Annie’s Thai and Sushi
10288 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, 954/575-7900
At this elegant, peaceful restaurant, each meal begins with large servings of sweet and sour cabbage (oriental coleslaw) and a vegetable or pork egg roll and soup. EntrM-ies include beef with orange sauce, shrimp in lobster sauce, boneless ginger duck and a host of sushi options.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
9521 Westview Drive, Coral Springs, 954/340-2625, Anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com
This family-style pizzeria serves fresh vegetable and meat toppings, roasted chicken, green salads and homemade desserts. Choose between the 10-inch and 16-inch pies with a choice of toppings smothered with extra mozzarella cheese or sauce by request.
At’s-A Pizza Restaurant
6714 N. University Drive, Tamarac, 954/722-1210
Although this pizzeria serves an expected array of pizzas and pastas, the house favorite is shrimp Francese, which consists of four large, egg-battered shrimp cooked to perfection and served in a lemony sauce.
Bamboo Wok
4660 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Coconut Creek, 954/427-1888, Bamboowok.com
This restaurant has earned a solid reputation for its signature stir-fry sauce and entrM-ies such as orange beef sautM-ied in a sweet- or spicy-brown sauce with broccoli, and the dragon and phoenix platter, which includes chicken and shrimp bathed in the chef’s special red-pepper sauce.
Big Al’s Steaks
5607 Regency Lakes Blvd., Coconut Creek, 954/480-8550, Bigalssteaks.com
Look no further than Big Al’s for an authentic Philly steak sandwich. Al’s sandwiches use imported, thin-sliced rib-eye and bread shipped directly from Philadelphia. Hot dogs and a variety of hoagies are also available.
Big Anthony and Guido’s
1142 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/753-4445
This restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine and does it better than most. Try the sea bass in lemon, butter and white-wine sauce and you’ll see why so many first-time customers become regulars.
Big Bear Brewing Company
1800 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/341-5545, Bigbearbrewingco.com
While the name suggests a tavern for burly, bearded woodsmen, Big Bear Brewing Company is actually a soup-to-dessert restaurant. Beer is taken seriously here, with 10 European-style ales on tap. A good selection of wines by the bottle and glass is also available. The menu features a wide assortment of American dishes, including burgers and steaks. Pizzas are baked with a seven-grain crust in a wood-fired oven. The beer-and-Muenster soup is made daily and served in a bowl carved from French bread. Desserts are also made onsite.
Blue Moon Fish Co.
10317 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs, 954/755-0002, Bluemoonfishco.com
Not quite as popular as its sibling on the Intracoastal, this outpost offers equally great seafood at slightly lower prices. Try the jerk-rubbed shrimp and Chilean sea bass. Land lovers can enjoy pork tenderloin as well as a selection of steaks.
Bonefish Grill
1455 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/509-0405, Bonefishgrill.com
Bonefish Grill first opened in St. Petersburg in 2000 with the goal of popularizing fish for the masses. It apparently succeeded, with about three dozen locations now in Florida as part of a national chain. Bonefish strikes the right balance by combining an energetic bistro setting with fresh cuts of fish served a variety of ways. Grilled filets of salmon, snapper, Chilean sea bass, tuna and trout, among others, can be matched with four sauces.
Bow Thai
7950 W. Sample Road, Margate, 954/796-0202
Not many South Florida restaurants survive 22 years. Tucked away in Holiday Village Shops on Sample Road, Bow Thai is easy to miss. Food and service set it apart from other Thai establishments. Pad Thai explodes with flavor and accompanies any of the beef, chicken, shrimp and fish variants. Popular orders include the smoky, sweet Siamese spare ribs, nam sod salad filled with shredded pork and the tom gha kai soup blended with lime. Everything is prepared on a one-to-five spiciness scale.
Bru’s Room Sports Grill
5466 W. Sample Road, Margate, Brusroom.com, 954/968-3663
If you’re looking for a place in Margate to go and relax, catch a game or two and satisfy an unrelenting craving for chicken wings and beer, then this is the place for you. Bru’s Room offers all the above and more in a friendly, sports-bar setting.
Carlucci’s Italian Restaurant
6512 N. State Road 7, Coconut Creek, 954/426-5466 and 5375 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, 954/428-5900
Carlucci’s serves pizza, pasta and a variety of chicken and veal dishes and offers a host of daily specials.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
2501 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/345-4600, Carrabbas.com
The wood-fired oven at Carrabba’s lends an authentic flavor to what would otherwise be an average Italian chain. Share a pizza with your dining companion or dig into a variety of tasty appetizers before sampling a selection from the grill.
Char-Hut
10000 W. McNab Road, Tamarac, 954/720-5566, Char-hut.com
Char-Hut puts most fast-food restaurants to shame. Whether you are enjoying a thick, meaty burger or a juicy chicken sandwich, the just-grilled flavor shines through. The onion rings have earned numerous awards as the best in South Florida.
Chini’s Burritos
2412 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/255-3949
Owner/cook Chini serves homemade burritos, tacos and tamales at her fast and friendly restaurant. Insanely inexpensive, Chini will make your mouth and wallet smile.
CiCi’s Pizza
5379 W. Atlantic Blvd., Margate, 954/979-7747, Cicispizza.com
This Texas-based franchise boasts nearly 600 locations in more than two dozen states. CiCi’s offers 16 pizza toppings, plus pasta, a salad bar and desserts galore. For something completely different, order the macaroni-and-cheese pizza.
Coconut Creek Grille and Tap House
5331 Lyons Road, 866/890-8985, Coconutcreekgrille.com
Like a side of sports with your lunch or dinner? At this large sports bar and restaurant, the menu includes everything from meatloaf and chicken marsala to Romanian tenderloin and barbecue ribs. The motto here is “Service is the only thing we sell,” and the staff’s hospitality proves it.
Coral Springs Ale House
1915 N. University Drive, 954/825-0574
This franchise in the Ale House chain features a large menu of standard bar fare, including chicken wings and other classic appetizers, but you’ll also find steaks and seafood among the entrM-ies. The Ale House is also a great place to catch a game, with plenty of TVs and lots of cold beer.
Coral Springs Super Buffet
2101 N. University Drive, 954/796-6777, Coralspringssuperbuffet.com
This lavish buffet offers a wide selection of seafood and Asian-fusion cuisine, including raw oysters and clams, spare ribs, shrimp, sushi, duck, flounder, dim sum and hibachi-grilled items, plus a variety of beers and wines.
DiSalvo’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
10140 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, 954/340-3001, Disalvosmenu.com
At this upbeat restaurant, the menu features lunch specials including ziti and broccoli, ravioli and lasagna. Dinner includes eggplant parmigiana, sausage and peppers, and chicken and veal prepared eight different ways, including Sicilian, Francese and Marsala. Seafood dishes, hot and cold subs, salads, soups, and pastas abound. And don’t forget the pizzas.
El Mariachi
1203 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/753-3788 and 4625 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/796-9285
A mariachi band tours the dining room at this restaurant, which serves standard Mexican fare, including tacos, burritos and fajitas. Daily specials are available.
Ferro Pizza
8146 N. University Drive, Tamarac, 954/722-3444, Ferropizza.com
With 35 years of restaurant experience, including 25 at the current location, the family-operated Ferro Pizza has won the loyalty of locals with a strictly Italian menu that offers something for both simple and refined tastes. The menu includes a wide selection of subs, pastas, soups, salads, calzones and New York-style pizzas, plus entrM-ies such as zuppa di pesce, spinach-stuffed shells and veal piccata. Lunch and early-bird specials are available.
Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill
5450 N. State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale, Flanigans.net, 954/733-0514
Few people go to Flanigan’s for the seafood, though the restaurant does feature a number of ocean delights, most of the deep-fried variety. The real appeal at Flanigan’s is the bar, where drinks are always half-price. The local chain is also known for its tasty 10-ounce burgers and those giant green cups that every South Floridian collects.
Flavors of Italy
3111 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/345-7770, Flavorofitaly.us
Chef Guido Barisone has won over an appreciative clientele with robust servings of Northern Italian fare served in a romantic setting. Barisone’s starters include the antipasto pie, which layers Italian cold cuts and cheeses with roasted red peppers, spinach and artichokes. The pasta portions are huge and hugely satisfying, while entrM-ies include richly flavored veal, steak and seafood dishes that resonate with Barisone’s uncompromising touch.
Fortune Dragon
7178 N. University Drive, Tamarac, 954/721-7338
The food is flavorful and well-priced at this low-key Chinese restaurant. But if you want wine or beer with your Hunan beef, you’ll have to go somewhere else since the Dragon doesn’t serve alcohol.
Four Star Ravioli
10786 Wiles Road, Coral Springs, 954/974-2444
Four Star Ravioli is more inclined to sell you takeout or cater your next party than to serve a sit-down meal. The eatery specializes in chicken wings, an assortment of Marsala and parmigiana dishes, and hot and cold Italian subs, including the house namesake made with prosciutto, hot capicola and fresh mozzarella.
G.W. Sharkey’s Raw Bar and Grill
2388 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/341-9990
This casual spot serves a variety of audiences. It’s primarily a sports bar at which you can enjoy appetizers and other standard fare while catching a game on TV. It’s also friendly to families, so you can bring kids along for an a hassle-free meal.
Gold Coast Seafood Grill
2752 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/255-3474, Goldcoastseafoodgrill.com
A relaxing and upscale dining experience, softly lit and comfortable, awaits you here. Seafood is the obvious order of the day, as everything seems as if it came right out of the net. Go for the blackened mango grouper or the orange and honey sea bass. But don’t ignore land-based dishes such as mustard crumb-stuffed chicken.
Island Jack’s
5425 W. Atlantic Blvd., Margate, 954/984-4422, Islandjacks.net
Island Jack’s is proud to serve any craving you may have. Hungry? Come by for daily specials and menu items such as shrimp scampi and baby-back ribs. Thirsty? Show up during happy hour and get two-for-one drink specials. Need to be entertained? Island Jack’s hosts live music and salsa nights.
Japango
7367 N. State Road 7, Margate, 954/345-4268, Japangoparkland.com
Japango chef-owner Kevin Lee fuses traditional Japanese cooking with gourmet Western items at his trendy eatery. The menu elaborates on its Eastern heritage by offering such starters as foie gras, caviar and a mango seafood salad. The miso-crusted sea bass and port-wine glazed salmon highlight the seafood offerings. The atmosphere is minimalist, but in a sexy way. Regulars often allow Lee to create a meal for them without referencing the menu.
Jasmine Thai
5103 Coconut Creek Parkway, Margate, 954/979-5530
If you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy Thai specialties, Jasmine Thai is a good option. The friendly staff provides top-notch service, and the large menu has something for everyone. For the health-conscious, most dishes are available with brown rice instead of white.
JD’s Bar and Lounge
10311 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, 954/752-3227, Jdsbarandlounge.com
The menu does not follow any single theme, offering items as diverse as duck confit, chicken quesadillas, Philly cheese steaks and chicken wings. During lunch, you’ll find an unusual smoked-oyster sandwich served on potato pancakes and covered with pernod-infused sauce. DJs spin Friday and Saturday. The bar serves 21 varieties of martinis. TV screens abound for sports-viewing.
Khana Kh’zana
10345 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, 954/227-9344
This storefront restaurant serves exotic Indian food that truly tastes homemade. Specialties include curried goat feet and a Bombay-style fish fry. A variety of vegetarian options are available.
Kuluck Restaurant and Lounge
5879 N. University Drive, Tamarac, 954/720-6980, Kuluck.com
Kuluck has more to offer than your average restaurant, including belly-dancing, DJs, an outdoor hookah lounge and a VIP area. Large portions of kebabs, stews and rice dishes keep the restaurant hopping
all night.
La Bamba Mexican and Spanish Restaurant
5452 W. Sample Road, Margate, 954/978-6377
La Bamba is the kind of place where you can kick back with a few Coronas and enjoy chips and salsa, or stuff yourself with hearty fajitas or Tijuana steak.
La Brasa
1875 N State Road 7, Margate, 954/917-2100
Enjoy fresh, authentic Peruvian food at a fast-food pace at La Brasa. Peruvian cuisine involves a fusion of many cultural influences, from Spain to Italy to Africa and Japan. The seviches are highly recommended.
La Choza
6522 W. Atlantic Blvd., Margate, 954/968-1608
Beans and rice or surf and turf? Why not have both at La Choza? The restaurant makes its own sangria and desserts including flan and dulce de leche cake. La Choza is family-friendly and features a pianist and guitarist on alternating nights.
La Vie en Rose Cafe
2950 N. State Road 7, Margate, 954/977-0110
This cafM-i serves loads of beef, chicken, lamb and crepes. The atmosphere is lovely, with roses and candles placed throughout the dining room and Lover’s Room, which is screened off and outfitted with pink armchairs.
LaSpada’s Original Hoagies
7893 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, 954/345-8833, Laspadashoagies.com
LaSpada’s claims to be the best and it lives up to the boast with made-to-order subs that wedge top-quality cold cuts and fresh vegetables between bread that tastes as if it just came from the oven. The eatery is always busy at lunch, but the line moves quickly thanks to sandwichmakers who turn their job into performance art. The 8-inch subs are big enough to share and the 12-incher is a veritable feast. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality.
Lester’s II
4701 Coconut Creek Parkway, Margate, 954/979-4722
Studying late? Got the munchies after a bar tour? Lester’s is for you. The American/Greek menu includes cholesterol-laden favorites such as biscuits and gravy, country-fried steak, burgers and more. The sandwiches are thick and the dinners are inexpensive. This location carries on the Lester’s tradition of comfortable home-cooked meals served in an unpretentious environment.
Longhorn Steakhouse
2660 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/340-0018, Longhornsteakhouse.com
This chain prides itself on its commitment to high quality and service. EntrM-ies include barbecue chicken, steak, salmon and shrimp. The desserts boast unfortunate names such as Chocolate Stampede or Golden Nugget Fried Cheesecake.
Mambo Jambo
1933 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/575-0533, Mambojambocafe.com
Mambo Jambo is a Cuban-style restaurant that takes its menu beyond lechon asado and arroz con pollo to include sushi and Argentinean steaks. Most items remain culturally pure, but some combinations push fusion limits. The Cuban roll is a sushi roll filled with pork. The platano roll is stuffed with banana, cream cheese, guava and mango. A Latin band performs Friday and Saturday nights, sending customers to the outside patio to dance.
Marola’s Restaurant
929 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/796-0544, Marolascoralsprings.com
An Italian restaurant employing a chef whose roots trace back to El Salvador, Marola’s serves distinctive sauces punctuated with wine, lemon and cheese and specials such as the fettuccini saporite, made with grilled chicken and accompanied by spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Mongolia Wok
1403 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, 954/956-0035
This Asian restaurant serves excellent fare such as Mongolian fish, four-seasons jumbo shrimp and chicken teriyaki. Delivery is available.
Moon Thai and Japanese Restaurant
9637 Westview Drive, Coral Springs, 954/752-4899, Moonthai.com
The menu at Moon Thai and Japanese Restaurant is split evenly between the two cuisines, which make the most of rice, noodles, fish and vegetables.
Mr. G’s Ristorante
207 N. State Road 7, Margate, 954/972-2230, Mrgsristorante.com
This quaint, family-friendly restaurant seats 85 and serves large portions of Italian and seafood. Mr. G’s also offers cooking classes.
New China Restaurant
7001 Pine Island Road, Tamarac, 954/720-8899
The New China Restaurant serves an array of regional dishes. The menu is predominantly Cantonese, though a number of Szechwan and Mandarin dishes are included. The white tablecloths add a formal touch, but the family-owned and operated New China Restaurant is ideal for casual dining.
Old Vienna Bier Haus
4611 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/344-7175, Oldviennamenu.com
Meals at Old Vienna begin with complimentary Liptauer cheese and warm pumpernickel bread. Recommended entrM-ies include bratwurst on sauerkraut, shrimp Vienna and the Bavarian sampler, which consists of cheese spaetzle, spinach strudel and a potato pancake.
The Original Steakhouse and Sports Theater
1000 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/757-5575
If ever there were a he-man heaven, this is it. Part of a local chain, this supersized sports palace features a center bar area surrounded by 8-foot-by-6-foot plasma TVs screening every pass, putt, pitch, dunk, goal and pit stop. While the size matters, so does the quality of beef that is served here. The steakhouse features an on-site butcher shop and the cuts of filet mignon and New York strip are almost always better than whatever game is being shown. In the dining room, each table or booth includes an audio broadcast of the big game.
Osha Thai Cuisine
10613 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs, 954/227-2122
The Thai barbecue chicken here is marinated in garlic and pepper, baked and lightly grilled. Other items on the varied menu include green-curry paste woon sen pad Thai with cellophane noodles and Thai fried fish patties incorporating curry paste and green beans with sweet cucumber sauce for dipping.
Peking Tokyo
2874 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/753-9996, Pekingtokyo.com
Peking Tokyo is a surefire crowd-pleaser with 15 hibachi tables, a hibachi lunch special, a full bar and delivery after 4:30 p.m. The sushi rolls run the gamut from standard to inventive and plenty of sushi platters and boats are available.
Pete’s Cafe Bella Sera
7351 N. State Road 7, Parkland, 954/346-7373, Cafebellasera.net
A haunt among area athletes and out-of-town celebs, Cafe Bella Sera wins accolades with the high-powered creations of owner and executive chef Pete Lombard Jr. Among the entrM-ies, the lobster tails Francese and stuffed veal chop carpaccio are favorites. Carnivores are in their glory when they order Pete’s famous meatballs, which are the size of softballs.
Pizza Carousel
4619 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/344-2717
Pizza Carousel is a creative Italian-style restaurant that uses handmade dough, skim milk and healthy cheese to provide nutritional alternatives. The tuna-melt on pita is a popular item.
Pizza Time Caffe
6620 Parkside Drive, Parkland, 954/345-8665, Pizzatimecaffe.com
Pizza here begins with the signature grandma pizza, in which mozzarella is baked into a crust that is topped with marinara sauce, fresh basil and grated cheese. Pizza Time (which is not affiliated with the Coral Springs pizzeria of the same name; see next listing) also serves a variety of chicken and seafood dishes. A cafM-i bar serves coffees and desserts.
Pizza Time
11504 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, 954/753-7827, Pizzatimeinc.com
One of the first pizzerias to open in Coral Springs, Pizza Time continues to set the standard by serving quality pies and robust Italian specialties in a warm, family-style setting. The pizzas are feasts unto themselves and include such toppings as potatoes, sliced tomatoes marinated in olive oil, and chicken Marsala. The lunch and dinner entrM-ies include a wide selection of veal, chicken and pasta dishes, plus paninis and the popular stuffed artichoke served with garlic bread crumbs.
Pollo Rico
6706 N. University Drive, Tamarac, 954/726-9201
This mostly Spanish-speaking spot has a menu with English subtitles and an English-savvy owner who will come to the aid of the language-challenged. Colombian cooking calls for lots of potatoes and eggs, but this is a good place for tender pork and grilled steak.
Randazzo’s
7456 Royal Palm Blvd., Margate, 954/975-0029, Randazzosrestaurant.com
This restaurant serves Italian cuisine with New York-style flair. The chicken M-‘ la Randazza is made with ham, provolone, mushrooms and homemade red sauce.
Rootie’s
6588 N State Road 7, Coconut Creek, 954/429-0025
Rootie’s specializes in chicken wings, which are served with a choice of hot, barbecue, honey, teriyaki or sweet-and-sour sauces. Fifty- and 100-wing platters are available. The large menu also includes a host sandwiches, including the pita fajita, which consists of steak, shrimp and chicken sautM-ied in a hickory steak sauce.
Roy’s Sports Bar and Grill
8000 W. Sample Road, Margate, 954/255-8108, Royssportsbar.com
Roy’s serves eight flavors of chicken wings, peel-and-eat shrimp, steamed clams, raw oysters and racks of ribs. Food and drink specials are offered Sunday through Tuesday and the events calendar includes karaoke, live music and ladies’ night each Wednesday.
Sakura Sushi
1750 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/344-3500, Sakuracoralsprings.com
Open since 1998, Sakura Sushi serves more than three dozen sushi rolls and an authentic menu of Japanese soups and stir-fried noodles. Sushi and sashimi are served in dinner combinations and diners can choose from among seven grilled teriyaki items, including salmon, New York strip steak and lobster.
Spanky’s Cheesesteak Factory
309 N. State Road 7, Margate, 954/973-2170
Spanky’s cheesesteaks include chicken, sausage, Reuben and the turkey Phillies. Sandwiches are accompanied by chili-cheese fries, sweet-corn nuggets drizzled with honey, sweet potato fries served with honey mustard or beer-battered onion rings.Taste of Chicago
1406 N. State Road 7, Margate, 954/984-5858
This spotless family diner serves homemade Italian beef sandwiches, wraps and steaks. The menu includes Vienna all-beef hot dogs, Polish sausages served on poppy-seed buns, Italian beef and sausage combos and Chicago skirt steak.
Taverna Mythos
2864 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, Mythostaverna.com, 954/345-9559
At this Greek restaurant, patrons are urged to try house favorites such as the cold meze platter, grilled octopus, Moussaka chicken and lamb chops. Live belly-dancing is featured Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Tsingtao
2416 University Drive, Coral Springs, 954/755-7878, Tsingtao-restaurant.com
Open since 1997, this restaurant serves traditional and adventurous dishes. Jumbo barbecue shrimp are pan-seared with ginger and scallions and served with vegetables. The chef also shows his best with mango chicken and grilled sea bass in black-bean sauce.
Tumi
7926 W. Sample Road, Margate, 954/510-8000
At Tumi, diners can sip an Inca cola while perusing the menu’s list of exotic appetizers, which include chilled octopus (pulpo al olivo), cooked potato slices mingled with meat and a yellow pepper sauce (papa la huancaina) and beef heart (antichushos), which tastes like a tender, grainy steak. The seviche mixto entrM-ie is made with calamari, shrimp, fresh fish, mussels, fresh lime juice, red onions, cilantro and hot peppers.
Zuccarelli Restaurant
7320 W. Atlantic Blvd., 954/979-3020, Margate
This trattoria-like diner serves traditional pasta dishes made with veal, chicken, seafood and beef, but excels at calzones and pizzas.
East Broward
Alligator Alley
1321 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park, 954 /771-2220, Alligatoralleyflorida.com
This funky restaurant and music shack specializes in down-home Southern food such as gator bites, po’ boy sandwiches and pit-smoked barbecue. Owned and operated by musician Carl “Kilmo” Pacillo, the venue presents live music five nights a week. Its menu also features a variety of wines, champagnes, sakes and boutique beers from around the globe.
America’s Backyard
200 W. Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 954/727-0950, Myamericasbackyard.com
“Grillin’ and chillin’ ” is the motto of this patio restaurant adjoining Revolution Live. As the name suggests, the restaurant offers a backyard feel, with cooks flipping burgers on a barbecue grill and a kitchen that dishes out hot dogs, pulled-pork sandwiches, south-of-the-border chicken wraps, slow-roasted baby-back ribs and more.
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
2203 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954/462-5555, Anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com
Award-winning pizza and chicken wings roasted in 800-degree, coal-fired ovens set this rapidly expanding chain apart for the scores of devotees who pack the place most every night. The pies cook in about four minutes, but no one will confuse these pizzas with fast-food. The aromatic chicken wings boast plenty of meat and are broiled with sweet onions and rosemary.
Aruba Beach CafM-i
1 E. Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, 954/776-0001, Arubabeachcafe.com
Aruba’s menu offers something for every taste. The exhaustive list of soups, salads, appetizers and entrM-ies includes jerk chicken wings, escargot, mussels, grilled burgers and steaks, pastas and seafood. A favorite among locals and tourists since 1989, Aruba enjoys a lively bar scene and is just steps from the beach.
Athena by the Sea
4400 Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 954/771-2900, Athenabythesea.net
This Greek restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. At night, the place comes alive, with belly dancers working the room while diners enjoy the food and scenery.
Bahia Mar Breezes Cafe and Bar
801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954/764-2233
This elegant cafM-i specializes in American and Latin American cuisine. Try the grilled rib-eye steak, grilled Caribbean mahi mahi, and linguini or penne pasta served with shrimp or chicken.
Baja Fresh
290 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954/522-2644
Baja Fresh is one of many places serving fast, fresh Mexican-style cuisine. In a matter of minutes, your meal will be cooked fresh and ready to eat. While waiting for your food, check out the salsa bar, where you can explore a variety of spicy flavors.
Betty’s Restaurant and Bar-B-Que
601 N.W. 22nd Road, Fort Lauderdale, 954/583-9121
Betty’s down-home, authentic soul food includes flavorful collard greens, country-fried chicken, and macaroni and cheese.
Biddy Early’s
3419 N. Andrews Ave., Oakland Park, 954/567-1990, Biddyearlysflorida.com
Biddy Early’s fixtures were flown directly from Ireland, so the restaurant boasts an authentic, Emerald Isle vibe. The kitchen serves traditional Irish pub fare and the bar pours a fine selection of imported and domestic drafts.
Big City Dogs
1199 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park, 954/776-4744
Specializing in Chicago- and New York-style hot dogs, this roadside shack is a great place to grab a quick lunch. Call ahead to place an order if you are in a rush.
Big City Tavern
609 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954/727-0307
This restaurant and bar attracts professionals during the day and singles and couples at night. Outdoor seating is available, and the menu features burgers, sandwich, salads and steaks.
Big Louie’s
1990 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954/467-1166; 2103 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954/771-2288; 3064 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954/564-6276; and 753 S.E. 17th St. Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, 954/524-6699, Biglouies.com
A relaxed spot for family dining, Big Louie’s serves pizza, pasta and Italian specialties in generous portions and at reasonable prices. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery.
Bistro Mezzaluna
741 S.E. 17th St. Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, 954/522-6620, Bistromezzaluna.com
Bistro Mezzaluna is an anomaly of sorts – it’s trendy without ever going out of style. The handsome interior welcomes a well-dressed and casual clientele to enjoy original renditions of meat, pasta and seafood. The service is exceptional, and the veal chop has achieved local-legend status, despite a hefty price of about $50. The bar area stays busy since Bistro doesn’t accept reservations, and there’s almost always a wait.
Blue Moon Fish Co.
4405 W. Tradewinds Ave., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Bluemoonfishco.com, 954/267-9888
Romantic dockside dining and gourmet seafood have made the Blue Moon Fish Co. a fixture on the ever-changing South Florida dining scene. The all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch is a local legend and the view of the Intracoastal Waterway to provides a picture-post-card ambiance.
Bonefish Grill
6282 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954/492-3266, Bonefishgrill.com
Bonefish Grill first opened in St. Petersburg in 2000 with the goal of popularizing fish for the masses. It apparently succeeded, with about three dozen locations now in Florida alone as part of a national chain. Bonefish strikes the right balance by combining an energetic, bistro setting with fresh cuts of fish served a variety of ways. Grilled filets of salmon, snapper, Chilean sea bass, tuna and trout, among others, can be matched with four sauces. The restaurant also serves steaks for those who prefer to swim upstream.
Bravo Ristorante
1515 S.E. 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 954/523-9441, Bravoitaliano.com
Located just east of the Intracoastal, Bravo offers a warm ambiance and a thorough selection of Italian specialties. The menu lists about two dozen pasta dishes, nearly 20 veal and chicken entrM-ies, and all manner of toppings for the thin-crusted pizzas. There are also 49 wines by the glass and bottle, plus cozy booths for intimate conversation and open-dining-room seating for large parties.
Briny Riverfront Pub
305 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954/376-4742, Brinyirishpub.com
Briny serves traditional Irish food and a large selection of draft beers in an upbeat atmosphere with salty nautical decor.
