Fort Lauderdale Travel Guide

Make "no bones about it" – there's "nothing on the menu you'll throw back" at these "casual, comfortable" seafooders; converts "can't believe it's a chain" (owned by Outback, no less), given the "intimate" atmosphere and "pleasant" servers who "know their fish"; perhaps it's a bit "predictable", but the principal problem with these "popular" poissoneries is, you gotta "go early or late or expect a wait."

"It might be easier to get into the White House" than chef-owner/DJ Steve Martorano's "happening" Ft. Lauderdale "Italian in a dance club" where the waits "can be over two hours" ("no reservations taken"); but once inside, "you'll dance, eat, sing" while "mobster movies play", the "disco ball drops" and "authentic" South Philly–style "knockout dishes" are dispatched; just be psyched for music "without respite" and "a really superior attitude" from the staff "unless you're a celebrity."

It's "so busy" diners are advised to "come early or prepare for a long wait" – really, that "no-reservations policy needs rethinking" – but for an "addictive" "prickly pear margarita pick-me-up", plus "grand" Southwestern grub, this "intimate" Ft. Lauderdale bistro is "worth every dollar"; if possible, opt for "the draped booth-area tables, which make a cozy" oasis within the "crowded" confines.

"Dealmakers" and "Miami's who's who" bring their appetites and expense accounts to this "mighty mecca of meat" where the "melt-in-your-mouth" steaks (including a "to-die-for" Kona-crusted sirloin), "clubby atmosphere" and service that is "beyond reproach" make it "ideal for business lunches or making good impressions"; "you may have to sell your first-born" to afford it, but converts claim "local steakhouses simply can't compete" with this national chain link.

"The best Italian in Ft. Lauderdale" . . . "in Broward County" . . . "in South Florida" fawn fans of the casa created by celebrity chef Angelo Elia, a "master" of "authentic", "deeply satisfying" Northern Italian fare, paired with "extraordinary wines" and proffered by "gracious, intelligent servers"; true, the "tables are getting closer and closer, the noise level higher and higher", and there are "long waits" even with reservations, but "taste the food – it's worth it", especially "mama's pasta – not to be missed when she's in town"; N.B. a new Palm Beach outpost opened post-Survey.

This "upscale" seafooder is "hard to beat" for its "superb" setting "on the Intracoastal", "excellent" early-bird and "accommodating" service; if some find the fare a bit of a "snore", others opine it's "reliably" good.

"It's a chain but a great one" is the verdict of a veritable factory of fans who delight in the "phonebooklike", region-ranging American menu that offers "huge portions" of "something for everyone, from tacos to tuna", plus "reliable" service and "incredibly good prices"; "always crowded", it's also "always a crowd-pleaser" – just "be prepared for roaring noise levels" and to "wait for hours for a table."

"This is not your typical tacos and enchiladas place" – but rather, a "haute" dining destination where "inspired" chef-owner Eduardo Pria creates "unexpected" Eclectic-Mexican fare that poetic patrons describe as "heaven on a plate"; not only that, but the "cozy" confines boast "the kindest and most customer-oriented staff around" – and they hold the title of No. 1 for Service in Broward County to prove it.

"A cut above any other Greek place in the area" aver aficionados of this Hellenic haven on the Galt, where the "reasonably priced", "traditional delicacies" include "the best lamb chops off Mt. Olympus"; "lines abound, but they move quickly", and it gets "a little cramped but that adds to the lively taverna feel"; in short, "people never seem to go away unhappy" from here.

"If you don't mind a chain, this place can deliver a decent steak" – along with the infamous, "artery-clogging 'bloomin' onion'" – at a "decent price" opine advocates of these "Aussie-themed" outlets; but dissenters dis it as strictly "for vacationers who fear local cuisine" (but don't mind "spotty" service and "long waits").