Dan’s Top 30 Restaurants in Broward County

I was inspired to do my own top 30 after seeing a post on Yelp for their Top 100 Restaurants in Broward and Palm Beach. I didn’t agree with their list and the fact they didn’t include any chain restaurants is a bunch of crap.

So first we need to look at the definition of a restaurant; a place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises. I’m sticking with that and a chain will make it in.

1. Big Bear Brewing Company
2. Thai Spice
3. Ruth Chris Steakhouse
4. Steak 954
5. Calypso Pub
6. Gabose
7. The Cook and The Cork
8. Houston’s
9. Runyons
10. Falafel Wine and Bistro
11. Charm City
12. Whales Rib
13. Flanigans
14. Arubas
15. La Bamba
16. Jack’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers
17. Anthonys Runway 84
18 Lester’s Diner
19. Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant
20.Wings Plus
21. Chez Porkey’s
22. Melting Pot
23. Royal Pig
24. S3
25. Casablanca Cafe
26. Southport Raw Bar
27. The Fish Shack
28. Rustic Inn
29. Catfish Deweys
30. Sakura and Hamachi…this was a tie. I love both of these places.

Anyone who knows food in Broward County should have been to all these places. Why, because the food is great and consistent.

As for Big Bear being my #1, that’s a no brainer. Before Funky Buddha, Hops, or any of these other start up breweries there was THE Bear. This restaurant has set the standard for fresh brewed beer paired with delicious food. The service is top notch and very professional. The ambiance especially right now during the holiday season is spectacular. The restaurant is decorated to the nines with lights and ornaments everywhere. Some of my favorite dishes are; The Pretzel App, the Brie Pillow App, the Chili, the French Dip Sandwich, the Cheese Soup, the French Onion Soup, and the Brewer Steak. My favorite beer is the Polar Light and I’ve been know to dabble in the fruit beers like the Blueberry Ale.

Recently, I had a nice chat with the owner of Big Bear, Greg Wentworth. Anyone who is a regular at Big Bear knows Greg really doesn’t talk a lot. What’s interesting about him is, unlike many owners I’ve see of a restaurant this size, he runs food all the time. This dude is not scared to jump in the trenches and get sweaty. I’ve always admired this guy from afar. It wasn’t until after I left that I realized I’ve never told him “Thanks man!”. You run a tight ship and customers like me appreciate your investment in our hometown of Coral Springs. Stay Hungry!

Big Bear’s Bavarian Pretzel Bread

Big Bear French Onion Soup