Ramrod Fort Lauderdale

Leather and light spirits, despite the serious sexual energy and sex-toy shop, make this indoor/outdoor bar a great place to hang out – or to pick up. Ramrod is basically the Cheers of Fort Lauderdale. There’s something intriguing about bear culture that draws people in, whether you’re a bear or not. Cub, bear, otter, or […]

Ricky Bakery

Cuban bakeries in Miami are a dime a dozen, and pastelitos and cafecitos, a penny per. But Ricky Bakery’s homemade baked goods are so authentic they’ll impress even the most discerning abuelita. Try one of their homemade croquetas (a New Times Best Of winner) with fillings like bacalao, spinach, chicken, cheese, or ham. Their West […]

Rio Cristal

Looking for an authentic Cuban restaurant? There are only two streets in Miami to consider: Calle Ocho and Bird Road. And the godfather of Cuban restaurants on Bird Road is none other than Rio Cristal. Its origin goes back more than four decades to restaurants in Cuba and New York City, Rio Cristal. Don’t believe […]

Rock Fish Grill

A charming neighborhood eatery in a town not known for its charming neighborhoods, this small spot in a ubiquitous Kendall shopping mall takes its name from its seafood-oriented menu and collection of rock and roll memorabilia lining the walls. The ambiance is more charming than much of the food, though if you avoid things fried […]

Royal Castle

There’s more than one legendary castle serving up sliders in the U.S. Like its infamous northeastern brother, Royal Castle is known for its classic square sliders. Their two-bite burgers are diminutive patties topped with grilled onions, ketchup, mustard and pickles plopped on a pillowy soft, toasted bun. A hungry carnivore can easily pack four or […]

Sea Siam Connection

Like many restaurants in our subtropical paradise, Sea Siam pads its Thai menu (excuse the pun) with sushi in an effort to broaden its appeal. And it does. Basics such as spicy tuna and the JB roll are clean, fresh, and well executed, and signatures such as the “kissing roll” ($10), a California roll topped […]