Deck 84
840 East Atlantic Blvd.
Delray Beach, Florida 33483
561-665-8484
Open daily at 11:30 a.m.
Brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m.
Live music Saturday and Sunday 2-6 p.m.
Delray Beach enthusiasts have another reason to visit its entertainment hub on East Atlantic Avenue: Deck 84. Good food has kept tables filled since it opened in November, 2010.
Occupying a site at the foot of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge where Busch’s once operated, Deck 84 is the creation of successful Boca Raton restaurateur Burt Rapoport. It was no surprise to see him at Deck 84 checking on things when I visited recently, a good sign.
The menu is appealing. There’s a solid lineup of choices and price points with Light Bites, Bar Snacks, Main plates and daily specials from the Fresh Sheet. Flatbreads, soups and salads, burgers, seafood, pita sandwiches and lettuce wraps are as good as they look.
Most of the seating in this tropical-themed eatery is on a covered deck overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway but there’s plenty of enclosed air-conditioned space. Dog owners may bring their pets to designated tables on the outer perimeter of the deck. Dogs (I’m partial to these guests, but some are not) were well-behaved when I dined here.
There’s something else that speaks volumes for this eatery and other Rapoport establishments: it’s tough to get a job at one of them, my server says, because so many want to work for the company. Rapoport's formula for success appeals to everyone.
Service: excellent, dress casual, valet parking only. Reservations on weekends suggested, especially for brunch (off the menu) and evenings. All ages.
UPDATE: A recent return visit proved to be disappointing: a turkey burger with all dark meat was inedible, iced tea was barely darker than a plain glass of water and the music was so loud, our teeth fillings rattled. Let's hope it was an off day. :(
Tags: South Florida dining, Delray restaurants, Delray waterside dining, Rapoport restaurants
