American Microbrews and Imported Beers - Zeke's Bar, Lincoln Road, South Beach

Zeke's Bar, South Beach

Zeke's Roadhouse Bar must have one of the best selections of beers in South Beach, maybe the best.

It's a no-frills dive bar in an unlikely location, midway along Lincoln Road, one of the main shopping streets in Miami Beach.

People-watching Outside
This is a perfect spot to sit at an outside table and people-watch. Tables in an area in the centre of the pedestrianized Lincoln Road belong to Zeke's, not just those immediately in front of the bar.

There is no table service, and no hard liquor, but they do have some wine.

Dimly Lit Interior
When I say dive bar, I mean this in the sense of being simple and unglamorous, not dirty or sleazy. The interior is dimly lit, with a long bar and a few benches around a table at the back.

200 Beers, All $4
All of its 200 beers, draft and bottled, cost $4. The beers available change constantly, but are mainly American microbrews and imported beers. Credit cards are not accepted, it's strictly cash only.

Don't Forget the Tip, Non-Americans
Non-Americans should always remember that a tip is virtually obligatory, because the waitstaff in most bars in the USA are paid peanuts, so they depend on the tips to live. A 15% tip is normal, but round it up to the nearest dollar, so a $4 beer at Zeke's bar costs you $5, still a steal by South Beach standards.

Photo ID May Be Required
If you look like you could be under the legal age for drinking – 21 in the USA – you will be asked for a photo ID showing your age. Sometimes there'll be a member of staff seated outside checking everyone's IDs as people enter the bar. I've been IDed, and believe me, I don't look as though I'm under 21.

In fact I asked if my ID qualified me for a senior's discount. Virtually anything official with a photo and showing your age will be accepted – driver's licence, national or state ID card or passport. I once used my out-of-date Spanish ID card.

Zeke's Opens Late
It's difficult to give exact opening hours, as these have changed several times in the years that I've been going to Zeke's bar. They don't usually open till 4 or 5 pm, although they may be open earlier at weekends.

On Monday they'll almost certainly be closed. If you're anywhere near, take a look, as these opening times may change yet again.

Easy to Pass By Zeke's
Unlike many dive bars, Zeke's is not hidden away in some side street, but is on the bustling Lincoln Road, one of South Beach's prime locations, full of shops and restaurants, and with a handful of other bars, although I haven't found any other as cheap as Zeke's.

It would be easy to miss the bar if you didn't know it was there, on the opposite side of Pennsylvania Avenue from the Lincoln Theatre.

Two Quibbles, But One of My Favourite Bars
Is there anything that I don't like about Zeke's bar? Well, I'd like them to open earlier, and I don't like the plastic cups that they sometimes use, particularly if you're taking a drink outside, although if you're sitting inside at the bar you'll probably be able to get a real glass.

Despite these little quibbles, Zeke's is still one of my favourite bars in Miami Beach.