Sometimes the most memorable holiday moments aren’t wrapped under a tree or packed into a suitcase, but they happen around a table, with good food, people you love, and the kind of atmosphere that makes time slow down just a little. That was exactly the case during our recent visit to Florida Room, the newest gem from culinary power couple Chef Jeff McInnis and Chef Janine Booth, tucked waterside at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale.
We arrived just as the December sun was lightly warming up, casting that warm golden haze across the pickleball courts and the outdoor patio. It was the perfect day for a little breezy brunch with my mother and husband. It's a patio that’s airy, modern, but with touches of Southern charm layered into the details. It was, that day, a great spot to take in the breeze while enjoying a great meal.
At Florida Room, the menu is playful, unfussy, and truly indulgent, all at the same time. The menu presents the kind of spread that tempts you into over-ordering, and we did not hesitate and made the decision to do just that.
Hey, there’s no better way to try a few things and explore the menu, right? We thought so!
And we did not regret this decision at all. We started with bites meant for sharing. Such as briny, citrus-filled seafood, creamy Southern staples reimagined with technique, and a few plates that disappeared quickly during our dining experience.
On the menu, Southern comfort meets coastal freshness: creamy grits and pimento cheese, citrusy seafood, smoky ribs, crisp fried chicken, and a double smash burger with tallow fries. It’s indulgent without losing its charm, and every plate feels built for sharing. The energy at Florida Room feels exactly like that, it’s relaxed enough for families and date nights yet elevated in a way that still honors the chefs’ roots in fine dining.
McInnis and Booth seem to have always been experts at this, and here the duo seem to have found the perfect canvas. The space itself feels like part a coastal escape and part Southern supper club, and it’s meant to be a neighborhood hangout.
For us, the meal became a celebration of the season, and a chance to gather, catch up, and marvel at how quickly the holidays move.
My mother and my husband, as well as myself, truly enjoyed the time together, and it was fun to have brunch together, in a place that shines by being unique and comfortable.
By the time dessert hit the table, which was quite decadent, Florida Room had made its case as one of Fort Lauderdale’s most exciting new additions. And with brunch on the horizon and a prime waterside location at The Fort, it’s easy to imagine this space evolving into a true local staple.
Florida Room doesn’t just raise the bar, but it opens a window, lets the sea breeze in, and invites everyone to stay awhile.
Florida Room is located at The Fort at 891 SW 34th Street in Fort Lauderdale. For more information or to make a reservation, call 754-295-4141 or visit floridaroomftl.com.
