Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide

You can almost "feel the sea breeze" at these "upscale yet casual" chain seafooders whose "broad selection" of "consistently delicious", "always-fresh" fish ("if it swims, they have it") has habitués "hooked"; "fair prices" and "courteous", "well-trained" servers help explain why they're usually "jam-packed "with a "loud" crowd, so "be prepared to wait"; P.S. "the bang-bang shrimp is to die-die for."

"Always a scene", this Ft. Lauderdale "destination" "where you can wait for hours" ("no reservations") is a "mix of [mobster] movies, disco balls and great food" courtesy of "larger than life" chef-owner Steve Martorano, who turns out "old-school South Philly" Italian dishes like "baseball-size meatballs that melt in your mouth"; it's a "real love-it-or-hate-it experience", with fans raving it's "fun, fun, fun" while foes rant it's "crowded, noisy" and "crazy expensive"; in any event, it's "not to be forgotten."

A "hip vibe" pervades this "sophisticated" Southwestern in Ft. Lauderdale, a "relatively small", often "crowded" nook featuring "killer" cuisine with "unique flavor combos", "helpful" staffers and "intimate" booths with "drawn curtains"; the "no-reservations policy is a pain", but "sublime prickly pear margaritas" ("in a class by themselves") from the "shwanky bar" ease "long waits."

Sure, "it's part of a chain", but this "swank" "meat lover's paradise" attracts a "well-heeled" horde of South Florida's "movers and shakers" jonesing for "generous portions" of "superb beef" (including a Kona-crusted sirloin) and "to-die-for sides"; it's all accented by an "extensive wine list", "clubby" atmosphere and service that "makes you feel like royalty", which you may have to be to afford the "prime prices", but partisans proclaim you "get what you pay for."

"Magnifico" rave regulars who say "master chef" Angelo Elia turns out some of the "best" and most "authentic" Italian cuisine in Ft. Lauderdale; "generous servings" of "homemade pasta" star in "dishes so out of this world it's hard to choose", all paired with a "world-class" wine list and "ready-to-please" service; yes, securing a seat can be a "challenge" ("even with reservations") and it's "expensive", "crowded and loud", but "go anyway"; P.S. the newer Boca sib is a bit "more stylish" and "quieter."

Ogle the "gorgeous water views" at these "upscale" Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach "classics" serving "consistently good" seafood; foes fuss they're "nothing special", citing "hit-or-miss service" and "cookie-cutter" fare, but more say they're a "must for tourists and locals alike."

"You'll be surrounded by a mountain of food" (and it's "usually pretty good") ordered off a "monstrous menu" at these American chain links, so "be prepared to share or take half home"; it's "always a zoo" and "long waits" are the norm, but "everyone knows what to expect here", and that includes prices that "can't be beat"; P.S. "save room for the cheesecake" – if you can.

Don't expect the "typical tacos and tamales" at this "high-end" hacienda in Ft. Lauderdale, but rather "divine" Eclectic-Mexican fare steeped in "incredible flavors"; chef-owner Eduardo Pria's "commitment to excellence" extends to his "gracious" staffers, who are "helpful but not obtrusive" as they navigate the "cozy", "romantic" quarters; all in all, it's a "rare find" that's "always at the top of its game."

"Why go to Greece?" ponder partisans "wowed" by this "hard-to-beat", "no-gimmick" Ft. Lauderdale taverna where diners dig into "grilled-to-perfection lamb chops" and "drink ouzo"; given its "fair prices" and "efficient" service, it's "always mobbed" – with tables "close together" and a "line out the door" (it "moves rather quickly") – so "get here early" and don't be shocked if it becomes a "regular dining spot."

"Meat lovers on a budget" report that this "midtier", Aussie-themed chain chophouse provides terrific "bang for the buck", not to mention "basic" steaks and "hefty sides" (the famed bloomin' onion supplies "a week's worth of calories" in a single serving); it's "not known for subtlety" – starting with the "overly friendly, chat 'n' squat" service – but when you "don't want to splurge", it's a "decent" enough option.