10 November 13-19, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Where Shopping Is Really a Pleasure Miami’s seven best Publix stores, ranked. BY NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR L ook, Miami: I know Publix isn’t just a grocery store. It’s practically a local landmark. Last year, when New Times stirred the pot with our hilariously controversial ranking of the six worst Publix grocery stores in Mi- ami (nearly all of our readers agreed with the selections), our Instagram comments basi- cally turned into a Miami roast session. This year, we’re flipping the script and spotlight- ing the Publix locations that deserve a stand- ing ovation. As a Miami girl through and through, trust me when I say I’ve got Publix radar built into my DNA. I grew up knowing which Publix had the best bakery for those iconic sprinkle cookies and which one had a deli line that moved faster than U.S. 1 at 7 a.m. on a Sunday. Although many of our readers find issues with its high prices com- pared to those of other stores, such as Aldi or Walmart, part of the appeal of shopping at Publix is that it’s a quintessential Floridian experience. Plus, it’s home to New Times’ Best Key Lime Pie 2024! Therefore, this year’s list is all about cele- brating the Publix gems that truly make us proud. From the Publix supermarkets in Ken- dall to the beloved aisles in Coral Gables, each of these locations is like the VIP lounge of Publix grocery shopping. While only some of the locations listed below have a Starbucks and a Publix Liquors store inside, they all of- fer great parking, a wide selection, stocked shelves, smiling employees, and a Pub Sub line that won’t leave you contemplating your life choices. So, let’s get to it. Without further ado, here are the seven best Publix grocery stores in Miami, ranked from most favorable to abso- lutely the best. 7. Publix at Riviera Plaza The new two-story Publix at Riviera Plaza in Coral Gables isn’t just another grocery store; it’s a really relaxing and beautiful one. Spanning nearly 46,000 square feet, this mega Publix comes with a two-level garage, large elevators, and even a window-lit din- ing area where you can enjoy your Pub Sub before hitting U.S. 1 traffic again. Inside, there’s an olive and salad bar, a lush floral section that rivals Milam’s or Fresh Market, and wide aisles that make grocery shopping actually enjoyable. It’s sleek, spacious, and undeniably the new crown jewel of Coral Gables supermarkets, but it would’ve gotten a higher ranking if it had a Publix Liquors, as well. Additionally, the location is incredibly convenient for those who live in the area or have children at nearby schools, or who work in the vicinity (and for those trying to avoid the tiny and old Publix on Monza Ave- nue across the street). 1542 S. Dixie Hwy., Coral Gables; 305-929-7067; publix.com/ locations/1770-riviera-plaza. 6. Publix at Briar Bay Shopping Center The new two-story Publix at Briar Bay Shop- ping Center in Kendall easily ranks among Miami’s best thanks to its sleek design, mas- sive layout, and fun surprises at every turn. From the movie- theater-style popcorn station to the airy up- stairs dining room filled with fresh flowers, it feels more like a hangout than a grocery store. The bakery alone is worth the trip, offering everything from warm challah loaves to maple-glazed cinnamon buns. With an impressive produce section and a conve- niently located Publix Liquors on the first floor, this store brings serious “mega” energy to Kendall. Sure, we’re still mourning the missing burrito bar, but with popcorn this good, we’ll forgive them. 13005 SW 89th Pl., Miami; 305-964-4921; publix.com/ locations/1657-briar-bay-shopping-center. 5. Publix at North Shore The Publix at North Shore is a Miami Beach favorite for good reason — it’s two stories of pure convenience with its very central loca- tion (68th and Collins), has a modern two- story layout, and a breezy open-air garage that saves you from the blazing sun. The store may be smaller than most, but it boasts an av- erage rating of 4.5 stars from over 6,000 re- views. Many rave that it’s easy to shop at, the prices are cheaper than at other Publix loca- tions nearby, and the staff is a pleasure to be around. Plus, it has a well-stocked produce section, a Publix Liquors, and an in-house Starbucks on the second floor, perfect for latte breaks (pro tip: go grab a guava pas- teloito from the bakery section to dunk into your Starbucks drink). Whether you’re stock- ing up for a beach day or just running a few quick errands, this North Shore Publix deliv- ers big Miami energy surrounded by palm trees in a compact, very Miami Beach pack- age. 6876 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-864- 7405; publix.com/ locations/1382-publix-at-north-shore. 4. Publix at River Landing The Publix at River Landing might just be downtown’s grocery MVP. It’s perfectly lo- cated right under the mall, making it ridicu- lously convenient for those who live in the area, and always well-stocked for whatever your week throws at you. It’s clean, bright, has waterfront views, and it’s way more spa- cious than you’d expect from a buzzy city Publix (ahem..we’re looking at you, wild and crazy Publix at 18Biscayne Shopping Center (if you know, you know). Plus, their team makes grocery shopping feel more human again. (Shoutout to Mariela, who we wit- nessed digging through backroom totes to find masks for a sick customer.) Talk about going the extra mile. Whether you’re cruising in from the gym or grabbing a Pub Sub before hitting the riverwalk, the River Landing Pub- lix is a very solid Publix.1420 NW N. River Dr., Ste. 110, Miami; 305-324-3300; publix.com/ locations/1561-river-landing. 3. Publix at the Shoppes of Paradise Lakes (168th) Coming in at number three on the list is the Publix at the Shops of Paradise Lakes in West Kendall, located along Southwest 88th Street in the Hammocks/West End neighborhood. With an average rating of 4.6 stars on Google from over 1,400 reviews, this one’s a gem at the end of Kendall Drive, and locals abso- lutely love it for its reliability. It may be one of the older Publixes around, but it’s gotten up- grades to its interior over the years -- that just means it’s a tried-and-true staple with a loyal following. The produce section is legendary, the aisles are spacious, and it’s a little less crowded than some of the newer spots. It’s got all the essentials plus fun extras like sushi and in-store pickup. In short, it’s the kind of Publix you can always count on, and that’s ex- actly why people adore it. 16800 SW 88th St., Miami; 305-382-5551; publix.com/ locations/657-the-shoppes-of-paradise-lakes. 2. Publix on S. Le Jeune Road The Publix on South Le Jeune Road in Coral Gables is the definition of a neighborhood classic. Beloved by locals and University of Miami regulars alike, this store combines small-town charm with the polish you’d ex- pect from the Gables. It’s clean, calm, and per- fectly organized, making it the kind of place where you can grab a Pub Sub, run into your neighbor (yikes if you’re antisocial), and actually en- joy the grocery run. While it’s not as fancy as the new Publix along U.S. 1, across from the U, the deli team operates with the efficiency of a Michelin kitchen, the bak- ery smells like heaven, and even the parking (miraculously) isn’t a nightmare. It’s the Pub- lix equivalent of a well-tailored guayabera; timeless, reliable, and effortlessly Miami. 2551 S. Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables; 305-445-2641; publix.com/locations/84-publix-super-market. 1. Publix at Dadeland The Publix at Dadeland takes our top spot for a reason — it’s a true OG and a local legend. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from nearly 3,000 Google reviews, it’s long been known as one of Miami’s largest and most well-stocked Publix locations. The parking lot has ample spaces, the location is incredi- bly central (you can literally hop off the Me- tromover and be there), and the aisles are wide and well-stocked. From a nice Star- bucks inside to a famously smooth and fast Pub Sub line, this Publix is where conve- nience meets that “if you know, you know” level of local love. Oh, and it includes a Publix Liquors store. It’s simply the best of the best, and the reviews agree: Dadeland’s Publix is the ultimate Publix in Miami. 9105 S. Dade- land Blvd., Miami; 305-670-8929; publix.com/ locations/658-publix-at-dadeland. [email protected] ▼ Café Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar From a Publix with river views and a Starbucks to one with a popcorn station, here are the seven best Publix markets in Miami. THE APPEAL OF SHOPPING AT PUBLIX IS THAT IT’S A QUINTESSENTIAL FLORIDIAN EXPERIENCE.
