Lois Soloman writes the Cheap Eats column for the Sun Sentinel’s website. She recently published a compendium of her picks for Broward County. Her criterion is an entrée for less than $20, which is about what you’d pay for a large meal at any fast-food restaurant nowadays. Post-COVID restaurant prices have risen significantly due to supply chain issues, higher wages for employees, and, as anyone who has been to the grocery store lately can attest, the higher cost of food.
Many of the places she lists are ones that I’ve already reviewed in OutSFL (or SFGN before that). Here’s a list of those to which I can personally attest. For the full list, visit sun-sentinel.com.
Christina Wan’s
664 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
954- 527-0228; christinawans.com
Christina Wan’s has a $17 Sunset Dinner Menu, daily from 3 to 6:30 p.m., that includes a main dish, rice, soup, and an egg or spring roll.
Sasaya Japanese Market
1956 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-761-8010; sasayajapanese.com
This is one of my favorite go-to places for takeout sushi. The Sushi Dinner for Two is $26 and includes a choice of soup or salad for two.
Temple Street Eatery
416 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale
754-701-0976; templestreeteatery.com
A creative Asian fusion menu brings me back time and again. I especially like the edamame falafel and bahn mi sandwiches.
The Floridian
1410 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
954-463-4041; thefloridiandiner.com
This was a favorite of the late SFGN publisher Norm Kent. Not one of my favorites. When it comes to diners I prefer Peter Pan, Egg & You, or Lester’s.
Eddie Hills Sushi Thai
134 N. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach
954-454-0023; eddiehills.com/main
The menu is 13 pages long. Think of it as an Asian diner offering Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes.
The Le Tub Saloon
1100 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood
954-921-9425; theletub.com
Although she included this place, and many folks love it. I find it disgusting, dirty, and with horrible service, and every surface is covered in seagull shit.
Tarks of Dania Beach
1317 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach
954-925-8275; tarks.business.site
A landmark since 1966, the new ownership seems to be making cleanliness a higher priority than the previous management, especially important when you’re eating seafood.
The Tipsy Boar
1906 Harrison St., Hollywood
954-920-2627; thetipsyboar.com.
Despite the name, this gastropub offers plenty of options for vegetarians, in addition to incredible burgers.
Phat Boy Sushi, Kitchen & Bar
2702 N. University D.
954-360-8456, phatboysushi.com
This local mini-chain also has two locations in Fort Lauderdale. I would hesitate to put this on the cheap list. But I suppose that if you order judiciously, you can get away for less than $20 a person if the wonderful cocktails don’t tempt you too much.
Il Baretto Ristorante
220 S. University Dr., Plantation
954-473-9400; IlBarettoRistorante.com
I have four words for you: Real Chicago Style Pizza! Whether you prefer deep dish or thin crust Baretto’s pizza maker (a recent import from Chicago) does it right.
Quates
3701 North Andrews Ave., Oakland Park
954-635-2404; Quatesmexicanrestaurant.com
Although Lois cites a different location (Quates II), the Oakland Park location has been my go-to spot for authentic Mexican fare for years.
For more restaurants check out Lois’ full column at sun-sentinel.com.
