about the "Giant" drinks. They are a rite of passage. You’ll see them on almost every table—massive 55 oz vessels that require two hands.
A Giant Margarita or Giant Miami Vice will set you back about $70 for the 55 oz version. Is it a gimmick? Kind of. Is it fun? Absolutely. If you prefer your drinks in a standard glass, the Montana's Way Old Fashioned ($26) uses Woodford Reserve and actually respects the craft of a cocktail.
For the late-night crowd, there's a hidden speakeasy tucked in the back. It opens at 8:00 PM and runs until 5:00 AM. The vibe changes completely—velvet shadows, jazz, and a much tighter cocktail list. It’s where the locals disappear when the sidewalk gets too crowded with tourists.
Things to Keep in Mind
South Beach isn't cheap. A soda at Montana's is $6. A side of avocado is $3. It adds up fast. Also, the service can fluctuate depending on how slammed they are. On a Friday night when the music is pumping and the sidewalk is packed, don't expect a five-minute turnaround on your steak.
Parking is another story. Street parking is free on Sundays, but every other day you’re feeding the meter until 7:00 PM. Better yet, just Uber. You aren't going to want to drive after a 55 oz Rum Runner anyway.
Your Montana’s Game Plan
- Check the Clock: They are open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM (restaurant) and until 5:00 AM (speakeasy).
- Location: 736 Ocean Drive, right in the heart of the Colony Hotel.
- Reservations: They aren't strictly required but highly recommended for dinner, especially if you want a spot on the patio for people-watching.
- The Order: Get the Shrimp Tostones ($22) to start, then split a Grill Platter.
- The Speakeasy: Look for the "secret" door after 8:00 PM if you want to escape the neon glare of Ocean Drive.
Go for the history, stay for the octopus, and maybe share the giant cocktail unless you have zero plans for the next twelve hours.