UM Kids Take Sides: SoBe vs. The Grove

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clubs, coconut grove, college kids, cooljunkie, miami, miami entertainment, miami nightlife, sobe, south beach, the grove, university of miami

home > nightlife&clubs > UM Kids Take Sides: SoBe vs. The Grove

November 20, 2008 4:22 PM
by Sandra Hurtado

Whether it’s on the Travel Channel, for top sexiest beaches, or a filming of a reality TV show, it doesn’t take much to realize that South Beach is a staple for all things sexy and wild—that explains the 12 million visitors Miami Beach received in 2007.

But ‘where’s the party at’ for the college kids that bring in the cash that keeps a considerable amount of Miami’s nightlife pumping during its off-season—If there ever really is one? As it turns out, South Beach is not necessarily as popular in comparison to non-pretentious competitors Coconut Grove.

CoolJunkie caught up with some University of Miami students and promoters to find out what their take is on the never-ending battle between partying at The Beach or The Grove.

“I prefer The Grove a lot more than South Beach… It's much more chill and the drinks are cheap and not a rip-off,” said Jonathan Hilal, a medical student at the University of Miami. “South Beach is good for Friday or Saturday nights but it can get expensive unless you have some serious connections.”

University of Miami student Melissa Glass agrees. “SoBe is for the weekend as long as you're ready to deal with the hassle of finding parking and [making sure] you know a promoter to get [you] into the clubs without waiting in line or paying cover.”

It’s no secret that college students have a special place in their hearts for places like Sandbar Sports Grill and Mr. Moe’s Restaurant and Bar.

“The Grove is a more casual place where you don’t have to worry about getting in just really how much you’re going to drink,” said Anthony Mixco, a UM alumnus. “Thursday nights at the grove is basically a ritual.”

Thursday in Coconut Grove is known as college night, where The U rules but others still come out to join.

“There is nothing better than a Thursday night at The Grove partying with everybody from The U,” said Clément Vié, Coconut Grove resident and UM fanatic.

According to South Beach promoter Shmuel List, SoBe is where people go to get out of the ordinary.

“When you’re on the beach you know you’re in Miami...when you’re in The Grove you might as well be in Des Moines, Iowa. Truth is people probably do feel more special in The Grove because the crowd is not as "elite.”

For UM undergraduate Lyndsey Kiss choosing one destination over the other is as simple as deciding on footwear, ”I go to The Grove when I want to wear flip-flops and South Beach when I want to wear heels.”