Best Restaurant When Someone Else Is Paying


Important: This article was last updated on September 21, 2005. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.

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Readers' picks

Best Breakfast
 The Original Pancake House, various locations

Best Cheap Eats
 Taco Bell, various locations

Best Chain Restaurant (Tie)
 The Cheesecake Factory and Olive Garden, various locations

Best Barbecue
 Tom Jenkins B-B-Q, Fort Lauderdale

Best Mexican
 La Bamba, various locations

Best Chinese
 Toa Toa, Sunrise

Best Thai
 Siam House, Fort Lauderdale

Best Mall Food Court
 Aventura Mall

Best Pizza
 Downtown Pizza, Fort Lauderdale

Best Hamburger
 Cheeburger Cheeburger, various locations

Best Diner
 Lester's Diner, Fort Lauderdale

Best Romantic Restaurant
 The Melting Pot, various locations

Best Italian
 Il Mulino, Fort Lauderdale
 
Grille 66 and Bar
2001 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954/728-3500, www.grille66andbar.com

 Chosen last year as the Best New Restaurant in Broward County, Grill 66 has gotten better with age. So have its amazing steaks -- multiple cuts of 28-day-aged prime beef, butter-soft and grilled to perfection, which are at the center of a fine dining experience that can stretch your imagination. The patio area, which provides million-dollar views of the Intracoastal, megayachts and an ongoing parade of beautiful people, is perfect for a rich rigatoni Bolognese or a simple order of steak fries. Grill 66, located on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort, is primarily concerned with decadent overindulgence and an amazing culinary experience where price should be no object. The beef weighs as much as a woman's purse, the crab cakes are monstrous, the veal chops are as thick as a dictionary, and the lobster tails are the size of a man's forearm. The wine list features serious juice, loaded with more than 500 powerful Cabernets and red varietals, boutique and cult favorites, a number of which probably cost more than your car. When your best friend lands that first big-salaried job or your parents want to spring for more than just a new ride for graduation, head to Grille 66. And don't forget to pass the check.