Deerfield Beach knows how to party. And as homegrown watering holes and dive bars leave the Bohemian town’s beachside main drag left and right, Cove Brewery has arrived just west of the Intracoastal bridge. Beyond its staple Paddle Out pilsner and Heat Wave American wheat beer with a citrus kick, the brewery regularly hosts food truck collabs to complement its brews.

From its story to its tacos, it’s hard not to love Talkin’ Tacos. What started as a pandemic-era food truck started by two buddies in Miami has emerged into a rapidly growing operation with six Florida locations. Its Coral Springs outpost has quickly become a local go-to, with its carne asada and bang bang shrimp tacos being top orders.

A little bit of Louisiana has arrived in Pompano Beach thanks to South Bar & Kitchen. Tucked in the town’s “Old Town” area – a stone’s throw from Bailey Contemporary Arts – its vibe is sultry with green velvet booths and gold-trimmed lights. Its fare is equally alluring, like a BLT made with pork belly and the Boudin Balls, croquettes stuffed with cajun roasted pork and topped with pepper jelly.

The Flagler Village plaza that craft beer destination Laser Wolf is tucked in was once generally vacant and sad. It’s now bustling thanks partly to Patio Bar and Pizza, which serves up brick oven-baked meatballs, pizzas, and a creamy mini cannoli to carry home. Its patio includes oodles of seating and a central bar with TVs for catching a game.

This is a New Yorker we are all very happy to see. In late July, this brunch spot opened its second U.S. location – the original being in Huntington, N.Y. – in Flagler Village. Its buzz isn’t dying anytime soon, with instant favorites including zesty orange mimosa pancakes, a Nutella-loaded banana foster French toast, and a Southwest benedict with a crispy tortilla base that’s doused in mashed avocado and ranchero-inspired hollandaise.

Fun fact: This is the second oldest house in Fort Lauderdale (only the Stranahan House is older). This historic Downtown Fort Lauderdale spot tucked on the shores of the New River opened in May 2023 under the helm of chef Aedian Reid. His modern takes on classic dishes include a pita-crusted salmon with tangy dill and a shrimp and crab squid ink tagliatelle smothered in roasted tomatoes.

The food scene in Hallandale Beach is heating up. Case-and-point, this Argentine restaurant that is made of shipping containers. The fare at KAO Bar and Grill is as colorful as its vibe, with murals by artist Falopapas and dishes spanning Patagonian lamb to a 12-ounce grilled branzino.

If you’re looking to Paté all day – as in the Haitian puff pastry often stuffed with chicken, beef, or seafood – Paté Bar is the new unpretentious spot. Tucked at Polo Bar & Grill, the patés run the ingredient spectrum here including jerk chicken, lobster, curry chicken, turkey, and even herring. You won’t break the bank either with patties running in the $7 to $10 range.