For all of Wilton Manors’ vibrant dining scene and casual eateries, there are plenty of serious places to eat as well. These restaurants aren’t just spots for a decent meal. They’re the kind you visit when you want to celebrate something, or nothing, with exceptional food. Classic steaks, innovative seafood, bold vegan creations, perfect cocktails, and more.
Burgers & Beers
$ | (954) 769-1875 | WEBSITE
Five minutes away from the usual strip—a.k.a. Wilton Drive—is Burgers & Beers. The friendly, family-owned spot has the feel of a neighborhood joint built from pure comfort, including a nifty double patty burger and cold beer selection. It’s perfect for spontaneous weeknight cravings, people-watching, and fresh-cut fries. The back area, open for inside and outside seating, is a warmly lit gathering space with its own welcoming vibe and vaguely nostalgic, home-cooked feel.
Eagle Wilton Manors
$ | (954) 533-8248 | WEBSITE
Eagle Wilton Manors is a vibrant, open venue that feels like the kind of place where everyone in Wilton Manors comes to let loose. Come evenings, there’s a lively—in the best way—atmosphere at this local institution and a crowd forms from the entrance onward. The security staff are respectful gatekeepers and from there, a diverse and friendly pack of guests fills the rooms to sip perfectly blended cocktails and swap stories, lighthearted and fun.
It’s always a memorable night at this Wilton Manors oasis.
Java Joes
$ | (954) 564-8828 | WEBSITE
Java Joes is a gem. The Wilton Manors café—words that sound simple, but ring true—is a scene every morning. The front patio becomes the go-to spot for coffee-swapping with regulars and groups of friends in matching workout gear and sunglasses dart back inside when the ‘clink clink’ of espresso cups strikes up. It’s happy, cozy chaos. Made even happier and cozier by local-lookalikes (it’s not them, they just have good vibes) sipping cold brews.
Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors
$$ | (954) 630-3556 | WEBSITE
Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors is a vibrant, electrifying dance club in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s lively scene. Alongside fantastic cocktails, they serve outstanding dance music with DJs providing exceptional mixes that keep the crowd going. Like the area’s other nightlife spots, it isn’t quiet, subdued territory but it’s the perfect place to be served by a warm bartender on a Sunday night or to charm an out-of-towner with the unparalleled energy.
Sardi Cafe Lounge
$$ | (954) 626-0441 | WEBSITE
Sardi Cafe Lounge’s festive space is a must-visit given its popularity—unless, like us, you have a penchant for early evening Pisco Sours—but it’s worth the wait. The authentic Peruvian dishes at this Wilton Manors spot, like the rich parihuela seafood soup or the Chaufa with chicken, all guarantee a flavorful experience. But classic ceviche is done excellently too—including one of our favorite versions in South Florida. There are lots of protein options available if you ask as well.
The Peruvian Chinese chifa dishes are just as excellent.
Johnsons Fort Lauderdale
$$ | (954) 908-1272 | WEBSITE
You go to Johnsons Fort Lauderdale to lean against the bar and get closer to the entertainment, under the guise of watching the pole performances, but really so you can appreciate the impressive shows up close. At this fun, packed gay bar, the potent cocktails are excellent and vibrant, energetic lighting makes everyone (and the high volume of dancers) look fantastic. The bartenders take their drinks seriously without any attitude.
And while most nice Wilton Manors spots have ‘crafted this’ and ‘artisanal that’ in their offerings, the experience here sticks to perfectly executed entertainment.
Wilton Creamery
$ | (954) 565-1183 | WEBSITE
There’s a nostalgic charm to afternoons at this beloved, local ice cream shop, and that starts with the cheerful bell that jingles when you push open the bright blue door. Sunlight streaming through large windows and colorful chalkboard menus give the customers (Fort Lauderdale’s happiest families, including regulars from the nearby park) a warm, welcoming glow.
We love the cozy but bustling counter area best, where ‘just one’ free sample of black cherry ice cream turns into a generous banana split with declarations about Why This Is The Best Ice Cream In Town.
Violet’s and Zen’s
$$ | (954) 900-5899 | WEBSITE
The vibe at Violet’s and Zen’s is always strictly fun. The cocktail menu is short but delightfully creative and helpfully divided into sections—’classics’, ‘signatures’, ‘mocktails’—that you’ll still appreciate after your second craft gin fizz. On weekend nights it’s like a rooftop party, on weeknights it’s like a neighborhood hangout, but whenever you visit, check out the upstairs patio which is covered in string lights and filled with laughing groups.
Dairy Queen (Treat)
$ | (954) 566-5735 | WEBSITE
Lovers of nostalgia and obsessively creamy soft serve will appreciate Dairy Queen (Treat). The old-school ice cream spot in Wilton Manors is somewhere between a childhood memory and a modern-day treat destination, but still manages to be a fine place to go for a great cone. Especially if you’re looking for somewhere on a nice afternoon (expect long lines then). Opt for something dipped in chocolate and sit outside at the picnic tables or inside near the counter.
This is where you’ll find the smiles of people enjoying their favorite treats.
Papa Duke’s Deli
$ | (954) 530-4914 | WEBSITE
Tucked away, IYKYK-cozy-style, in a corner of Wilton Manors, this intimate, comforting deli acts as a kind of exclusive preview for when Food & Wine starts giving cover stories to perfectly satisfying neighborhood spots. The aroma of fresh-baked bread is wafted around the room, cleansing you of your sad, rushed morning.
And the berry tea—a velvety, hypnotically refreshing blend of steeped berries and herbs—is the drink to get, especially alongside a pastrami sandwich piled high with tender, flavorful meat on artisan ciabatta.
Candela Restaurant
$$ | (954) 563-8088 | WEBSITE
The Spanish menu at Candela Restaurant is rich, robust, flavorful, and sometimes delightfully bold. Home to some of Wilton Manors’ best paella, this warm and inviting restaurant does the classics with authentic Spanish flair. In case you’re currently picturing tapas in a bustling Madrid plaza, ‘Spanish flair’ means generous portions served with confidence.
Scrumptious braised short ribs, your quintessential grilled octopus with a hearty dose of seasoning, all enjoyed in a cozy, charming spot perfect for socializing.
The Food Truck Store – Ft. Lauderdale
$ | WEBSITE
If you’re tired of burger joints that feel like they’re stuck in some greasy-spoon time warp, The Food Truck Store is for you. The space at this Fort Lauderdale lunch spot is sleek and modern, the kitchen is visible through a window like you’re watching culinary theater, and the cheeseburgers are our personal benchmark for non-greasy perfection. Even if you come here for just the wonderful lunch special, you’ll struggle to leave without trying that cookies and crème milkshake.
La Mexicana Taco Bar
$$ | (754) 701-5977 | WEBSITE
If the words ‘tucked away in a beautiful setting surrounded by trees and artwork’ make you want to start planning your next group gathering, take a deep breath and trust in the fun, lively environment at La Mexicana Taco Bar. This vibrant, welcoming spot feels like it’s from a fictitious era called The Golden Age Of Outdoor Games and the must-order passion fruit margarita is a tequila and tropical creation that has no right to be this refreshing, but absolutely is. Also, there’s a free shot.
Starbucks
$ | (954) 566-1304 | WEBSITE
Starbucks is like a community living room, and the scene being set each day is that of a regular neighbor settling in for their morning ritual in the corner of their favorite coffee shop. Coffee is poured like liquid comfort and piles of laptops face a sunlit window (there are charging stations). It’s Central Perk reincarnated as a suburban Florida coffeehouse. Even pulling up here involves a convenient drive-through from the main road of Wilton Manors.
Pub on the Drive
$$ | (754) 200-5244 | WEBSITE
The lively scene at this Wilton Manors pub will pull you in like a regular to their Wednesday trivia. There’s chatter buzzing, glasses clinking, and incredibly inviting lighting that we’re calling ‘sunset patio glow’. The food is straightforward yet spectacular—note the hot, large fried shrimp and those addictive fried green beans. It’s home to one of the best burgers around, with that fresh, non-frozen patty, and the shrimp basket, a satisfying crispy situation we can devour with alarming speed.
