66 June 18–24, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES June 18–24, 2026 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES B EST º f M IA M I ® 2 02 6 BEST ARTS & CRAFTS Blick 6250 S. Dixie Hwy. Miami, 33143 305-740-7077 dickblick.com In an age of AI — a time in which IP theft is normalized at hyper speed, and the tempta- tion to sacrifice craft for convenience proves hard to resist — immersing oneself in the tangible, corporeal elements of art and craft can be both inspiring and healing. In this respect, the high-end yet still fun, occasionally whimsical and accessible BLICK Art Materials is a particularly apt destination: The store traces its origins back more than 100 years to a young man named Dick Blick in Galesburg, Ill. He started a hand-lettering business out of his pop’s dry goods store that may have slowly evolved into the “largest art supply retailer in the U.S.” but still echoes (at least at the South Dixie Highway location) with an em- powering love for human ingenuity and de- veloped skill. If you’re mourning the loss of Joann Fabrics and Crafts, make this your new home. BEST BOOK STORE Steamy Lit 1 Curtiss Pkwy, Unit 12 Miami Springs, 33166 754-304-8983 steamylitbookstore.com Founded by Latina entrepreneur Melissa Saavedra, Steamy Lit has quickly become a haven for romance readers looking for more than the average bookstore experience. What began as an online shop in 2021 has blossomed into a beloved small busi- ness with three loca- tions in Florida, Miami Springs becoming its newest addition this year. For anyone step- ping into the Miami lo- cation, get ready to be swooned by epic love sto- ries and titles ranging from bestselling authors to underrep- resented voices, all rooted in the brand’s mission of championing self-love through storytelling. Visitors can browse the store’s huge selection before settling into cozy reading spaces set up all around the shop. For those looking for a little more excitement, guests can surprise themselves with “mystery date” wrapped books or pick up playful merch that feels distinctly Mi- ami, including a “Cafecito y Libritos” shirt that perfectly captures the vibe. It’s the kind of store where a quick stop can easily turn into an afternoon spent falling in love with reading all over again. BEST USED BOOKSTORE Kendall Book Exchange 15420 SW 136th St., Unit 58 Miami 33196 786-250-8722 Secondhand bookstores are sadly few and far between in South Florida, so it’s nice that Kendall Book Exchange in Country Walk of- fers the chance to browse the shelves for a bargain or two. Located within the tea shop Tea N Sanity, the plucky, community-ori- ented storefront offers discounts for new vis- itors and frequently holds sales. You can also trade in some used books as part of their ex- change program, or just donate a few to help the owners maintain stock. BEST COMIC BOOK SHOP Metropolis Comics Anime & More 250 E Palm Dr., Ste. 470 Florida City, 33034 850-347-0017 metropoliscomicsmiami.com Funko, anime and Pokémon, oh my! Metropo- lis dubs itself “your multiverse of collectibles” — and the moment you walk through the store doors, it becomes eminently clear this is no idle boast. Every geek-o-sphere passion you might have, ultra-niche or mainstream, the shop shares in and stocks it. The shop’s wry, knowl- edgeable employees (think “High Fidelity” re- imagined in a comic shop) are up to date with an encyclopedic knowledge of whatever your interests are. As you browse the gold-mine shelves, it is impossible not to be introduced to a myriad of potential future passions. The best part? The nine-year-old just starting to navigate a title or series is treated with the same respect as a sea- soned, sophisticated life- long collector. In fact, thanks to the inclusive community Metropolis has nurtured, fandoms of all ages are likely to be chatting together. Be sure to follow on social media to keep up with regular in-store events and signings, and look out for additional storefronts at The Falls and Miami International Mall. BEST SOUVENIR SHOP Official Art Deco Gift Shop 1001 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach, 33139 305-672-2014 mdpl.org Inside the Miami Design Preservation League’s welcome center, steps from the Art Deco Museum, the Official Art Deco Gift Shop carries things actually connected to the neighborhood they represent. Here you’ll find original Art Deco Weekend posters, vin- tage jewelry, locally made art, books, cards and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. MDPL has been the backbone of South Beach’s historic preservation since 1976, and every purchase supports that work directly. Staff known by name to returning visitors have earned a rep- utation for genuine enthusiasm and zero sales pressure (increasingly rare on this stretch of Ocean Drive). The shop is consis- tently rated among Miami Beach’s top shop- ping experiences on TripAdvisor, and if you buy an Art Deco walking tour ticket, you get 10 percent off in-store purchases and free en- try to the museum next door. BEST ADULT STORE Pleasure Emporium 20600 NW Second Ave. Miami, 33169 305-654-9400 1321 S 30th Ave. Hollywood, 33020 954-927-8181 Behind the discreet doors of Pleasure Empo- rium lies a grown-up playground where curi- osity, confidence and a little mischief get equal shelf space. Whether you’re a blushing beginner shopping for your first toy or a seasoned BDSM enthusiast with very specific tastes, this longtime Miami staple knows how to make pleasure feel approach- able, stylish and just taboo enough to keep things interesting. The selection is ex- pansive without feeling overwhelming, rang- ing from sleek, body-safe luxuries and couples’ accessories to more adventurous tools for those looking to explore power play, restraint and fantasy with intention. The staff strikes that rare balance between knowledgeable and nonjudgmental, making the experience feel more like sensual self-discovery than a rushed retail errand. There are famously discreet the- ater rooms tucked quietly inside, giving the space an old-school, after-dark intrigue that feels increasingly rare in Miami. BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY The Flowery 11900 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 108 Miami, 33181 305-912-2929 theflowery.co We know, we know — we’ve named The Flow- ery Miami’s Best Cannabis Dispensary before. But hear us out: it really is that good. The Mi- ami-based company sells the kind of weed your uncle swears existed “back in the day;” potent, flavorful and definitely worth the slightly steeper price tag. As Florida’s only family- owned medical cannabis dispensary, The Flowery has built its reputation on growing high-quality goods locally, instead of chasing shareholder profits like the state’s cannabis mega-chains. What started with a single store- front on Biscayne Boulevard in 2022 has since grown into a 17-location operation statewide. BEST WINE SHOP Sobremesa 170 NE 96th St. Miami Shores, 33138 305-960-7363 sobremesamiami.square.site With furnishings sourced from IKEA and a well-curated selection of wines sourced mainly from France and Italy, visiting So- bremesa feels less like a retail experience and more like a kickback in your most so- phisticated homie’s kitchen. That’s espe- cially true during their frequent tasting events, which turn the Miami Shores store- front into something like a convivial neigh- borhood wine bar. Come for the booze, stay for the buds. BEST TATTOO SHOP SKN Tattoo Co. 6630 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, 33138 786-310-6523 instagram.com/skn.tattooco In a city with a rapidly evolving tattoo scene, it can be hard to stay on top – but for SKN Tattoo Collective in Little Haiti, a little competition only fuels the fire. With nine incredibly talented resident artists and frequent visits from national and international guests, getting inked at this woman-owned, pri- vate studio is a no-brainer. Whether you’re craving a black- and-grey realism homage to your favorite film, some intense blackwork to fill in a sleeve, or an ornamental neo- Gothic architectural back piece, SKN has you covered (literally). SKN’s sterile state- of-the-art studio and professionalism truly take the tattooing experience to the next level. Be sure to get your deposit in and se- cure your spot, because this appointment- only studio books fast. BEST ANTIQUE STORE Antique Mall Y’all 9845 E Fern St. Palmetto Bay, 33157 305-969-0696 antiquemallyall.co For almost 30 years, Antique Mall Y’all has amassed a robust collection of goods that can satisfy even the most niche of searches. With countless booths laden with pieces from more than 275 different antique dealers, it’s no wonder Antique Mall Y’all has captured the hearts of many loyal customers. From Beanie Babies to vintage Pyrex, the labyrin- thine shop holds a variety of preloved trea- sures with something new to discover around every corner. Owner Shelley Stanczyk’s warm and welcoming demeanor truly adds a wonderful final touch to your experience, of- fering extensive knowledge that certainly comes in handy when you’re trying to decide between items. Antique Mall Ya’ll is open seven days a week, all year long (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), ready to cater to your vintage needs. Saavedra, Steamy Lit has quickly become a haven for romance readers looking bookstore experience. What began as an online shop in 2021 has blossomed into tions in Florida, Miami bestselling authors to underrep- shelves, it is impossible not to be introduced to a myriad of potential future passions. The best part? The nine-year-old just starting to navigate a title or series is treated with the same respect as a sea- soned, sophisticated life- long collector. In fact, thanks to the inclusive community Metropolis has nurtured, fandoms of all ages are likely to be chatting together. Be sure to follow on social media to keep up with regular in-store events and signings, and look out for additional storefronts at The Falls and Miami International Mall. Shºpping & Services rium lies a grown-up playground where curi- competition only fuels the fire. With nine incredibly talented resident artists and frequent visits from national and international guests, getting inked at this woman-owned, pri- vate studio is a no-brainer.
