From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Hunger Pangs

May 1 2008

HD

– hot date

QF

– quick fix

PP

– parents pay

SE

– special event

WR

– with friends

Spazio

239 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

954-764-8191

Food: Italian, Mediterranean

Why it's good: Great location on the beach, with an open-feeling atmosphere. Try one of the homemade pasta dishes.

When to go: HD

15th Street Fisheries

1900 SE 15th St., Fort Lauderdale,

954-763-2777

www.15streetfisheries.com

Food: Seafood, American

Why it's good: Hits the spot after a day on the beach. Stop by in casual beach attire, and eat at the dockside cafe. Try a crab sandwich or the fresh catch of the day.

When to go: WF for lunch, PP, HD for dinner

The Floridian

1410 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Food: American, Breakfast

Why it's good: It's open 24 hours , seven days a week. Get a late-night burger or get breakfast with friends. The eclectic atmosphere establishes The Floridian is a must-see for tourists as well. Cash only.

When to go: WF, QF

Scruby's Bar-B-Q

251 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines

954-987-1933

Food: American, Bar-B-Q

Why it's good: Try the succulent baby back ribs or BBQ chicken. Classic American burgers cooked to order.

When to go: WF, PP

Chinatown

8934 State Road 84, Davie

954-473-8770

Food: Chinese, Japanese

Why it's good: Traditional Chinese dishes paired with creative Japanese appetizers like the grilled squid make Chinatown a versatile eatery. Try the Bahama Roll or a combination plate.

When to go: WF, HD

Grapevine Gourmet

256 S. University Drive, Plantation

954-475-1357

www.grapevinegourmet.com

Food: American, American Contemporary, Health food

Why it's good: Enjoy gourmet, catering quality food sit-in or take out. The walnut dill chicken is a favorite. Try one of the creative sandwich combinations.

When to go: WF, PP

Havana Coffee Company

7750 Nova Drive, Bay 5, Davie

954-306-6655

www.havanacoffeecompany.com

Food: Cuban

Why it's good: Affordable prices and free Wi-Fi make Havana Coffee Company great for students. The pulled-pork sandwich, Pan con Lechon, is a must-try. The Cafe con Leche is unbeatable at $1.45.

When to go: WF, QF

Boston Bagel Cafe

964 NE 62nd St., Fort Lauderdale

954-771-7221

Food: Breakfast

Why it's good: With 21 flavors of fresh bagels and nine different flavors of cream cheese, every combination is possible. .

When to go: QF

Larry's Ice Cream Parlour

749 University Drive, Coral Springs

954-752-0497

Food: Dessert, Cafe-style sandwiches

Why it's good: Its house specialty "Smurf" combines blue raspberry ice cream and marshmallow to create an ice-cream lover's favorite alternative to chocolate or vanilla. Or try the tuna melt.

When to go: WF, QF

Ferro Pizza

8146 N. University Drive, Tamarac

954-722-3444

www.ferropizza.com

Food: Italian, European, Seafood

Why it's good: They offer a variety of pasta dishes, soups, salads, calzones and New York-style pizzas.

When to go: WF, PP

Fortune Dragon

7178 N. University Drive, Tamarac

954-721-7338

Food: Cantonese, Chinese, Asian

Why it's good: With many different Chinese dishes and seafood entrees, there are a variety of options. Try the beef or shrimp hunan.

When to go: WF, PP