s3 - Fussy and casual not a good match at the beach - Fort Lauderdale

s3

At the Fort Lauderdale Hilton Hotel

505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, 33304

954-523-7873

Open

Sun-Thur: 11:30 a.m. to midnight

Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

By Jane Feehan

Launched by The Restaurant People, the company behind YOLO, Vibe, and Tarpon Bend Food and Tackle, s3 (sun, surf and sand) could use some adjustments and reconsideration (or consideration?) of its theme.

Three of us brunched there on a recent Sunday. A server told us in introductions that they embraced a

“sharing” theme. We couldn't discern what was to be shared other than some side dishes of mac n’ cheese, butter braised pole beans and other vegetables. Their small plates could not be shared. Onward … I tried a weekend brunch item, chicken atop a sweet potato waffle served with bacon butter. The waffle was tough, dry and nearly tasteless. Syrup wasn’t served; I was told there was some on it … somewhere. The lightly battered and fried chicken was moist and flavorsome but it didn’t atone for the waffle. Another diner ordered oak grilled fish, which was grouper that day. It came loaded with a thick, overpowering, unappealing-looking “sauce Gribbiche,” better suited to the name “sauce gibberish” of tarragon and/or dill. That and an inappropriate ciabatta roll (too much bread for this entrée) subdued the grilled fish, which did not taste fresh. The best dish was an over-sized hamburger served on a Challah roll. A trio of mini Bloody Mary’s with different garnishes was interesting.

On the plus side is the soothingly beautiful décor, with its  earth tones set against a backdrop of dark and light woods— somewhat unusual in a beach setting. A view of the ocean can be captured from any table or from any seat at one of several bars. s3 occupies a large area at street level of the Hilton and for the most part, is covered, though open. The breeze can be stiff and the humidity uncomfortable–not pleasant for those who normally avoid al fresco dining during Florida summers.

A less pretentious, less fussy approach would be better suited to this laid back beachy atmosphere. We will return; they have a lot to work with and s3 is so very new.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale beach dining, waterside dining Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Hotel, s3, open air beachside dining

Sand Bar and Grille - a slice of heaven on Fort Lauderdale beach

Sand Bar and Grille

Sun Tower Hotel (north of the Pelican Grand Resort)

2030 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

954-565-5700

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days 8 am- 9 pm

By Jane Feehan

A little slice of heaven, the Sand Bar and Grill provides an intimate setting atop the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Not many eateries sit as close to the shoreline as this place, which is located on a terrace at the family-owned Sun Tower Hotel.

The food is basic breakfast, salads, burgers, sandwiches, but they work hard to please patrons. There are

just a few tables; the ambiance is similar to that of dining at a private house. An indoor bar with booths provides a respite from the hot weather if breezes don’t kick in.

Their cocktail hour draws locals and visitors from all over the globe. It’s now high on my list of casual places to recommend to Fort Lauderdale visitors who want to dine inexpensively with a great view of the surf  ... without sitting on the sand.  Next door to Pelican Grand Resort ... Parking tight here. Metered or ask the hotel front desk if there are unoccupied guest spots.

Copyright © 2012/2019 All rights reserved. Jane Feehan.

Tags: Fort Lauderdale seaside dining, casual dining beach side Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale restaurants, waterside dining Fort Lauderdale, breakfast  on the beach in Fort Lauderdale