Will Scotty's go the way of Jimbo's?
First Jimbo's on Virginia Key, next Scotty's Landing? We talked last week about the RFP that went out for the Scotty's property last week, along with the Chart House next door and the Grove Key Marina. Some people would like the businesses changed to something more modern and chain-like, I've heard words like Olive Garden and even Bayside. I went out last Friday for lunch and took these photos. It's "old Florida" for sure at Scotty's.
Andres Viglucci, from The Miami Herald was also there Friday and he filed a story today. You can see that here. One person explained Scotty's like this: “It’s what the Grove used to be and isn’t anymore.” I personally feel it would be nice if Scotty's could stay. I do agree that the menu needs a big overhaul and maybe the place needs a few other renovations, including the bathrooms, but it's rustic, real and it screams Coconut Grove. No chain restaurant will ever be able to do that. Why must everything be homogenized? It's hard to believe that it's all not about money. It's always about money.
I love the way the Herald article explains how you "pick your way through the boatyard just north of City Hall in Coconut Grove — watch out for the giant forklifts carrying speedboats aloft — and head for what looks like a weather-beaten old shack by the water." It explains it so perfectly. It's amazing how you just walk under boats being lifted into the water to get to the place. The rest of Miami has been bulldozed, built up and modernized. Can't Coconut Grove just be left alone?
posted by Tom Falco at 11:11 AM
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14 Comments:
I agree with you Tom, Scotty's needs a basic renovation, but on whole, left alone. There's a charm about the place that you don't get in Brickell or South Beach. I don't particularly like the food, but it's a great place to go for a beer and watch the boats go by.
I also agree... The menu and quality of the food could change, and I hate using the bathroom... It could use an upgrade from the plastic decor, but it's quintessential Grove... Modernizing the waterfront with Olive Gardens, etc? Yeah, look what it did for Cocowalk...
I agree with your sentiment about preserving something unique in the Grove. However, I'm pretty sure "leave the Grove alone." is a little late to the party. I live on the beach and used to live in the Grove, and there is very little being preserved in either place. It's not like Cocowalk or the townhouses are quaint homages to what the Grove used to be. The only area keeping the old way alive is the West Grove, and let's be honest that's just because the recession stopped gentrification 60 feet west of McDonald. This is the Miami in which we now live.
I've lived in Miami since '88 and I feel guilty admitting I visited Scotty's last week for the first time EVER. I attended the Buoniconi Fundraiser event and had a blast. It's definitely "old school" Grove, and unfortunately something that is dying throughout South Florida. Food wasn't amazing, but the charm and feel is special. I truly hope it stays for many many years!
Gabriel Gonzalez
@RealtorGabriel
I'm sorry, but I am one of those who thinks it's time for a change. Every time we go to Scotty's the service is terrible, and the food is not very good. It's a shame because it is a beautiful location, and hopefully it will be put to better use in the future. My wife and I just went for lunch last week, it had been a while and our memories of past bad experiences were softened by time. The food took over an hour, both of our items were wrong (not wrong because we made changes, wrong from the actual descriptions on the menu). Our waitress disapeared for long streches at a time and to make matters worse, when I went up to the bar to order another beer, I was reprimanded by the bartender for not ordering from my waitress. We're easy going people, and don't ask for a lot, but we left there paying 60 bucks for two drinks and two entrees. That's a lot for just a view and crappy food and service. Tom has written a number of articles on what is wrong with the Grove. It has to do with the attitude that substandard food and service is acceptable because we're in the Grove. Why would I want to go to Scotty's or another typical bad service place like Baracuda Bar, when I can spend my money in a place like Lokal, who has excellent service and great food. Change is not necessarily a bad thing, we can get better and still keep some local flair.
Tom,
Regarding the Scotty's issue, what about this:
http://www.coconutgrovegrapevine.com/waterfront1.pdf ?
I like Scotty's, have never been to charthouse, but agree scotty's could use a refresher. maybe even a few lights at night, and staying open later?
I admittedly never go to monty's anymore, and infrequently to scotty's. I prefer the food and drinks on commodore plaza (lokal, green st, lulus, darbar) over these places (despite their amazing views/vibe).
Scotty should be evicted! Other than the location and the view Scotty’s is awful. Food if selection is bad. Presentation is bad. Service is terrible and staff could care less. Most of the time the staff is off in the corner hanging out or out in the marine smoking cigarettes. The lease should be offered to someone willing to keep a casual South Florida experience alive but provide quality food and service in a family environment. I live in the Grove and would be willing to pay more for a better experience other than with Scotty.
Scotty's has taken advantage of their prime location for long enough. Been there about 10 times for awful food and service before we finally said never again.
I always felt that the owners and managers sat in a corner laughing at the money they were bringing in while serving substandard food just because they had the view.
We've had the wait staff even tell us that they won't even eat there due to the condition of the food and kitchen.
Right now it's wasted space. Give it to someone who can take advantage of what the view has to offer.
Bulldoze City Hall, it's a blight in the community.
I would simply like to see Scotty's upgraded (which would include the food & the service) to something like the Black Point Ocean Grill at Black Point Marina. Its a very similar concept to Scotty's but bigger and with significantly better food. I really hate to see a bunch of crappy corporate places replace what little of the "Old Grove" we have left. What would be next? An outlet mall in Peacock Park?
I believe extremes are bad. On the one hand we can't just leave Scotty's in its current state. On the other hand we cannot hand those spots over to chain restaurants...
I see that a lot of people live off of memories and talk about how things "used to be" and how the "old coconut grove" was better, but I think you are all taking for granted the most important ingredient the Grove has…the people that live in it. The people that organize to save a theater, an art stroll to benefit others, campaigns to promote local business and so on. That is what I love about living in the Grove.
Times change and people change with time, the older we get the harder it is to assimilate changes but it’s always just a matter of time and unless we are willing to do something about it, then we will witness change rather than take part in it.
A comment above states Scotty's needs to be "upgraded" I "believe" the right term in restaurant business, and correct me if I am wrong is “reinvention”. You have paid attention to Rolls Royce or Coca Cola before, those are beloved relics (pardon), a major semblance of the original concept is not destroyed, and it is reinvented. Ultimately I don’t see anything wrong with Scotty’s as it is.
I have to agree with Felipe. The lack of effort there is astounding. It's a great location, and I think it could be a draw. However, there are a lot of detractors for it, and I think those explain the current state. I've been there many times when there were but 2 or 3 souls floating around, and I believe there are significant restrictions on their operations and parking options.
Our current waterfront has the best atmosphere that I have seen since the 60's.
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