The point, however, is that department store dining rooms aren't attracting only shoppers. They're no longer a midday oasis for burned-out moms and bored bluehairs. And while some cafes, like the Balcony Bistro, offer discount incentives to mall associates, the dining rooms aren't strictly havens for employees. Rather they've become restaurants in their own rights, and everyone from regulars to power lunchers are booking tables at these spots. Whether you go the ritzy (Neiman Marcus) or the routine (Burdines) route, you're bound to get a well-cooked, reasonably priced meal. Unless you order the chocolate-chip cookie recipe, that is.
Balcony Bistro in Bloomingdale's (Towne Center), 5840 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, 561-394-2265. Open for lunch and early dinner daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.
Petals in Saks Fifth Avenue (Bal Harbour Shops), 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-865-1100.Open for lunch and early dinner Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Royal Palm Cafe in Burdines, 22 E. Flagler St., Miami, 305-577-2420. Open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Zodiac in Neiman Marcus (Bal Harbour Shops), 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305-865-6161. Open for lunch and early dinner daily from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m; Saturday and Sunday until 5 p.m.
