Ft Laud RESSIE TIPS...AND HOW TO AVOID HUGE MISTAKES

[CruisingCatherine]

Elegant to me is not eating out of a plastic basket with plastic silverware. No buffets or family style meals. If they sell good wine it goes up on my list. We like linen table clothes and linen napkins.

 

Is the Indigo easy to access? Which stop do we use?

 

What about Shooters....I noticed it was mentioned alot on the Water Taxi?

[Lois R]

Elegant to me is not eating out of a plastic basket with plastic silverware. No buffets or family style meals. If they sell good wine it goes up on my list. We like linen table clothes and linen napkins.

 

Is the Indigo easy to access? Which stop do we use?

 

What about Shooters....I noticed it was mentioned alot on the Water Taxi?

 

Hi Catherine:) well all of the places I had mentioned have regular

silverware;) and none are buffets.

Indigo is right in the middle of Las Olas Blvd. It is part

of the "Riverside Hotel". The restaurant is open to the public.

And they do have linen, as well as a full wine list.

I can't remember which stop number it is....but if you are taking

the water taxi the drivers are usually quite helpful and there

are also maps available.

 

Shooters is north of Las Olas. I would say a 20-30 ride north.

I was there many, many years ago. I am sure you can get

opinions from the locals but my memory says...it is big...loud...

on the water.....

[sharecruises]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the info. DH and I are staying in Hollywood. How far is the Downtowner? How much would a cab cost?

 

 

Thanks again...

 

Starrluna

 

Hi there....cabs are expensive here, renting a car is a great option as there are many interesting areas, but if you are just in for one night that may not be an option>?

 

If you are in Hollywood/airport area there are other closer options.

 

One is the Rustic Inn which has been around here for years and years, very "old Florida" ...really nice...very near the airport

 

http://www.crabhouse.com/

[geejay]

Could you tell me what is near the Bahia Mar? We won't get there until about 8 pm but will need to find a good restaurant as we get on the plane at 8 am and can survive only so long on their little bags of pretzels! :rolleyes:

[snowcat]

Always good to get advice from someone local! We are going to be staying at a hotel on Galt Ocean Mile. Any recommendations for restaurants within walking distance? How much do you suppose it will cost for taxi from the airport to Galt Ocean Mile? Thanks!

[Tex805]

What's your take on this place? I've heard good reports...

[snowcat]

Always good to get advice from someone local! We are going to be staying at a hotel on Galt Ocean Mile. Any recommendations for restaurants within walking distance? How much do you suppose it will cost for taxi from the airport to Galt Ocean Mile? Thanks!

[Bequia]

What's your take on this place? I've heard good reports...

 

Just a locals humble opinion.......

 

Best crabs, the Rustic Inn is fantastic! Known more among the locals then the out of towners, they still line up to get in after 7pm. If you get the opportunity, give it a shot. The garlic crabs are outstanding.

 

http://www.rusticinn.com/

 

Best Barbeque, another local favorite on Federal Highway is Tom Jenkins Barbeque. Always a long line but worth the wait.

 

http://www.southflorida.com/dining/17959,0,6106693.venue

 

Best pizza, IMHO, Anthonys Coal Fired Pizza on Federal Highway can't be beat.

 

http://www.pizzajoints.com/United_States/FL/Fort_Lauderdale/Anthony's_Coal_Fired_Pizza1046984391

 

Best Steaks, Tropical Acres, family owned since 1949

http://www.eatattropicalacres.com/

 

Best chilidog, any Checkers restaurant....;)

 

http://checkers.com/

 

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[BiggerBob]

I have a question for the locals, will any of the previously mentioned restaurants be open on Thanksgiving day? If no, do you have any suggestions. We will be staying at the Embassy Suites on Nov 23rd.

 

One other thing I was thinking about was purchasing liquor before boarding on the 24th. I am assuming that there will not be any open liquor stores on the 23rd. Do you know how early they open in the morning of the 24th and is there one within walking distance of the hotel. We will be looking for a couple of bottles of wine and a bottle of rum:cool: .

 

Thanks for all the great info!

 

Patricia

[Lois R]

I have a question for the locals, will any of the previously mentioned restaurants be open on Thanksgiving day? If no, do you have any suggestions. We will be staying at the Embassy Suites on Nov 23rd.

 

One other thing I was thinking about was purchasing liquor before boarding on the 24th. I am assuming that there will not be any open liquor stores on the 23rd. Do you know how early they open in the morning of the 24th and is there one within walking distance of the hotel. We will be looking for a couple of bottles of wine and a bottle of rum:cool: .

 

Thanks for all the great info!

 

Patricia

 

Hi Patricia:) here in the states there are some grocery

stores that are still open on Thanksgiving Day.

And the 24th is a regular business day for the "service

industry". Especially those stores who know sales

will be ringing;)

There is an entire shopping center right behind

the Embassy Suites! (You go out the back door and

you will see it). I know a new Publix opened there

and I believe a liquor store is in there too.

You shouldn't have any problems finding the rum

and the wine.

 

Oh there are always restaurants open...that

is everywhere. Even though Turkey Day is big

a big holiday for "home cooking", there are

many families who eat out. I am betting

you won't have a problem finding an open restaurant!

[Drybridge170]

Good Morning! I would be so happy to get a local opinion....my husband and I are staying overnight at the Renaissance Ft. Lauderdale the night prior to our cruise. Is this a good place to stay? I read in another review that it was far away from things to do.... also, I'm very interested in the water taxi, and we both love comedians...any suggestions? Thanks so much for offering your views!! Loralie

[Lois R]

Good Morning! I would be so happy to get a local opinion....my husband and I are staying overnight at the Renaissance Ft. Lauderdale the night prior to our cruise. Is this a good place to stay? I read in another review that it was far away from things to do.... also, I'm very interested in the water taxi, and we both love comedians...any suggestions? Thanks so much for offering your views!! Loralie

 

Hi, I don't live in FLL but have stayed down there many times.

I would stay at the Renassiance in a heartbeat.

Far away from eveything??? I don't agree with that statement.

It is near many restaurants....and the port is not a 5 minute

cab ride away:D

When you say it is far away from things to do...what are you

looking to do?

[Bequia]

Good Morning! I would be so happy to get a local opinion....my husband and I are staying overnight at the Renaissance Ft. Lauderdale the night prior to our cruise. Is this a good place to stay? I read in another review that it was far away from things to do.... also, I'm very interested in the water taxi, and we both love comedians...any suggestions? Thanks so much for offering your views!! Loralie

 

The Renaissance is in an excellent location. You'll be within walking distance to many fine shops and restaurants on 17th Street. The water taxi stop closest to you is a short walk east of your hotel to the Ft Lauderdale Grande. The only place I'd recommend to see comedians in a club is at the Improv located in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, a fifteen minute cab ride from your hotel. ;)

[geejay]

Trying again...

 

Are there any good restaurants near the Bahia Mar?

 

G

[Drybridge170]

Hey, thanks so much! Really appreciate the help!!:D

[Bequia]

Trying again...Are there any good restaurants near the Bahia Mar? G

 

The Oasis Cafe is just north of your hotel, fine for lunch more of a bar at night. Your on a water taxi stop so your options are greater if you take it to Las Olas Riverfront, Beach Place or Gallery One.

 

http://www.watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLMap.Asp

 

...or for fifty cents you can take the Sun Trolley to 17th Street and the Harbor Shops for your choice among dozens of eaterys. ;)

 

http://www.suntrolley.com/bus_route-maps/convention.html

[suefalls]

Okay experts I have a question.

 

My group would like to eat seafood at a nice place on a WaterTaxi stop. Preferrably one that is outside and has alot of atmosphere.

 

We like elegant but not stuffy. Don't mind spending $20-$40 a person.

 

Hit me with your best suggestion.

15th Street Fisheries There is a link to their website on a previous post in this thread. We are in Fort Lauderdale every January for a convention and it has great Fresh seafood and fish and a charming rustic seaport feel. Not cheap, but very much worth it.

[BiggerBob]

Lois R,

 

Thanks so much for your information. I feel better now knowing we will be able to eat and get our liquid supplies:p .

 

We are lucky this year as we will be able to celebrate 2 Thanksgivings, starting with ours next weekend:D .

 

Thanks again, Patricia

[Lois R]

Hi Patricia:) glad I could help.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your fellow countrymen

(and women;) ) in Canada:)

Oh, usually grocery stores open early...between 7:00 and 8:00am.

Some are even open 24 hours down here too:D

[SheltieLady]

For our cruising in January the cruiseline is putting us up at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, and I know that there is a Hard Rock Casino how far from the Hotel and how expensive is the cab ride?

 

Are they restuarants around the hotel that are easy to get too.

 

Christine

[caribbean dreams]

Sorry to bother but i have noticed alot of very good answers on this thread and have a question of my own....myself, dd & dh don't mind dropping a little cash for a good hotel room but we are going on our next cruise with 5 other people who are refusing to spend much money on a room, so my question is, is there any hotels that are inexpensive near shopping, maybe by riverwalk (i think thats the name) if i have to be stuck in a cheap hotel, i want to have plenty of things to do within walking distance. We will be arriving at FLL , staying 2 days pre cruise and our ship will be leaving out of port everglades. anyone have any suggestions short of them staying at the cheap hotel and us staying at another?

[Drybridge170]

Lois R, I don't know how I missed your reply to my post--I'm sorry! I am looking for a nice place (not really fancy, but not just a diner) to eat and also wanted to catch a comedy show. My husband is not into really crowded places, but does enjoy comedians. Didn't realize we were only gonna be a 15 minute cab ride away from the Hard Rock Cafe, so that might be good. Also, have heard that I should really do the water taxi just for the experience. I really don't want to go shopping (spending enough $$ on the cruise!) Any suggestions...we are open to just about anything but shopping!! And sorry again I missed your post, certainly wasn't being rude...must have been half awake today! Thanks for your input,Loralie

[sportschicfla]

If you want a nice place on the water I would also look at the California Cafe...food is amazing and it is on 17th St Causeway. Regarding 15th St Fishery there are two different levels with two different menus and prices and attire. I agree with the recommendation of Indigo - it's a great place to eat. Also for a restuarant with a beach view I would recommend Cassablanca Cafe on A1A in Ft. Lauderdale. Also Max's (maybe Cafe Max) used to be good but if they went to the fixed menu I would not recomend it. Bimini Boatyard on 17th is also a good choice and has great Bimini bread.

Regarding Shooters it is really a "spring break" type of place. A lot of people pull up on their boats and tie up to the dock out back of the restuarant. Food is mediocre. Would go next door to Taverna Opa instead.

Over by Riverfront I would also recommend Himarshee Cafe. It is over by the performing arts center and has great food.

Hope this helps.

[Bequia]

For our cruising in January the cruiseline is putting us up at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, and I know that there is a Hard Rock Casino how far from the Hotel and how expensive is the cab ride?

 

Are they restuarants around the hotel that are easy to get too.

 

Christine

 

The Hard Rock is five miles from your hotel, cab ride should be $12-$15.

There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance from your hotel.

[Lois R]

Lois R, I don't know how I missed your reply to my post--I'm sorry! I am looking for a nice place (not really fancy, but not just a diner) to eat and also wanted to catch a comedy show. My husband is not into really crowded places, but does enjoy comedians. Didn't realize we were only gonna be a 15 minute cab ride away from the Hard Rock Cafe, so that might be good. Also, have heard that I should really do the water taxi just for the experience. I really don't want to go shopping (spending enough $$ on the cruise!) Any suggestions...we are open to just about anything but shopping!! And sorry again I missed your post, certainly wasn't being rude...must have been half awake today! Thanks for your input,Loralie

 

Drybrigde, no problem:)

 

I love Las Olas Blvd and the water taxi ride....you don't have

to buy anything....(if you just want to window shop) and on

a nice day the ride on the water is wonderful.

I have been many times and never tire of it.

 

Enjoy your cruise:)