Hotel restaurants used to exist for the sole purpose of giving guests a place to satisfy their hunger without going outside. The Rusty Hook Tavern at the Sands Harbor Resort and Marina in Pompano Beach has flipped that script, even drawing locals to this hip waterside joint. A trio of industry veterans — Ned Jaouhar, Kareem Lakchira, and Andy Patton — has created a tavern-style establishment where locals and tourists alike can enjoy creative fare paired with a short list of cocktails and a selection of craft brews. On a beautiful day, the outdoor patio deck will be packed. Make it through the crowd and down a narrow set of steps and the hotel's pool deck offers uninterrupted views of the Intracoastal Waterway, as does the interior dining area. "Nibbles and bites" options include deviled eggs or meatballs; a surf 'n' turf entrée brings together ruby-red porcini-crusted tuna and melty, tender braised oxtail swimming in a rich wine reduction. If ripped jeans and flip-flops are your go-to getup, then the "handheld" offerings like tacos and sandwiches might be the best bet. With its tapas philosophy and cool-kid casual theme, the Rusty Hook Tavern presents the perfect escape from the doldrums of a long workweek or the chaos of a downtown weekend scene.