10 Best Flanigan's Menu Items Ranked

When Googling "Flanigan's," the first question that appears is: "Is Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill a Florida thing?" You're goddamn right it is. Whether you call it Flanny's, Big Daddy, Flan, Flan Flan, The 'Gans, Flan-o-man, or even old-school names like Piranha Pat's or Laughing Loggerhead, Flanigan's has been a beloved South Florida institution since 1959. Founded by Joseph "Big Daddy" Flanigan, he started the chain with Big Daddy lounges and liquor stores before teaming up with his son, James Flanigan, to open the first Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill in Pompano Beach in 1985. And the rest is history.

Although customers cannot go wrong with any menu item at Flanigan's, these ten items are so delicious and synonymous with the local restaurant chain that they cannot be beaten. As a proud Miami native who has frequented numerous Flanigan's locations since she was young, choosing only ten dishes was a challenge, but it was one that I was honored to take on. From the legendary, fall-off-the-bone, baby back ribs to the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth garlic rolls, biting into any dish at Flanigan's is like taking a bite of Florida history. For those visiting from out of town wondering, "What's the big deal with Flanigan's?" order any dish from the list below during your next visit to any of its 25 locations across South Florida. You'll be glad you did.

Without further ado, New Times presents the top ten menu items at Flanigan's Seafood Bar and Grill.

1. Award-Winning Baby Back Ribs

The dish that started it all. A Flanigan favorite, these tender beauties are slow-cooked, coated in Flanigan's tangy-sweet barbecue sauce, and finished with a perfect char on the grill. One messy bite into a rib and you'll wonder why you hadn't ordered the ribs sooner—the meat simply falls off the bone. The ribs come with a choice of curly French fries, a baked potato, or dirty rice. Complimentary house-made coleslaw is available upon request.

2. Chicken Wings

Another award-winning menu item, Flanny's chicken wings are hard to beat in South Florida. The famous finger-licking-good wings come in "Hot," "Medium," "Mild," or "BBQ. " For an additional $0.99, you can add garlic. (We definitely recommend it.)

3. Joe's Rockin' Rib Rolls

Let's be real — Flanigan's even trademarked "Joe's Rockin' Rib Rolls," so you know it has to be good. The deep-fried egg rolls are stuffed with the meat from the aforementioned famous baby back ribs, pulled pork, cheddar cheese, onions, and Flanigan's barbecue sauce — need we say more? Just make sure to secure your rib roll the moment your server drops off the tray at your table, as they'll be gone in a flash.

4. Firecracker Shrimp

Another "trademarker," these plump, deep-fried shrimp are perfectly tossed in a ridiculously delicious and slightly spicy cream sauce before being nestled over a bed of iceberg lettuce and topped with pico de gallo. Not ordering the "Firecracker Shrimp" for the table is sacrilegious.

5. Lemon Chicken Pasta

The Holy Trinity dish at Flanny's: Chicken breast sautéed in butter and a lemon pepper cream sauce, served over linguine with three fresh-baked garlic rolls — yes, three. This dish might go down in history. Order this if you're hungry after a long day out on the boat or at work. You'll thank us later.

6. Garlic Rolls

So, you may be thinking, "Garlic rolls? Really?" Yes, really. These aren't just any old, diner-style garlic rolls. They're fully loaded with garlic and butter and simply irresistible. Even if you're full, dip these bad boys into your leftover barbecue sauce, pasta sauce, or dolphin drippings. It's a religious experience.

7. Dolphin Sandwich

Whether you order this bad boy blackened (our favorite), fried, or grilled, the dolphin sandwich with lettuce and tomato on a Kaiser roll is ridiculously simple yet expertly done. Tartar sauce is available upon request, and if ordering for a group, go for the dolphin fingers. They're a must for any table.

8. Philly Cheesesteak (or the Blackened Chicken Philly)

As someone who has seen plenty of hungry folks chowing down into a cheesesteak at Flanny's, it's more than worthy of a mention. An underdog on the menu, it's about time it gets its chance to shine. Pro-tip: the "Blackened Chicken Philly" is just as good.

9. Curly French Fries

A Flanigan's signature menu item, when ordering curly fries at Flanny's, expect a giant plate of perfectly seasoned, crispy, and hot curly fries that will instantly make you drool (and have your date a little worried). These fries will make everything better in your life. Trust us. (Or at least temporarily during that hour you're having lunch or dinner.)

10. Texas Burger

Last but not least, we present the famed Texas Burger, one of the numerous ten-ounce USDA Choice beef burgers on the menu. The burger comes with crispy bacon, crumbled bleu cheese, and a stack of Tumbleweed Onions, all drizzled with Flanny's house-made wing sauce. This burger might be one of the best in South Florida, hands down.