Dining out is always a special experience for all of us. Whether we find ourselves being waited on nightly or maybe just a few times a month it's always great having someone else doing the cooking and serving! However, enjoying a great meal does not always have to encompass you taking a second mortgage on the house! There is actually an array of eateries that will tantalize your palate without causing you heartburn when you see the check. Here are just ten of the many choices in Broward County that I think you will enjoy.
ROADHOUSE GRILL 3300 East Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 772-3700 Now although I rarely lean towards the chains, this is a chain restaurant that is very "individual." Although there are nine locations in South Florida my favorite Roadhouse Grill is the one on the beautiful Intra-coastal waterway in Fort Lauderdale. This was the former site of an old landmark called Stan's. Now in the Stan's days and to some of it's culinary companions to the North and south along this waterway they would not be listed in a "best buy" article. However, here you have some of the most succulent and reasonable cuts of beef and barbecued ribs with the same view as it's higher priced competitors. From the outside you wouldn't believe that this place sports a true "down home" peanut shells on the floor ambiance. By boat or by car for one of the best steaks, salads, chicken, sandwiches, an outrageous baked sweet potato smothered in butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and those incredible yeast rolls, you can't beat the Roadhouse Grill. It's truly west meets east here and it's delicious!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
THE AMBRY 3016 E. Commercial Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33318 (954) 771-7342
This family-owned German restaurant offers great food, a cozy interior and great value. Most meals are priced under $20. Along with a plate-filling entrée, full dinners include unlimited trips to the Ambry's salad bar, and choice of baked potato, home fries, spaetzle or rice. Schnitzel, prepared several different ways, is the house specialty. However, adventurous diners can opt for the buffalo steak, rabbit or venison. If you're not in the mood for a complete dinner, a huge bowl of liver dumpling or goulash soup will fill you quite satisfactorily. Wash it all down with a tall glass of German draft beer or German schnapps.
Hours: (Mon - Thurs) 11 am - 11 pm, (Fri - Sat) 11 am - 12 am (Sun) 4 pm - 11 pm Cuisine Type: Italian
Holidays: Closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day
Garlic lovers will think they've died and gone to heaven at Conca D'Oro. The Italian food here is more New York than Florida, and the crowds that show up every day appreciate the distinction. Pizza is a real showstopper, with a perfect sweet sauce, crisp crust and just the right amount of cheese. Linguine with clam sauce, another house specialty, is so good folks have been known to lick the plate! The meat-stuffed hero sandwiches are large enough to be shared by two or three people. The huge portions, relatively low prices and great prices make this Hollywood spot a winner.
Estimated cost per person: $10-$15
GEORGIA PIG 1285 SW State Rd. 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318 (954) 587-4420
Hours: (Mon - Thurs) 6 am - 8 pm, (Fri) 6 am - 9 pm (Sat) 6 am - 6 pm Cuisine Type: Barbecue
Holidays: Closed at the discretion of management
Legions of loyal fans have been visiting this authentic barbecue joint for over 50 years. The neon pig in the window provides the clue that something special is going on inside the small dining room. If you're looking for the best value, check out the daily special. Of course, barbecue is the main draw here. Choose from beef or pork- each slow-cooked cooked to crusty perfection on the outside with succulent meat inside. The accompanying sweet, thin yellow Georgia sauce will have you licking your fingers. Order your barbecue on a platter or in a sandwich. Add a dish of coleslaw and you're in hog heaven, for sure, with prices so reasonable you can order a takeout order for later.
Estimated cost per person: $10-$15
JACK'S OLD FASHION HAMBURGER HOUSE 4201 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 565-9960
In a world of machine-stamped, flash-frozen hamburgers that look like corrugated cardboard, each burger at Jack's is freshly ground and shaped by hand. Cooked on a real grill and served up in a fresh roll, the results are stupendous. Instead of the ho-hum taste so common at most other hamburger joints, Jack's burgers are beefy, juicy and delicious. Lettuce and tomato are optional (and add a few cents to the bill) and of course, the usual array of condiments is available. Jack's fries are almost as good as the burgers. Greasy and salty, begging for ketchup, they're the perfect accompaniment to the meat.
Estimated cost per person: $10-$15
SHUCK N DIVE 650 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 (954) 462-0088
Hours: (Mon - Thurs) 11:30 am - 10 pm, (Fri) 10:30 am - 11 pm (Sat) 11 am - 10 pm, (Sun) 12 pm - 9:30 pm Cuisine Type: Cajun
Holidays: Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas
The happy atmosphere and friendly staff at this Cajun café will make you feel like you've joined a perpetual party. Make sure you come hungry, because the menu features a line-up of tasty treats begging to be tasted. Unfamiliar with some of the Cajun terms or just not sure what to order? No problem. Translation assistance is available. First timers should try the signature fried green tomatoes, washed down with a mug or two of sweet Louisiana-brewed beer. Oysters are another of the café's signature items. At the end of your meal, sip a mug of chicory-laced coffee and contemplate the richness of your life. At Shuck N Dive's prices, your life can be rich indeed.
Estimated cost per person: $15-$20
TOWER DELI & DINER 2315 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33324 (954) 452-8202
Hours: (Sun - Sat) 6:30am - 3pm Cuisine Type: Deli
Holidays: Open 365 days each year
The Tower Deli prides itself on its customer service and family atmosphere. Most importantly, the deli serves "real" food. How about a big breakfast to start the day, such as an omelet oozing cheese at the corners, a mountain of home fries and several pieces of buttered toast? Or an order of hot French toast, fresh from the grill. For lunch, why not order an overstuffed sandwich with freshly fried potatoes or tangy coleslaw? Tower's breakfast, brunch and lunch menu is extensive, with something for everyone. The deli's prices are so reasonable you'll have enough left over to take home some of Tower's amazing baked goods, made fresh daily.
Estimated cost per person: $8 - $15
UNCLE LUI’S RESTAURANT 8318 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33351 (954) 749-1908
Uncle Lui's serves the best Hungarian cuisine in Fort Lauderdale! Getting to your table can be a challenge. Although reservations are required, sometimes the diners from one seating haven't finished their dinners before the next seating begins. Don't be discouraged. The owners of the restaurant will sort out the problems and make sure you are well satisfied. The fixed price dinners offer the best value. Priced well under $20, the 15 menu selections include soup or salad, a side dish, coffee and dessert with each entrée. Additionally, creamed spinach and red cabbage and potato pancakes are provided as complimentary appetizers. Portions at Uncle Lui's are huge and the food is delicious. What a deal!
Estimated cost per person: $15-$20
84 DINER 11432 State Road 84, Davie, FL 33325 (954) 370-8217 Some of us who grew up in the Northeast that migrated south have vivid memories of one of the most famous family restaurants and that is the good old American diner. Originally fashioned from old dining cars these shiny structures always told us one thing, "great home cooking at a great price!" You can experience this memory all over again at 84 Diner literally just around the corner from the Fort Lauderdale Airport on State Road 84. Please don't pick up the menu and ask, "What's good here?" Whatever you like from juicy burgers and fries, to full course meals, like mama's home baked meatloaf and mashed potatoes, seafood, salads, Greek specialties or just a good old-fashioned turkey dinner it's all here. Don't even get me started on the desserts they are home baked and spectacular. By the way if you like coffee I recall having one of the largest cups I've ever seen here, probably the reason that many of the truckers on their way into the Port of Fort Lauderdale along this route will be found dining here as well. Just a good old fashioned dining experience at 84 Diner!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
FRANK'S RISTORANTE 3428 East Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 (954) 785-4140 Another one of my favorite Broward County stops is again in Pompano Beach. Maybe because I lived there on the water and had such a tremendous selection of restaurants literally in my backyard that I could walk to is why I have chosen several there. Being Italian-American of course one of my absolute favorite choices is always the food that brings me home. Let me suggest Frank's Ristorante, here nestled just a block from the beach is a place that looks like it will cost you a ton of Lire.' However, relax, sip some Chianti and select from your choice of one of the finest menus anywhere. From its European waiters, who are very knowledgeable about the feast you are going to enjoy, to dishes that are prepared with the same care and love that any Italian momma puts in her dishes. I always have the Gnocchi when I'm here with sausage or meatballs, but don't miss the out of this world nightly specials and some of the more gourmet dishes that are not usually found in restaurants of this type. If you are in a hurry and just want something to go then stop next door. Frank's also features a take out or dine-in pizzeria with a more casual atmosphere befitting it's beach location. You'll say "Momma Mia," at Frank's!
The Top List of Best Buy Restaurants - Fort Lauderdale, FL