Aruba Beach Cafe

As far as bars go, Aruba Beach Cafe is quintessential South Florida livin’. It hasn’t really changed much since it opened in 1983. Both tourists and locals frequent this classically Floridian (read: pastel-colored), upbeat eatery located on the water next to the Commercial Boulevard Pier. In addition to a menu of delectable seafood entrees, two […]

Bamboo Beach Club & Tiki Bar

Drinker, partiers, and tiki bar lovers rejoice. Ocean Manor Beach Resort’s Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar has been the longtime go-to for Fort Lauderdale residents who want to daytime drink near the pool and in the sand. What more could you possibly want in life? As long as the sun is out — or there is […]

BurgerFi

This fast-casual burger chain offers burgers, fries, frozen custard, and a range of vegetarian and red-meat-free options. Try the Burger Fi burger (with two angus patties, lettuce, tomato, and Burger Fi sauce) or the New York Style Dog (topped with deli mustard and sauerkraut).

By Word of Mouth

Having dinner at By Word of Mouth is a bit like being invited to dine at the home of a fussy middle-aged matron, a person considered a very good cook in her day, someone who once published a newsletter widely admired by friends and neighbors (“Kathryn’s Kitchen”) and who occasionally contributed recipes to the local […]

Chuck’s Steak House

Chuck’s Steak House founding partner Chuck Rolles opened his first steak house in 1959 in Waikiki, Hawaii. Today, there’s one other location, in Fort Lauderdale. The place offers all the usual steak house offerings presented to you on a hand-painted wooden bottle menu. That includes a teriyaki ribeye, filet mignon, Angus New York strip, and […]

Commercial Boulevard Pier

There are few places more picturesque than Lauderdale By The Sea’s Commercial Pier. This lengthy stretch of wood juts way out into the ocean, providing spectacular views of our amazing Atlantic. It’s the perfect place to fish, stroll, sit with a sandwich or just stare out at the wild blue beyond. It’s $2 to walk […]

Da Campo Osteria

Todd English: He’s the sort of celebrity chef who makes women swoon and men curl their upper lip in jealousy. It’s not enough that he’s dashing, sophisticated, and has his face plastered literally everywhere, from glossy mag covers to Bravo’s Top Chef; he’s also built an empire out of an absurd number of restaurants in […]

Delacaseas

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a quaint beach community with zero high-rises along a one-mile stretch. In fact, the tallest building allowed is four stories. Here, you’ll find cute caf

Diner By-the-Sea

Many real-deal diners have gone the way of the dinosaurs, but not Diner by the Sea. This Lauderdale by the Sea throwback comes complete with vinyl stools, cozy booths and a short order cook. It’s the eatery of choice for tuna melts, Reubens, chili dogs and burgers. Pop in here for a bite, and you’d […]

Hott Leggz

What this sports bar/neighborhood pub lacks in spelling skills (or is that skillz), it makes up for in capacity for optimal sports viewing. With flat screens broadcasting everything from football games to UFC fights, Hott Leggz is a reliable destination for a Fort Lauderdale local in search of a little camaraderie while watching his or […]

JoJo’s Tacos

Having previously worked at Michelin-starred restaurants, chef Joseph Parsons (JoJo) employs some serious skill on a casual type of cuisine: the humble taco. Everything on JoJo’s tacos menu in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is made in-house, from breaded octopus tacos to a flash-fried rock shrimp taco served with celery, blue cheese, Buffalo sauce, and crema. Stray from the […]

Keese’s Simply Delicious

Located on Ocean Drive in the chill, walkable beachside community of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Keese’s opened its doors in 1953. The nondescript family-owned cafe is not the place to hang out but rather, a spot to grab take-out. There are more than 50 items to choose from. Locals rave about the award-winning fried chicken and the healthier […]

La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant

La Bamba offers typical Mexican fare of burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, plus the occasional taco meal. However, it’s not the individual plates but the combos that make La Bamba special. No way you’d be hungry after downing a chicken enchilada, chile relleno, and a beef taco served with yellow rice and refried beans. Located in […]