Here’s a list of hidden beach restaurants on A1A | PHOTOS (2024)

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Miso soup (comes with the sushi lunch combo or $3.50 for a bowl)

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This sidewalk leads from El Mar Drive to the Backflip. The hotel's pool is behind the fence to the left.

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The Red Elixir

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Valet parking costs $5 for two hours.

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The Frose (left) and the Frozenignon Blanc (right) both $9.

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An amuse-bouche seafood mixte with orange and lemon juice.

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Tuna pate spread with Dungeness crab, Cayenne pepper and garlic snow.

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The Boca Beach House is located on the intracoastal just on the east side of the E. Palmetto Park Road drawbridge.

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BEST BET: The salads and flatbreads are popular, but if you go for a sandwich or a burger, make sure you order the onion rings, which are the real deal.INSIDER TIP: Parking is a real issue. A few metered spaces are located in front of the Suntower Hotel and Suites, where the Sandbar Grille is. If you park in the hotel spaces on the side, make sure you stop by the front desk and tell them. Failing that, your best bet is A1A street parking between Northeast 15th Court and Northeast 17th Street. It's just a short walk. You can also opt for a Broward B Cycle rental (there's a stand in the small park in front of the hotel).LOCATION: 2030 N. Atlantic Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Just south of the Palms and north of the Pelican Grand Beach Resort and across the street from the Vue.CONTACT: SuntowerHotelSuites.com

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Conch fritters ($12) withsriracha mayonnaire areonthe evening menu for Wednesday Ladies Night. The menu is served from 6 to 10 p.m. and includes coconut shrimp, corn nuggets, nachos, spring rolls, crab-stuffed mushrooms, spinach-and-artichoke dip, skirt steak and crab cakes.

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BEST BET: The Philly cheesesteakINSIDER TIP: The place is a mix of quiet tourists and loud locals, who stumble from the bar to the pool table, dartboard, video games and jukebox (not all the songs are family-friendly). Oh, and Charlie's has the cleanest restrooms you'll ever see on the beach.WHERE: 425 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale. Tucked away in the breezeway between the Courtyard Marriott and the Gym Fort Lauderdale Beach (in front of the International Swimming Hall of Fame).CONTACT: Facebook.com/5-OClock-Charlies

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The Frozenignon Blanc (left) and Frose (right). Both are $9.

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The veggie burger ($13) at the Plaza Bistro.

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Hot dog ($3.50) with strawberry slushie ($3.50)

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It may look as if you're heading to nowhere, but as long as the Stranahan River is on your left, the ocean is on your right and Port Everglades is up ahead, you're doing fine.

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The grilled mahi-mahi sandwich ($11.50) with onion rings

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You made it. Whiskey Creek Hideout is a narrow waterway as well as a first-class stretch of beach perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling and boating. According to lore, Whiskey Creek got its name from Prohibition-era bootleggers looking to escape the Coast Guard. Now the Coast Guard often come here for lunch.

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Jimbo's Sandbar touts what it calls "redneck cuisine."

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BEST BET: Listen intently to the specials. They frequently have that something extra that elevates Village Cafe from all the beach food found elsewhere in the neighborhood.INSIDER TIP: The vegetable tempura is a top-notch appetizer. Also, the bartender has a generous pour.LOCATION: 551 Breakers Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Inside the North Beach Hotel, which is between Terramar and Windamar streets (kind of behind the Ocean Resort Residences).CONTACT: Facebook.com/villagecafefl

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Park and Ocean's bar serves 16 different kinds of craft beer, including their own in-house brand called Shady Brewery. There are also 13 wines, 5 frozen co*cktails (all $9) as well as the Mojito, Arnold Palmer Bourbon, Mai Tai and the Park and Ocean Mule (also all $9).

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Rod Stafford Hagwood / SouthFlorida.com

Chanson's foi gras ($22).

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The Black and Blue Cheeseburger ($14).

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The menu board at Sandbar Snacks

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The barbecue pork special ($11.95) and a trio of tacos ($2.90 each), including chicken, mahi mahi and brisket.

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Strawberry daiquiri ($8) at Sandbar Grille

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BEST BET: Anything with the word "brisket" in it, like the grilled cheese sandwich ($10.50) or Philly ($12.90). It's all slow-roasted and topped with a lip-smacking sauce. A great deal of the fare at this eatery is farm-to-table, so the menu is prone to change.INSIDE TIP: After a hot day on the beach, you can't underestimate the rescuscitative power of the frozen wine drinks ($9), like the Frozenignon Blanc (Kim Crawford Saufignon Blanc, Svedka Vodka, mango) or the Frose (Meiomo Rose, Svedka Vodka, grapefruit, peach).LOCATION: Technically the restaurant is in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park at 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale. But you can kind of see it through a grove of trees from A1A on Lauderdale beach, just north of Sunrise. You can use the metered parking anywhere along A1A from Sunrise up to around NE 14th Court and be within easy walking distance. Or you can go into the park itself using the Sunrise Boulevard entrance and pay $6.CONTACT: 954-563-2900 or ParkAndOcean.com.PICTURED ABOVE: The Frose (left) and the Frozenignon Blanc (right) both $9.

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One of many water features at the Royal Blues Hotel.

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Barbecue pork special ($11.95)

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Three tacos (all $2.90): Mojo Pork, Brisket and Mahi Mahi.

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Jimbo's Sandbar is essentially a long tiki bar.

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BEST BET: Jimbo's has it all, from pasta and salads to steaks and veal, but you'd be crazy not to try the seafood. The oysters are hella popular, but the eight dishes listed under Jimbo's "Fish-Lips" on the menu are all winners.INSIDE TIP: The frozen drinks are served in plastic cups set inside other plastic cups to keep the chill going longer.LOCATION: 6200 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood. If you're looking around the Broadwalk area of Hollywood Beach, try going a couple of miles north through a residential section to Jimbo's. The eatery sits right off of the E. Dania Beach Boulevard drawbridge where it meets N. Ocean Boulevard/A1A.CONTACT: JimbosSandbar.comPICTURED ABOVE: Conch fritters, $11.95.

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The Key West Reuben with grouper ($18.95).

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To your left is the beach and ocean. To your right is a tangle of trees. Keep walking and stay on the sidewalk.

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The Key West Reuben with grouper ($18.95).

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The roasted veggie wrap ($12.72)

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The Boca Beach House's blackened shrimp with grits and sauteed greens ($22).

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Liverwurst sandwich ($4.99)

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The jerk fish sandwich at Sandbar Grille.

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Grab a map while you're there, in case you decide to come back for the water recreation.

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Edward Walson owns the Royal Blues Hotel on Deerfield Beach. He has produced many of Woody Allen's latest films including "Blue Jasmine," "Magic in the Moonlight" and "Cafe Society."

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Sandbar Snacks is on the public beach near Pompano Beach's Interactive Fountain and Great Lawn.

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BEST BET: The vegetarian Mediterranean menu items are scrumptious, but the fried chicken is Keese's mutant superpower.INSIDER TIP: Go to the website and order the fried chicken in advance (there's also an app), because they make it fresh for every order. If you just walk up and order, you'll have to cool your heels for 20 minutes.LOCATION: 4350 N. Ocean Drive in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Keese's is right there at the intersection of Commercial Boulevard and A1A/Ocean Drive, but if you blink, you'll miss it. Park in the lot at Commercial or at the beach just around the corner.CONTACT: Keeses.com

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Raw Organic Energy Bites ($3 each). From left to right: pumpkin pie, chocolate truffle, carrot cake and rocky road.

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The Boca Beach House tweaks it's menu daily depending on what is in season, including drinks and desserts.

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Rod Stafford Hagwood / SouthFlorida.com

The bacon chedder omelet($13) is served at Plaza Bistro Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The all-day breakfast menu includes various omelets, French toast, waffles, breakfast burritos and croissant-egg sandwiches.

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Mac Donalds Corner Store makes breakfast sandwiches all day.

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TheBroward B Cycle stand in front of the Suntower Hotel and Suites.

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Just pass Jimbo's parking lot (valet parking only), you can see E. Dania Beach Boulevard's bridge that goes over the Stranahan River on the intracoastal.

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You're starting to freak out, but you're almost there. The beach is directly in front of you.

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Rod Stafford Hagwood / SouthFlorida.com

Philly cheesteak ($10.95)

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Grouper tacos ($18.95).

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The Black and Blue Cheeseburger ($14) and the veggie burger ($13) at the gourmet food truck Plaza Bistro a block off Fort Lauderdale beach.

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Frozen margaritas ($7.50 each) are placed inside another plastic cup to keep the drink insulated from the subtropic temperatures of SoFlo.

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Jerk fish sandwich ($14) with onion rings and coleslaw at Sandbar Grille.

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BEST BETS: Either the organic cold-pressed juices or the organic smoothiesINSIDER TIP: Don't be put off by Dr. Juice in his white lab coat behind the counter, because this place is actually fun. Think about getting some Raw Organic Energy Bites for your next party. (They are much better than they sound.)WHERE: Two blocks west off the hubbub of A1A and Commercial Boulevard at 222 Commercial Blvd., in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The front door is on Sea Grape Drive.CONTACT: DrJuiceHealth.com

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Even if you're only going to eat, you still have to pay the admission price for the park.

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The eggplant burger ($7 on the lunch menu)

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Fried chicken ($2.95 for thigh, $2.75 for leg and $1.99 for wing)

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Jimbo's Sandbar, looking south on A1A.

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Three tacos (all $2.90): Mojo Pork, Brisket and Mahi Mahi.

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A table on the terrace of Chanson in the Royal Blues Hotel.

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This sidewalk with the canopy of trees is the first part of the walk you have to do to get there.

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Rod Stafford Hagwood / SouthFlorida.com

Sweet-and-sour beef with cucumber, pineapple, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and scallions from the Thai lunch menu ($9, comes with soup or salad)

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The Sly Fox cheeseburger with provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle, with a side of coleslaw ($9.99)

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The Royal Blues Hotel is just south of the Deerfield Beach pier.

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Bianca Neve Pizza ($14): white pizza with ricotta, fontina, provolone and mozzarella cheese

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BEST BET: Any deli sandwich. You can't go wrong.INSIDER TIP: There are no tables or benches, so if you're not taking your food home, you'll have to eat in your car.LOCATION: 2600 N. Ocean Blvd. As you drive north, you'll find yourself in the middle of a residential area and think, "There's no commercial zoning here." But hang in there. Just before you get to Hillsboro Inlet bridge, there is Mac Donalds.CONTACT: 954-943-4377

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Some of the staff at Park and Ocean. They say that the menu changes according to the season and also thatthe restaurant is pet-friendly.

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Vegetable tempura ($10 on the lunch menu)

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Pastries from Nanou Bakery

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Park and Ocean's pavilion also includes all kinds of tours (eco, Segway, etc) and rentals of jet skis, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, etc).

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If you are approaching the Plunge Beach Hotel from A1A, turn onto Pine Avenue, which curves into El Mar Drive, which is where the driveway and valet parking is.

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The over-the-top burger ($7.50) with seasoned fries.

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The Hosomaki Combo from the lunch menu ($10.50), California, J.B. and Negano rolls.

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Ice cream with apple crisp and whipped cream at the Boca Beach House.

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Cheesy fries with Monterey Jack cheese ($6) at Plaza Bistro.

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BEST BET: One of the specialties of the house is a soft-shell crab and goat cheese omelette ($19.50). Many of the vegetables reportedly come from the owner's garden.INSIDER TIP: Ask what the fresh seafood special is that particular day and order it, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, the home fries are yummy.LOCATION: 887 E. Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, just a block and a half from the beach and A1A on the north side of the road. There's metered street parking in the front and a few parking spaces in the back.CONTACT: TheBocaBeachHouse.com

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There's live music on Saturdays

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Rod Stafford Hagwood / SouthFlorida.com

Park as far to the right side of the parking lot as you can, so you'll be closer to the pathways that lead to Whiskey Creek Hideout.

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There are Segway, Full Moon, Sunset and Eco tours available through the pavilion that also houses Park and Ocean.

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There's live music on Saturdays at Park and Ocean.

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This is the sign you're looking for. The parking lot is huge, so don't worry about parking.

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Boaters often stop by for a cold beer.

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Edward Walson, the owner of the Royal Blues Hotel, also produced the movie "Hemingway & Fuentes" starring Andy Garcia.

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Pastries from Nanou Bakery

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Pastries from Nanou Bakery

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The Sandbar Grille has inside and outside dining.

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Shrimp and grits ($14.75) on the menu under Jimbo's "Fish-Lips" items.

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On A1A in Dania Beach, drive north until you come to the state park. If you approach the ocean from East Dania Beach Boulevard (say, from Federal Highway), then follow the ramp all the way around until it ends on A1A/North Ocean Boulevard, and then turn right.

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There is nearby street parking on A1A between Northeast 15th Court and Northeast 17th Street.

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The Backflip sits right on the beach in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

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The Red Elixir Organic Smoothie ($7.99) and the Green Peace Organic Cold Pressed Juice ($9.43).

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BEST BET: Lunch is served in the lounge, but to get the full four-star treatment, opt for dinner in the restaurant with it's aquarium in the ceiling or on the terrace with it's stunning (read: romantic) view of Deerfield Beach.INSIDE TIP: Chanson is inside the Royal Blues Hotel, which is owned by movie producer Edward Walson. That means it's possible you could spot pals such as Woody Allen and Andy Garcia nibbling alongside you.LOCATION: 45 N.E. 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach. One block off of the S-curve of A1A, just south of the Deerfield Beach pier. Diners can park inside the hotel's garage.CONTACT: RoyalBluesHotel.com

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Fried chicken with a side of roasted vegetables (99 cents)

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In the foreground is the grilled mahi-mahi sandwich ($11.50) with onion rings. In the background are the fish tacos ($9.95) with chips and salsa.

Rod Stafford Hagwood / SouthFlorida.com

Bianca Neve Pizza ($14): white pizza with ricotta, fontina, provolone and mozzarella cheese

Rod Stafford Hagwood

Park and Ocean's pavilion also has a gift shop and you can get information on all kinds of tours (eco, Segway, etc). You can also get jet ski, canoe, kayak, paddleboard and bike rentals.

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The coconut Thai soup ($2.16)

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BEST BET: Believe it or not, the desserts. Essentially, the Plaza Bistro is a food truck with some plush al fresco styling with seating and service, but the savory menu items have a food-truckish nature. The desserts, on the other hand, are more stately.INSIDER TIP: Ignore what the website says about weekdays. Plaza Bistro is open weekends only, Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 5 to 10 p.m.LOCATION: 2900 Belmar St., on the corner with Breakers Avenue in Fort Lauderdale (behind where the new Paramount Fort Lauderdale condos are being built).CONTACT: PlazaBistroFL.com

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The view of the beach from Sandbar Grille.

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The fresh catch of the day sandwich ($12) with pickeled red onion, Romaine, pico and roasted habanero ailoi.

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Mimosas ($6 each) at the Plaza Bistro in Fort Lauderdale.

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Here you can see the frozen wine drinks ($9): the Frozenignon Blanc (Kim Crawford Saufignon Blanc, Svedka Vodka, mango) and the Frose (Meiomo Rose, Svedka Vodka, grapefruit, peach). There are also frozen lemonades, peach sangria and the "Drunken Monkey" (Malibu Coconut Rum, Bailey's Irish Cream, banana puree and chocolate syrup).

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The grilled steak tacos ($9) with charred onions, cilantro, Cotija cheese and salsa verde.

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BEST BET: Pizza is made in a rotating, wood-fired oven. The crust is heaven-sent.INSIDER TIP: The pastas are made fresh every day and served in a skillet.LOCATION: 222 Commerical Blvd., two blocks off of A1A and Commercial in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The door is on the corner of Commercial and Sea Grape Drive. It's in the same complex as Dr. Juice and Pump Sushi.CONTACT: Facebook.com/ProntoBythesea

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Yes, there's even a wine list.

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The ceviche ($9) with charred corn and plaintain chips.

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Daiquiris ($11 each)

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Chocolate mousse and strawberries ($5) at Plaza Bistro.

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Chanson is located one block off of the S-curve of A1A in Deerfield Beach, a pedestrian-friendly area with bars, ice cream parlors, bistros, T-shirt shops as well as bike and paddleboard rentals.

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The grilled mahi-mahi sandwich.

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Pastries from Nanou Bakery

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The aquarium in the ceiling of the dining room.

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Pastries from Nanou Bakery

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Grilled mahi mahi with cilantro-lime rice ($17) at Plaza Bistro.

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If you see this sign on A1A between Sunrise Boulevard and NE 14th Court, then go ahead and park because you are at Park and Ocean. Just look into the grove of trees past picnic tables and you'll see the restaurant.

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You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, etc., at Whiskey Creek Hideout.

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BEST BET: The fish tacos ($9.95) are delicious and the yogurt-cilantro sauce that it comes with really closes the deal.INSIDE TIP: During season, the hours are regular (kitchen closes at 4 p.m. although the buidling stays open to 5 p.m.). But in the summer, you might want to call 954-929-4970 and make sure they're open.LOCATION; 6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach. This place is truly a hidden gem, with the emphasis on hidden. The pavilion is deep inside of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (formerly John U. Lloyd State Park). Check out the upcoming photos to guide you there.CONTACT: WhiskeyCreekHideout.comPICTURED ABOVE: The over-the-top burger ($7.50) with seasoned fries.

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Jimbo's Sandbar sits at the foot of East Dania Beach Boulevard near the Hollywood Beach/Dania Beach line.

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Pastries from Nanou Bakery

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Breakfast is served at Plaza Bistro Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The all-day breakfast menu includes omelets, French toast, waffles, breakfast burritos and croissant-egg sandwiches.

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This is the entrance to the park. It's a good idea to ask the security guard for specific directions (they hand you a map) and to make sure the dining pavilion is open.

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BEST BET: The ceviche with charred corn and plantain chips ($9, pictured) is simple and refreshing. Even better, the dish goes well with just about every drink from the bar.INSIDE TIP: The craft co*cktails were made with a deft hand, not that sickly sweet pre-mixed stuff you frequently find at seaside eateries.LOCATION:Backflip Beach Bar and Kitchen is a part of the Plunge Beach Hotel at4660 El Mar Drive in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, just east of A1A (at least that's where the driveway and the all-important valet are). To be more precise, the Backflip is behind the hotel, across the street, behind the hotel pool, on the beach.CONTACT: 754-200-3346 or PlungeBeachHotel.com.

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The fish tacos with yogurt-cilantro sauce.

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Steak tacos with playa salsa, cilantro and lime juice ($11) at Plaza Bistro.

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Oysters are a popular dish at Jimbo's.

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There is nearby street parking on A1A between Northeast 15th Court and Northeast 17th Street.

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Plaza Bistro is at the corner of Belmar Street and Breakers Avenue just off Fort Lauderdale beach.

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TheBroward B Cycle stand in front of the Suntower Hotel and Suites.

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Barbecue pork special ($11.95)

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BEST BET: The pastries are divine. 'Nuff said.INSIDER TIP: The desserts are, of course, first-rate, but you really should try one of the savory items, such as a sandwich (Le Provencal, $8.95) or a panini (goat cheese, $8.75).LOCATION: 2915 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. OK, you got us. Technically this is not on A1A, but it is just two blocks west at the foot of the Las Olas drawbridge and it's set off Las Olas in a nondescript shopping center (with plenty of parking).CONTACT: NanouBakery.com

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BEST BET: Any wrap and any soupINSIDER TIP: Vegan and gluten-free never tasted so good. This restaurant packs its veggie-based menu items with flavor, so you feel as if you're always getting "real" food.LOCATION: 3429 Galt Ocean Mile. You can't actually see it from A1A (unless you live in the condo canyon that separates the roads from the beach), so you need to turn east on Northeast 35th Street, and then turn right into the parking lot.CONTACT: GreenBarKitchen.com(Check outour previous review of the restaurant.)

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Pastries from Nanou Bakery

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Turn right and stay on the sidewalk.

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The chicken and walnut salad special ($11.99)

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The red snapper "Roulade" ($35) with leek fondue, sh*take mushrooms and sauce Vierge.

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Maple leaf duck breast ($39) with potato gnocchi, Brussels sprouts and sage.

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The waterside restaurant is tiki-themed.

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Park and Ocean is nestled in a grove of trees in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park on Fort Lauderdale beach.

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The fish and chips ($8 on the lunch menu)

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BEST BET: The Volcano Krab Roll ($15) and the Volcano Lobster Roll ($19)INSIDER TIP: First of all, the wasabi is made on the premises, and you can really taste the difference. And the Thai menu items are just as good as the sushi.LOCATION: 222 Commercial Blvd., Suite 105 in Lauderdale-by-the-SeaCONTACT: pumpsushi.com

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BEST BET: Keep it simple with a slice of pizza or a hot dog.INSIDER TIP: The mango or strawberry slushies are just the tonic after baking your body on the beach.LOCATION: 20 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., in Pompano Beach. It literally is on the beach. The Sandbar is near A1A and East Atlantic Boulevard.CONTACT: Facebook.com/Sandbar-Snacks

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Backflip Beach Bar and Kitchen is open to the general public. Guests of the Plunge Beach Hotel can swim in the pool attached to the al fresco eatery or play volleyball, scuba dive and snorkel to the off-shore reef just steps away on the beach.

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In the foreground is the driveway and valet parking for the Plunge Beach Hotel, which is your best option if you drive to the Backflip. There is also metered parking nearby.

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Rod Stafford Hagwood / SouthFlorida.com

Jimbo's Sandbar offers unobstructed views of the water.

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To the left is the El Diablo ($9) with tequila, creme de cassis, lime juice and ginger beer. To the right is the Tweet Me Ishmael ($10) made with coconut rum, mint, mango puree, orange juice and lime juice.

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Keese's in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

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Cheesecake ($7) at Plaza Bistro.

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Key lime pie ($5.50)

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The vibe is relaxed.

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BEST BET: Burger with the works or a Philly cheesesteak.INSIDER TIP: The salad specials are excellent.LOCATION: 3537 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale. From A1A, turn east onto Northeast 36th Street, and then right into the second parking lot, which is metered (the first parking lot belongs to BB&T Bank).CONTACT: BarrettsSlyFox.com

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The beach building of the Plunge Beach Hotel is on the left. The pavilion on the right is the Backflip

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The Plunge Beach Hotel, which used to be a Howard Johnson's, sits on A1A in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, just north of Commerical Boulevard. The Backflip is behind the hotel on the sands of the beach.

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Angus burger ($6.50) with a mango slushie ($3.50)