Best Of Boca

Best Sunday Fun Spot
Boca is a sleepy Sunday place wedged between 2 "happenin' places" - Delray Beach and Deerfield Beach, where youth meets beach and grabs boomers and collegiates alike - for a twirl on the dance floor...

First, start with a great brunch and fabulous island and contemporary sounds from the live music at JB's in Deerfield. This place has indoor/outdoor eating, a Tiki bar and lots of people eating and having fun! A1A just south of the Boca Raton city limits, on the beach. 300 N. Ocean Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL.

The other spot is Boston's on the Beach in Delray. This has lively beach music and clientele. Great ambiance for fun in a t-shirt and shorts! Atlantic Avenue & A1A, Delray Beach, FL.

Best Sunday Brunch
For the very best tropical brunch experience you must try the Sundy House on Swinton in Delray Beach. No place can top this tropical jungle experience. And - the food is great!

Traditional buffet style brunch is served on the beach in Boca at Latitudes in the Holiday Inn on A1A north of Spanish River.

In Delray Beach, try Old Calypso, a waterfront restaurant on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterways just south of Atlantic Avenue.

In Palm Beach, try the old grand daddy of luxury resorts, The Breakers. You will not be disappointed among the oh so chic Palm Beach crowd.

Best Neighborhood Bar/Food Emporium (but not a Chic Magnet)
Flanigan's downtown Boca. Has the BEST chicken wings in town! Specializes in good drinks for a good value with some of the best food in town. Not gourmet, mind you, but certainly the place for a hearty hamburger, a great dolphin sandwich, or a BBQ rib dinner. Friendly spot with pool tables and huge bar and outdoor glider tables catching the view on US 1. 45 S. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL.

For WATERFRONT Dining or "sipping with a view" in Delray Beach, try Old Calypso or Busch's, both are waterfront restaurants on the the Intracoastal Waterways on Atlantic Avenue.

In Palm Beach, try the old grand daddy of luxury resorts, The Breakers. You will not be disappointed among the oh so chic Palm Beach crowd.

Best Meal to Share (to keep that "hot chic look" while eating well!)
Although not in Boca Raton, this Delray Beach restaurant on Atlantic Avenue (aka "the avenue"), sports a pretty good singles crowd, and great food. City Oyster is located on Atlantic Ave next to the RR tracks. The great share date meal is the Mahi Mahi dinner and the chopped salad - both split to share. A good meal and a great bonding of juices! I'm hungry thinking about it! Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL.
Best Coffee Spot
This one's tough. Mizner Park in downtown Boca has a Starbucks that sports a good draw from the local business, condo and retail crowd. This spot is an oasis in the busy "scene" at Mizner Park. At the far end, away from the Amphitheater that outlines the northern perimeter, this Starbucks is a dose of sanity amid the din. You'll find outdoor tables and generally spirited clientele into the night as Mizner Park lights up for evening entertainment. Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL.
Best Late Night Coffee and Dessert Spot
Hit the bars, have fun then stop at The Addison for some civilized ambiance. There's nothing like a balmy night under the stars, beneath a huge banyan tree with live music playing on the outdoor patio, couples dancing and capping off a night out with a cappuccino, an aperitif, and a delicate dessert. This is the place! The Addison is a Boca institution and is a small building complex built by Addison Mizner. Charming and romantic. Call for information on live music, if that's important. Banyan Bar & Grill, 2 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL.
Best Singles Weeknight in Boca
The Addison on Wednesday nights. See and be seen. Chez chic. 2 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL.
Best Bar Scene in Boca Raton
It has to be Gigi's Tavern! This is a singles institution of sorts in Boca Raton. As other spots come and go, Gigi's continues to rock the town. The same band has been playing for years and has a local following. As the now aging boomers go home, this band has morphed from rock & roll into a hip generation of music and cultural styles. Gigi's still packs in a huge late night crowd as the civilized chez cool restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating transforms into a hot singles spot, Thursday thru Saturday. Hold on for a good time when the band starts to play! 346 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL.
Also try The Cove in Deerfield Beach. On the Intracoastal Waterway on Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield Beach, FL. www.TheCoveRestaruant.com
Best People Watching and Friday/Saturday Night Stroll Spot
This one deserves 2 choices, one in Boca Raton and the other in Delray Beach. If you're in the mood for dinner, a movie, ice cream, a coffee bar, sitting in the park-like setting and looking at the stars, a little shopping or window-shopping, try Mizner Park. Dinner spots include Ruby Tuesday's, Max's Grill, Pranzo, and Mark's at the Park, and Gigi's. Downtown Boca Raton at US 1 and NE 4th St.
Another choice for strolling along the Avenue is Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. You may need to dodge outdoor café tables and lots of foot traffic as you walk from Swinton to the Ocean. Lots of places to stop for food, coffee, cigars, shopping and people watching. The late night crowd is young and hip, with many choices for music and dancing into the wee hours. Atlantic Avenue between the Atlantic Ocean and Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL.
Tsunami at City Place in West Palm Beach has great cocktails and people-watching. See and be scene !
Best Late Night Dining
Most dining rooms will close at 10 or 11 pm, so if you're still hungry and want to stay among the crowd, try The Falcon House in Delray Beach. Its very red motif energizes the clientele as the night goes on. It's a little "house" transformed into one of Delray's hottest night spots by a couple of local bartenders. They have a huge following of loyal locals. Tucked away 1 block north of Atlantic Avenue on 5th Avenue, you'll probably need directions to this great little spot.
Best Romantic Dinner
DeLaTierra at The Sundy House in Delray Beach. NOTHING beats this lush garden paradise. Reserve the garden gazebo table for special events. Other garden spots are equally romantic. Indoor seating has the flavor of old Key West. Waiting for your table to be ready is oh so pleasant at the outdoor garden bar. So very civilized.
Best Seafood Restaurant
For cuisine, ambiance, location and view, you can't beat Busch's Seafood in Delray Beach. This spot is on the intracoastal waterway and has great views of passing boats and yachts. If you have a boat, you can certainly dock it here! Oh ! the restaurant - well you have a choice of eating spots - the bar, the inside restaurant, the outside patio on the intracoastal, or the outdoor covered porch that has proper plastic walls to protect from tropical rains, but still keeps you "outside" ! Open for lunch or dinner. 840 E. Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL. 561-278-7600.
Best Place for Night Music
Try Maggiano's Little Italy on the weekends. They will have a lively piano bar that serves up your requests in the bar.
Piano music daily at Arturo's at 6750 N. Federal Highway (US1) or Carmen's at the Top of the Bridge in the Radisson Hotel on East Camino Real.
Delray Beach, Florida has a great piano bar, Michaleangelo's - a few steps north of the street scene on Atlantic Avenue. Stop by for dessert and sing along! Impress your date - and don't sing your lungs out !! Local ownership and songsters.
Best Country Dance Lessons and Mixers (Ugh...Why does a Boca Chic need to learn how to kick
up her heels country style? So her dance moves match her new oh-so-chic "western" boots!). Non-believers beware. In our latest western boots and jeans we tried to "blend in" at local country dance halls. NO WAY !! You must learn the steps and baby they ain't easy. A few lessons will get you out of on-looker (dud) status and out onto the floor for a night of fun. The guy scene is pretty good ... *wink* *wink* For lessons and events go to www.ShutupandDance.com
Best Beer Store
While we're on the subject.... Case & Keg Beer World in Boca (oh my!) is a great spot for party drinks in large portions. This place also has beers from far away places and can match the discriminating taste of beer-snobs (are there really any of those?) everywhere. Anyone up for a kegger??? 1501 NW 2nd Ave (Boca Raton Blvd), Boca Raton.
Best Mexican Fare
Although not in Boca, and not truly "Mexican", you owe yourself a trip to LaBamba. It is part Mexican, part Cuban and extremely delicious. Even for your buddy who's not particularly hot on Latino fare, the hamburgers and fries at this spot are the best ! Go figure. 1 mile west of I-95 on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
If you want a great tequila bar, try Moquila. This downtown restaurant serves up Mexican fare and 100's of tequila drinks. 99 SE Mizner Blvd, East of Federal, south of Palmetto Park Rd. www.moquila.com
Another great downtown spot with lots of "local color" is the Baja Café. Again, not true Mexican, but good California Mexican fare. Located downtown, this spot is a bustling little place. 201 NW 1st Ave, Boca Raton or 1310 S. Federal Hwy in Deerfield Beach. www.BajaCafe.com
Best Dog Friendly Restaurants
Duffy's on St. Andrews lets you eat outside on the patio.Big City Tavern on Military Trail in the Boca lets you eat outside with your pup. Food and ambiance are excellent. Salads are wonderful. 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton.
Best Florist in Town
From Roehm With Love - This florist is privately owned and located on trendy Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. Ok...in the "Best of Boca" we're extending our reach to our oh so trendy northern neighbor, Delray Beach. We only do this when the purveyor is so outstanding we simply must give up the top spot on our list to a non-Boca shop.
Trust us, no one can survive on "the Avenue" in Delray Beach unless you have something very special to offer. These designers take so much pride in producing not only exceptional floral designs, but also will attend to every detail personally in fresh or silk creations. Their particular flair for subtle understated, yet high impact contemporary floral designs is unmatched. They love the "oohs and aahs" from loyal customers and gift recipients! If you want something truly special for your home, your office, party or special occasion, be prepared for the florals to take center stage ! They are truly a work of art. So special. Send ME some today !! 326 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL. 561-274-0190.
Best Shoe Store
Mizner Park
Best Hospital
Boca Raton Community Hospital. This hospital delivers uncommon personal attention to its patients. The high proportion of volunteers staffing the Boca Hospital allows them to provide service a cut above most hospitals. These wonderful volunteers tuck you in, bring you warm blankets, juice and hold your hand.
Best Breakfast - with a view !!
Shhhh ! Don't tell anyone but Watercolors, the patio restaurant at the Radisson Bridge Hotel is the best for an outdoor meal with a view of Lake Boca Raton and the waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. Since the awning covered patio stretches into the waterway, tables are almost under the drawbridge. You can check out all the boaters making their way to the ocean. Ignore the bells that sound as the bridge goes up and down. The ambiance is charming! 999 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL.
Best Cocktail with a View
Ask the "dressed up" barkeep to pour your favorite liquid refreshment, sit back and relax Boca style at Carmen's at the Top of the Bridge in the Radisson Bridge Hotel. Spectacular views of the ocean and Boca's best assets can be seen from this sky-high panoramic restaurant and bar. Evenings you can enjoy the piano music in this oh so romantic setting. "Champaign with a strawberry please", in this most civilized of bars in Boca. Expect to see city-smart ladies and gentlemen enjoying this peaceful little spot. 999 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL.
Best Cuban Restaurant
In Boca you'll not be able to beat the authentic Cuban food at The Cuban Café, a small restaurant known by the locals as the real thing! Specialties include at the standard fare of Cuba but also some great desserts, flan and tres leches cake and don't miss some official Cuban coffee. 3350 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL.
Best Trendy Cuban Restaurant
The Samba Room in Ft. Lauderdale provide high style ambiance reminiscent of old Havana
Best Chinese Restaurant
PF Changs China Bistro - This popular spot is standing room only, as the wait for a table at meal time is common. You can eat at the bar, but of course, this too is pretty crowded and you'll have to stalk someone to get a chair. The Lettuce Rollups are the BEST !! All other entrees are California cuisine style and not hard-line Chinese food. No moo goo gai pan here. 1400 Glades Road, Boca Raton.
Bong is a relative newcomer to Boca but has the sex and sizzle of a big town restaurant. It moved into a "club" location and transformed the site into sophisticated Asian Fusion Cuisine. 150 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton. www.bongdining.com
Best Thai Restaurant
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Best "Mature" Nightclub
Whether you're frolicking on Halloween or celebrating the 4th of July, this spot is known for it's excellent food and lively bar scene. Pete's is known far and wide to Floridians as "the" hot spot in Boca. The truth is, it is a wonderfully lively spot. After 10pm on weekends Pete's is generally, standing room only. The clientele in the bar is mostly 50+ but all ages are part of this bar scene. Mixed in with this mature and sporty singles scene will be wedding parties, office groups or others who started the evening on fine dining but were enticed to join the fun on the dance floor by the ring of familiar music drifting through the air. The live band plays lots of rock and roll, with a little mix of more contemporary numbers. 7940 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL.
Best Wedding Photo Shoot
There are 3 "best" spots for beautiful wedding photos. We're certain there are many more but these are the top ones for lush outdoor settings.
Downtown Boca Raton is a small park on U.S.1 at N.E. 1st street. Outdoor wedding photo shots and weddings are frequent.
Another very popular spot is in Delray Beach at the Sundy House, reminiscent of old Key West. Outdoor gazebo's, lush foliage from all over the globe and wooden bridges make this tropical paradise restaurant and gardens the perfect spot for rehearsal dinners and wedding photos.
Last, there's The Addison, where a Spanish Mediterranean courtyard setting under banyan trees captures the essence of old Europe.
Best Car Wash....while you S-H-O-P !!
While we cannot vouch for the fact that this is the best car wash itself, it becomes a highlight of our "Best of" list because it is just what a shopping trip needs - a car wash WHILE you're shopping! What better time management is there than that? Instead of paying just for the Valet, why not get a wash too?? Cost: $12 for a basic wash to $100 for the whole ball of wax, so to speak! Boca Town Center Mall by Macy's.
Best Hamburger - too hard to pick !!
Let's give you some choices...
Casual Casual Spots
Flanigans/Guppies - US1 & Palmetto Park Road
Lindburgers - US1 & 19th Street
Less Casual
Houstons - Glades Road, at I-95 westbound exit ramp
Brewzzi - Glades Road 3 blocks west of I-95
La Bamba - Atlantic Ave 1 mile west of I-95
Best Meals at a Good Price
Maggiano's Little Italy - This restaurant is huge and can accommodate large crowds served family style or lovely portions for individual meals. Favorites are the lasagna and the Chicken Piccata. Most patrons leave with the "other half of their meal" in little brown shopping bags because portions are generous. Piano Bar on weekends. St. Andrews Blvd in Boca Raton, FL between Palmetto Park Road and Glades Road, 1 mile west of I-95.
Brewzzi - Huge menu selection, great brews from the on-premise micro-brewery, and lots of good appetizers. Glades Road, 3 blocks west of I-95.
LaBamba - Great Cuban/Mexican menu. May sound weird, but look for long lines for dinner. The food is great and so is the price ! Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach 1 mile west of I-95.
City Oyster - Delray's popular spot for singles, parties and events. Outdoor sidewalk dining too! Food is excellent and reasonable. Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach 1 mile east of I-95 at the RR tracks.
Best No-Frills Seafood
Whale's Rib on A1A in Deerfield Beach, FL.
Seawatch on A1A in Pompano Beach, FL.
Best Food Markets
The Fresh Market in Boca Raton has free coffee samples, fabulous fresh fruits and vegetables, a large selection of candies, coffees, nuts, cheeses, wines, fish, meats and desserts. If you want to "chic up" your party, pick up some prepared foods and other dishes here ! West Dixie Highway and Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL.
Whole Foods in Boca Raton has a large selection of organic foods, teas, supplements, coffees, fresh hot foods, soups and a hot and cold food bar for a quick meal day or night. Great cheeses. This store has plenty of good advice on healthy supplements. Coffee bar and great desserts. Glades Road, 3 blocks east of I-95 in Boca Raton, FL.
Woolbright Farmers Market in Boynton Beach (just a few exits north of Boca Raton) has great garden delights and Upper Crust Pies from Lake Worth.
The Meating Place - 2 locations: East Boca on Palmetto Park Road, or West Boca at Regency Court (Yamato & Jog). This is a true butcher shop with a gourmet twist. The meats and prepared foods will make a gourmet out of anyone !
Best Dessert
If you're trying to avoid the dessert, don't let anyone at your table order Death By Chocolate at New York Prime, or the Ice Cream Cake Wedge at Champs at 6000 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Whoa Nelly ! Hard to stop scooping in the calories!!!
Best Salad
Best Cole Slaw
J. Alexanders at 1400 Glades Road in Boca Raton, has a great Maytag blue cheese slaw that is the best you'll ever taste! 1/2 mile east of I-95.
Best Apple Pie
Upper Crust Bakery in Lake Worth...mmmm like mom's homemade apple pie.
Costco's mammoth pie serves a delicious pie to a big crowd.
Don't forget Publix. Their pies are some of the best and offer the ultimate in convenience!
Best Movie Theater Anywhere !
It's BIG; it's busy and it has "premium seating" in the balcony section - above the rest of the crowd below - where you can snuggle up on loveseats and enjoy your cocktail ! Yes, a drinking spot inside a real Muvico theater. Another perk of the balcony section is that there is an elegant restaurant where you can have dinner (a nice one too!) and a movie all in one destination. Muvico Palace 20 on the east frontage road of I-95 just north of Glades Road. Exit Glades Road east to get on the frontage road.