ABOVE: A 2008 yearbook photo of the restaurant hostesses and hosts who work in South Beach. Click Here to See Big Pictures.

When I moved to South Beach six months ago, one of the many aspects of the area that caught my attention was the abundance of warm and and friendly hostesses standing at the front of restaurants and bars, greeting everyone that would walk by, enticing them to try their establishment.  And I will admit that more than a couple of restaurants would end up with my dollars simply because of the natural beauty, charm, and friendliness of some of the hostesses.  Well, that and I was hungry.

I decided a long time ago that I wanted to put together a photo essay of the hostesses of South Beach.  And so began my adventure, the end result of which follows.  Most of the hostesses that appear here either work at restaurants or clubs/bars on Ocean Drive or on Lincoln Road, but there a few from other areas of South Beach as well.  The primary goal was to shoot hostesses, but some hosts did sneak in because that’s how the establishment staffs their restaurant.

Ten lessons learned while walking, scootering, and taxi-cabbing all over South Beach, talking to staff and snapping photos.

1. Most hosts/hostesses are really, really friendly.
2. Most hosts/hostesses love to have their picture taken.
3. Some hostesses REALLY want to look their best for photos. 
4. I’m ok with hostesses from lesson 3 who wouldn’t let me take their photo because they didn’t feel prepared or looking beautiful.  I understand.
5. I’m ok with hostesses from lesson 3 who had me come back another night specifically so they could prepare and look beautiful. I understand.  And bonus points to you!
6. Some South Beach restaurants have a business almost centered around their hostesses.  Fun for taking photos.  (See Mangos)
7. Some South Beach restaurants take their business way too seriously.  Not great fun for taking photos.
8. The staff working at South Beach restaurants who manage the hostesses are generally great people.  Generally.
9. Walk around with a camera long enough on Ocean Drive and eventually, the hostesses will stop asking you if you want to eat half-off.  Instead they smile and wave. 
10. I like South Beach hostesses.

Enjoy the photos!

Click Here to See All the Pics.

If you would like to appear here (or have your restaurant/club represented here), contact Gus and we’ll schedule a shoot.

Scott is a photographer in South Beach who shoots models, street/street fashion photography, and life in South Beach. All of this can be seen at ipanemic.com See more articles by Scott >