You may know it, you may not, but this weekend, Fort Lauderdale's biggest event is taking over the Intracoastal Waterway.
Starting Thursday, the 54th-annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is bringing with it tons of people looking to have a good time.
Obviously, there will be a wealth of drinking festivities to be found, but if you're looking to get a bite to eat, you might want to be a bit more selective.
From high-end steaks and seafood to a quick bite to eat between the parties, here are our recommendations for restaurants near the show to check out.
See also: Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Begins This Week: Where to Pick Up All Kinds of Hotties
If you're looking for a nice sitdown after yacht shopping...
Clearly, the boat show is all about, well, boats -- or in rich people talk, yachts. Yes, multimillionaires from New York, Los Angeles, Monaco, Russia, and beyond arrive in droves searching for their newest luxurious traveling abode. You will not find these folks noshing on a Grand Slam at Denny's; they'll be hitting up only the best restaurants in town. If you just happen to be in the market for a yacht -- or you're just hoping to get a glimpse of possible celebs -- we suggest you stick to the high-end spots on the beach. Steak 954 is a great choice for steaks (obviously), seafood, and anyone who has dietary restrictions; 3030 Ocean is ideal for anyone looking to get in on some local sustainable seafood and farm-to-table fare; and Market 17 offers farm-fresh dishes in a chic atmosphere.
See Also: Ten Best Chefs in Broward County
If you're looking to relax after just looking at the boats...
As much as we may like to dream, we're not all at the show to purchase a boat, or anything, for that matter. Some of us just like to look. If you're searching for a more casual meal after strolling around the docks, there are plenty of affordable spots to check out. Coconuts and neighboring G&B Oyster Bar offer good seafood -- and some meat -- dishes in a casual setting overlooking the Intracoastal. Slightly more upscale and on the beach side of the strip, S3 serves global eclectic fare and sushi with indoor, outdoor, bar, and lounge seating.
If you're looking to soak up the booze...
The boat show is as much about the parties as it is about the boats themselves. Between drinking in the tents, cocktails on the docks, and crawling from bar to bar, you're going to need to stuff your face with something to soak it all up. For a quick but delicious detour from the drinking, Beach Pizza and farther north Primanti Brothers serve some damned good pizza, quickly. For customized tacos, Taco Beach and Plan Burrito offer healthier Mexican-inspired grub that will get you back on your feet in a jiffy.
Have another suggestion? Leave a comment.
Follow Sara Ventiera on Twitter, @saraventiera.
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