There are some places you dream about long before you step foot inside. Places that hold a certain magic, where the walls whisper stories of the past, and the energy hums with an unmistakable electricity. For me, Anthony’s Runway 84 was one of those places.
For years, I had heard about this legendary Fort Lauderdale institution, a spot where the glittering lights, Goodfellas-style charm, and old-school supper club glamour set the perfect scene for an unforgettable evening.
It’s the kind of place where you can almost picture Hollywood starlets draped in fur, sipping on perfectly chilled martinis, while suave leading men in sharp suits exchange stories over plates of pasta.
And finally, on a night that already felt like something out of a classic film, my husband and I stepped through the doors of Anthony’s Runway 84.
A Scene Straight from the Golden Age
The moment we walked in, it felt like we had been transported back to the golden age of supper clubs, full of luxury and warmth, when it comes to the decor and experience.
The decor was impeccable. Soft, glowing chandeliers casting a golden hue, sleek leather booths that invite you to sink in and stay a while, and that iconic aviation theme paying homage to the restaurant’s name. It was as if the place itself was dressed to the nines, ready for an evening of indulgence, laughter, and a little bit of mischief.
There was an energy in the air. You could hear the buzz of conversations, the clinking of glasses, the occasional burst of laughter from a nearby table.
At times, the restaurant offers live music, one that must be the perfect soundtrack to a night that already felt like a celebration for me. So, that might mean that every night there is a celebration.
So, expect fun mixed in with great food. A perfect mix, right?
A Toast to Tradition and Family
As we were led to our table by a waitstaff that felt more like old friends than strangers, I couldn’t help but smile.
The staff at Anthony’s Runway 84 are the heart and soul of this place, many of them having been here for decades. Cindy, Toto, and Vinny, the names you hear whispered with affection by longtime patrons, are as much a part of the experience as the food itself.
Settling in, we started our evening with two cocktails that seemed to fit the moment perfectly. Those were a dirty martini for me and an espresso martini for my husband.
Each sip was smooth, strong, and crafted with the precision of someone who knows their craft well. It was at that moment, clinking glasses across the table, that I realized just how special this night was.
Flavors as Iconic as the Setting
Of course, no visit to Runway 84 would be complete without diving into the Italian American classics that have made this restaurant famous for over 40 years.
The legendary stuffed artichoke, the veal Parmesan, the homemade rigatoni with Sunday gravy are top picks, and each dish that we tried felt like a love letter to tradition, executed with care and perfection.
This was more than just dinner. This was an experience, a moment in time that people should experience, especially for special occasions with family, friends and loved ones.
A Night to Remember
As the evening unfolded, I found myself soaking in every detail. Such as the sparkle of the decor, the warmth of the service, the feeling of being part of a place that has stood the test of time.
When Anthony Bruno announced that the restaurant would be closing for renovations in 2022, devoted diners held their breath, fearing the magic might be lost. Well, as I sat there with my husband enjoying the scenery, it seemed like Runway 84 remains untouched, just polished to shine even brighten and to add a little glitz to the glam at the same time.
As we finished our meal with a velvety slice of tiramisu and one last sip of espresso, I knew this wouldn’t be our last visit.
Anthony’s Runway 84 isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a landmark, a living piece of South Florida history, a place where every meal feels like a celebration. And I couldn’t have been happier to share this unforgettable first experience with my husband.
It’s a place where the past meets the present in the most spectacular way, and one where you need to be and experience at least once.
It’s certainly a Fort Lauderdale loved and iconic destination that stands true to its promise to deliver the best of the best. I was happy to finally be there and experience it myself.
Oh, and please make sure you book a reservation with plenty of time, so you can get that experience in your calendar. It’s a coveted one, for all the above reasons. And it’s worth the wait.
Anthony’s Runway 84 330 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL (954) 467-8484 runway84.com
