S & S DINER

By  Mike Miller May 5, 2025

S & S Diner was a historic restaurant in Miami, Florida. Opened in 1938, it served classic American food. Known for its Art Deco building, it was a local landmark.

The diner moved to a new location in 2017 and later closed. The original building remains a preserved site but it does not look preserved.

S & S Diner in 2016 in Original Location

S & S Diner began as S & S Restaurant and Deli at 1757 Northeast 2nd Avenue in 1938. Its Art Deco design, with glass and aluminum bands, defined its look.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The diner served workers and families for decades. In 2016, a lease dispute led to eviction. The landlord sold the property for $33 million.

Maria Linares, the manager, reopened S & S at 2699 Biscayne Boulevard in 2017. The new site kept the original sign and staff.

Despite best efforts, it closed a few years later. The original building’s facade is protected by preservation laws. 

Original S & S Diner Today

The original S & S Diner building is at 1757 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33132. It’s in the downtown area near Biscayne Boulevard.

The building is not open to the public.

Visitors can view the exterior anytime, but it’s covered in graffiti now and barely recognizable.

Street parking is available nearby. Use caution in the urban area.

For Art Deco history, visit the Miami Design Preservation League’s walking tours.

Check tour schedules at their website. Combine with a visit to the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach. 

• The original building’s facade has beige, white, and red bands. It was designed in the Streamline Moderne style.  

• S & S was Miami’s second-oldest restaurant after Joe’s Stone Crab. 

• The diner’s counter had 23 stools in a horseshoe shape. Regulars included local workers and attorneys.  

• The 1938 Miami Herald ad promised “friendly willingness” from staff.  

• The closure was linked to rising rents in Miami’s Omni area.  

• The building’s preservation ensures its Art Deco legacy endures.