Discover Hidden Gems: Cafes and the Jewish Museum of South Florida on 5th Street and Washington Ave

After crossing the last span of the MacArthur Causeway, you will encounter a sweeping view of Biscayne Bay and enter the island of Miami Beach.

If you are heading east towards the Atlantic Ocean, you will encounter a shopping center that includes a Publix Supermarket, a well-known family-owned chain in South Florida, as well as suburban essentials like a Target and a Best Buy.

The next stop of interest is at the intersection of 5th Street and Washington Avenue

Sight

The first stop of cultural significance is the Jewish Museum of Florida. 

Located a few blocks south of the 5th and Washington bus stop, you will find the Jewish Museum of Florida, housed in the former Beth Jacob synagogue, the oldest synagogue structure on the island of Miami Beach. 

Fun sociological fact: South Florida is home to the 3rd largest Jewish community in the United States, with approximately 500,000 members, only behind those of New York and Los Angeles. Permanent and rotating exhibits cover the 250-year history of Jews in the entire state of Florida, which is home to a total of  650,000 Jews.

The museum hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Their flagship permanent exhibition is  Mosaic: Jewish Life in Florida 1763-Present. The exhibit contains over 100,000 artifacts covering the 250 years of Jewish History in the Sunshine State.  Recent temporary exhibits have included Jewish India, 

The museum also hosts temporary galleries--Recent exhibits range from Jewish life in India, to Kosher Kush--The story of Jews and Cannabis!

 The museum is located at 301 Washington Ave, 33139. Hours are Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 am to -4:00 pm. Admission is $12 per person, and free on Sunday.

The museum's website is https://jmof.fiu.edu/

Bites and Coffee

Sunny Side Cafe and Eatery-- My first recommendation of this two-location eatery, which serves up ..breakfast basics with a  South Florida flair--carnitas benedict to Key lime pancakes. Lunch fare too. Hamburgers and salads, Espresso coffee, and some alcoholic beverages to fuel your travel adventures.

It is located at 232 5th St, and hours are 8:00 am to -3:30 pm.

My next recommendation is Cafe Bastille, located at  548 Washington Ave. It is a very tropical-looking cafe, with jungle-themed wallpaper.  French-inspired menu with croque madame, croissants. Interesting items on the menu: French breakfast burrito and a decadent starter of beignets with Nutella. Cafe Bastille is open weekdays from 8:00 to 4:00 pm, and open until 5:00 pm on weekends.