A Culinary Corridor Worth Exploring
The drive from Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood covers roughly ten miles along US-1 or I-95, but this compact corridor contains one of the densest concentrations of quality restaurants in Broward County. From Fort Lauderdale's trendy Las Olas Boulevard to Hollywood's charming Harrison Street district, the route passes through Dania Beach and several distinct culinary neighborhoods. Rather than rushing between the two cities, treat the journey as a progressive dining experience. Start with appetizers in one neighborhood, move to entrees in another, and finish with a world-class dinner at your final destination. South Florida's restaurant diversity shines along this route.
Starting in Fort Lauderdale: Las Olas and Beyond
Begin your road trip in Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard, where sidewalk cafes and upscale bistros line one of Broward's most iconic streets. The brunch scene here is outstanding, with several restaurants offering mimosa flights and creative egg dishes. As you head south, swing through the Flagler Village arts district, where newer restaurants blend industrial chic with globally inspired menus. Fort Lauderdale's waterfront restaurants along the New River also deserve a stop for a cocktail or appetizer. The city has evolved well beyond spring break stereotypes, offering genuinely innovative cuisine that sets the stage for what awaits in Hollywood.
The Dania Beach Detour
Halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Dania Beach offers a quirky detour worth taking. Known for its antique district, this small city has developed a surprisingly robust restaurant scene. Several family-owned seafood shacks serve fresh-off-the-boat catches at reasonable prices, and a growing number of craft breweries offer excellent food menus. The Dania Beach pier area provides casual waterfront dining with Atlantic views. Stop here for a mid-trip snack or a full lunch before continuing south. The laid-back atmosphere contrasts nicely with the more polished dining experiences waiting at both ends of your route through Broward County.
Arriving in Hollywood: Harrison Street District
Your road trip culminates in downtown Hollywood's Harrison Street district, where the dining scene has matured into one of South Florida's most exciting. The crown jewel is Blu' Steakhouse at 1900 Harrison St, where Chef Javi Cano's menu showcases USDA Prime dry-aged steaks and A5 Japanese Wagyu. The Filet Mignon at $55 and NY Strip at $65 represent exceptional value for prime-grade beef, while the Wagyu Tomahawk at $500 delivers an unforgettable splurge. The surrounding blocks add Italian trattorias, sushi bars, and craft cocktail lounges, making Harrison Street the ideal final destination for your culinary journey.
Planning Your Progressive Dinner
The best way to experience this dining corridor is through a progressive dinner over a single evening. Start with cocktails and small plates in Fort Lauderdale around 4 PM, then drive south to Dania Beach for an appetizer course around 5:30. Arrive in Hollywood by 7 PM for your main event at Blu' Steakhouse, where you can indulge in starters like Wagyu Tartare at $23 or Wagyu Carpaccio at $24 before moving to a showpiece steak. If you are driving, designate a sober driver or use ride-sharing services. This stretch of Broward County is well-served by Uber and Lyft, making it easy to enjoy every stop responsibly.
Tips for the Ultimate Dining Road Trip
Make reservations at your anchor restaurant first. Blu' Steakhouse accepts reservations by calling 754-260-5189, and securing your prime dinner slot on a Friday or Saturday ensures the highlight of your trip is locked in. Build the rest of your stops around that time. Bring a cooler if you plan to pick up specialty items from any of the gourmet shops along the route. Wear comfortable but polished attire that transitions from casual waterfront cafes to a refined steakhouse setting. Most importantly, pace yourself across the stops. The beauty of this ten-mile dining road trip is savoring each neighborhood's distinct personality and flavors.
Ready to Experience Blu' Steakhouse?
Open Wednesday–Saturday from 5 PM. Located at 1900 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020.