Great nightlife is certainly a reason people head out to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. However, these destinations are also apparently great places to gather with friends and hide away. Fifty Grande recently named the best speakeasies in America, and two Florida establishments were named.
These days it is challenging to determine whether or not a place that brands itself as a speakeasy truly qualifies as that. Most likely they do have a proper liquor license (which is a good thing). However, a true speakeasy is a place that prefers not have to bright signage or their own social media accounts. We're not saying that you need a certain knock code on the door to get in. But most speakeasies are somewhat hidden, reclusive, and comfortable. There's certainly nothing wrong with a secret door as well.
Once you are inside, each speakeasy has its own character. Still, it is common to be graced with an old-fashioned look. Wooden bar stools, small liquor shelves, historical photos, and maybe even some velvet often make up the décor. Nonetheless, the theme is often simplicity which may give a nod to the prohibition era.
"There’s something to be said for the speakeasies that still remain a little hidden, that don’t advertise and offer a little salacious adventure with their Sazeracs," Fifty Grande states.
That's exactly what you will find at these two speakeasies in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale - Room 901
Tucked within the Hyatt Centric, Room 901 actually allows you to make a reservation. Upon doing so you will be given credentials to provide at your check-in. This then results in receiving a room key to enter the lounge. It is kept dark, and contains blue velvet chairs. Guests are required to spend a $50 minimum. Furthermore, this speakeasy has an appropriate menu. Lamb chop lollipops and caviar accompany the great drinks.
Miami - Amelia’s 1931
Then, travel about 30 miles south and you will hit the next great speakeasy in Florida. There's a reason 1931 is in the name here as it is a nod to the prohibition days. "Amelia’s operates as a full-service restaurant during the week, but, toward the week’s end, reinvents itself as a late-night speakeasy with craft cocktails and, on Thursday nights, live Latin music," Fifty Grande explains. Often, the true speakeasy-style party starts at Amelia's 1931 after 11 pm.
Two Florida Restaurants Named Among The Best For French Fries
Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.
"From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries' to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country," Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.
French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).
French Fry Fun Facts
In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald's. "Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald's french fries," they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.
French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.
For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table's. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.
The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.
Broken Shaker - Miami
Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.
The Polite Pig
"In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers," Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, "Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ." They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.
