By Rebecca Cahilly
Hollywood, Florida began as a dream — that of Joseph Young in the early 1920s. For his “Dream City in Florida,” Young envisioned a place “for everyone, from the opulent at the top of the industrial social ladder to the most humble of working people.” From 1926 through the 1950s Hollywood developed at a booming pace, along the three large circles of land punctuating Hollywood Boulevard from Hollywood Beach and the Broadwalk beachfront promenade west almost to 44th Avenue. The 1950s also saw the opening of the world famous Diplomat Hotel, which drew a who’s who from everywhere. Along with the myriad visitors and transplants over the years came a matching number of restaurants catering to all tastes and social statuses. Today, Hollywood is an entertainment and arts center, offering dining options to suit all tastes. Never one to subscribe to a “type,” I packed up the family one Sunday morning and set out to discover this one-of-a-kind cultural bouillabaisse.
Harrison Street and Hollywood Boulevard
Just west of the 10-acre ArtsPark at Young Circle, Harrison Street and Hollywood Boulevard are buzzing from sunrise until well after sunset. These bustling, pedestrian-friendly streets offer something for everyone — and I mean everyone. We began our tour at ArtsPark at Young Circle, near Italian restaurant Mama Mia, our go-to spot when our Italian/American uncle comes to town. It was still early, and the faint smell of baking bread and freshly roasted coffee wafted through the air as we navigated through waiters sweeping the sidewalks and setting up tables for another day of al fresco dining. Suddenly, lute and tambourine sounds filled the air.
“Join us later for belly dancing!” smiled the proprietor of Falafel Fans, known for its falafels, yes, but also for its live entertainment and hookah bar. By the time we reached A La Turca next door, I was ready to dive into some decadent Turkish coffee and sweet gooey baklava. Before I could suggest the idea my focus suddenly shifted. “We need another date night!” I exclaimed, stopping in front of Fascino’s – formerly Fulvio’s – consumed with visions of Veal Oscar and the roasted peppers and bread starters.
“There’s also Lola’s on Harrison,” offered a passerby within earshot. “That’s just down the street and the food is phenomenal!” He was decked head to toe in festive garb in honor of one of the many celebratory events that take place in downtown Hollywood.
Feeling a bit underdressed we pressed on, our gastronomic tour interrupted only by the occasional art gallery, mural, workshop, dance studio or cigar lounge. “Oooh, I could do some steak-frîtes right about now,” I mused, passing Le Comptoir French Bistro. But again the thought dissipated as I contemplated a plate of bacon-wrapped dates and a craft brew at The Tipsy Boar, a glass (or bottle) of wine at Vino, pad Thai at Nakorn Thai & Sushi, a piece of buttery, fluffy golden rum cake at Caribbean fusion R.E.D. Stripe Cafe and Lounge or a delightfully authentic taste of Transylvania at Europa Restaurant & Social Club.
As we turned the corner on to Hollywood Boulevard, confronted by the option of a plate of paradilla for two at Argentinian restaurant Kussifay, or paella, tapas and flamenco dancing at Spanish restaurant Buleria, the lively event crowd had grown. By this point we were thoroughly enjoying the breadth of our choices: Chinese, Mexican, Peruvian, Colombian, Irish, Jamaican… a bowl of Vietnamese pho at Pho Vi, cassoulet provençal at FACE Restaurant and Bar, a soda and slice of deep-dish pizza at Pizza Rustica. Feeling adventurous, I suggested a pit stop for some jazz and yoga at Mystic Water Kava Bar.
Unamused, my children had another idea: something sweet and ice cream-like, preferably with chocolate. Despite my urging that some belly dancing at Greek restaurant Taverna Yiamas was the order of the day, I was tugged rather assertively into Chocolada Bakery & Café, where an array of cakes and pastries (yes, they have a profiterole cake!) mix and mingle with American breakfast and lunch favorites alongside signature Romanian entrées. With bulging eyes and chocolate chins, the little people who call me “Mama” re-emerged onto Hollywood Boulevard only to spot Kilwins and then Menchie’s and Starbucks. “Fudge!” “Yogurt!” “Cake Pops!”
Sensing an impending meltdown we packed them into the car and headed east, to the Broadwalk.
Hollywood Beach and the Broadwalk
Bordering the ocean and offering over two miles of restaurants, boutiques, cafes and ice cream shops, the Broadwalk has the classic beach-town feel. It’s the perfect place to run over-sugared children, get a little sun and sand – and enjoy some fabulously entertaining people-watching.
It was Sunday, so our first stop was Josh’s Organic Garden farmers’ market for some local mushrooms, oranges and greens – and a sample or two, or three. The juice bar next door is a fun spot to enjoy a smoothie and the ocean view.
Next, we headed north to Charnow Park and spread out a picnic blanket on the steps overlooking the splash pad so the little ones could frolic while we munched on carrots and planned our next stop. The Broadwalk offers everything from pizza to sushi, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean. Ocean Alley Restaurant is usually packed, renowned not only for its ambience but for its consistent placement in the Best of Hollywood Beach contests – Best Seafood Gumbo, Best Bratwurst, Best Clam Chowder…
A bit more upscale is Sugar Reef Grill, boasting a flavorful fusion of Caribbean, Asian, American and Mediterranean cuisine. Istanbul Restaurant shares its own acclaim, as one of the most authentic Turkish restaurants in South Florida, but the locals seem most excited about the Organic Brewery, serving, yes, organic beer and “made-from-scratch food.”
Worn down from cries for ice cream we meandered through the crowds of visitors, locals, roller bladers, bikes and Segway scooters to Surf ‘N’ Spray Café, for a can’t-be-beat $1.75 soft serve. He: vanilla; she: Spumoni; we: fresh-from-the-oven empanadas, a pitcher of Sangria and a corner table at Las Brisas Argentinian restaurant for a full view of the playground to watch the sugar-induced madness unfold.
Our table was in full shade and the kids were surprisingly relaxed by the time we freshened up and began contemplating where we should go for dinner.
Hollywood Intracoastal Waterway
Sunset in Hollywood is best viewed along the Intracoastal, preferably over a heaping plate of stone crabs at Billy’s Stone Crab, toasting with a glass of chardonnay at GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, or indulging in a world-class burger and a bottle of beer at Le Tub Saloon.
Did someone say karaoke? Joe’s Tiki Bar Grill & Sushi serves up sushi, sandwiches, platters and surf and turf along with live entertainment, including karaoke. Claiming to be the home of “redneck cuisine” Jimbo’s Sandbar is famous for its fish tacos and “flatliner” burger. Live music and a festive atmosphere keep this waterfront location packed nightly.
We decided to head to Hollywood’s southernmost border, beyond our favorite Caribbean American Lava Tiki Bar & Grille at the Crown Plaza Hollywood Beach Resort, to the beautiful Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa. Tonight was not a night that we could enjoy Kobe beef skewers and the expertise of the wonderful sommelier at Hollywood Prime, so we opted for the alternate dining experience at the hotel – across the skywalk over A1A to Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille, for some wings, pasta and boat-watching.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
On land of its own, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino shares the Hollywood zip code and brings yet another element to this colorful town. Boasting shops, restaurants, entertainment and games galore, the Hard Rock village is a world unto itself. From the world-famous Hard Rock Café, brimming with rock and roll memorabilia, to local celebrity chef hot spot Martorano’s, to the exquisite fine dining experience offered at Council Oak, every taste is satisfied.
On our way to Hollywood that morning, our fresh-from-Disney offspring had been certain that when we said “Hollywood” we meant Hollywood Studios and the enthusiasm and subsequent confused realization had been difficult to contain. As we drove home, sated and sun-kissed, in a day well spent, from the back seat a 5-year-old voice piped up and said, “I like Hollywood, the city.” Her little brother thought a minute and then answered, “Yeah, it’s not Disney Junior, but it has good food.”
Contact Info
Mama Mia
1818 S. Young Circle
954-923-0555
miagrill.com
Falafel Fans
106 S. 20th Ave.
A La Turca
1848 Harrison St.
954-925-5900
alaturcahollywoodfl.com
Fascino’s
1900 Harrison St.
954-589-0200
fascinos.com
Lola’s on Harrison
2032 Harrison St.
954-927-9851
lolasonharrison.com
Le Comptoir French Bistro
1902 Harrison St.
786-718-9441
lecomptoir.menubaron.com
The Tipsy Boar
1906 Harrison St.
954-920-2627
thetipsyboar.com
Vino
1910 Harrison St.
954-929-8686
vinohollywood.com
Nakorn Thai & Sushi
1935 Harrison St.
954-921-1200
nakorn.us
R.E.D. Stripe Café and Lounge
2001 Harrison St.
954-818-0885
Europa Restaurant
and Social Club
2009 Harrison St.
954-929-0777
restauranttransylvania.com
Kussifay Argentinian Restaurant
2050 Hollywood Blvd.
954-842-2396
kussifayfl.com
Buleria
2051 Hollywood Blvd.
954-362-7026
buleriarestaurant.com
Pho Vi
1933 Hollywood Blvd.
954-367-7786
pho.com
FACE Restaurant & Bar
2022 Hollywood Blvd.
754-263-2811
Facehollywoodfl.com
Pizza Rustica
1928 Hollywood Blvd.
954-923-3878
pizza-rustica.com
Mystic Water Kava Bar
2037 Hollywood Blvd.
954-391-7056
Taverna Yiamas
1948 Hollywood Blvd.
954-925-1001
exoticbitesrestaurant.com
Chocolada Bakery & Café
1923 Hollywood Blvd.
954-920-6400
hollywoodchocolada.com
Kilwins
1907 Hollywood Blvd.
954-367-2872
Kilwins.com/Hollywood
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
1866 N. Young Circle, Suite 7
954-924-5444
menchies.com
Starbucks
1801 N. Young Circle
954-924-1587
starbucks.com
Josh’s Organic Garden
101 N. Ocean Drive
Ocean Alley Restaurant
900 N. Broadwalk
954-921-6171
oceanalley.net
Sugar Reef Grill
600 N. Surf Road
954-922-1119
sugarreefgrill.com
Istanbul Restaurant
707 N. Boardwalk
954-921-1263
Istanbulonthebeach.com
Organic Brewery
290 N. Broadwalk
305-414-4757
Organicbreweryhollywood.com
Surf ‘N’ Spray Café
1404 N. Broadwalk
954-927-6277
Las Brisas
600 N. Surf Road
954-923-1500
Billy’s Stone Crab Restaurant & Market
400 N. Ocean Drive
954-923-2300
crabs.com
GG’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
606 N. Ocean Drive
954-929-7030
ggswaterfront.com
Le Tub Saloon
1100 N. Ocean Drive
954-921-9425
theletub.com
Joe’s Tiki Bar Grill & Sushi
1318 N. Ocean Drive
954-929-9867
Joestikibar.us
Jimbo’s Sandbar
6200 N. Ocean Drive
954-927-9560
Jimbossandbar.com
Lava Tiki Bar & Grille
400 S Ocean Drive
954-454-4334
cphollywoodbeach.com
Hollywood Prime: At The Diplomat Resort & Spa
3555 S. Ocean Drive
954-602-8393
hollywoodprime.com
Rivals Waterfront
Sports Grille
3460 S. Ocean Drive
954-602-8347
rivalshollywood.com
Hard Rock Café
(located within the Casino)
1 Seminole Way
954-315-9112
hardrock.com/cafes/hollywood-fl
Martorano’s
5751 Seminole Way
954-584-4450
Martoranoshollywood.com
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood (located
within the Casino)
1 Seminole Way
954-327-7501
counciloak.com