The Floridian: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida's 24-hour Restaurant Hot Spot

Sometimes you just gotta have a nice Hot Roast Beef Sandwich. You know the kind... open-faced and heaping with lots of tender thin-sliced roast beef beside a huge mound of real mashed potatoes and just covered with yummy brown gravy. Mmmmmm. This is my main comfort food. Unfortunately it's getting very hard to find these days. Fortunately, The Floridian on Lauderdale's famous Las Olas Blvd has it in abundance, and for only $7.95.

Now although this is on Las Olas, don't be expecting yet another uppity specialty place. No, oh no. The Floridian is a down-to-Earth friendly kinda place that makes you feel right at home. It's a bit out of place in it's surroundings, but that just adds to it's charm.

It's a big place that reminds me a bit of a diner, only bigger. The Floridian is spacious and welcoming and almost has a truck stop feel to it, only with better food. The best part is you can sit outside on the sidewalk and watch the beautiful people of Lauderdale primp and posture to your heart's content if you wish. You can also smoke out there. heh.

I've heard a few (very few) Lauderdale beach bums snicker when this place is mentioned, but that just tells you they are clueless because a great deal of Lauderdale's mover and shakers conduct business in this low-key place. That guy at the next table in the board shorts and sandals may own that 2 million dollar condo you just saw over on the Intracoastal Waterway. Ask any real local and they'll tell you. This is a happening spot.

The Floridian is not just about the great open-faced sandwiches though. They're open 24 hours a day and the menu reflects that. You can get your eggs served with anything from bacon to cod. You are pretty much limited only by your own imagination. If the combo isn't on the menu, just ask. They'll probably have it and be pleased to make it for you.

They have all kinds of omelets from $6.95 to 8.95, Eggs Benedict for $6.45 to 9.45 (including a Crab Salad Benedict), 15 different salads, wings, fries, rings, and sticks....burgers galore (including a vegi burger) for around 6 bucks, Lo-Cal platters, a myriad of subs, wraps, and clubs, hot dogs galore, various melts, fried chicken, meatloaf, mahi mahi....

Most things as you can see are really very reasonably priced, but if you really need to show off to that big client then go ahead and order the $199 breakfast of bacon and eggs... it comes with Dom Perignon.

Service at The Floridian is rarely rushed but always friendly and your stuff does manage to arrive hot. You may have to wave down your waitress for a refill on the tea, but you'll both be smiling as you do it.

The 'Flo' has been in the same spot since 1937. Isn't it about time you checked them out? Five easy stars. See ya there.

1410 E. Las Olas
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone 954-463-4041