By S.L. Stoddart
The coastal town of Hollywood, Florida is located about 15 minutes south of
Fort Lauderdale. Hollywood
beach has over two miles of paved oceanfront boardwalk, a historic downtown section with brick-lined sidewalks, a 1,500-acre nature preserve at West Lake Park, unlimited opportunities for recreation and more than seven miles of white, sandy
beaches. After you work up an appetite, head to one of Hollywood Beach's ocean-side restaurants.
Sugar Reef Tropical Grill
The casually upscale Sugar Reef Tropical Grill is just four blocks North of the Hollywood Boulevard bridge. Guests can choose to sit outside on the oceanfront patio or inside the brightly painted dining room in a tropical, relaxing atmosphere. You could start your meal with a bowl of homemade soup or signature appetizer, such as jerk shrimp, spicy sauteed calamari or red wine portobello mushrooms. Dinner entrees have a tropical influence with a local twist, and include dishes such as Jamaican pork loin, seafood gumbo, tropical fish stew, filet mignon, roasted duck with mango salsa and seafood pasta. The restaurant also offers a wide wine selection, with over 75 bottles featured on the menu. The restaurant features daily specials and also is open for breakfast and lunch.
Sugar Reef Tropical Grill
600 N. Surf Road
Hollywood, FL 33019
(954) 922-1119
sugarreefgrill.com
The LeTub Saloon
The LeTub Saloon is hidden behind a lush, green garden entrance. With multiple levels of outdoor seating, guests can relax in this fun atmosphere as they admire old artifacts and "junk" that has been found on the beach and turned into artwork. The restaurant is famous for its hamburgers and was even voted "Best Hamburger" by GQ Magazine. Other than the renowned Chili Burger, the saloon serves a variety of entrees, such as barbecue ribs, NY strip steak, seafood salad, smoked fish dip, crab legs, steamed clams, the catch of the day and seafood gumbo. For dessert, grab a slice of LeTub's homemade fresh key lime pie. Additionally, the restaurant features a wide variety of beer, wine and cocktails. No children are allowed after 8:00 p.m.
The LeTub Saloon
1100 N. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
(954) 921-9425
theletub.com
Taverna Opa
The Taverna Opa is nestled on the Intercoastal Waterway. Guests can enjoy live entertainment as they dine on Greek and Mediterranean-style cuisine. The exciting ambiance of this restaurant is created by the open-air dining room, picnic table-style seating and energetic ethnic music. Waiters can often be seen breaking plates and throwing napkins in the air as they play with fire and belly dancers dance on table tops. Begin your meal with Saganaki, flaming cheese with brandy, or Melitzanosalata, a traditional roasted eggplant spread. Diners can choose from a wide variety of dinner entrees, which include Greek lasagna, stuffed peppers, roasted lamb, black Angus rib-eye steak, kabobs, santorini shrimp and Key West lobster tail. Round off your meal with a dessert of baklava or galaktoboureko, which is honey phyllo filled with custard. The restaurant also has an extensive martini and wine list that features many international bottles.
Taverna Opa
800 N. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
(954) 922-2256
tavernaoparestaurant.com
Resources
About the Author:
S.L. Stoddart has been writing professionally since 2005, and has been published in various outlets such as the "South End News," eHow.com, Trails.com and Golflink.com. Stoddart holds a Bachelors of Arts in broadcast journalism and psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit.
