You might be familiar with Miami and Fort Lauderdale food scenes, but just a bit north is local’s hidden gem of restaurants and bars. Atlantic Ave is walkable and perfect during the day and livens up even more at night.
Dada
Located in one of the oldest historic homes in Delray Beach, Dada is a local favorite. An eclectic interior, tons of artwork and very creative cuisine!
For dinner, you have to start with the truffle fries. The fries are hang cut and topped with truffle oil and parmesan cheese - making it the perfect combination. If you enjoy crab cakes, the jumbo crab cake with key lime mustard aioli is light and delicious. It is paired with a grilled corn salsa that I would put on everything!
For a drink, you have to order the Max Ernst, a delightful gin drink served in a mini bath tub with a rubber duck!
End the meal with dessert, the creme brulee is perfection!
The Office
How perfect is it to say you will be “at the office” a little late today. Happy Hour here is the perfect option.
I love the patio style bar. You can see into the restaurant but still people watch. Also the background is a fun pineapple mural!
To start you have to get the angry cauliflower. It’s gluten free, vegan and a great healthy option on a bar favorite. They crisp the cauliflower bites and toss it in a sweet and spicy sauce.
The burgers are really tasty here too. I keep it classic but you can take your burgers to the CEO level with tomato jame, gruyere, blue cheese and arugula.
Drinks are always flowing but the fact that they serve Frose, is such a winning option especially in this Florida heat! They also have fun drinks like the Pink Slip a sweet vodka, grapefruit and pomegranate drink.
Le Sorrelle
One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to. You can tell everything is made fresh and with authentic recipes.
Make sure to stop in for Happy Hour. Between 4p - 7p you can get 50% off drinks and $5 plates on the Happy Hour menu.
I highly recommend the chicken parm. It is such a huge serving of crisp chicken full of flavor with lots of pasta!
Rocco’s Tacos
The best day to come is obviously on Tuesday! But they have happy hour every day from 4p-7p with $3 bottles of beer, $3 wines, $5 cocktails & margaritas. Chow down on $2 tacos and $2 apps.
The atmosphere is laid back and fun! If you miss HH, their dinner is amazing. The molcajetes are a must try! Your food is served in a sizzling traditional lava rock mocajete with flour tortillas, pico, cheese & guac. I went for the carne that had steak, chicken, chorizo and delicious sauces.They also have so many options for tacos, make sure to ask about specials of the day too!
Death or Glory
This is a quaint bar with cozy seating inside, a nice outdoor patio or up at the bar.
To start you need to try the crispy chickpeas dusted in cheetos seasoning. You really think you are having the guilty pleasure snack not something healthy!
I love coming here during the holidays. During Halloween, they go all out in the decorations and have a special menu of spooky drinks and food! Similarly during Christmas, Miracle rolls into town with festive menus!
Batch
While it is not on the main strip, Batch is still worth talking about! I use to visit this gastropub in Miami and was so happy they opened a second location.
You have to try the Batch chicken & waffles! The chicken is brined in sweet tea and fried to perfection! Served on mini cornbread waffles with bourbon maple butter.
My favorite is a Miami secret menu option, the boneless wings tossed in the sweet chili sauce with dorito dust. I dream of these wings! It’s an appetizer so I also order a side of the truffle fries!
They have a great selection of drinks and tons of seating options.