“You’ve come a long way baby” may have been one of the hottest slogans when it advertised slim cigarettes to women in the late sixties. Now, every time I stroll the streets of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, I think it could easily make a comeback.
For years this sleepy beach town perched on Florida’s southeast coast, less than an hour from three major airports, was to me – a teen spending school holidays with my grandparents at the beach – a simple place. Your choices on any given night were few; it was either the early bird special or dinner at home at 5:30 then the 7 pm movie.
A little more than five years ago things started changing. New movie theatres opened and showtimes were extended to well after 7 pm. And as the surrounding farmland was cleared for new development, restaurants began cropping up to feed the newcomers; people who, like me, got hungry after 5:30 pm and wanted to have more choices beyond Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘n Fruity Pancakes. A transformation was taking place along Atlantic Avenue and the restaurants lining it to the sea were becoming more interesting; some were trading up to serving world-class cuisine, while others were experimenting with farm to table menus and balanced cocktails.
Nowadays, a two-week vacation in Delray Beach becomes a race to squeeze in still another new restaurant and scope out another for the return trip. And screening the new blockbusters too, of course.
Here’s a rundown of some of my favorite Delray Beach haunts to munch and brunch:
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
Your arrival should be celebrated with a stop at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on NE 6th Street because (despite tasting like the best New York pizza which means we could have stayed home for it) it’s served on an expansive patio by the friendliest staff you’ll ever encounter in south Florida. It’s hot and delicious with a lightly charred crust. And guess what? They’re even open late! www.acfp.com
Boston’s on the Beach
We always plan a stop at a long-standing classic beachfront seafood joint, Boston’s on the Beach. We talk about it all year long with our NYC neighbors – the best cocktail sauce in the world, the off-the-menu conch fritters and their delicious Harvest Salad with crumbled blue cheese. The broad menu features all the East Coast fish shack hits, like a stellar crab cake and whole belly fried clams, plus a health-conscious locally caught fish sandwich served simply grilled or blackened. After 35 years they know how to cater to their customers’ hearts; hence a Pooch Menu that welcomes four-legged friends with everything from a bowl of water to a ribeye steak. www.bostonsonthebeach.com
Burger Fi
Down the block from Boston’s is relative newcomer Burger Fi anchoring an oceanfront corner of Atlantic Avenue. There’s a wealth of customization options for their perfectly cooked burgers which are served on a pillow soft roll that balances the perfect char of the meat. French fries should not be missed and could be shared; that’s assuming you REALLY like the person you’re with. Milkshakes, wine and beer round out the offerings making this a lively spot day or night. Plus, the signature bun is totally Instagram worthy and will leave your friends craving burgers too. www.burgerfi.com
Not near the beach but still craving a burger and onion rings? Burger Fi recently opened another location at 7959 West Atlantic Avenue.
Scuola Vecchia Pizza e Vino
Not that man can live by burgers alone. If you’re up for the most authentic Neapolitan style pizza, tempting antipasti and inventive pastas paired with solidly good wine, head to this little gem. Pronto! And any pizza can be prepared gluten-free for an additional $5.00. That’s good news, huh? www.scuolavecchiapizzeria.com
Park Tavern
Often spilling over to the green where it’s situated, the crowds frequent Park Tavern for its commitment to fresh ingredients and a spirits list that’s spawned a killer Happy Hour. As one of the first restaurants on the avenue to get serious about chef-driven favorites like pork belly and deviled eggs, there’s no stopping this kitchen when it comes to savory and hearty meat dishes. But don’t be fooled; lighter fare like a Grilled Yellowfin Tuna Salad is also packed with flavor. www,parktaverndelray.com
Death or Glory
Looking for a great cocktail? What’s a beach getaway without one? This 6th Street hideaway tucked into a former Delray home combines a dark inviting lounge vibe with a cheery tiki bar. The staff’s dedication to craft cocktails from wide-ranging spirits such as Pisco, cachaça, and gin and their ability to whip up delicious non-alcoholic options too makes this a must-stop. Plus, their kitchen turns out a full menu of dishes; the word’s out – a night out here is a win/win.
www.deathorglorybar.com
Batch
When Batch opened in 2017 at Delray Marketplace this neighborhood gastropub was the go-to for locally-sourced fresh ingredients. The kitchen’s creativity is matched only by their bartenders’ passion for under the radar spirits like Pisco, for example. The expansive menu is served from lunch until late night and taps world flavors with dishes like the Gochujang Brussels Sprouts and a Polynesian Grain Bowl to all American favorites like Mac & Cheese. Perhaps the best treat of all is their late-night Happy Hour menu with 1/2 off spirits and wines by the glass and $8 appetizers served on the patio of a now quieter Delray Marketplace.
www.batchgastropub.com/delray
Cabo Flats
A stone’s throw from the movie theatre in Delray Marketplace is your destination for Mexican food. Go before or after the movies, and don’t forget about weekend brunch, too. Cabo Flats is the kind of place where you could eat three times a week and never tire of it. From ceviche to empañadas or house-made guacamole that’s calibrated to your preferred heat level, this cheery spot with a hopping bar is open for lunch and dinner. An expansive menu offers classics like enchiladas and fajitas along with Mexican Street Corn, Carne Asada, and warm flour tacos filled with your choice of beef, pork, chicken or fish with beans and all the garnishes. There’s an impressive tequila selection here so start with a beautiful Margarita, Paloma or signature cocktail. What sets Cabo apart is its commitment to locally sourced ingredients, keeping every meal as fresco as possible. www.caboflats.com
MIA Kitchen & Bar
Set one foot in hip and trendy MIA and you might forget you’re in Delray. The dining room’s industrial design is a big draw and it somehow manages to be both cacophonous and calming. Practically everything on the international menu, which has Italian and French influences, is appealing. From a perfect Grilled Salmon to a decadent Spaghetti Carbonara, a MIA meal is like a night on the town but right in your backyard. The excellent wine and cocktail list is curated by the area’s most knowledgeable bartenders. www.mia.kitchen
*Two spots a little further afield from the official borders of Delray Beach are worth discovering.
Fat Boyz
This family owned and operated BBQ joint in nearby Deerfield Beach is the real deal. From the brisket platters with collard greens and yams and the beef ribs on Fridays and Saturdays, their kitchen, situated in what looks like an old dining car, doesn’t disappoint. Try the lunch special, but don’t plan to carry on a conversation; you’ll be too busy oohing after every bite and getting the next one in your mouth as quickly as possible. www.fatboyzbarbecue.com
Falafel House
The Falafel House in nearby Boynton Beach is not where you’re going for a fine-dining experience but for authentic Middle Eastern food. Tucked away in a shopping plaza on Hagen Ranch Road, this casual restaurant offers up made-to-order shawarma and falafel, along with bourekas and tempting salads. And if you’re just popping in to grab some baklava to go, consider staying awhile to enjoy a shakshuka that would be right at home in Tel Aviv. www.falafelhouseflorida.com