Florida Food Fails
Whether you’re a local looking for a new Friday night spot or a tourist, knowing where to pull over and where to keep driving is essential. A list has been pulled together of places that have recently struggled with health standards or quality, as well as the absolute best spots that define the state's vibrant food culture. This guide helps ensure every bite you take in the Sunshine State is actually worth the calories.
1. Bahamas Fish Market and Restaurant
You may want to reconsider visiting this Westchester seafood restaurant after inspectors discovered over 50 violations during their latest visit. Although supporting local businesses is admirable, perhaps your well-being isn't best served at a fish market that alarms its customers with safety reports.
2. Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant
This Pembroke Pines establishment has faced multiple shutdowns recently due to persistent pest issues in the kitchen. Finding roaches inside coolers and sinks is a massive red flag that you simply shouldn't ignore as a diner. Even if the tacos smell great from the street, the behind-the-scenes reality has proven to be quite a nightmare for state inspectors.
Christine Siracusa on Unsplash
3. Chicken House in Miami
Grabbing a quick bird at this NW 20th Street location might result in more than you bargained for given its track record of nearly 50 violations in a single visit. When a restaurant racks up that many marks, it usually points to a systemic failure in how they manage their food and facility. You’ll find plenty of other rotisserie options in Miami.
4. Patrizia’s in Deerfield Beach
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) state division closed down this Deerfield Beach eatery until it could resolve the violations. Restaurant inspectors found pests hiding in food such as pasta and even inside the oven. Come on now, who wants "extra protein" with their Italian dining experience?
5. Smoki in North Miami Beach
This restaurant recently made the Dirty 30 list, which stemmed from inspectors finding 48 total violations. Miami eateries like this show that employees may be cutting corners whenever they feel like it. There are better eateries out there.
6. Long John Silver’s
Long John Silver’s lovers only come back time and time again because of nostalgia. Anyone who has eaten here will agree that the food tastes worse each year. It's greasy, flavorless, and the whole menu is basically the color beige.
7. Saveur Tropical Restaurant
Avoid this Pompano Beach location at all costs. During their routine inspection, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation inspectors discovered rodents inside of a reach-in cooler. You do not want this violation on a restaurant!
8. Fuddruckers
Once a titan of the "build your own burger" world, some South Florida locations have recently been ordered shut due to roach activity. The novelty of the cheese pump isn't worth the risk of a kitchen that can't keep the pests away from the prep areas. Many diners have noticed a decline in overall quality and maintenance over the years as well.
David Foodphototasty on Unsplash
9. El Churrascaso Brazilian Grill
Located in Cutler Bay, this grill has struggled significantly with meeting the basic requirements of state health inspections. With 47 violations on record, management seems to be falling behind on the rigorous standards required for a high-volume meat house. You don't want to worry about cross-contamination when enjoying a steak.
Juan Pablo Mascanfroni on Unsplash
10. Subway (Specific Locations)
While it’s a global giant, many Florida branches have been cited recently for mold and general lack of cleanliness. The convenience of a quick sandwich isn't quite as appealing when the "fresh" ingredients are sitting in a neglected environment. Not to mention some stores feel a bit run-down or understaffed.
Now that the worst locations have been covered, here are 10 of the best.
1. Cote Miami
If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a full-blown theatrical performance, this Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse is the place to be. You’ll get to watch incredible cuts of dry-aged Wagyu beef sizzle right at your table in a sleek, dimly lit environment. It’s definitely a splurge, but the "Butcher’s Feast" offers a fantastic way to try several different meats without having to choose just one.
2. Tide Tables in Bradenton
Speaking of fresh meals right off the boat. Tide Tables is located in Bradenton and that’s where they source all of their seafood. Paired with their awesome view, you won’t be able to find a fresher meal.
3. Larb Thai-Isan
Specializing in Northern Thai and Isan cuisine, this restaurant will challenge your palate like no other. Not only is the food incredibly authentic for a spot in Fort Lauderdale, but they don’t dumb down the spice either. You know when you find a place that the locals love? Yep, that’s this spot.
4. Steamers Clam Bar
You have to head out to the tiny, quiet island of Cedar Key to find these legendary local clams. Their clam bowl is a fan favorite, featuring two dozen fresh-caught clams steamed in a rich broth of garlic and white wine. Even though they’re currently sharing a space while rebuilding from storms, the food remains some of the best seafood in Florida.
5. Columbia Restaurant
As the oldest restaurant in the state, this Tampa landmark is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and Spanish-Cuban cuisine. The "1905 Salad" is prepared tableside and is famous for a reason, it’s genuinely one of the most refreshing things you’ll ever eat. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk through the ornate dining rooms.
6. Oceano in Lake Worth Beach
Husband-and-wife team Chef Jason Birnbaum and Katie Francisco know how to cook up some mean American cuisine. Don’t leave without trying the red snapper, and if you have room, order a dessert. You’ll notice every dish is made with such confidence and flair.
7. Soseki in Winter Park
If you enjoy an intimate dining experience, this ten-seat omakase-style restaurant offers a brilliant fusion of global flavors. The chefs use Florida’s local bounty to create a multi-course meal that changes with the seasons and the available catch. It’s an educational and delicious journey that feels much more like a private dinner party.
8. Hogfish Bar & Grill
When you think of quaint Florida towns, you immediately think of Hogfish Bar & Grill. Located on Stock Island, this Florida fish shack is everything you want to find when visiting Key West. Grab a Hogfish sandwich to complete your culinary experience with a cold beverage in hand.
9. Bern’s Steak House
If you’re a Tampa local and haven’t been to Bern’s, you probably live under a rock. This historic restaurant is known for its insane wine cellar and enormous dessert room. The servers are top notch and will show you around the kitchen and wine cellar during your experience.
10. Jam Hot Chicken
This Winter Park favorite is the go-to destination for anyone who loves a perfectly executed Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich. The chicken is always juicy, the crust is remarkably crunchy, and you can choose your heat level ranging from "mild" to "very dangerous." It started as a small pop-up and grew into a local staple because it simply does one thing better than almost everyone else.
KEEP ON READING
The 5 Most Consumed Foods in the Entire World
