You’ve dined on Las Olas, bar-hopped A1A, tried everything on 17th Street from the Filipino café to the Russian grocery store to the Irish pub. What does Broward have to offer beyond the usual Lauderdale hotspots?
What to Do
Most of South Florida’s big-time sports venues are in Miami. One exception is Amerant Bank Arena, home to hockey’s two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. The arena sits at the edge of the Everglades right next to the massive Sawgrass Mills mall, a city-like complex that includes several outdoor restaurant and entertainment areas that make good pre- and post- game spots.
Central Broward also offers some different sporting options. At Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, you can see perhaps the most American of all sports. Meanwhile in Lauderhill, you might be surprised to find the US’s first purpose-built cricket stadium. The ground at Central Broward Regional Park has recently hosted matches in new US T20 league Major League Cricket; West Indies also use it on occasion for T20 internationals.
If sports aren’t your thing, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers restaurants, nightclubs, a theater that hosts big-name music and comedy and, of course, all sorts of ways to lose your tip money. It’s a hard place to miss with the massive glowing guitar building you can see from miles around. Not exactly the Eiffel Tower, but definitely a landmark.
If the club scene is your scene, head to The Venue. The massive multi-room club sits in the heart of Wilton Drive, the pedestrian-friendly, ready-to-party center of Wilton Manors, which is one of the US’s premier LGBTQ+ destinations. Both the town and The Venue are ready to welcome all.
Where to Eat
In Hollywood, Ceviche DOZO offers authentic Japanese food in a fun, intimate setting. The menu offers all sorts of authentic flavors and a couple interesting interpretations, including burritos and, as the name would indicate, Japanese ceviche.
In Oakland Park, try the flavors of Ethiopia and Eritrea at Red Sea. Fans of the cuisine will know it offers something for everyone, with hearty lamb and beef dishes offered alongside an ample vegetarian/vegan menu. The restaurant sits in the middle of a busy culinary district that includes everything from fun wine bars to a brewery and video game bars to Haitian food.
Classic Crew Haunts
You are going to think you’re lost when heading to Paradise Tiki of Dania Beach. The outdoor canal-side bar is tacked onto the back of a boat storage warehouse. Not an auspicious start to a great night, but once you’ve walked around to the back of the warehouse feeling like there’s no way anything is going to be back here, you’re in for a party. Florida bar food, plenty of beers and frozen drinks and, often, live music make this a unique down home Florida experience.