Now that the snowbirds have flown the coop and the Spring Break crowd has left, the places that count on the support of tourists in high season are offering residents deep discounts. Of course, there are also those places that always offer deals on nights that might otherwise be slow.
While many places claim to offer happy hour specials on “bar bites,” many times the prices for those items is exactly the same as it is on the dinner menu, or the serving size is reduced to compensate for the lower price. The following places all offer true bargains year-round, but often expand the scope of the discounts or time frame during the off-season, giving you even more incentive to check these real deals.
Mojo
4140 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
954-568-4443
Mojofl.com
At one of my favorite restaurants, the $20 three-course prix fixe, apps, entrees and dessert deal, as well as select martinis for $6 are usually available only on Tuesdays. However, from June through October, you can take advantage of the deal Mondays and Wednesdays, as well. For those who dine early and want to order a la carte, if you’re seated before 6:30, they’ll give you a free soup or salad and dessert with any entrée every day but Sunday.
Lips
1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-567-0987
LipsFLA.com
The gals there will give you a special prix fixe (and that’s not a euphemism for a tuck), which usually includes Caesar salad, choice of entrees and dessert for anywhere from $19 to $25, depending on the night. There’s also a $22 prix fixe brunch. Those prices include the show, but not tips for the girls. And you’d better tip, because otherwise.
Southport Raw Bar
1536 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale
954-525-2526
SouthPortRawBar.com
Some of the specials available include dolphin fingers for $9.25, the gator burger for $4.95 and full pound-and-a-half of snow crab legs and corn on the cob for $19.95. Download a coupon from the restaurant’s web site for more deals.
Tom Jenkins
1236 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
954-522-5046
TomJenkinsBBQ.com
The restaurant offers specials every night, including Monday steak nights for $10.99, Thursday surf and turf for $14.99, and a New England clambake Saturdays. Additionally, the “Family Sampler” combo meal features enough for six people; with a half rack of pork spare ribs, a half a chicken, one pound each of chopped pork and sliced beef, plus large orders of collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and six corn muffins.
Marti’s New River Bistro at the Broward Center
954.660.6333
BrowardCenter.org/Visit/Dining/Martis
Next time you’re going to a show at The Broward Center, check out Marti’s pre-theater prix fixe. The $36 dinner includes a choice of soup, Greek salad or tomato and fresh mozzarella with aged balsamic syrup as an appetizer. The entrée options feature; lobster and shrimp mac and cheese, crispy chicken, Asian duck confit, grilled churrasco steak, veal Bolognese, pan-seared pork chop, or the catch of the day. Sweet endings include a choice of key lime pie, double chocolate cake or seasonal berries.
Morton’s the Steakhouse Fort Lauderdale
500 E. Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
954-467-9720
Morton’s also woos the pre-theater set with a prix-fixe menu and complimentary valet parking. The menu, priced at $52 per person, is available from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and includes a choice of Morton’s or Caesar salad, entrée, vegetable or potato and dessert. Entrée selections include filet mignon and lump crab cakes among other options.
Beefcakes (at Boardwalk)
1721 N Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-463-6969
BoardWalkBar.com
The food at the street-side café is better than it has to be (or what you might expect) although service is a bit haphazard. In addition to daily specials listed on the blackboard there are also theme nights. On Monday beef tacos are only a buck each, chicken wings are 50 cents each on Tuesday, on Wednesday all burgers are half price and on Thursday, it’s 2 for 1 dinners with a drink purchase.
Sizzling Summer Specials
The places locals frequent may take a hit during the summer, but the restaurants and bars that rely on tourists really have to go the extra mile to bring in business during the off season. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Visitors Bureau offers a summer discount card valid May 1 to Oct. 1. Some of the discounts are only available during certain hours or on weekdays. Go to www.Sunny.org/Ways-To-Play/Summer to print out coupons or have them mail you a special discount card. Check the website for specific details, but among the dining deals are:
Cypress Nook Bavaria Haus
201 E McNab Rd., Pompano Beach
954-933-7311
CypressNook.com
On Wed-Sat from 5-9 p.m. enjoy 2-for-1 appetizers or 2-for-1entrées with the purchase of two alcoholic beverages.
Kilwin's Ice Cream
115 Commercial, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
954-267-8991
Kilwins.com
Buy 2 slices of hand paddled Mackinaw Island Fudge, and get one slice free every day from 11 a.m. until closing.
Le Bistro
4626 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
954-946-9240
LebistroRestaurant.com
Offers 2-for-1 appetizers, desserts, coffee and tea at the bar during happy hour.
Rok:brgr
600 Silks Run, Hallandale Beach.
954-367-3970
RokBrgr.com
The summer special includes a number of drinks and “significantly” reduced prices on bar bites There’s also the regularly scheduled “Monday Burger Bash,” which gets you any burger for $10.
