J. Mark's Restaurant

Somewhere between the causal Everymanness of TGI Friday's and the stately power-lunch steak-house vibe that is Houston's, there is J. Mark's. Enjoy this classic, locally owned American eatery, which started in Pompano Beach and is now open in Fort Lauderdale, before it sprouts more chain locations. It's a perfectly nice, clean restaurant with perfectly warm lighting and a perfectly nice staff. The menu options may not bowl you over with excitement (Baja chicken, crisp walnut shrimp, and Hawaiian rib-eye steak are the most exotic entrées), but they're all made from scratch and made to order -- and that makes J. Mark's a great standard go-to place. (It also has fresh veggies, like steamed broccoli and roasted carrots.) There are a few outdoor tables and a back room that's available for business meetings or private gatherings. Sunday brunch, a generous everyday happy hour, and a notable wine list are bonuses.