We are all familiar with the story of Cuban mafioso Tony Montana. Montana descends on Miami in search of the “American Dream” after departing Cuba in the Mariel boatlift in the epic 1983 Al Pacino flick Scarface. Tony and his crew take over the city from Little Havana to South Beach leaving a trail of blood, drugs and money. He rises to the top of the Miami’s cocaine underworld. Thirty-five years to the day in which Scarface was released, the Magic City is light years away from the fictional drug-ridden drama in the movie. What’s Tony’s Miami like now? Let’s take a look.
LITTLE HAVANA
Then: In the film, Tony takes a job at the Cuban sandwich shop El Paraiso. A struggling area Little Havana wasn’t really on the map until los marielitos—like Montana-arrived. The neighborhood became the heart of the Cuban exile community escaping from Castro’s regime. In East Little Havana, crime rose. Thousands even camped out under I-95’s overpass. This is the first district in the movie, too, that Montana’s crooked crew takes over after killing the Diaz brothers assuming power and overrunning the area with his Pedro’s Pawn Shop, Oakley Drive-In Theater, Cabana Cigar, Diaz Motors and drug-ridden Storehouse.
Now: A far cry from the wasteland it once was, Little Havana is still the place to go for authentic Cuban food like medianoches and café Cubano. Theres also hand-rolled cigars and domino playing (you can catch a game any time day or night at Domino Park). A cultural melting pots, there’s a greater mix of Cubans and Central Americans, too. But now, it’s also an up-coming, trendy area with more upscale business, restaurants and galleries. And on the last Friday of every month, the famed Calle Ocho turns into a happening block party, Viernes Culturales. There you can experience the best of the barrio’s food, music and cultura.
Eat/See/Do: Versailles Restaurant; Domino Park and Tower Theatre; Viernes Culturales
SOUTH BEACH
Then: More snowbird and retirees than rough-riding ruffians, the beach was the place where northerners and retirees flocked. As the Cubans moved in, crime rose and the old-timers fled. The once quiet area turned into a place seedy enough that the Colombian gangsters in the movie hacked up Tony’s brother with a chainsaw in its now infamous “Chainsaw” scene that took place at the Sun Ray Apartments on Ocean Drive near 7th street.
Eat/See/Do: Puerta Sagua Restaurant/Art Deco District/Lincoln Road Mall
CORAL GABLES
Then: Quiet and quaint, the Coral Gables has always been more of a residential area with huge mansions (much like Tony’s, even though that one’s actually in Santa Barbara, California) and tree-lined streets. Inspired by the Mediterranean architecture style, the “City Beautiful” is steeped in a rich history with historic landmarks like the Biltmore Hotel and historic places like Coral Gables Merrick House, Venetian Pool and Coral Gables City Hall.
Now: In the past three decades, the city has experienced much growth thanks in part to international folks and businesses such as Baccardi taking up shop in the area creating a booming business district. The downtown Miracle Mile has some of the best fine dining around Miami and at the new Merrick Place outdoor mall you’ll find the likes of Burberry, Gucci and Thorneau.
Eat/See/Do: Azucar Cuban Restaurant/Biltmore Hotel/Miracle Mile
FOUNTAINBLEAU HOTEL
Then: Opened in 1954, the Fountainbleau Miami Beach hotel has always been a place of glam and luxe. The 20-acre oceanfront hotel sits right on Collins Avenue in the center of Millionaire’s Row. Tony and his homeboys head here for drinks and to pick up chicks.
Today: The Fountainbleau is still a bustling standout. With 12 restaurants, bars and lounges, the hotel is a venerable playground for partygoers and VIPs. Grab a drink at one of its bars or lounges a la Tony. Hang by the pool at the 40,000-square-foot Lapis spa. Party at high-energy nightclub LIV. Dine at the new Michael Mina restaurant. Catch a glimpse at A-list stars.
Eat/See/Do: Michael Mina 74/Lapis The Spa/LIV Nightclub
