Footy Fest Miami takes place on Virginia Key Beach on March 15th, and if you're in the planning stages of where you or your team want to stay but then also go out, you're going to want to know the restaurants, bars, and attractions to check out well in advance.

That's why we'll be dropping our top picks throughout our newsletters leading up to Footy Fest Miami, along with a dedicated Footy Fest Miami Travel Guide. To get started, we're highlighting small businesses we think will be a hit with our NYC Footy members.

The Only Bakery You Need to Visit: Zak the Baker

We know as New Yorkers our first instinct is to find a decent bagel shop as soon as our flight touches down, but save yourself the time and head straight to Wynwood to see Zak the Baker. Zak's artisan breads are an essential must-have in the Magic City at this point, and though his cafe can get crowded at times, picking up a few loaves and pastries is the perfect move to prep the team for the battle to come.

If you're planning to arrive before Friday, March 14th (the day before Footy Fest Miami), try to get to Zak's for fresh out-of-the-oven challah. Zak the Baker’s onsite cafe also offers advanced reservations via Resy and you can expect savory fare like the salmon reuben sandwich and tomato bisque if your plan is to eat lunch first and then visiting the bread and pastry departments before you head off.

Must have items: Salmon bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich; babka; challah, bagel with nova (and yes this is more than a decent bagel by New York standards). Zak the Baker’s menu may change between now and Footy Fest Miami, but you should always be able to find a variety of traditional Jewish breads and lunch staples like the tuna sandwich, as well as limited-time specials too.

Good to Know: Zak the Baker is certified under Miami Dade Kosher and provides additional details about its kosher products and practices on its website.

And if you can’t make it to his home base, sourdough bread and a variety of pastries from Zak the Baker can be found in some Whole Foods throughout the Miami area; see the list here.

Zak the Baker (295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127) is open from 7 AM to 5 PM every day except Saturday. Since Footy Fest Miami takes place on Saturday when the bakery is closed, you’ll have to visit during Friday or Sunday business hours (we pick Friday because as we said above, the challah will be hot for the taking).

Get ready for more entries to Footy Fest Miami’s Good Eats Guide coming your way, and for more information on our upcoming tournament, visit Footy Fest Miami.