Starting in 1938, the S&S Diner on Northeast Second Avenue served the Miami community and its visitors - until it just couldn’t any longer. The diner closed in September after long-time owner Simon Elbaz was evicted, losing a year-long legal battle with the original property owners over a lease.
But there’s good news for fans who remember those fluffy pancakes, or the roasted turkey that was traditionally served every Tuesday. The S&S Diner found yet another corner retreat on 2699 Biscayne Boulevard, just a couple blocks from its original venue.
The restaurant opened officially to the public on Sunday.
“[It’s] the same pictures, the same coffee, the same breakfast, the same music. Nothing’s changed,” Maria Linares, the new owner of the restaurant, said.
Inside, the restaurant’s original historic memorabilia predates the fresh new paint on its walls, like its 1960’s Steve McQueen movie poster. The atmosphere catapults guests into a different era, with its massive stainless steel coffee urn or its 1940’s vintage cash register, from its original venue.
But certain signature details that made the S&S Diner such a Miami icon, couldn’t make the transition, like its horseshoe-shaped counter, which doesn’t fit in the new venue.
Linares said she admits it was a tough sacrifice to make, but nonetheless the location was “perfect for her vision.”
“We hope to keep our customers and get new ones as well,” Linares said, referencing the surrounding home apartments and upcoming Hampton Inn and Suites hotel being constructed on 3450 Biscayne Boulevard, nearby.
The new location is in a strip mall next to the Spanish-Argentine restaurant Rincón Escondido. The diner’s old 1940’s red, black and white banner hangs on the front of the building.
Long-time customer Chad Bailey said it was his son who noticed it first.
“He saw the sign and just started screaming ‘Oh my God, S&S coming soon’ and just got so excited,” Bailey said. “I started texting my family after that, too.”
Bailey said he’s been going to the diner since 1995. He was invited to its private opening Saturday night.
“It still feels like home,” Bailey said. “Same vibe, same place, all the same things are still on its walls.”
The previous owner, Simon Elbaz, is retiring, but plans to stay close.
“S&S going in the garbage like that - we didn’t deserve that, “ Elbaz said. “We worked so hard to have a good name, a good thing. Me honestly, it’s my satisfaction that she will continue the tradition. I will assist her and I think the people will be happy.”
Linares also looks to the future positively. She said she’s excited to have an outside terrace for the first time, and also wants add Cuban coffee and sandwiches to its menu - a nod to her Cuban-American identity.
“I have so many people ask me for Cuban coffee, I want to try it and see how it goes,” Linares said.
In the meantime, Elbaz said the diner will ultimately continue doing what it’s been doing best - persevere.
“Of course, I miss the other location, but what can I do? At least the name will continue and the same food will be served,” Elbaz said. “We are confident the name will survive.”
What: S&S Diner
Where: 2699 Biscayne Blvd.
When: Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
