Know of any openings that aren't on our list? Email [email protected].
Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar
6000 Glades Rd., Boca Raton561-961-3330
bluedogboca.comThe creators of New York City-based Blue Dog Café have expanded to South Florida with the opening of Blue Dog Cookhouse in Boca Raton. A massive menu presents diners with options ranging from oysters and handmade dumplings to a 32-ounce prime tomahawk or seafood tagliatelle. Notto be missed: the signature burgers, including the "Notorious D.O.G." — a beef patty topped with boozy cheese, onion strings, a sunny side egg, and truffled chicken gravy. In homage to the original location, the restaurant will offer brunch seven days a week offering a menu of hand-tailored omelets, an array of Benedicts, egg sandwiches, and chef specialties like pumpkin-stuffed French toast. Open Sunday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight.
The Carousel Club is a new lounge-inspired venue at Gulfstream Park.
Photo courtesy of Carousel Club
Carousel Club
901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach954-228-3378
carouselclub.comAn open-air venue has opened at Gulfstream Park, fusing lounge-style imbibing and casual dining. As the venue's newest late-night entertainment destination, set against the park's backdrop of thoroughbred horse racing, Carousel Club features a massive tented outdoor space, grass-covered garden area, expansive deck with two bars, plus shaded lounge seating, and lantern-lit trees come nightfall. Those looking to dine can choose from several pop-up restaurants like Lincoln Road’s Spris Artisan Pizza, Mad Room Hospitality’s Los Altos Taqueria, and Ms. Cheezious. The focal point: a covered carousel bar where imbibers can order frozen cocktails like the "Strawberry Shortcake" (ice cream syrup, vanilla vodka, and strawberry syrup) alongside frozen takes on the mojito, Bellini, and margarita. Open Friday from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 a.m.
Matchbox
221 SW First Ave., Fort Lauderdalematchboxrestaurants.comWith a current location in Sunrise, Matchbox is continuing to expand in Broward County with its newest Las Olas restaurant located on the New River. The establishment presents the brand's fast-casual take on the American-bistro, with an Italian flair. The menu includes a wide range of dishes like salads, brick-oven pizza, miso salmon, and chimichurri steak frites. On weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch lovers can indulge in the "chef’s table" bottomless brunch buffet; available for $34.95 per person or $10 per child ages 6-12 (and complimentary for kids under the age of six), options include a "hangover" burrito, French toast, and cobb salad; plus a dessert station that features cheesecakes and yogurt parfaits. Open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Planta Queen
1201 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale754-732-1952
plantarestaurants.comVegan and plant-based restaurant, Planta Queen, has opened in Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant follows its sister location in Coconut Grove and is part of the family of restaurants that includes Planta, Planta Cocina, and Planta Burger. With Planta Queen, chef David Lee creates vegan dishes with bold Asian flavors. Highlights from the Fort Lauderdale menu include crispy rice topped with spicy ahi watermelon and avocado, which uses dehydrated watermelon as a sustainable alternative to tuna; unagi eggplant nigiri, which uses smoked eggplant in place of traditional eel; and an additional array of sushi like the "Torched and Pressed" roll with avocado and miso glaze. In addition, the restaurant will offer weekly specials such as "Maki Monday," offering a specially-priced menu of signature rolls, "Pour Decision Wednesdays" where wine bottles are half-priced, and "Disco & Dumplings" Fridays with ever-changing dumpling specials. Open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.
