Fort Lauderdale Restaurants

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."