Al Fresco Dining in Fort Lauderdale

[Karl-G]

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Dining out of doors, having a drink, and watching the passing parade of people is always fun, especially if they are good looking men and bois. In Fort Lauderdale, al fresco dining is engaged in for all twelve months of the year, and the viewing opportunities are endless. If you have not tried some of these establishments lately, perhaps you might want to try.

 

Along Ocean Boulevard (aka A1A) from Las Olas and going north for six blocks, there are many restaurants, bars, and cafes with extensive outdoor seating where you can enjoy coffee or an alcoholic beverage and/or a meal and watch all the guys in bathing suits on the beach across the street. They are not all gay, but the beach from 200 North to 200 South, around Las Olas, is where all the college boys come to play and show off their bodies all year long. Spring Break lasts from Feb. 1 - May 1, with colleges purposely choosing different dates so not everyone is on vacation at the same time. There is a constant stream of boys for nearly four months. During the fall, winter, and summer, young guys come down all the time to play and show off. You can watch them while having a nice drink and/or meal at one of the restaurants across the street.

 

Some of the establishments here are: Lulu's Bait Shack (17 S Florida Beach Boulevard) where you should try the alligator (like chicken nuggets) with ice cold beer; the Casablanca Cafe and Bistro at Ocean Boulevard and Sebastian Beach about 300 North, Cafe del Mar at 213 S. Ocean Boulevard, Cero's Restaurant at 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, the Elbo Room at Las Olas and the Beach, H2O Cafe at 101 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Shula's on the Beach at 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Spazio at 239 S. Florida Beach Boulevard, and others.

 

Then, in the Gay Village along Wilton Drive from 26th and Dixie Highway west and south to 20th St. and 4th Avenue, there are several very enjoyable gay outdoor eating and drinking opportunities. And from these vantage points, there is a constant stream of gay men and bois walking around. There is Rosie's Bar and Grill (http://www.rosiesbarandgrill.com/) at 2449 Wilton Drive, with lots of outdoor eating, for lighter fare. There is the outside patio for Georgie's Alibi, 2266 Wilton Drive (http://georgiesalibi.com/wiltonmanors/wiltonmanors.html) with swing seats and lots of tables and a constant stream of guys heading to the gym next door. And there is the new Manor at 2345 Wilton Drive (http://www.themanorcomplex.com/html/) with several bars and restaurants. There is also some seating outside Tropics gay restaurant at 2000 Wilton Drive (http://www.tropicsftl.com/) and the Thai restaurant next door. There is also outdoor seating outside the Java Boys Coffee House at 2230 Wilton Drive. There are also nice restaurants all through this area, where you can eat and then walk around. Galanga's is very good and stylish for Thai cuisine. There are Mexican, Italian, Spanish, fusion, and American restaurants within walking distance.

 

Once billed as the possessor of more restaurants per capita than any city in the nation, Fort Lauderdale loves and virtually lives in it's many restaurants. http://www.welcometofortlauderdale.com/fort-lauderdale-dining.htm And you can enjoy them all year long.

 

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[geoffk]

Did just this in January at Cafe Del Mar. It was a beautiful day. People watching was just great. I have a picture of being there which i would attach if i know how to.