Where to Find $35 Dine Out Lauderdale Lunches

Whether you cruise up to dock and dine or simply want to have lunch with a view, Greater Fort Lauderdale has no shortage of waterfront restaurant options.

Kick back alfresco with a salty breeze directly across from the Atlantic Ocean at Burlock Coast, which sits on the ground level of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Lunch highlights include the Caesar salad, Southern fried chicken sandwich with maple hot sauce and a decadent Key lime bar for dessert.

If you prefer Intracoastal Waterway vibes, Shooters Waterfront always delivers. Here, you can snack on Thai chicken lettuce wraps, followed by rich New England lobster sliders. You’ll definitely want to save room for the petite Caribbean bread pudding flan.

For history buffs who love the classics, The House on the River is a true gem set along the New River. Swap lunch for brunch on weekends, when the whole group can enjoy the family-style brunch board, loaded with everything from fried chicken and waffles to bacon, egg and cheese croissants and short rib sliders.

When midday calls for a cocktail or craft brew to pair with those bites, visit one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s participating restaurants with a brewery or lively bar scene.

At Backflip Bar & Kitchen in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, soak up the beachside ambiance with a rum-infused cocktail alongside your choice of house-made dip and chips, mains like mahi tacos or roasted tomato pesto flatbread, and a sinful salted caramel brownie sundae to seal the deal.

In Pompano Beach, craft brews abound on tap at 26° Brewery & Kitchen. Lunch brings starters like tequeños and conch fritters, two types of burgers, plus fish and chips for the entrée, and a tart Key lime pie or homemade brownie for dessert.

A Las Olas staple, Moxies Fort Lauderdale is known for its bustling bar scene after dark, modern American plates and craft cocktails. Maple-glazed Brussels sprouts are a crowd-pleaser, and you can go with a handheld or a lighter option like the kale and quinoa salad with chicken or the mushroom zen bowl.

If you’re craving worldly flavors, the destination is teeming with global cuisine, along with specialty eats for health-conscious diners.

At Caffe Europa along bustling Las Olas Boulevard, snag a table outside and do some afternoon people-watching. Start with your pick of a salad before selecting chicken Parmigiana, salmon piccata or one of two traditional pastas: rigatoni bolognese or penne vodka. The homemade cannoli are a not-to-be-missed sweet ending.

Plant-forward eaters can find inventive takes on vegan dining at Mama Chea Cafe Vegan Juice in Davie. The appetizers are a toss-up between vegan truffle mac and cheese and butternut squash soup. Jackfruit then takes center stage in both the Southern BBQ burger and tuna jackfruit chickpea sandwich, with a fresh chocolate chip cookie or matcha-flavored treat for something sweet.

Family-owned Rosalia’s Kitchen in Miramar is known for its Italian-Mediterranean fusion and showstopping cocktails. Start with pastry-style appetizers like the potato cigars or bourekas, and have some fun with the create-your-own pasta entrée. Choices include rigatoni or spaghetti; sauces like marinara, Sicilian ragù or quattro formaggi; and grilled chicken or meatballs. For dessert, ice cream lovers can’t go wrong with either the affogato or sundae.

Sometimes, all you need is a little comfort food to fuel the rest of the day.

At Dania Beach’s 70-year-old institution, Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant, pair a half-pound burger or mile-long hot dog with fries or onion rings and, of course, a one-scoop sundae, toppings included, or a cone. Don’t skip the nostalgic candy shop on the way out.

In Pompano Beach, South Bar & Kitchen is a worthy stop for down-home country cooking. We’re talking catfish bites, deviled eggs and, of course, the famous fried chicken. And the strawberry shortcake, or gooey warm chocolate brownie, is the cherry on top.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to invite Dine Out Lauderdale lunchtime into your regular rotation. Check out all the participating restaurants to whet your appetite through Sept. 30.