After a 5 hour flight, bus to rental facility, and enduring a long line/process to get the rental car, my boyfriend and I finally made our way into the city and we were famished. Not knowing anything about the city, we headed to Pike Place Market with hopes of finding something to eat. Not knowing who, what or where we asked the guy at the information booth to lead us to a locals spot where we could get a beer and some fish. He recommended that we go to The Pike Pub and Brewery since they specialize in beer and the best Fish and Chips.
It was right around the corner from where we were, so that was a plus to my hungry tummy. My tummy was a little pissed though that there was a small wait when get there and talked my head off the entire time. While we waited for our table to be called I observed the restaurant and the impression I got was that it was reminiscent of a chain restaurant. I know that it isn't but it just felt like a BJ's Brewhouse not a local spot.
It is a brewery so I wanted to try a sample of their beers and ordered their flight. Obviously some I liked and some I didn't (based on personal preference) but this is definitely the way to go on a first visit.
My boyfriend ordered the recommended Pike Halibut and Chips. It was pretty tasty mostly due to the quality of the fish. The Kimchi coleslaw was noteworthy too.
I had the Wild Salmon Sandwich. The fish was cooked amazingly. I also appreciate that the lemon caper aioli wasn't too tart or overpowering. I didn't however find the salted bun necessary when paired with salty potato chips.
At the end of the meal, my conclusion was that the food was solid and overall The Pike is a good introduction to tourist of the city. If that is not reason enough surely the beers will be!
The Pike Pub and Brewery
Rok:Brgr is located in the popular area of downtown Fort Lauderdale where most of the clubs and other popular bars are located. Despite this fact, Rok:Brgr still manages to stand out and have a strong following, much so that they even opened a second location in Miami.
Rok:Brgr has a great selection of unique gourmet burgers. In their words, this is where you will find a ultimate burger experience with over 17 signature burgers and a “create your own” burger section. On my visit, I went with the Bacon Jam Burger which consisted of all types of goodness including a 10oz. certified angus beef “PRIME” patty, creamy brie cheese and maple bourbon bacon jam on a brioche bun. It was a juicy and huge burger! The burger was pretty pricey, but was worth it.
I had my burger with the Truffle Fries. It really isn't anything special, more like Fries with a load of parmesan-reggiano on top, but it was okay.
My boyfriend, who was dining with me, kept it simple and ordered the Classic Burger with Handcut Fries. Although the standard burger, the quality of the ingredients shined through and you tasted the gourmet deliciousness of the burger.
Burgers may be the main focus, but this is still a gastropub, so they do have a nice selection of craft beers and offer a few homemade cocktails.
There are a few other popular gourmet burger places that compete with Rok:Brgr but in Fort Lauderdale, no one can touch Rok:Brgr. Mouthwatering burgers, lushworthy drinks and noticeably good service make you want to come here.
Rok:Brgr208 SW 2nd St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 525-7656www.rokbrgr.com
If you're looking to watch sports, there are numerous sports bar and restaurants you could go to, but one that that I seem to see all over South Florida is Bru's Room Sports Grill. I decided to hit up the Pembroke Pines location to see what it was all about.
Beyond just being a bar, Bru's Room Sports Grill is a large space with plenty of seating outdoors, indoors, and by the bar. The sports grill also has a ridiculous number of televisions (over 65), so they are most likely playing whatever game you'd like to see.
The food is decent pub grub, nothing amazing but certainly not bad. I most recently had the Slider and Wing Combo with Buffalo Chips. The chips were awesome, the wings were pretty good, but the burger could have used a little moisture or anything period. The sliders were a definite hell no!
My friend ordered the Philly Cheese Steak. It was actually one of the better tasting Philly's I have ever had. The bread, steak, and cheese were on point. Soft, tender and delicious! The French Fries it came with were pretty standard.
Our server was friendly but inattentive. I felt like she and some of the other servers cared more for the regulars and the hot guys they wanted to hook up with.
Bru's Room Sports Grill
10060 Pines Blvd Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
(954) 239-4550
www.brusroom.com
