Get Loaded on Big Bowl Drinks in South (Miami) Beach
We were seated and handed huge big bowl special drink menus. I was game. She was not because she questioned the server and was told the vodka was from the bottom shelf.
Review: On Ocean 7 Cafe, Miami Beach
by David Arthur Walters
June 25, 2025
I walk along Ocean Drive almost every afternoon on the way home from the gym. I noticed that one restaurant in particular, the On Ocean 7 Cafe at 660 Ocean Drive, always had a nice crowd of customers for its happy hour, so I examined the menu on the sidewalk. The prices advertised were reasonable for Ocean Drive. It did not occur to me that bowl drinks might be the big attraction. I had forgotten that I had written a little article about them after former mayor Dan Gelber, following in the footsteps of former mayor Phil Levine, complained they were one of the roots of South Beach evil.
It so happened that my small investment in Coinbase had doubled in two months. I rarely eat out because of the expense, but free money calls for celebration. I contacted one of the most beautiful women in South Beach, a very discreet lady, indeed, so I shall not mention her by name. I asked her to join me, assuring her that I had no ulterior motive. She agreed, and the experience of her presence was such that I had cause to realize why people pay a premium to eat out.
We were seated and handed huge big bowl special drink menus. I was game. She was not because she questioned the server and was told the vodka was from the bottom shelf. After some discussion, the server came up with a small happy hour drink menu with 2 for 1, saying, however, they could not be shared like the big bowl drinks. I was somewhat exasperated at this juncture due to my accounting background, but my friend winked and said not to worry, so I ordered a $12 beer. She is one smart economist with Ocean Drive experience: since only one of the two happy hour drinks could be served at a time, she downed half of the first one as I had my beer, and told the server to bring the other drink, which she put between us for me to discover it had plenty of vodka in it.
Just looking at my friend across the tiny table jammed in between other tables was joyful, the close quarters reminding me of Manhattan. The noise from the speakers overhead gave us cause to speak loudly; the music was so deafening that our ears were ringing some time after we left. Four customers jammed into a space behind us asked to be reseated because of the noise. I gestured to them, sticking my fingers in my ears, and they were duly amused. I remarked to my friend about my experience with Manhattan restaurants criticized for deliberately making customers uncomfortable so they would not dwell over their food. She said that should not be done until later in the evening.
My chair was uncomfortable, cutting off circulation in my legs even after ridding mine of the pillow in the back, so I had to stand up occasionally. That is not unusual in the business, as I learned from interior designer Elizabeth Calomiris. Getting the optimum size of chairs with tables can be an expensive proposition, if the owner knows what he is doing, given the high rent cost of doing business on the beach.
As for the food, the quality of the cheeseburger I had and the club sandwich she had were excellent. All told, the cost of the sandwiches and one drink each plus the beer for me was $100 with tip.
Finally, I would do it again if my friend would join me, except I would bring my own chair and something to muffle the speaker.
xYx
14 December 2020 Re Big Bowl Drinks on Ocean Drive
¿Qué le pasa al alcalde Dan Gelber?
El alcalde dijo que los visitantes de "Big Drinks" causan demasiados problemas en South Beach Entertainment District. No vale la pena el dinero para acomodarlos.
¿Qué le pasa al alcalde Gelber?
¡Estas bebidas se venden en todas las ciudades del mundo! Se venden en la terraza de la piscina del Fountainbleau.
Pero es mucho más fácil vigilar Ocean Drive si no hay bebidas grandes sobre las mesas para que todos los criminales se escondan detrás. ¡Comisario Samuelian, prohibiremos las bebidas grandes! ¡Las bebidas grandes causan crimen! ¡Y luego también prohibiremos el pollo frito!
TRANSLATION
What's wrong with Mayor Dan Gelber? The mayor said the "Big Drinks" crowd is causing too much trouble in the South Beach Entertainment District. It's not worth the money to accommodate them. What's wrong with Mayor Gelber? These drinks are sold in every city in the world! They're sold on the pool deck at the Fountainbleau. But it's a lot easier to police Ocean Drive if there aren't large drinks on the tables for all the criminals to hide behind. Commissioner Samuelian, we'll ban large drinks! Large drinks cause crime! And then we'll ban fried chicken too!
Google AI summary of chair size specifications
To ensure restaurant chairs do not cut off circulation and provide comfortable leg room for customers, several dimensions are crucial. The key is to maintain proper ergonomic relationships between the chair and the table, and within the chair itself.
Here are the best size guidelines for restaurant chairs to promote good circulation and leg comfort:
1. Seat Height:
* Ideal Range: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) from the floor to the top of the seat.
* Reasoning: This height is designed to work with standard dining table heights (28-30 inches or 71-76 cm). It allows for a comfortable 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) gap between the top of the seat and the underside of the table, providing ample legroom for most adults to cross their legs or shift positions without hitting the table.
* Important Note: If chair cushions are used, account for their compressed height when measuring.
2. Seat Depth:
* Ideal Range: 16-18 inches (41-46 cm) from the front edge of the seat to the backrest.
* Reasoning: This depth ensures that the thighs are adequately supported without the front edge of the seat pressing into the back of the knees. Pressure on this area can restrict blood flow and cause discomfort, numbness, or tingling. A good depth allows for a small gap (about 2-4 fingers) between the back of the knee and the front edge of the seat when a person is sitting with their back against the backrest.
3. Seat Width:
* Ideal Range: 16-20 inches (41-51 cm) at the widest point of the seat.
* Reasoning: This width provides enough space for most individuals to sit comfortably without feeling squeezed or restricted at the hips or thighs. Wider seats (especially for armchairs) offer more room, but you also need to consider the overall footprint and table spacing.
4. Backrest Height and Angle:
* Height: While less directly related to circulation, a backrest that supports the natural curve of the spine (lumbar support) and reaches the mid to upper back (typically 12-20 inches from the seat) promotes good posture, which indirectly helps circulation by preventing slouching that can compress the abdomen or legs.
* Angle: A slight recline (5-15 degrees from vertical) can enhance comfort and reduce pressure on the lower back.
5. Armrest Height (if applicable):
* Ideal Clearance: If chairs have armrests, they should be able to slide easily under the table. Typically, armrests should be 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) above the seat and align with or be slightly below the tabletop. This prevents customers from having to sit too far back from the table or being unable to pull their chair close enough.
General Principles for Circulation and Comfort:
* Foot Placement: The ideal seating position allows feet to rest flat on the floor with knees at roughly a 90-degree angle. This prevents pressure points under the thighs.
* Even Weight Distribution: A well-designed seat cushion (if present) should evenly distribute weight to avoid pressure on specific areas.
* Material and Cushioning: Breathable and comfortable materials, along with appropriate cushioning, can prevent heat buildup and reduce pressure points, contributing to better circulation and overall comfort.
* Clearance Between Chairs: Ensure at least 6 inches (15 cm) of space between chairs to allow customers to easily get in and out without bumping into each other. A minimum of 24 inches (61 cm) per person at the table is often recommended for width.
By carefully considering these dimensions, restaurants can select chairs that contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for their customers, preventing issues like numb legs or discomfort from restricted circulation.