Best Restaurants for People Watching in Oakland Park

11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Shooters Waterfront restaurant

1. Shooters Waterfront

4.4

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Lauderdale Beach

Booked 190 times today

A lot has changed since 1982; but despite Fort Lauderdale’s evolution, one restaurant on the Intracoastal has been there every step of the way. With its dockside views, fresh seafood, and lively events — all served up in a relaxed environment — Shooters Waterfront is a Florida icon. There’s a reason behind our longevity: We invite you to see for yourself.

A photo of DUNE By Laurent Tourondel restaurant

2. DUNE By Laurent Tourondel

4.4

Awesome(3944)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Lauderdale Beach

Booked 83 times today

DUNE by Laurent Tourondel, named 2022 Best Restaurant (Fort Lauderdale) by Miami New Times, is one of South Florida’s most desirable oceanfront dining experiences. Enjoy an inspiring new menu and newly designed space by the illustrious Alfredo Paredes Studio. DUNE by LT will become your new favorites, featuring unparalleled ocean views and covoted beachfront dining access. DUNE by Laurent Tourondel is South Florida’s only celebrity chef-driven oceanfront restaurant and special event venues able to accommodate social, corporate gatherings, beachfront weddings, and other special occasions from 10 - 500 people with customized menus by Chef Laurent Tourondel in addition to oceanfront meetings and events. A private wine room is available by reservation in addition to semi-private and private spaces and dining rooms with full audio/visual and sound capabilities for seamless presentations.We look forward to hosting you at DUNE. A WeChef Hospitality dining concept.

3. YOLO

4.6

Exceptional(5867)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 102 times today

Operated by a philosophy that it derives its name from, YOLO and neighboring O Lounge are vibrant, much-loved staples in the South Florida culinary and nightlife scene. The swanky Fort Lauderdale restaurant and adjacent lounge serves thoughtfully prepared contemporary American cuisine in a sophisticated, bustling atmosphere that includes a bar and dining room with open kitchen, and an outdoor patio, and features inventive cocktails and an extensive wine list to complement the menu. The longtime Las Olas hotspot serves up lunch and dinner daily, and is legendary for its happy hour and Brunch on Saturday & Sunday.

4. Sparrow

4.2

Awesome(808)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Flagler Village

Booked 38 times today

A sky-high urban hideaway located on the rooftop of The Dalmar, Sparrow offers guests a one of a kind cocktail and culinary experience in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Sparrow is anchored by both a main bar and lounge indoors, and an outdoor bar with a mix of city and ocean views, both boasting deliciously inventive menus. Sparrow’s cocktail program includes a range of selections from easy-drinking aperitifs, to tropical riffs on classics and large format group offerings, while the scratch ingredient-driven food program consists of creative, shareable plates.Large Parties greater than 6 guests:Please contact us directly at reservations@sparrowbar.comDress Code Policy:Your comfort is our main priority; however, to enhance the experience of all of our guests, we ask that you dress in a fashion that complements the atmosphere. Please avoid beachwear, athletic jerseys, and athletic shorts, as well as sleeveless shirts and sandals/flip flops.

A photo of Big City Tavern - Las Olas restaurant

5. Big City Tavern - Las Olas

4.7

Exceptional(2506)

Price: Moderate

• American • Colee Hammock

Booked 66 times today

Big City Tavern is a busy, vibrant restaurant reminiscent of the great urban taverns of Chicago, New York and Boston. A stylish, classic American restaurant, Big City offers a varied menu featuring dry aged steaks, burgers, fresh seafood, salads and fresh house-made pasta of the day. Some of the more popular dishes are the Pan Roasted Salmon with Tomato and the House-Made Charcuterie. The desserts are all enticing, all house made and all delicious. The extensive wine list emphasizes California varietals by the bottle or glass. With its magnificent grand bar always busy, Big City has a constant din of energy and conviviality. Big City offers outdoor sidewalk dining in the center of the action on Las Olas Blvd. If you have special needs, require high chairs or need assistance please notify us. Please call the restaurant to make reservations for parties of 8 or more!

A photo of Wild Sea - Las Olas restaurant

6. Wild Sea - Las Olas

4.6

Exceptional(1085)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Colee Hammock

Booked 14 times today

Overlooking Fort Lauderdale’s bustling Las Olas Boulevard, Wild Sea Las Olas is the perfect restaurant for savoring delicious cuisine throughout the day at affordable prices. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, & dinner in an upbeat, chic and contemporary ambiance while watching life go by on one of the trendiest thoroughfares in Fort Lauderdale. The modern ambiance of the restaurant reflects the upscale energy of Las Olas Boulevard, with the indoor dining space featuring chic furnishings and designer touches. Guests may also dine on the sidewalk terrace that offers a great spot for people-watching. Located in the historic Riverside Hotel, Wild Sea Las Olas is a favorite gathering place among visitors and Fort Lauderdale locals alike.

A photo of Marti's New River Bistro restaurant

7. Marti's New River Bistro

4.3

Awesome(863)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Tarpon River

Booked 8 times today

For dining reservations visit BrowardCenter.org/martis. Marti’s three-course prix fixe dinner menu is perfect for theatergoers who want to savor a relaxed dinner before the curtain rises. There’s an extensive wine list and a selection of contemporary cocktails to complement your meal. Marti’s is ideal for those attending a performance, seeking a waterfront experience along the Intracoastal, or planning an outing with friends and family. It’s also a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion! Indulge in traditional favorites served with a modern twist. With indoor and outdoor seating, the setting of this riverfront find can’t be beat.

A photo of Tap 42 - Fort Lauderdale restaurant

8. Tap 42 - Fort Lauderdale

4.5

Awesome(408)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Poinciana Park

Booked 16 times today

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tap 42 is home to a unique combination of classic and beloved pub foods as well as some new favorites. Favorite dishes include Asian-style coleslaw, oven-baked shrimp mac and cheese, Cajun grilled grouper and the avocado turkey burger. Over the years, Tap 42 has become known not only for its phenomenal food, but also for its impressive drink list, which includes numerous craft beers, handcrafted cocktails and party shots. Tap 42 offers patrons both indoor and outdoor seating. The dining room is decorated with wood slatted walls, bar stools and chalkboard signs, and the large outdoor patio provides customers with an abundance of seating, beautiful views of the area and decorative plants.

9. 101 Ocean

4.3

Awesome(193)

Price: Expensive

• American • Lauderdale by the Sea

Booked 1 time today

Thanks for visiting the 101 Ocean website. Our restaurant is located right in the heart of picturesque Lauderdale by the Sea and we"re just 50 yards from the beach.Our goal is to provide quality food and service at very affordable prices in casual, relaxed and beautiful surroundings. 101 Ocean is a casual yet classy restaurant with excellent food and an atmosphere that's always fun and entertaining.We have a huge outdoor bar and inside we have a 10' HD Television Screen. Our restaurant welcomes everyone - we very much hope you'll visit us soon!*****Book your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Reservations Now! - Please Call us for Groups of 6 or More.****We take reservations for inside seating only. Outside seating is on a strict first come first serve basis.

10. Cafe Ibiza

4.2

Awesome(275)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Central Beach

Cafe Ibiza is the perfect balance of authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and an engaging atmosphere. Featuring an all-day menu of fresh seafood, homemade pasta, chilled salads, and entree sandwiches, our warm and inviting oceanfront restaurant offers patio and indoor dining. Slip in for a cocktail at the bar or spend the night enjoying some of the best live music on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Del
West Palm Beach •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My experience at shooters waterfront is always amazing. My waitress Tiana and the manager Rob went above and beyond to accommodate our table. This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is absolutely superb. The staff is amazing and they will treat you like family. I highly recommend this restaurant for any and every occasion!
More info
Shooters WaterfrontPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Lauderdale Beach
•
4.4
M
Monique
Virginia •33 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fabulous location, beautiful decor, exceptional menu and a service team that was all about getting to “yes!” My husband had a stroke 11 years ago and restaurant music that’s too loud is uncomfortable for him…we asked if the music could be lowered and they accommodated. We will be back for brunch!
More info
DUNE By Laurent TourondelPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lauderdale Beach
•
4.4
E
Eugene
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent food, great vibe and very nice service! Really enjoyed every aspect of the restaurant Steal was delicious, calamari was spicy and tasty and lobster Mac and cheese was phenomenal
More info
YOLOPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6
D
David
Fort Lauderdale •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Overall, it was a good experience. We had the yellowtail snapper, the Big City Tavern salad and the Asian Calamari as an appetizer. All were excellent. The only snafu was that the salad came to the table after the main course was served. The waiter blamed it on a computer glitch and comped the salad, which was very good...glad we did not send it back and ate European style!
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Big City Tavern - Las OlasPrice: Moderate• American• Colee Hammock
•
4.7
S
Samantha
Fort Lauderdale •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Fantastic Experience! My only issue was lighting 😩. But it was overall a 10/10
More info
SparrowPrice: Expensive• Asian• Flagler Village
•
4.2

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Oakland Park

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Oakland Park

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. Shooters Waterfront

2. DUNE By Laurent Tourondel

3. YOLO

4. Sparrow

5. Big City Tavern - Las Olas

6. Wild Sea - Las Olas

7. Marti's New River Bistro

8. Tap 42 - Fort Lauderdale

9. 101 Ocean

10. Cafe Ibiza

See what locals rave about

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