Strangely Plentiful Brew
‘Cheap’ and ‘Choice’: Two Cherished Words at Zeke’s Roadhouse

An Internet support group devoted to saving Zeke’s sprang up, urging Deutsch to reopen.

More than 100 bottles of beer on the wall (actually the refrigerator shelves). Photo by Ryan Brown

By Ryan Brown

About a year ago a co-worker asked if I wanted to grab a drink with him after work.

I had just started the job and was eager to become friends with everyone so, of course, I agreed.

The co-worker then said, “OK, meet me at Zeke’s around seven.”

I was confused. “What is Zeke’s?” I asked, adding, “Where’s that?”

The co-worker looked at me as though I had just sexually harassed him.

“You’ve never been to Zeke’s?” he asked.

At the time I was ashamed and a little scared I had lost a potential friend, but have since learned this type of response is quite reasonable considering that Zeke’s:

1. Offers more than 120 beers from around the world

2. Offers these beers at a flat rate of $3 each

3. Is very laid back despite being in the absolute heart of Lincoln Road

4. Serves hot dogs

According to Thelma Deutsch, the current owner of Zeke’s, these factors have created such a strong local following that when Thelma’s son Victor closed Zeke’s about five years ago, an Internet support group devoted to saving Zeke’s sprang up, urging someone to reopen its doors. Thelma Deutsch did just that a little over a year ago.

Ever since, Zeke’s has been packing its refrigerators full of wonderful beers with strange labels from Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, even the ol’ U.S. of A.

“But despite all these beers, the biggest seller is Corona!” says Deutsch, who auditions new beers regularly to see if they warrant being added to her inventory.

Deutsch adds that the atmosphere is what attracts people to Zeke’s, not just its huge selection of beer (and, to a much lesser extent, wine). Liquids can be imbibed perched at the long, narrow indoor bar amid bright tropical décor or outside, if a seat can be found, among the sea of plastic chairs and tables spread out café-style beneath the Road’s large trees.

“Look at their body language, totally relaxed!” Deutsch says, motioning to the small crowd of customers surrounding her.

Zeke’s, located at 625 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, is open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Call 305-672-3118.